Boxing fans in a bind tonight

Saturday November 21, 2009 1:55 PM By Bobby Cassidy

It's a tough call for boxing fans tonight. HBO is replaying the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight at 10 p.m., while, at the same time, Showtime is airing a Super Six showdown between Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward.

You can't go wrong either way. This is also why God invented DVRs and VCRs.

Pacquiao-Cotto draws 1.25 million pay-per-view buys

Friday November 20, 2009 2:29 PM By Bobby Cassidy

HBO Sports reported today that 1.25 million pay-per-view buys were generated from last Saturday’s welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.  The fight was promoted by Top Rank, Inc..

 The 1.25 million buy total represents the highest performing boxing pay-per-view event in 2009, generating $70 million in pay-per-view revenue.  The figure includes 650,000 buys from cable homes and 600,000 from satellite and telco homes.  A record 110,000 buys from Puerto Rico, Cotto’s home market, are included.

It is the second time that an event featuring Manny Pacquiao, a worldwide superstar, has passed the one million mark in pay-per-view buys.   

 Pacquiao vs. Cotto will be replayed this Saturday, Nov. 21 at 10:00 p.m. ET/ PT on HBO.  The 12-round TKO triumph by Pacquiao marked his seventh world title in as many different weight classes.

HBO to replay Manny Pacquiao's TKO of Miguel Cotto on November 21

Sunday November 15, 2009 1:47 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Here's the news release from HBO: It’s a special edition of WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING® when HBO Sports presents MANNY PACQUIAO VS. MIGUEL COTTO, the exclusive replay of their highly anticipated welterweight title showdown, this SATURDAY, NOV. 21 (10:00 p.m. ET/ PT) on HBO.  The HBO Sports team, which was ringside for the live event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, will call all the action.  The replay will be available in HDTV.

    Manny Pacquiao, the sport’s reigning pound-for-pound king, and welterweight title-holder Miguel Cotto met in a Nov. 14 mega-fight carried live on HBO Pay-Per-View®. 

 Pacquiao scored a 12th round TKO victory.

Manny Pacquiao TKOs Cotto in 12

Saturday November 14, 2009 10:19 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Good evening everyone. Here's our live blog for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight. We are well into the undercard.

On the telecast, they just showed two members of Team Cotto watching Manny Pacquiao tape his hands. Something they failed to do in Cotto's loss to Antonio Margarito.

10:35 p.m. Good for Yuri Foreman, the clean cut kid out of Brooklyn who is studying to be a Rabbi. He just won the WBA junior middleweight title from Daniel Santos via unanimous decision. The scores were 116-110, 117-109 and 117-109. In the pantheon of Jewish champions, Foreman was always more in the spirit of Benny Leonard than Bummy Davis, but he fought tough and hard and earned the decision.

Up right now is Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Troy Rowland. 10 rounds. Middleweights.

10:51: They just showed 5-time World Series champion Derek Jeter sitting ringside.

11:22: Chavez Jr. fight has just ended. Crowd is booing, and not because it's over. JCC Jr. wins unanimous decision in a ho-hum fight.

11:28: Three national anthems are underway. First up, the Philippines... Now, Puerto Rico... Now, U.S.

11:38: Manny Pacquiao, the challenger in this fight, is walking to the ring.

11:42: Here comes Miguel Cotto. 

11:45: Michael Buffer says "Let's Get Ready to Rumble."

11:46: Buffer acknowledges Freddie Roach in Pac Man's intro. Have never heard that before for a trainer. He does the same for Joe Santiago in Cotto's corner.

11:48: First bell sounds.

Round One. Cotto jabbing nicely. His upper body looks markedly bigger than Pac Man. Pac Man throws hard left. Both fighters kind of feeling each other out. Cotto intent on jabbing. Pac Man picks up tempo at close of round. But Cotto was more effective. 10-9, Cotto.

Round Two:  Cotto jabbing and hooking. All with the left. Pac Man opens up a little. Good left hook by Cotto.Pac Man unloads. Very busy. Punches don't seem to be hurting Cotto. Cotto remains composed, keeps moving forward. 10-9, Pac Man. 19-19.

Round Three: Cotto down. Right hook drops him. He doesn't seem hurt badly. Pac Man carries round, but Cotto finishes strongly. 10-8, Pac Man. 29-27, Pac Man.

Round Four: Pac Man still busy. Pac throws so many punches from so many angles. Cotto doesn't know how to respond. But he nails him with a good left. Pac Man on the ropes. Looks like he's resting. Cotto down again from left hand. This knock down is more severe. Cotto up, a bit wobbly. Fantastic round. 10-8, Pac Man. 39-35, Pac Man. 

Round Five: Pac Man in control. Throwing from so many angles. Pac Man looks a little off balance here. Cotto a bit steadier in this round, Manny slows down and takes second half of the round off. 10-9, Cotto. 48-45, Pac Man.

The HBO crew correctly points out that there seems to be desperation in Cotto's corner.

Round Six: Pac Man turns it up. His speed is blistering and he throws from such awkward angles, it is nearly impossible for Cotto to defend. Left hand hurts Cotto. But he responds with a hard right and then pats Pac Man on the head as the bell rings. 10-9 Pac Man. 58-54, Pac Man.

