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!

The End of an Era... NOT.

Time: 4:34 p.m.
Where: In the living room.
Now Playing: "Belong" by The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

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Today, I was so excited to see Manny Pacquiao back in the ring because not only he makes boxing exciting but the whole world as well, including his homeland, the Philippines. I even have my new MP t-shirt from Nike ready to wear prior to the fight with American undefeated boxer, Timothy Bradley. I even have less sleep this day because I was so excited even though this fight, realistically, is not a MEGAFIGHT material. Watched Denmark upset the Dutch and Germans prevailed against Portugal at the EUROs and forgot to rest. I was so stoked because after years of me and my father watching in a free public viewing room inside the city's sports complex where we always suffered too much perspiration to the heat inside the said establishment and with tons of people inside, we always discomfort but this time, nice atmosphere with a nice drink, good food and satisfying entertainment, the undercard that is.

The undercard was really exciting that almost every fight has a knockout result. We saw an old boxer rose to fame with a stunning upset in the name of KO king himself, Randall Bailley beating young prospect Mike Jones, suffered his first loss and another controversial fight with the legendary Jorge Arce and young Jesus Rojas involved with a no contest.




That was when the main event came early because of the last undercard ended in no contest in Round 2. We learned that Pacquiao wasn't ready with his gloves and mitting because he was focused on watching the Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals between the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics. Yes, he finished the game and he made Bradley and the audience wait for a long time. I just thought that time that it might caused something to the match with Manny, losing his focus and stuff. Also, I thought that how would this fight go because there were rumors that Team Pacquiao having their own ways. Conditioning coach, Alex Ariza, left the Philippine training camp weeks ago and said he would prepare Julio Cesar Chavez, Jr first because the younger Chavez's fight was just a week away that time. Also, there were rumors of miscommunication between the members including Coach Freddie, Ariza, and others but Roach said eventually that everything was going smoothly.

The national anthems were much anticipated as well with AI Season 11 runner-up Jessica Sanchez singing the U.S. anthem. The fight was minutes away, everyone was so pumped in the cinema, including me and joined along with Michael Buffer's famous line, "LET'S GET READY TO RUMBLE!"

Bradley was great in the first two rounds, beating Paccquiao to the jab and power punches and it seems that Manny can't get into Bradley and Bradley's stalking tactic payed off. Three rounds after, Manny got his groove with barrage of power punches on Bradley. It seemed that Bradley can hadle Manny's punches but he looked hurt with those 4-5 punch combinations by Manny including powerful hooks to the jaw. Manny though, couldn't land a powerful body shot on Bradley with those rounds. Three rounds left and Bradley woke up and again showed what he did in the early rounds. Stalk Manny and land the power punches. I just noticed that Manny landed a few punches and didn't answer back with some of Bradley's combinations that mostly blocked by Manny.

It was decision time. I was so nervous because it was an another close call. Back-to-back close fights for Manny. So, 115-113 for Pacquiao, 115-113 for Bradley, and 115-113 all to the winner by SPLIT DECISION... and there... we're all disappointed because the fight didn't reflect the result. I was shouting, pumping my chest and threw my hat away. Others were saying "NOOOOO" aloud. A woman beside me cried. Well, Manny hurt Bradley but Bradley didn't hurt Manny even though he was aggressive in some rounds. I don't know if the judges were basing the tempo of the fight or the scoring of the punches landed?

I bet that in jail, Mayweather is happy & so are the Mexican fans. Also, gotta love the "Call Me Maybe" jokes about Pacquiao & Bradley. LOL. The most annoying picture of the day: Nanalo tapos sabay 'wheelchair'? Bwiset.



Just so disappointed, up to now but I guess we all have to move on and listen to Bradley on what he said three days ago that the rematch will be on between him and the Pac-Man. So, I guess I will definitely gonna watch that. I guess going back to school tomorrow with a smile on my face... NOT! LOL.

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Time: 5:12 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Collide" by Howie Day.

