Pacman's fight draws mixed reactions

MANILA, Philippines — A House of Representatives colleague of Sarangani Representative Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao yesterday accused promoters of Pacquiao’s fight with Juan Manuel Marquez of cashing in on the match by robbing the Mexican of a clear victory.

Iloilo Representative Niel Tupas Jr., chairman of the House Committee on Justice, said he cheered for Pacquiao but the fight should have been given to Marquez who he said won convincingly on points.

However, a number of congressmen quickly ganged up on Tupas as they chided the Liberal Party (LP) solon of getting the “wrong view” of the Pacquiao victory borne out from a unanimous decision of the three judges for the fight.

Manila Representative Amado Bagatsing, who watched the fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, said Pacquiao’s victory was convincing, adding that the judges scored the fight fairly.

Representatives Roilo Golez (LP, Parañaque City), Juan Edgardo Angara (LDP, Aurora), and Mark Aeron Sambar (PBA Party-list) also rejected Tupas’ view.

Pacquiao did not only live up again to his moniker Pambansang Kamao (national fist), he likewise proved anew, that he is the national pacifier as well.

This developed after the Philippine National Police (PNP) declared a zero-crime incident during the time Pacquiao was slugging it out with Marquez.

“Virtually no crime incident happened during the entire 12-round title fight by People's Champ Manny Pacquiao with Mexican Challenger Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas, Nevada,” said Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz Jr., PNP spokesman.

In Samar, burglars broke into an LBC branch in Catbalogan City at 12:35 p.m. yesterday and carted away undetermined amount of cash. LBC is one of the sponsors of the delayed telecast over a local radio station.

In Manila, police reported a theft case when members of the notorious Salisi Gang preyed on a Canadian tourist at the CCP Complex in Pasay City at around 12 noon.

Earlier in Manila, a motorcycle was stolen while parked at 11 a.m. outside the Del Pan Sports Center.

“But elsewhere across the country, the Police Regional Offices reported zero crime indicating a generally peaceful and orderly situation as Filipino sports fans cheered for the Pinoy boxing hero,” said Cruz.

In a related development, soldiers also scored another victory against the New People’s Army (NPA) insurgents as they pursued the local communist rebels in separate operations in Mindanao and Bicol region.

This developed after military officials said that while Filipinos prepared to watch the Pacquiao-Marquez fight, soldiers maintained their vigilance against elements who might attempt to take advantage and stage lawless activities.

Maj. Eugenio Julio Osias IV, 4th Infantry Division (4ID) spokesman, said that at about 5:45 a.m. yesterday, troopers from 58th Infantry Battalion under Lt. Col. George Banzon encountered about 20 fully-armed NPA insurgents in Barangay San Miguel, Gingoog City.

Osias said the scout platoon of 58IB led by 2Lt. Karl Jan S. Devaras, responding to reports coming from civilians in Gingoog City, conducted combat operations against the insurgents believed to be members of the NPA Guerilla Front 4B of the North Central Mindanao Regional Committee. The insurgents were said to be conducting extortion activities in the area.

In Masbate, Maj. Angelo Guzman, 9th Infantry Division (9ID) spokesman, said amid the much hyped Pacquiao-Marquez fight on Sunday, a 15-man group of soldiers encountered about 15 NPA insurgents around 6 a.m. at Sitio Matagbac in Milagros town. (With reports from Aaron B. Recuenco and Elena L. Aben)

Source: mb.com.ph

Pacquiao in close win

Leaves Marquez claiming ‘I got robbed;’ points to a fourth rematch in 2012

LAS VEGAS, Nevada – There seems to be no end in sight to the storied Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao- Juan Manuel Marquez rivalry and everything points to a fourth fight in May, 2012.

In another action-packed battle between the Filipino power-puncher and the Mexican counter-puncher, Pacquiao was awarded a 12-round majority decision Saturday night (Sunday in Manila) over Marquez before a sell-out crowd of 16,368 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Marquez fought going backward all night, and that might have been his undoing. While he landed well at times, Pacquiao was in his face most of the night.

“I got robbed,” Marquez said. “I don’t know what else I can do to win.”

But in an interview aired over GMA-7 in Manila Sunday, Pacquiao admitted difficulty in beating Marquez in their third match.