Round Seven:  Pac Man in control. Cotto backing up a bit. He looks defeated. He's trying to box and move but isn't showing much offense. 10-9, Pac Man. 68-63, Pac Man.

In between rounds, Cotto does not look good.

Round Eight: Lamply makes good analogy as to how Cotto is in retreat, similar to the Margarito fight. Pac Man walks in without fear of Cotto. He is a whirlwind, just wearing Cotto down. 10-9, Pac Man. 78-72, Pac Man.

Round Nine: The pressure that Pac Man is putting on Cotto is overwhelming. Difficult for him to breathe. It's close to being stopped. Cotto is in complete survival mode. His corner says they will give him one more round. 10-9, Pac Man. 88-81, Pac Man.

They are reporting that Cotto's wife and son have left the arena.

Round Ten: Pac Man seems to be taking a breather. Cotto in complete survival mode. Not much happened in the round. 10-9, Pac Man. 98-90, Pac Man.

They've started talking about Pacquiao vs. Mayweather.

Round Eleven: Same as last round. Manny seems like he doesn't want to hurt Cotto any more. Cotto bleeding badly, from left eye and out both nostrils. 10-9, Pac Man. 108-99, Pac Man.

Round Twelve: Referee Kenny Bayless stops the fight. Poor move. Let Cotto finish. Manny was actually going to let him finish. Nonetheless, a sterling, dominant performance by Manny Pacquiao, who has now won a world title in a record seven weight classes.

The crowd is chanting We Want Floyd, hoping for a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight.

Here is a sneak peak of Greg Logan's Sunday boxing column about Manny Pacquiao for the newspaper.

Here are predictions for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight.

CLICK HERE FOR ALL OUR PACQUIAO-COTTO COVERAGE

Here is a piece we did on Manny Pacquiao's impact on the Filipino community.

See photos from the fight

 This is a video we shot interviewng some Filipinos on Long Island about Manny Pacquiao:

Manny Pacquiao has big plans after the Cotto fight

Saturday November 14, 2009 11:06 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Yes, Manny will be singing. But I guess Miguel Cotto will determine whether or not he's singing the blues. Here's the press release and part of the reason we question Pacquiao's focus coming into this fight:

After boxing’s No. 1 pound for pound fighter and box office attraction MANNY “PacMan” PACQUIAO plays a little chin music on WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto,  Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, he will head over to the Mandalay Bay Events Center to perform a live post-fight concert with his MP Band.

 Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, the winner of six world titles in as many different weight divisions ranging from 112 to140 pounds, and star of the upcoming superhero action motion picture” WAPAKMAN,” scheduled for release in January 2010, has already had two albums go Platinum in the Philippines.  PacMan and the MP Band played a similar gig at the Beach at Mandalay Bay following his two-round knockout victory of defending junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton last May.

HBO's 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto, episode four

Friday November 13, 2009 11:22 PM By Bobby Cassidy

The final episode and it was a good one.

Best Spoken Line, Miguel Cotto: "I don't need nobody to trust in me, to believe in me. I have the correct people beside me. The people who stay with me in the good days, but they stay more in the bad days. If you wake up every day and try to bring the best you can bring ... You don't have to prove anything, to anybody."

Best Spoken Line, Freddie Roach: "People around Manny Pacquiao are telling him it's an easy fight. They are idiots. It's the toughest fight of his life."

Best Spoken Line, Sylvester Stallone: "Like in a movie it's all about the director, in a football game it's all about the coach, it's all about the trainer."

Best Written Line: For a man who makes his living teaching fighters how to avoid punches, this blow has proven difficult to counter.

Best Supporting Cast: There was a lot to choose from in this episode. But we have to go with Bob Arum. Yes, he once said, "Yesterday I was lying but today I am telling the truth," but we believed him when he spoke about the emotional tug of war he'll have on fight night watching two of his top fighters try to beat each other. It may not be the case with every fight, but you get the feeling he likes these guys.

Best Supporting Cast -- the extras: Wayne Newton and Carrot Top came off as cartoons and maybe that's why they were on the show. Was disappointed that Sylvester Stallone dissed Miguel Cotto the way he did. I have friends -- and one relative (Dad) -- who appeared in every part of the Rocky series and it was always portrayed to me how much Stallone respects fighters. He didn't come off that way. Mickey Rourke, however, came off like a champ when he saw Roach, his former trainer.

Loved ... the Cotto-Pacquiao buses.

Loved ... the food confessions in Cotto's camp. It didn't take Bryan long to give up Joe.

Loved ... family arrivals.

Wow ... Gov. Bill Richardson on the waiting list?

Risque. Cotto in the shower.

Wayne Newton says fighters don't feel like they've made it unless they play Vegas. Remember when same was said about Madison Square Garden?

Nice segment on Freddie Roach's brother, Joe. Especially when Freddie talks about the cell phone.

Imagine how it feels to be one of Cotto's kids and climb on that bus?

Loved ... the old boxing shots of Freddie Roach.

Nice job from HBO to get footage from today's weigh-in into the show.

The combination of written word, spoken word, footage and music over the final two minutes should be enough to clinch an Emmy.