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The Year in Review

Time: 4:12 p.m.
Where: In the study table.
Now Playing: "Perth" by Bon Iver.

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2011 has been a great year for me but the year had some highs and lows, pros and cons, and other than that, there were events featured this year that made all of us remember what happened during the year of the Metal Rabbit both locally and internationally as far as I can remember.

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January 2011:

When the Egyptians starting to make a rally for liberation, for change against then-Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak after 30 years in position. The rebels protested for the whole month. The AFP corruption was talked about in the Senate and all month long, it was on national television. Former AFP Chief Angelo Reyes, Garcia and more were involved in the said anomaly. Col. Rabusa and Heidi Mendoza were the state witnesses. Japan won the AFC Asian Cup in Qatar after beating Australia, 1-0 with Tanadari Lee's goal at extra time proving to be the match winner for the Blue Samurai.

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February 2011:

When Egypt moved forward and forced Mubarak to step down. the Tahrir Square in pure jubilation that month. Angelo Reyes committed suicide because of the problems involving the AFP corruption. The Azkals made an impression to the Filipino football fans when they first played in front of home crowd in more than 15 years in the Panaad Stadium in Bacolod for the AFC Challenge Cup qualifiers against Mongolia. Philippines won 2-0. Talk N' Text won the 2010-11 Philippine Cup when they defeated the Brgy. Ginebra Kings in a best-of-7 Final series, 4-2. Jason Castro and Jimmy Alapag were named co-MVPs. Nonito Donaire won the WBC/WBO Bantamweight belts after knocking out Fernando Montiel in the 2nd Round. Indie rock band Arcade Fire won the Album of the Year, and Lady Antebellum won 5 Grammys. After Egypt, the nations of Bahrain, Yemen and Libya also protested to step down their respective leaders.

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March 2011:

When Japan faced their worst disaster in centuries. The Fukushima and Miyagi prefectures were gushed by the tsunami with a powerful 8.8 magnitude earthquake. More than 20,000 victims counted and radiation levels were high as the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power plants collapsed. The Azkals made it into the Group Stages of the AFC Challenge Cup by beating Mongolia in the aggregate score of 3-2. The Azkals lost to Mongolia in the second leg but made it enough for them to go to Myanmar for the Group Stages. They eventually made it to the Elite 8 of the AFC Challenge Cup 2012 after being Runner-Up to their group with a win and two draws. The Middle East uprising continued.

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April 2011:

Young teen actor AJ Perez was found dead after the car he and his dad were in was crashed into a bus in Tarlac. India won the ICC Cricket World Cup after beating their rivals Sri Lanka. Libya on a hostile regime with cities divided with the rebels and Moammar Gaddafi's forces and supporters. The Army was also involved in the shake-up.

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May 2011:

Manny Pacquiao won convincingly against Shane Mosley via unanimous decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Justin Bieber went here to the Philippines for a one-night concert. After ten years of finding, Osama Bin Laden was killed in Pakistan and Americans on a long term euphoria. When Manchester United was on top of the perch with 19 Premierships, beating Liverpool's 18th but suffered a loss in the UEFA Champions League Final against Barcelona, 3-1.

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June 2011:

The Azkals started their 2014 World Cup against Sri Lanka. They drew 1-1 with Nate Burkey cancels the first Sri Lankan goal for the Philippines.

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July 2011:

The Azkals made it to the second round of the 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers by beating Sri Lanka in 5- aggregate as the Philippines beat Sri Lanka, 4-0 in the second leg. They would eventually face the mighty Kuwait in the second round of the qualifiers and the Azkals lost on the aggregate score of 1-5 in the hands of the Al-Azraq at the last week of the month. when Kobe, D-Rose, CP3 and the rest of NBA Smart All-Stars visit Manila for two exhibition matches between the PBA All-Stars and the Smart Gilas. When Amy Winehouse was found dead in her home in London.