When asked regarding his reaction over the remarks of other boxing fans watching the fight live here, Pacquiao said he respects the opinions of other persons – whether pro or anti.

“Kasama sa laro ‘yan (It’s part of the game),” Pacquiao pointed out.

But he claimed that it was a “close fight.”

Robert Hoyle scored it a draw at 114-114, while Dave Moretti saw it 115-113 and Glenn Trowbridge had it 116-112, both for Pacquiao, who was pushed to the limit once more in a defense of his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

Pacquiao won some rounds with sheer aggression, while Marquez won others with brilliant counterpunching – practically keeping Pacquiao from getting inside.

Marquez was a 7-1 underdog, but it was clear early he would be in this fight.

But when the decision was announced, the crowd booed roundly and, once again Marquez had lost a close fight.

One ringside judge had it at a 114-114 draw, while two others favored Pacquiao by 115-113 and 116-112. The Associated Press had it at 114-114.

The sellout crowd at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, threw bottles and cans toward ringside after the decision was announced, with one full can hitting a ringside writer.

Marquez, who had been bitter about the scoring in the first two fights, stormed out of the ring.

While most of those in attendance thought Marquez deserved the verdict, compubox revealed the opposite as Pacquiao threw 578 punches and landed 176 (30 percent) of them, while Marquez unloaded 436 and connected with just 138 (32 percent).

Pacquiao won all departments as he threw a total of 274 power punches and landed 117 (43 percent), and Marquez let loose 254 and hit only 100 (39 percent), aside from firing and connecting more jabs, 304 (59 connected) to Marquez’s 182 (38 landed).

Pacquiao also averaged 49 punches a round and 14 landed, while Marquez had 36 and landed 11.

Unable to live up to expectations that he will destroy Marquez and settle the issue between them once and for all, Pacquiao found the 38-year-old Mexican boxer much tougher than the one he fought in May 2004 and March 2008.

Still, Pacquiao said he had done enough to earn the judges’ nod and is looking forward to a fourth clash with Marquez.

“I won the fight. I blocked lots of his punches,” said Pacquiao. “Yes, I want to give him a rematch.”

Under the agreement signed by the two fighters, a fourth fight will only be considered in the event Marquez emerges victorious.

But because many those in the arena and those watching it on television here and around the world thought Marquez was the clear winner, promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank has no choice but to set up a fourth fight.

“We will do the rematch in May 2012 if we get the fighters to agree.

I am bound and determined to find a definitive winner once and for all,” said Arum.

Meanwhile, President Aquino congratulated Pacquiao for displaying the true grit and strength of Filipinos after defeating Marquez in a close fight.

Although miles away from the country, the President joined the Filipino nation in celebrating Pacquiao’s latest victory and expressed hope the Filipino boxer will continue to help and inspire Filipinos whether in boxing or public service.

“Kaisa ang sambayanang Pilipino, malugod kong binabati si Congressman Manny Pacquiao sa kanyang matagumpay na pagdepensa sa WBO Welterweight belt laban kay Juan Manuel Marquez sa Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. Sa kanilang ikatlong paghaharap ni Marquez, muling ipinamalas ni Manny ang tatag at lakas ng Pinoy sa buong mundo (I join the Filipino nation in congratulating Congressman Manny Pacquiao for triumphantly defending his WBO Welterweight belt against Juan Manuel Varquez in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. In their third encounter, Manny has showed anew the strength and determination of Filipinos in the world),” the President said in a statement issued from Hawaii where he is attending a summit of Pacific Rim leaders.

Like in the previous meetings, Pacquiao was the stalker and Marquez the hunted one, but unlike before, it was Marquez who landed the more telling blows this time, magnifying it even further by Pacquiao’s inability to land his killer punches.

Two right hands by Marquez in the seventh round and their thumping sound heard several rows from the ring.

Pacquiao also had his moments, of course, as he struck Marquez with his favorite left hand but it did not land squarely on the jaw, enabling Marquez to remain vertical.

Freddie Roach, who had predicted a blowout win for Pacquiao, said he was stunned by Marquez’s superb showing by showering him with praises.

“Marquez took Manny’s punches much better this time. He had great success with his right hand,” said Roach.

Pacquiao said Marquez’s style really troubled him, citing that Marquez “was always waiting for a great shot.”

It could not be determined how much Pacquiao will get as a guarantee in the planned fourth fight after being assured of $22 million in this rubber match.