Video: Fight strategy for Pacquiao and Cotto

Friday November 13, 2009 6:34 PM By Bobby Cassidy

This video, courtesy of HBO, is about the strategies for the Pacquiao-Cotto fight:

Predictions: Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto

Friday November 13, 2009 9:29 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Newsday staffers make their pick on the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto welterweight fight, Saturday night on HBO PPV.

Wallace Matthews: "This is a fight in which both fighters have benefited greatly by moving up in weight, although I can't remember a fighter in my lifetime, not even Roberto Duran, who has improved so much with each weight gain as Pacquiao has. More importantly, Pacquiao seems to be still improving while Cotto is deteriorating, maybe from the Margarito beating, maybe from years of killing himself to make 140. Whatever it is, he looks like a very old 29. Even recognizing that we might be overrating Pacquiao on the  basis of beating a washed-up de la Hoya and a ridiculously overrated Ricky Hatton, he still looks like too much for Cotto to handle at this stage of both their careers. Pacquiao by TKO in 10, or convincing decision if Cotto toughs it out."

Greg Logan: "I believe in Manny. Cotto has the strength and toughness to go the distance, but Pacquiao will win a clear decision by outboxing him."

Mike Rose: "I think the fact that the fight is being fought at 145 pounds favors Manny Pacquiao's speed over Miguel Cotto's size and strength. Sure, Cotto is a hard puncher, probably the hardest puncher Pacquiao has faced, but the dip in weight will have an impact on just how hard those Cotto punches will be. It will be a true battle between two great fighters that will go the distance. I like Pacquiao in a decision."

Marcus Henry: "This is an intriguing matchup that features speed vs. power. Manny Pacquiao became an international star with easy wins over Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton. His quickness and defense made for easy wins. But this is his toughest fight to date. As well as he fought against de la Hoya and Hatton, he's taking on a fighter in Miguel Cotto who is in his prime, can hit and can take a hit. Cotto is not afraid to take some shots to get inside. Pacquiao is going to have to figure out a way to get inside and hurt Cotto early. Odds are he wont. Cotto is battle-tested in the welterweight division with wins over Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley and Joshua Clottey. Cotto will overpower Pacquiao and prevail in a 9th-round TKO."

Jose Moreno: "Speed versus power -- that's what the boxing experts are boiling Pacquiao and Cotto down to.But the final result of this fight will be determined by something much deeper, heart... As Pacquiao's fame has grown, his fighters edge has softened, his hunger is now being quenched with acting, singing, and politics. The celebrity is overtaking him, just like it did Tyson... Cotto on the other hand has hardened his already tough guy persona. He lasted 11 rounds with Margarito, one of the hardest punchers around who is under the suspicion to have used loaded gloves during the fight. He showed tremendous will to win in his last fight with Clottey, despite an early round accidental head-butt that left him nearly blind for nine rounds... There are two things that will seal Pacquio's defeat on Nov. 14th -- Cotto's determination, coupled with the Pac-Man's own lack of focus. Cotto by TKO, 9th round."

Mario Gonzalez: "I've been dead wrong the last two Pacquiao fights so I'm going with the sport's pound-for-pound king this time around. Although I think it will be a close fight, Pacquiao will use his speed and accuracy to his advantage against a bigger Cotto. I'm picking Pacquiao by unanimous decision."

Bobby Cassidy Jr.: "Pacquiao has proven his greatness. But even the great ones get beat and let's not forget, Pacquiao has been beaten before. On this night, I believe Pac Man will get beaten again. The reason is two-fold. The first part appears to be the chaos surrounding him. First there were the typhoons that ravaged his country and compromised his training camp. Add to that his movie career, his singing career and the petty in-fighting in his camp and one has to wonder how prepared Manny is for this fight. Now, for the second part, let's look across the ring in the other corner. Miguel Cotto is a strong and very tough world-class welterweight. He will not wither under Pac Man's attack but can Pac Man endure a very hard fight with a bona fide welterweight? Cotto is a lot closer to his prime than de la Hoya and Hatton were. I believe Cotto can handle Pacquiao's speed -- as he did when he beat Sugar Shane Mosley. I think Cotto will wear down Pacquiao over the course of a very good fight. Pacquiao won't be able to handle this welterweight's strength and power. Cotto wins by 11th-round TKO."

>>PHOTOS: Click here for Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto photos

>>PHOTOS: Click here for classic Manny Pacquiao photos

 CLICK HERE FOR ALL OUR PACQUIAO-COTTO COVERAGE

Manny Pacquiao videos for his upcoming fight with Miguel Cotto

Thursday November 12, 2009 9:12 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Here are a couple of Manny Pacquiao videos in advance of his fight Saturday night with Miguel Cotto. This is a fight preview video courtesy of HBO:

This is a video we shot interviewng some Filipinos on Long Island:

Bernard Hopkins picks Manny Pacquiao to beat Miguel Cotto

Wednesday November 11, 2009 12:00 PM By Bobby Cassidy

We caught up with B-Hop in Philly. Here's his take on the fight:

Cotto believes he has the edge in power against Pacquiao

Tuesday November 10, 2009 12:29 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Miguel Cotto spoke to the media during a conference call this week as part of the build up to his pay-per-view showdown with Manny Pacquiao. Here are a few interesting exchanges.

Q: Pacquiao’s trainer has been talking a lot about knocking out in 1st round…do you hear about that?
 