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August 2011:

When Lady Gaga and Justin Bieber won VMAs in the MTV Video Music Awards. Gaga first introduced her alter ego, Jo Calderone who was featured in her music video, "Yoü and I". Smart Gilas made a strong finish in the Jones Cup.

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September 2011:

When the Smart Gilas boys made their best FIBA Asia Championship finish after 24 years, back in the final four. They beat Chinese Taipei in the last 8 before bowing down to Jordan and Korea Republic for the Final 4 and battle for third respectively. Marcus Douthit proving to be the best player for the Philippines.

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October 2011:

When the Azkals had two FIFA international friendlies. First against the Lions of Singapore. The match was at the Jalan Besar Stadium in Singapore and the Philippines lost 2-0 against the Singaporeans. The other friendly was held here in the Rizal Memorial Stadium against Nepal, that is also part of the Elite 8 in the AFC Challenge Cup in March 2012 and have a higher rank than Singapore at that time. Philippines beat Nepal 4-0. After months of riot and hostile, the rebels found Mommar Gaddafi and killed him due to wounds and so as his sons. That ended the 30-year regime of Gaddafi and Libya started anew. Former Apple CEO Steve Jobs lost to battle pancreatic cancer, aged 56. iPhone 4S was released to the market. When Ramgen Revilla was killed inside his home. His siblings were pointed to be the masterminds of the crime. When Charice's father was stabbed at his home in Laguna.

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November 2011:

When Manny Pacquiao faced Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time. It ended with another controversial victory for Manny in a majority decision. Marquez proclaimed he really won the fight but after the fight, there was a viral video released on YouTube on Marquez stomping Manny's lead foot for several times and the reason Manny can't do power punches without any leverages. Syrians protesting all-month long and violence occurred in every riot. The Ramgen Revilla case was the talk of the month.

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December 2011:

When Sendong/Washi hit Northern Mindanao and Western Visayas, killing thousands and destroyed homes and livelihood. As of now, donations and pledges still on the way. The Azkals faced the MLS Cup champions LA Galaxy along with David Beckham, Landon Donovan and Robbie Keane. Philippines lost 1-6 versus the MLS Cup champions but that doesn't matter because this event is for the boost of Philippine football. Starstruck alumni and Star Magic talent Tyron Perez was found dead inside his car in Valenzuela City. Egypt and Syria again on the uprise.

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That's all I can remember what happened in 2011. May I wish you all a Happy, Happy New Year! Goodbye 2011, Hello 2012! Here we go, another year to experience and add to our history. Just seven hours away as I make this blog.

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Time: 5:58 p.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "Madder Red" by Yeasayer.

Trilogy.

Time: 8:45 p.m.
Where: In my study table.
Now Playing: "Midnight City" by M83.

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One of the best rivalries in the history of boxing. From Muhammad Ali and Joe Frazier, to Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. Now, it's Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. Well, Sunday morning, November 13th, I watched the fight on PPV for their must anticipated third fight but first, I got to see the undercards before the main event. Well, I was impressed with the upsets and some dominating wins. In the first undercard, young prospect Luis Cruz who was undefeated before the fight got beaten by his much experienced opponent, Mexican challenger Juan Carlos Burgos and suffered his first loss for the young Puerto Rican. Next, the Mike Alvarado vs. Breidis Prescott fight was amazing. Prescott, who made a name for himself with his famous win against the mighty Amir Khan around 2009, was dominating the whole fight when suddenly, a re-surging Alvarado hit the Colombian with stunning upper cuts in the late rounds that the referee had to stand in between and stopped the fight. Alvarado with a come from behind victory against Prescott. Now, the last undercard was also exciting. The first fight of Timothy Bradley against one of the veterans of the sport, in the name of 40-year old Cuban Joel Casamayor, who also fought Juan Manuel Marquez for whole 12 rounds. Bradley was dominating the rounds until he knockdown the older Casamayor in Round 6 and later in Round 8, the referee seen enough the fight and gave the win for Bradley with some stunning hits to the body of aging Casamayor. He may probably retire now.