Marquez will lobby for a bigger purse in this proposed fourth showdown after being guaranteed $5 million.

Arum said everything will go through proper negotiations.

In the Caraga Region, major thoroughfares and streets in Butuan City and the rest of the five cities and five provinces in Northeastern Mindanao remained at a standstill – practically no movement until late lunchtime on Sunday.

“Zero crime, clean, and no blotter report before, during and after Manny fight,” said a duty police officer of Police Regional Office 13 on Sunday.

In that short span of time, the region’s peacekeepers would be doing nothing as crimes in the Caraga Region are expected to drop to zero.

It was also observed that the government security forces, and even the rebels, both laid their arms down, and peace, no matter how short, will prevailed over the strife-torn areas in Mindanao.

In Marikina City, the Freedom Park and the Parang Playground Basketball were filled to watch the much-awaited Pacquiao-Marquez fight.

At the police headquarters, no untoward incident was reported as policemen said this is just a normal scenario every time Pacquiao has a fight.

“Kung maari nga lang, araw-araw may laban para walang krimen,” said a junior policeman who was also busy watching the fight at the Freedom Park.

The city government of Marikina has set up venues for the live telecast via satellite one at the Freedom Park and at the Parang Playground.

Traffic was also light in the said areas. (With reports from AP, Genalyn D. Kabiling, Mike U. Crismundo, and Madelynne Dominguez)

source: mb.com.ph

Watch Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 Live Stream for Free

Its like a national holiday in the Philippines whenever Manny Pacquiao fight.

The city government of Manila (as well other government offices in the Philippines) will provide free live stream of Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 fight in covered courts in the city.

The municipality of Manila will show the fight in the following venues:

Delpan Sports Complex (near North Harbor) District 1

Patricia Sports Complex (Flora Street, Gagalangin, Tondo) District 2

Rasac Covered Court (Alvarez Street corner Rizal Avenue) District 3

Dapitan Sports Complex (Instruccion Street, Sampaloc) District 4

San Andres Sports Complex (San Andres Street, Malate) District 5

Teresa Covered Court (Teresa Street, Sta. Mesa) District 6

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard are also preparing their venues to show the Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 match to their personnel and their families for free.

Watch Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 Live Stream for Free

Bradley eyes Pacman in 2012

LAS VEGAS — There’s going to be one guy on Saturday night who will try to steal the thunder from the main event fighters.

Tim Bradley, the current world super-lightweight champion, is making an appearance in the undercard of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez rubber match at the MGM Grand.

Bradley is yearning for recognition the way other high-profile fighters have and a smashing victory against Cuban Joel Casamayor is a major stepping stone in his quest for stardom.

Top Rank had actually signed up Bradley to a promotional contract only a few months ago and it was seen by ringsiders as a move to possibly pit him against Pacquiao in the future.

Although the main goal next year for Top Rank is to get a deal for a Pacquiao fight with Floyd Mayweather, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is wise in signing up Bradley.

In the event a Mayweather bout can’t be done, Top Rank will have an option.

But for Bradley to be considered as a Pacquiao foe, he has to win big against Casamayor so it would be easier for Arum to sell it to fight fans.

Bradley, 28, is also doing his part in marketing himself, telling a group of reporters on Thursday that he is willing to take on anybody.

“I have no fear of Pacquiao,” said Bradley, who has a 27-0 record with 11 knockouts.

source: mb.com.ph

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Pacquiao revels as Mexican nemesis

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao, who meets Juan Manuel Marquez for the third time, has beaten up so many marvelous fighters from Mexico that he has become that prizefighting-crazy country’s most popular boxer.

And the most wanted as well.

Through the years, Pacquiao has engaged a total of 13 fights with nine Mexican punchers, winning 11, losing just once and drawing once.

The 11 victories were against Erik Morales (twice), Marco Antonio Barrera (twice), Antonio Margarito, Hector Velazquez, Oscar Larios, Jorge Solis, Gabriel Mira and Marquez.

Pacquiao’s lone loss was against Morales in their first fight in March 2005 – which he later avenged in devastating manner – while the lone draw was against Marquez in 2004.