MIGUEL COTTO:  Forget about Freddie Roach.  The only thing Freddie can do is train Manny.  He can’t go over the ropes and into the ring to fight against Miguel Cotto.  He can only train Manny the best he can.  He may say and  think Manny will knock me out but at the end of the day, it is just Manny and Miguel Cotto in the ring.  No matter what kind of things Freddie Roach says before the fight…I have a very strong mind.  The psyche game?   I’m not going to follow that game. 
 

Q: You are just ignoring it?

MIGUEL COTTO:  Yes.
 

Q: Pacquiao is talking about dates and opponents – how do you feel about that?
 

MIGUEL COTTO:  What they say and what they do does not concern me.  They know what they have in front of him.  He better be focused on what they will have in front of him in Miguel Cotto.
 

Q: Do you think Manny is too small to beat you?
 

MIGUEL COTTO:  He is coming from a lower weight division and if he thinks he is going to have the same power as Miguel Cotto, his thinking is very wrong. 

HBO's 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto, episode three

Sunday November 8, 2009 11:47 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Episode 3. Here we go:

Best Spoken Line, Freddie Roach: "I wish I never introduced the two of them," on Manny Pacquiao and Michael Koncz. He also calls Koncz a kiss-ass, a gopher and the man who cleans Manny's pool.

Best Spoken Line, Joe Santiago: "Manny Pacquiao will be hit like never before. We will triumph and Puerto Rico will celebrate on November 14th."

Best Written Line: Freddie Roach sees virtue in variety. (Not sure if that's true, though.)

Trainging Days: Manny jogging along the bridge at sunrise.

Best Supporting Cast: Once again, it's Buboy. We wrote this before, but anyone who lives in a 6-by-10 closet gets the nod. He beats out Jeremy Piven (aka Ari Gold), Barbara Roach and Pac Man, the dog. The relationship between Manny and Buboy almost seems identical to that of Cotto and Bryan Perez.

Love ... the scene outside of Nat's Thai food as Manny ate dinner and the line for autographs at the Wild Card.

Love ... Manny Pacquiao "Smashing Pumpkins."

Love ... that Pac Man didn't know what Pac Man is. Other than his dog.

Love ... that now in the Cotto camp it's all Yankees hats.

Don't love ... that Manny sings and makes movies.

Smart. They spray the hands of visitors to the Wild Card with a disinfectant.

Very interesting. Freddie Roach looks for habits, not mistakes. That's why he's worth his money.

Very true. Freddie does have a habit of dissing the other trainer, as Bob Arum and Joe Santiago pointed out.

Request. Bernard Hopkins fights Roy Jones in February. Even if it's not a PPV bout, let's see B-Hop on 24/7, it may be our last chance.

The first three episodes will be aired again, Friday night Nov. 13, leading up to the series finale at 9:30 p.m. The bout takes place the following night, on HBO PPV.
 

Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach - no problems

Wednesday November 4, 2009 9:33 PM By Bobby Cassidy

There's been a lot of speculation out there about possible tension between Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach. Pac Man seemed to put that to rest today.

Ed "Phillies Phan" Keenan sent us some quotes from Manny's media appearance today.

"Freddie has been a father to me, a brother to me and an all-time my best friend.  I know he always has my best interest at heart.  And he has always been there for me," said Pacquiao.

So that ends that. But is Pac Man truly focused? We've seen him singing on 24/7 and he's always been talking about politics.

"One of the reasons I am running for office is not just to win, it is to bring attention to issues in the area where I live," the fighter said. "And my celebrity as a candidate helps bring attention to those issues that need attention.  I speak for those who can’t.  Maybe my holding office will help bring more business to the region where I live, which has been neglected."
 

Pac Man doesn't have to be a politician to accomplish that.

HBO's 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto, episode two

Sunday November 1, 2009 1:28 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Sorry we're late. Had to watch the World Series. But this was, without a doubt, one of the best 24/7 episodes in the entire series. Good training scenes, a nice dose of tension and complete honesty from all of the participants.

Best Spoken Line, Manny Pacquiao: "I'm enjoying being a celebrity because it's my responsibility to give them a chance to say hi and shake hands or sign autographs for fans." Would be nice if say, just 50 percent of the athletes in major league baseball, adopted the same approach toward fans. They don't live in our world, but Manny does.

Best Spoken Line, Miguel Cotto: "Love between father and son is the most truly love you ever can find." The English wasn't exact, but the message was clear.

Best Spoken Line, Miguel Cotto Sr.: "The problem is that I had to choose between my brother and my son. And you already know which side I chose."

Best Supporting Role: President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, President of the Philippines. Come on. She's a president. How could we not give it to her. OK. Barack has been on Letterman. Come on 24/7, go out and get him.

Training Days: Sparring scene with Pacquiao and -- we think -- Jose Luis Castillo.

Best Written Line: Peace can at last be found again at elevation, focus rediscovered on the road, desire recalibrated one step at a time.

How cool was the shot of the guy painting Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7 on the side of the school bus? How horrific were the shots of the landslides?

Loved ... Gerry Penalosa Gym. He's a two-division champ and veteran of 63 fights. Actually, he should be thinking retirement. He's the younger brother of Dodie Penalosa, the former light flyweight champ of the mid-1980s.