Now, the main event, Manny Pacquiao vs. Juan Manuel Marquez. Part three! Pac-Man vs. Dinamita, Boxer-puncher vs. Counter-puncher. Speed vs. Technicality. This is what this fight is about for the last seven years spanning. Before the third, I will recap what happened in the previous two fights. They first met in 2004 for Marquez WBA and WBO featherweight titles where Manny dropped Marquez three times but Marquez was resilient and won almost the rest of the rounds. "Fire against fire, down the stretch!" called by HBO commentator Jim Lampley. The decision, "DRAW." I remember, one judge admitted that he should've scored the first round 10-6 in favor of Pacquiao because three knockdowns was scored by the other two judges. The said judge was the one who scored the fight even, 113-113. That way, it could be a win for Pacquiao. In my opinion, Marquez won that fight by a single point.

The second fight happened in 2008, again, for Marquez's world title, this time, in the super featherweight division, the WBC 130 lb. belt! Marquez was aggresive and read some of Pacquiao's moves yet in round three, Manny dropped Marquez again to the canvas. Some analysts say Marquez was getting knockdown by some of his opponents it's because of the imbalance progress of his body where he can enhance his body to being freakish yet his legs are still that small, including his thighs and it can't support the huge body. He did recovered to those knockdowns easily it's because he was off balanced and not suffered some serious blow. Continuing to the recap. After the knockdown, Marquez showing the same resilient attitude like the first fight, fought like there's no tomorrow. At Round ten where Manny hit Marquez with an awkward left that almost dropped Marquez to the canvas and on the final round, the fighters continued to exchange blows. The decision, "SPLIT DECISION to Manny Pacquiao." Probably that third round knockdown proving to be the difference to the said fight.

Now, this brings me to the third fight, the trilogy. When I watched the whole fight. I felt nervous because honestly, I had huge expectations for the Pac-Man because with his weight now, he still carries his speed with him and with his speed, he builds power, that's why he was able to beat opponents larger than him but this time, I don't know what happened. I commend Marquez though and he is still the same fighter, the same Kryptonite for Manny. He easily read Manny's next moves, as they exchange throughout the fight, Marquez had more serious blows yet Manny had some too. For the first time, I saw a slow start for Manny. In the early rounds, he was measuring Marquez's capability yet Marquez, at the other hand, already knew what to do early, as Marquez connected with some wild rights to the Pac-Man's head.

In Round seven or eight, I think there's Manny had his blood underneath inside his mouth while Marquez had his head getting red due to the power punches Manny landed with the previous exchanges. In the final round, Manny again slowing down and Marquez grabbed the opportunity to somehow win the round. In my scorecards, I had Marquez winning 115-113 or seven rounds to five but when I heard Michael Buffer's voice, I felt nervous and did the "Sign of the Cross" that I wish Manny will win this and he did win via MAJORITY DECISION, 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112.

I was screaming and pumped my chest and kept saying yeah, along with 3,000 people in the Muntinlupa Sports Complex. Yes, I was happy, but not as happy with the previous results. I was not convinced yet we can't blame Marquez for being good and still the Joe Frazier of Manny. RIP to "Smokin" Joe Frazier though (1944-2011). Before the fight they offered a ten-bell count for Mr. Frazier, a sign of respect for one of the best heavyweights in the world. Now, after the fight, I felt joy but some sympathy to the die hard Mexican boxing fans but yesterday, I have a change of heart slightly when I saw the video Marquez stomped Manny's foot to the key rounds Marquez won.

I know it's natural when the fight is between the southpaw and orthodox but doing it repeatedly for six times is inexcusable. I know Tony Weeks, the referee of the trilogy, was focused from below the belt line above but I don't understand how come Freddie Roach, Manny and the rest didn't call that. I know Manny's nature was not to whine during the fight because he is a warrior and warriors don't do bitchin' but we have to call it to make sure the fight is clean. Now, I believe Manny win this convincingly now it's a Majority Decision or draw and two decisions in favor of Manny. Yes, the split decision in the second fight really described the fight itself but not this one where Marquez the more dominant one by stepping on Pacquiao's strength, by tweaking his foot a bit and stomping it so Manny can't go directly at Marquez and the dynamite can explode with power punches with those counters.