Mexican boxing scribe Salvador Rodriguez said Pacquiao will very likely extend his winning streak Saturday night. “Marquez is already 38 years old and they are fighting at welterweight, which is heavy for Marquez,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez said he even did a survey among fight fans in Mexico and 80 percent of those he asked predicted that Pacquiao would run over Marquez.

Still, Rodriguez said that while Pacquiao is well-loved by Mexicans, they want Marquez to pull off a major upset.

“Pacquiao has been beating our fighters and we’d want Marquez to end the losses.”

Actually, Pacquiao has also beaten two other Mexican fighters: Oscar De La Hoya and David Diaz.

The parents of both De La Hoya and Diaz, who speak fluent Spanish, are Mexicans but they were born and grew up in the US.

Pacquiao sent De La Hoya into retirement after stopping the Golden Boy in Dec. 2008, while Diaz got flattened in nine rounds six months before Pacquiao mauled De La Hoya.

Source: mb.com.ph

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Day of reckoning

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao wants to make his fans happy and that spells bad news for Juan Manuel Marquez.

Pacquiao (53-3-2 38 KOs) and Marquez (52-5-1 38 KOs) face off for the third time Saturday (Sunday in Manila) in a fight that is bound to become a classic, a virtual continuation of their 24-round saga that compelled Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum to pit them together again.

Pacquiao is aiming to put a closure to their storied rivalry by putting an exclamation point when they take center stage at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, where more than 16,000 fans will converge to witness the collision of the bitter rivals.

“I don’t’ want to disappoint the fans,” Pacquiao told the crowd of about 5,000 after weighing in at 143 lbs.

Reading between the lines, what the 32-year-old Pacquiao meant was he would do his best to put on a show of force, a performance so overpowering fight fans will no longer beg for a fourth fight.

Marquez is craving for a win so a decisive and lucrative fourth fight can be made possibly in May 2012.

Drawing strength from his own set of boisterous followers, the 38-year-old Marquez acknowledges the fact that he will be in for another rough night at the hands of a fighter universally recognized as the best in the world pound-for-pound.

“This is the most important fight of my career. I want to beat the man who is considered the best pound-for-pound in the world,” said Marquez, whose first fight with Pacquiao in 2004 ended on a draw and the second going Pacquiao’s way on a split decision in 2008.

“This time, I need to win every round and win each round convincingly,” said Marquez, who weighed in at 142 lbs but looked more massive with his bulging muscles and an enviable six-pack.

After losing in 2008, Marquez continued to fight in an effort to secure a third fight with Pacquiao, winning mostly against topnotch lightweights but faring badly against Floyd Mayweather in 2009 when he tried his luck at welterweight.

But with the acquisition of a conditioning coach and a nutritionist, Marquez is very eager to strut his stuff and prove to everyone that he, indeed, has Pacquiao’s number.

“For me, this fight is about pride, about dignity. Everyone knows I got robbed in the first two fights,” said Marquez, insisting that he won their previous meetings but didn’t get the decision.

The first time they rumbled, Pacquiao floored Marquez thrice in the first round but Marquez adjusted immediately and survived the early onslaught en route to an action-packed draw.

In the rematch, Pacquiao leaned on a third-round knockdown to emerge victorious in another thriller.

Such is bound to happen again in this third tussle, Marquez said.

“I am going to fight him toe-to-toe and give the people what they want. Like a true Mexican warrior, I will match Pacquiao punch-by-punch to get the victory.”

Pacquiao is guaranteed $22 million, while Marquez will get his biggest paycheck of $5 million. Both fighters are also entitled cuts in the pay-per-view, closed-circuit, and gate receipts.

Kenny Bayless will be the referee, while the three judges are Dave Moretti, Glenn Trowbridge, and Robert Hoyle.

In Malacañang, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said congressmen are free to watch their colleague, Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao, battle Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas Sunday.

As Filipinos are eager to watch the fight, no live telecast will be allowed in churches.

Retired Lingayen-Dagupan Archbishop Oscar Cruz, in an interview, said local bishops need not issue an order prohibiting parishes to air the boxing match convinced that parish officials already know what is proper.

Cruz said there is no need for parishes to show the fight since other entities are already doing it.