Loved ... The bridge shot in Tampa, for the second week in a row.

Loved ... The golf scene. Miguel swinging lefty? And wonderful shot of three generations of Cottos on the course.

Didn't love ... Manny singing. Please, please Manny stick to boxng. (He can dance though, see the scene at the Wild Card.)

The pool scenes are priceless. Say what you want, but they are having fun. Here's what's also great. OK, Cotto pulls down his buddy's trunks, we expect that. But then Bryan Perez returns the favor and it's no big deal to Cotto. How many elite athletes would allow that? Could have lived without the butt shot, but it again demonstrates the equality in the friendship. Nice to see.

Maybe Alex Ariza is right and maybe he isn't. But he's coming off as the petty party in this fued with Michael Koncz. It's good TV, but how good is it for the fighter?

Don't understand Cotto's (and Mayweather's) reluctance to have the sparring sessions filmed. At this point, they are who they are. Their styles are not going to change that much come fight night. Strategy? It's not like when the bell rings they'll be doing something that no one has ever seen in the last 100 years. Or that Freddie Roach hasn't seen in the last 30. There are no more surprises like say -- the first time Dick Fosbury did the flop at a high jump competition.

Finally, a Yankees jersey -- and cap -- spotted in camp Cotto. Which reminds me, Yankees in six.

Wish we got to know the Cottos sooner.

Next episode, Saturday, Nov. 7 at 9 p.m. The rematch between Chad Dawson and Glen Johnson follows the episode.

>>PHOTOS: Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto Yankee Stadium press conference

>>PHOTOS: Relive Manny Pacquiao's win vs. Oscar De La Hoya

>>PHOTOS: Classic Manny Pacquiao moments (some are graphic)

Is there tension in Manny Pacquiao's camp?

Friday October 30, 2009 11:32 PM By Bobby Cassidy

I guess we will have to wait until tomorrow night's 24/7 episode to find out for sure. But Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach spoke to the media on a conference call this week. Here are some telling quotes from the transcript:

FREDDIE ROACH:  Training camp is going very well.  We had four really good weeks in Baguio.  There were a couple of typhoons that came our way but we didn’t miss a beat.  We had really good sparring then we went back to Manila and it was intense because we had quite a few distractions so we had to break camp early.  Now we are back at the Wild Card and Manny boxed great yesterday and had ten good rounds and he’s about 95% there right now and we are ready to go.

And then ..... 

 FREDDIE ROACH:  There were no disagreements in camp.  I just felt it was urgent that we do get out of there before the typhoon hit.  I was worried about the safety of the sparring partners and Manny and the team and myself.  I was just very concerned that the typhoon was going to come quicker than it did.  Manny was more relaxed about it and I told him that I would be waiting in Manila for him just trying to get him motivated to go.  That night at midnight he got motivated for me to go and he called me and said “let’s go.”  So we left at midnight and went right to Manila. 

 But then ...  

FREDDIE ROACH:  We asked people to stay away.  We closed the gym down.  There were no problems at all.  There were no politicians bothering him trying to get his support.  Those first four weeks were the best that we ever had.  Manny was on fire from day 1.  I thought he was trying to impress me because he knew that Baguio was far away and I wanted to stay closer to Wild Card but when he chose Baguio I thought he was just trying to show me how great it was but he never stopped.  He was on fire the whole month there and we had a great camp.  The weather messed with us a little bit but we ran in the rain.  We went in the pool.  We did what we had to do.  We ran inside sometimes and we had no distractions.  We had a great first month.  The last week in Manila was a little tougher with the politicians trying to make meetings with Manny and pulling him in every direction they could.  Those five days in Manila were not that great but the first four weeks were great.

 And finally ...

FREDDIE ROACH:  The last day of boxing in Manila I was disappointed that he didn’t do that well because his mind was somewhere else.  But he assured me everything would be great when we got to LA and we boxed yesterday and we started playing.  We still had a little bit of jet lag and I didn’t expect a lot from Manny because he looked a little tired in his eyes but he gave me ten great ro\unds yesterday and he’s back on track and he’s very close to being ready for the fight.  We’ll have two more big sparring days then we’ll start tapering off.

HBO's 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto, episode 1

Sunday October 25, 2009 1:28 AM By Bobby Cassidy

The countdown to the Nov. 14 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto is underway. And that means a new 24/7 series. So here we go. You can tell HBO is getting new -- and more diverse -- viewers to 24/7. They took an awful long time to give the background on Miguel Cotto. Most of the boxing world already knew that story. So that had to be time spent bringing the non-boxing viewers of 24/7 up to speed.

Best Spoken Line, Freddie Roach: "I'm wondering what we're doing here a little bit." (on training camp in Baguio.)

Best Spoken Line, Freddie Roach, Part 2: "Again Hatton, I hate to say this about a world champion, but he wasn't that good."

Best Spoken Line, Miguel Cotto Sr.: "That was a very sad night for me. Miguel wasn't crying tears. The tears coming out of Miguel's eyes that night weren't normal, they were tears of blood." Talking about the Margarito fight.

Best Spoken Line, Miguel Cotto: "When you receive love in the way my father and my mother bring to us, you have the knowledge to bring the same to your family, your kids... (but then says, "I'm not the best husband.")