My message to Manny, you claimed this win for us but this time, let this be a wake-up call to you when you fight Marquez again for the fourth time. This is not the first time that two boxers had a fourth installment. Marquez's younger brother, Rafael Marquez fought Freddie Roach's fighter Israel Vazquez and first fight to Marquez, second and third to Vazquez and last year, they fought again for the fourth time and Marquez won. So far, Vazquez had some eye problems while Marquez suffered a loss to Japan's Toshiaki Nishioka last month and probably it may be the last fight of his career but I wanted a fifth fight that will setttle it all! For the last hurrah!

But yeah, back to Manny and Juan Manuel again. When the third fight ended, and Manny announced as winner, I was not thinking of Mayweather next, it should be Marquez again for the fourth time. Mayweather knew that Manny has a huge weakness and thanks to Marquez who is a great technical boxer and a counter-puncher like Floyd. The difference between Floyd and Juan Manuel is, Money has defense while Marquez just keep going forawrd which he slightly capitalized against him last September of 2009. I will look forward to the fourth installment and hopefully, Freddie won't overtrain Pacquiao again and Marquez will not stomp Manny's foot. Let the QUADROPOLOGY happen. Because it's so EPIC, I have to make a new word for the fourth fight.

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Time: 12:03 a.m.
Where: Still here.
Now Playing: "High and Dry" by Radiohead.

Manny Pacquiao to fight Mosley and poverty.

Time: 3:55 a.m.
Where: Outside the house.
Now Playing: "The Lovers are Losing" by Keane.

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Manny Pacquiao is just simply phenomenal. Whenever he has a fight, everyone here is just going nuts. I mean, there is no crime when there is a Pacquiao fight. All tuned in to their televisions. It's like watching a match in the World Cup with that massive aura in the whole country which does not happened everyday and this May 7th, Saturday in the United States, May 8th, Sunday morning here in the Philippines, the Pacquiao fever will come back yet again after 6 months. I also forgot to blog about the Margarito fight last November, you know, to put my official prediction and stuff. Anyway, I just watched the final press conference of the Manny Pacquiao-Shane Mosley fight and yeah, as always, you will see a very, very, humble Manny Pacquiao in front of the worldwide press.



He added a twist in his remarks during that night in the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. He said that he wants to fight for poverty in our country, to end, to extinct, which is impossible at the moment it is merely because the fact that we are nearing into 100 million people, making to be the 12th largest population in the world and we are just occupying 300,000 square kilometers. Damn, that's so small to fill. Anyway, that's why Manny urged the fans (especially Pac-Man fans), to wear yellow, which is a symbol of unity, according to him, and I am definitely wearing yellow, if I have one, oh well, I gotta wear my Manchester United jersey though, it's unrelated though because I am discussing boxing and not my favorite football club.



On the fight itself that will happen on 2 days time. I am not a boxing analyst that has accurate predictions, scouting the fighters' styles, etc. but I am a huge boxing fan and probably this is my stepping stone to become a boxing analyst. Hopefully. Anyway, I will expect some fireworks out there in that ring come May 7th/8th. Exchange of power punches will occur but who is gonna the more mental, more conditioned, hungrier fighter?



Into mentality, I'll say Freddie Roach has done a great job on preparing Pacquiao on adjusting on things in every battle that they have together and into Shane's part, he just to have his fourth fight together with Nazeem Richardson and they know each others mentality enough but can they retain the focus come fight night. I don't think so. With Pacquiao so quick, so fast, they won't able to adjust and keep doing those powerful right hands but I know, Shane's got the experience so I think he needs to adapt on what Pacquiao's gotta deliver. If Manny lands five to six shots on Mosley, he needs to at least turn to his right in order to avoid the counter right of Mosley and at the same time, tire the old man and have his fatigue lowered. If he follows this continuously, he might get an late stoppage or an early stoppage but I want it to become early in order to impress Floyd Mayweather, wherever he is, he must watch the fight but in realization, Mosley is tough and cannot be knocked out easily, I am aware of that but it's a bonus if Manny can knocked him out in the 5th round or more.