The city government of Manila will provide free live telecast of Pacquiao’s fight in covered courts in the city. It will be shown at the Delpan Sports Complex (near North Harbor) District 1; Patricia Sports Complex (Flora Street, Gagalangin, Tondo) District 2; Rasac Covered Court (Alvarez Street corner Rizal Avenue) District 3; Dapitan Sports Complex (Instruccion Street, Sampaloc) District 4; San Andres Sports Complex (San Andres Street, Malate) District 5; and Teresa Covered Court (Teresa Street, Sta. Mesa) District 6.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, and the Philippine Coast Guard are also preparing their respective facilities to show the Pacquiao bout to their personnel and their families for free. (With reports from JC Bello Ruiz, Leslie Ann G. Aquino, and John Carlo M. Cahinhinan)

Source: mb.com.ph

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Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 Referee and Judges Named

Referee Tony Weeks will be the official third man in the ring on Saturday (Nov. 12 US, Nov. 13 Manila ) for the Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 fight according to Jake Donovan. Aside from that the judges for the much awaited match between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez have also been named.

The veterans Glenn Trowbridge, Dave Moretti and Robert Hoyle will be the three judges scoring the Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 fight.
Tony Weeks is well known for being the referee of the first fight between Diego Corrales and Jose Luis Castillo. Weeks were also the referee of the Pacquiao vs De La Hoya back in December 2008, aside from that he's also refereed four other major fights for Saturday's main event: Pacquiao vs Barrera II, Mayweather vs Marquez, Casamayor vs Marquez, and Marquez vs Salido.

Tony Weeks is a very respected referee, one of the best in the boxing sport and he really deserves to be the referee of big fights like the upcoming Pacquiao vs Marquez 3 match.

HBO Boxing: Marquez vs Pacquiao II Highlights

Watch highlights of Manny Pacquiao's thrilling split decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez. The fight originally aired on March 15, 2008. For more information on HBO Boxing

Pacquiao more dangerous now

LOS ANGELES — If Juan Manuel Marquez thinks he has boxing icon Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao all figured out, he is terribly mistaken, the Filipino pound-for-pound king said on Wednesday.

Coupled with the changes he has gone through since the last time they fought in March 2008, Pacquiao said “I am more dangerous now.”

“I think I am a lot better now,” said Pacquiao ten days before he faces Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

According to Pacquiao, it is him – and not the Mexican counter-puncher –who has drastically improved through the years and proof of this will be on showcase next week in front of a capacity crowd numbering more than 16,000.

“My power has made a big difference. It’s going to be different when he steps in the ring with me,” he said.

Pacquiao boasted that he has perfected the game plan to make the 38-year-old Marquez not only look bad but show that he is the better fighter.

“We know his weaknesses but we won’t tell you what they are,” he added.

Pacquiao, who turns 33 on December 17, narrowly beat Marquez on a split decision more than three years ago after battling him to a draw in May 2004.

Since making his United States (US) debut in June 2001, Pacquiao has fought 20 times, winning 17, losing just once and drawing twice.

Pacquiao’s two clashes with Marquez remain as the most bitterly fought apart in his storied career not counting his only defeat on US shores – against Erik Morales – in March 2005.

Apart from Morales, nobody has come close to beating Pacquiao than Marquez, whose counter-punching style and ring generalship made Pacquiao looked bad in their combined 24-round slugfest.

Despite the controversial ending of their first two matches, Pacquiao is an 8-1 favorite to settle the score with Marquez.

On fire

Meanwhile, trainer Freddie Roach said Pacquiao has never looked so motivated as he has in training to fight Juan Manuel Marquez next week and silence the Mexican fighter’s taunts.

With one point on one judge’s scorecard all that has separated the fighters through 24 rounds, Marquez has long argued he beat Pacquiao twice, even wearing a shirt that said, “I beat Pacquiao twice” to a pre-fight appearance in Manila.

“He’s claiming he was robbed in the last two fights. This third fight will be the answer to all of that,” Pacquiao said Wednesday.

A photograph of Marquez adorns a wall behind the punching bag at the Los Angeles-area gymnasium where Pacquiao works out, a constant reminder and motivating force for the Sarangani congressman.

“I’ve never seen him as motivated as I have for this fight,” Roach said. “Marquez went to the Philippines and embarrassed him, said a few things. That has pushed him to work harder in training camp.