Best Written Line: Dig below any surface and you'll find remnants of the past. Examine what you find and you may encounter clues for the future.

Best supporting cast: Brian Perez, Cotto's best friend. He didn't say a word and didn't have to. The shot of him and Miguel jumping into the pool together was one of the best I've seen on a 24/7 episode. At that moment, they were two friends, with an unconditional bond, who could have been anywhere in the world.

Training Days: Manny Pacquiao in the pool.

Loved ... The opening at Yankee Stadium.

Didn't love ... Seeing two Red Sox caps during scenes from Cotto's camp.

Don't understand ... the obsession with tattoos among today's athletes.

* Manny Pacquiao can play some basketball.

* Great footage all around from the Philippines. The storm footage and what we saw in it's aftermath was compelling. So was the line, "Disasters like this so often take the most from those who have the least."

* Nice camera work on Cotto getting out of the pool.

* Was that Bobby Pacquiao at a scene in the gym in Baguio? You don't hear much about Pac Man's brother in these 24/7s. He had some pretty good nights in the ring, including a win over the aging Kevin Kelley a few years back at the Garden.

* Good for Michael Koncz for taking the high road regarding an altercation in camp.

* Seems like the Pacquiao camp is a tension convention. This is nothing new in boxing. The question is, is this something new in the Pacquiao camp? Muhammad Ali traveled with a circuis. It was often more like Camp Chaos than anything else. But it never impacted Ali. He was that great. Is Manny? I guess we'll see. Telling sign -- When Pac Man raised his eyebrows after Freddie told him he was leaving Baguio.

The next episode will air Saturday, oct 31 at 11 p.m.

Sneak Peak: HBO's 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto

Thursday October 22, 2009 5:24 PM By Bobby Cassidy

We caught a two-for-one lunch deal with HBO's Ross Greenburg this week. No, it wasn't one of those two-for-one type of restaurants. We're talking about the conversation, not the cuisine.

 The talk centered around HBO's 24/7 franchise and how the network is now venturing into NASCAR. So to read the NASCAR portion of this post, you will have to click here and visit our Trading Paint blog. For a preview of the upcoming 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto series, stay right here.

The Pacquiao-Cotto series debuts on Saturday and starts with Miguel getting his ninth tattoo and then saying goodbye to his wife and children in Puerto Rico. He heads to training camp in Tampa. But the real drama occurs in the Philippines, which were ravaged by typhoons and flooding while Pac Man was training in the mountains.

"Manila was under water," said Greenburg. "There were 25 inches of rain and in the midst of all of this, here's Manny Pacquiao training for a fight..."

Pause for effect.

"And we had the only cameras there," added Greenburg.

So compelling was the storm footage that Greenburg sent some over to CNN, which is a sister company.

Pacquiao selected Baguio -- six hours north of Manila by car -- as the site of his training camp because he could do road work in the mountains. But the rains made it nearly impossible to run, so instead, HBO has nice shots of him swimming in an indoor pool while it's storming outside.

Also, according to reports from the Philippines, Pac Man's entourage has grown, which always makes things entertaining.

Joining us for lunch was HBO's Ray Stallone, who said that the ratings for 24/7 continue to rise. "Anytime [Floyd] Mayweather is involved, we see a spike in ratings," said Stallone. "And it's going up in the 18 to 35 demographic. That's so heartening. These are our new fans."

There are a certain generation of people who are forever hooked on boxing because they watched the "Friday Night Fights," with their dad in the 1950s. Perhaps 24/7 has the same impact. Greenburg hears from all kinds of individuals who watch the series, including a lot of celebrities. One of them, NASCAR champ Jimmie Johnson, will soon have his own 24/7 experience.

Greenburg first hatched the idea for 24/7 prior to the Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Arturo Gatti fight. But HBO decided to wait for a mega fight and thus the series debuted with the Mayweather-Oscar De La Hoya showdown.

"Ross knew the future of boxing was not KO Nation," said Stallone.

The unequivocal star of the series has been Money Mayweather.

"In my mind, he and his family launched the show," said Greenburg. "That's what everyone was talking about around the water cooler, the Mayweathers."

So the ultimate 24/7 could end up being Mayweather-Pacquiao, a megafight that should be next if Pacquiao gets past Cotto. Despite the politics that can often cripple boxing, Greenburg feels that fight is too big not to make.

"I think it has to happen," he said. "You knew Leonard had to fight Hearns at some point. You knew Tyson had to fight Spinks at some point. When two fighters are on a collision course, the collision has to happen."

HBO's 24/7 Pacquiao-Cotto debuts October 24

Tuesday October 20, 2009 10:32 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Time to gear up for another 24/7 series. Since Pac Man was training at home, here's hoping there is some really cool footage in the Philippines.

Here's the release from H BO:

               HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured seven Sports Emmy® Awards, returns this month to present its seventh installment with 24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO, an all-new four-episode, all-access series.  Debuting SATURDAY, OCT. 24 (10:15-10:45 p.m. ET/PT), the show follows Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto, two of the sport’s brightest stars, as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

                Episode # 1:

                Debut:  SATURDAY, OCT. 24 (10:15-10:45 p.m. ET/PT)

                Other HBO playdates:  Oct. 24 (3:15 a.m.), 25 (10:00 a.m., 8:15 p.m.), 26 (7:30 p.m.), 27 (2:00 p.m., 11:35 p.m.), 29 (11:30 a.m., 10:30 p.m.), 30 (12:30 a.m.) and 31 (10:30 a.m.), and Nov. 13 (8:00 p.m.) and 14 (9:30 a.m.)