The first four rounds for me at the measurements of the conditions of the fighters, very critical, especially in the part of Mosley where is already 39 years old at the moment, very slow now in the sport of boxing but he still has the power, I cannot argue with that but how much power when the fight comes? How much more to take in the side of Mosley to cause of very, very huge upset in the history of the sport? Can he shine that right hand to land on Pacquiao?

Whatever the outcome of this fight, I must say Mosley will forever be a warrior and can be a future Hall of Famer in the coming decades for what he have a spectacular career in the sport of boxing and Pacquiao should face Mayweather, win or lose.



Even the simulation doesn't lie. It will be an all-out slugfest but when it comes to all-out, Pacquiao sure has the advantage and Shane might have some unanswered punches when Pacquiao once gets his groove. I will just say, Go Manny! Go Pac-Man! Go make our country proud yet again! Manny! Manny! Manny!

My prediction: Pacquiao TKO 8

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Time: 4:50 a.m.
Where: Still outside.
Now Playing: "Take Me Out" by Franz Ferdinand.

"The Event", Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey: Speed vs. Durability.

Well, today was another great day for me because it is Pac-Man Day for all Filipinos. One of my Twitter friends said that March 13, 2010 was "Happy St. Pacquiao's Day; parodied version of the "Happy St. Patrick's Day". Well, I was curious on the Cowboys Stadium in downtown Arlington in the state of Texas, in the United States of course. I was curious of everything. Most of the people, even the trailer of the "The Event", which Top Rank made, it is a combination of the Colosseum in Rome, Italy and the You know, the capacity crowd, the ring, oh, also, especially this one, I was oh-so curious about the 180-feet wide screen and I was expecting to see the Philippine flag waving in that said wide screen but never saw it throughout the Pay-Per-View.

So, I was watching the said card with my dad and we have that culture that we will go to every Pacquiao fight together with the massive audience of our beloved city, Muntinlupa. Also, I get so irritated with the coliseum barker inside wherein he called the candidates to remember their achievements to implement this project, SHOW PACQUIAO PPV. Damn, why do people care about it so much anyway?

Moving on. We went there at 8 in the morning and it is obvious that the PPV will start at approximately 9 in the morning because the stage is in Texas, not in Las Vegas and we know that the United States is a huge country so, different timezones plus, Daylight Savings Time.

It sure had a great under card fights on that day.Oh men, John Duddy of Ireland beating Michael Medina? Wow. Alfonso Gomez destroyed Jose Luis Castillo? Yes. David Diaz got owned by Humberto Soto? Yeah.

But here comes "The Event". All of us were screaming and saying a lot of bad and unnecessary words inside. There were a lot of average Filipinos inside and I think I am the only critical human being inside. Oh men, the irony. Clottey usually did his dancing when he entered the ring. Filipinos were very sarcastic and close to being racists when Clottey arrived on the ring. When Manny arrived, it was oh-so epic.

The fight was on. I gave credit to Joshua Clottey because he is an underrated boxer and he had that tight defense covering his whole head and Manny cannot hook him or give a stiff jab or more stiff jabs but if you apply defense into basketball, if you play defense, without shooting, it's a nil so, that's what Clottey executed in the fight. No combinations at all, just wild jabs and uppercuts but Manny gave him a good fight.

Manny Pacquiao won via Unanimous Decision over Joshua Clottey to retain the WBO Welterweight Championship and the Ring Magazine #1 pound-for-pound title. What's next for Manny? Is he ready for the arrogant Floyd Mayweather who will face the pressure on Shane Mosley on May 2?

Also, I did now see the Philippine flag on that 180-feet wide screen. Thanks to a copyrighted video from YouTube.