“Manny Pacquiao is on fire right now. He’s training very well. He has a little spark.”(With a report from AFP)

Source: mb.com.ph

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Pacquiao vs. Marquez countdown

Less Than 10 Days Until Pacquiao vs Marquez

In what might be the most eagerly awaited fight of 2011, Manny Pacquiao (53-3-2) will defend his WBO welterweight title against Juan Manuel Marquez (53-5-1), in just 10 days, at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Nov. 12, in what should be the final installment of their classic battles.
The trilogy began in 2004 when the bout ended in a draw, and continued in 2008, with Pacquiao winning in a split decision. Neither fighter gave a convincing performance, so this time around, both have a score to settle.

Pacquiao goes into the fight as a 7.5-to-1 favorite over Marquez, and the Filipino icon has been the clear winner in all seven of his bouts since his last battle with Marquez.

On the other side, Marquez has won his last three fights, but it wasn't against elite competition. Likar Ramos, Michael Katsidis, and Juan Diaz are not considered amongst the best pound-for-pound boxers, and Pacquiao probably owns that title.

A natural lightweight, Marquez goes into the fight with added bulk, as footage has shown the 38-year-old's training regimen in Mexico has produced an impressive physique to reach the 144-pound catch weight. However, Alex Ariza, Pacquiao's strength and conditioning coach, believes Marquez's ripped body would hurt the Mexican star.

"Muscles don't win fights," said Ariza.

Still, Marquez goes into the fight with a great deal of confidence, and the shirt he wore around the Philippines that read "Marquez beat Pacquiao twice!" probably means he's taking this fight very seriously.

"The people will see another war," said Marquez. "The people will see another great fight because I prepared myself very hard. I look for the victory."

"I'll have the greatest career as soon as I beat him," he said.

While Ariza believes muscles don't win fights, his boxer has been training at such a high pace that Pacquiao is being cautioned to not over-train. It is very clear that Pacquiao has a great deal of interest in maintaining his reputation as the best boxer in the world, and feels his bouts with Marquez are blemishes on his record.

Unlike his last fight, against Sugar Shane Mosely, Pacquiao goes into the fight with extra motivation. He wants to prove that he is a better boxer than he was in 2004 and 2008, and by punishing Marquez it will send the message that he is deserving of all the praise that he has generated.

The mild-mannered Pacquiao has not been doing much talking, but his camp has.

"I've never seen him as motivated as I have for this fight," said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's famed trainer, according to AFP. "Marquez went to the Philippines and embarrassed him, said a few things. That has pushed him to work harder in training camp.

"Manny Pacquiao is on fire right now. He's training very well. He has a little spark."

Ariza predicted a knockout that would "be earlier than you think," and claims that Pacquiao is a more complete fighter now with "much more speed, power, and explosiveness."

Pacquiao and Mayweather go into the fight with similar measurements. Pacquiao, 32, is 5'6.5 with a 67-inch reach. Marquez is six years older, and is 5'7 and also has a 67-inch reach. Pacquiao, however, fights in a southpaw stance, while Marquez fights in an orthodox stance.

The elephant in the room is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. The WBC welterweight champion thoroughly dominated his Sept. 2009 bout with Marquez, and the major payday with Pacquiao is still a major possibility despite what many detractors say.

source: ibtimes.com

Conte Says JMM Is Working With Steroids Dealer

You may have already seen this reported elsewhere, but let's talk about it here, too. Yesterday on Twitter, former BALCO chief Victor Conte said that Juan Manuel Marquez is working with a steroid dealer and former "rat" named Angel "Memo" Heredia:

JM Marquez is working w/ admitted steroid dealer Angel "Memo" Heredia (Hernandez on 24/7). Heredia testfied he supplied PEDs to Marion Jones

He later noted that Heredia was a "star witness" for the government:

Angel Heredia was the star witness for Novitzky and the government against many athletes. He got no time in return..

A New York Times article from 2008 sheds a bit more light on the subject:

Angel Guillermo Heredia is identified as Source A in the felony indictment. He agreed to be a cooperating witness three years ago when, according to court filings, investigators confronted him with evidence of his drug trafficking and money laundering. Since then, Mr. Heredia said, he has provided prosecutors with documentation and with the names of many elite track athletes and Olympic medal winners.

And so the plot thickens a little bit for Pacquiao vs Marquez. I don't think you have to "trust" or "believe in" Victor Conte to see that Marquez working with Heredia doesn't look good, and particularly because Heredia is trying to hide his identity to some degree.

source:badlefthook.com