                HBO2 playdates:  Oct 25 (11:00 p.m.), and Nov. 11 (11:50 p.m.), 13 (12:40 a.m.) and 14 (4:00 p.m.)

                HBO On Demand availability begins:  Oct. 26

                Philippine sensation Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) opens his training camp in Baguio City, The Philippines, while Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) begins training in Tampa, Fla., as they prepare for their Nov. 14 fight in Las Vegas.

                Episodes two and three of 24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO debut on subsequent Saturdays – OCT. 31 (11:00-11:30 p.m.) and NOV. 7 (9:00-9:30 p.m.) – while the finale debuts FRIDAY, NOV. 13 (9:30-10:00 p.m.), just one night before the fight.  All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand.

                The executive producers of 24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO are Ross Greenburg and Rick Bernstein; coordinating producer, Dave Harmon; producers, Scott Boggins and Bentley Weiner; writer, Aaron Cohen.  Liev Schreiber narrates.

Manny Pacquiao aids storm victims in Manila

Saturday October 3, 2009 10:27 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Here is why Manny Pacquiao is so beloved in the Philippines. He's more than an athlete. He's the hope and heart of a nation.

Read the story in the Philippines Star

http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=511070&publicationSubCategoryId=69

Pacquiao, who is holding training camp in the Philippines for the Miguel Cotto fight, traveled to Manila to personally help relief efforts following a typhoon last week. Freddie Roach was against Pac Man breaking camp and was quoted in the article as saying:

“It’s his day-off and he wants to go to Manila to help out and see his daughter for her birthday which was yesterday. The weather is starting to get bad right now so I tried to talk him out of it but he’s a grown man he can think for himself,” said Roach.

“I didn’t want him to go because of the safety issue. The big part of the storm didn’t hit us but who knows it might come back. You can’t really predict the typhoon. I advised him to stay here and get some rest. He might get stranded in some place and that could be a problem.”

According to the Associated Press, the Philippines has been hit by a pair of typhoons in the last week. The second, which hit Saturday, killed two, the AP reported. But the earlier storm caused the worst flooding Manila in 40 years and was responsible for the deaths of  288 people.

Floyd Mayweather and Juan Marquez top million PPV buy mark

Friday September 25, 2009 1:09 PM By Marcus Henry

Who said Floyd Mayweather couldn't draw a crowd? 

The Mayweather-Marquez bout drew one million pay-per-view buys, according to a release by HBO today. That's pretty impressive considering there was no one named Oscar De la Hoya, Mike Tyson or Manny Pacquiao in the ring.

"September 19 was an event that connected with sports fans across the country," said HBO's Mark Taffet. "Floyd Mayweather has clearly reinforced his standing as a top attraction and fans are excited about his return to the sport."

It was the first fight in 21 months for Mayweather, who scored a unanimous decision victory over Marquez.

As for the breakdown, 525,000 buyers were cable subscribers, while the remaining 475,000 bought the fight on the dish.

Those numbers along should be enough to convince Bob Arum, who has publicly taken shots at Mayweather over the last year, that a Mayweather-Pacquiao or Mayweather-Miguel Cotto bout next spring would be in the best interest of boxing.

Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto kickoff media tour at Yankee Stadium

Thursday September 10, 2009 10:50 PM By Bobby Cassidy

First it was Yankees COO Lonn Trost. Then New York State Athletic Commissioner Melvina Lathan. Then HBO's Ross Greenburg. All of them called for a fight at Yankee Stadium today, during the Miguel Cotto-Manny Pacquiao press conference in the House that Jeter Built (Greenburg's name).

Trost basically put it to Bob Arum, asking the promoter to bring a potential Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Manny Pacquiao fight to the Bronx.

But first Pacquiao has to get by Cotto on November 14 in Las Vegas. Kicking off the media tour today at Yankee Stadium was a nice touch -- and as Marcus Henry reported earlier -- a big fight will land in the Bronx. But first things first.

Read Greg Logan's coverage of the event from today's Newsday.

* Arum introduced Pac Man as the fighter who stopped Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. When Cotto stepped to the mic, he reminded everyone, "I am not Oscar De La Hoya or Ricky Hatton." Nice counter.

* Pac Man conceded, I know that Miguel Cotto is bigger and stronger than me. We all know it too. But it hasn't mattered in Pac Man's last two fights. Manny was smiling when he said this.

* There were about 500 fans at the presser, which was open to the public. Most were of Puerto Rican heritage and very pro Cotto. There was a lot of good give-and-take between the fans and the participants.

* Good luck Yuri Foreman, from Brooklyn, who has quietly established himself as a leading 154-pound contender. He fights WBA champ Daniel Santos for the title on the Pacquiao-Cotto undercard. Foreman stated he would win the title and a fan shouted out, "It's not going to happen!" (Santos is Puerto Rican.) Foreman quickly countered, "It will happen."

* Paulie Malignaggi, Joshua Clottey and two-time Golden Gloves champ Anthony Laporte were in attendance. Laporte, son of former featherweight champ Juan Laporte, may turn pro later this year.

* As the festivities began, Trost said Yankee Stadium was home of the 26-time world champion New York Yankees, home of the greatest football game ever played, home of papal visits ... a fan interupted by shouting, "home of overpriced tickets." Trost responded, "home of underpriced tickets."
 
* Pacquiao and Cotto were both presented with Yankee jerseys. Cotto, though, is a big Mets fan. Carlos Beltran attends many of his fights.

* There was a buzz in the Bronx that Pacquiao and Freddie Roach have had a bit of a falling out over the fact that Pacquiao wants to have training camp in the Philippines. Roach usually trains him at the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, away from the distractions of home. I guess we'll have to watch 24/7 to find out.

*And speaking of 24/7, Buboy, from Pacquiao's entourage, got a big shout out from the crowd.

Watch a video from today's press conference:

HBO's Ross Greenburg announces Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7

Thursday September 10, 2009 10:20 PM By Bobby Cassidy

HBO's 24/7 returns with its seventh installment -- 24/7 PACQUIAO/COTTO -- an all-new four-episode, all-access series, The series debuts Saturday, Oct. 24 (10:15-10:45 p.m. ET/PT), the series will follow Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto as they prepare for their Nov. 14 pay-per-view showdown in Las Vegas.

HBO's Mayweather-Marquez 24/7, episode 2

Monday September 7, 2009 11:45 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Let's call this the family episode.

Best spoken line, Floyd Mayweather Jr.: "I regret not being a bigger man and stepping to him, like yo man this stuff is petty," on the estrangement with his dad.

Best spoken line, Juan Manuel Marquez: "Once I come out of the ring, I am a regular person like everybody else."

Watching them speak those words, we believe them.

Best written passage: "The stark perils of boxing can lead fighters to build invisible walls that even those closest to them can't scale. The lucky ones re-assess their paths and demolish the walls. When the bell rings, they are left alone but that doesn't mean they have to fight all by themselves."

Best written passage, Part 2: "Juan Manuel Marquez has come to make use of what nature left behind ... The only reward for each toss is a gasp of thin air which at an elevation of 14,000 feet stings the lungs as much as replenishes them."

Best written line: "For those nine years they shared nothing but a name," of the Mayweather's split.

Narration: We've said this before, but it's worth repeating. Is there anyone in the business better at reciting those lines than Liev Schreiber?

Disgusting: Let's get this out of the way. First we saw JMM channeling his inner Rocky Balboa and drinking 25 raw quail eggs (which he calls turkey boogers). OK. Not my cup of tea, so to speak, but I can accept it.  But then, we see him drink his own urine to get an edge. Yes, I turned away from the TV. The last time I checked, urine was still considered liquid waste, what's left when the body takes all the nutrients. But JMM feels he is getting additional vitamins from drinking his urine. (He's actually not alone, if you google it, people across the world drink it, feeling it cures everything from a skin rash to cancer.)  There may be some psychological effect here too, I mean Floyd is watching, and would you want to fight a guy crazy enough to drink his own urine?

Cleansing: Maybe JMM's time in the hyberbaric chamber negates the urine he drinks.

Training day: Marquez's training session at the volcano. It was old school and we loved it.

Training day, part 2: You can't watch a 24/7 episode with Floyd and not marvel at his training regimen.How about, doing a situp and then rising to your feet to throw punches and then getting back down to the situp position? All in one smooth motion. Do you know how hard that is?

Best supporting cast. Erica Marquez, for her stoic, unwavering loyalty to her husband. Runnerup, Floyd's cutman, handman, Rafael Garcia.

Oh the humanity. What HBO does better than anyone else is make these athletes human. They've been doing it for years, first with their pre-fight profiles and now with 24/7. You can say what you want about the Mayweathers, but how could you not smile watching Floyd Sr. and Jr. jumping rope to the Four Tops classic, "Reach Out, I'll Be There." The same for Marquez, who was spending time tutoring his son and then playing video games. After watching these shows, it becomes easier to identify with them. No, we can't relate to the millions and the mansions, but when it comes to family, and the joy -- and sometimes heartache -- that comes along with it, we've all been there.

History 101. Loved that Roger Mayweather talks boxing history. But not so sure he can claim Sugar Ray Robinson from the midwest. Yes, he was originally from Michigan, and legend has it, he did briefly step inside Detroit's Brewster Gym, he learned how to box in New York City as a teenager and earned his ring name here as well. Speaking of Brewster, it was the forerunner to Kronk and gave the boxing world Joe Louis and Eddie Futch.

History 102. We loved that Roger had friend of the Neutral Corner Carlos Ortiz in his collage of great fighters.

History 103. A little Mayweather history. Floyd Sr. lost to Sugar Ray Leonard. Roger lost twice to Julio Cesar Chavez and Jeff Mayweather lost to Oscar De La Hoya. Floyd has lost to no one. By the way, where is Jeff Mayweather in all of this?

Best spoken line, Floyd Mayweather Jr., part 2: "We don't get tired, we get hungrier."

Looking ahead. The next episode airs, Sept. 12, at 10 p.m. The Mayweather-Marquez fight is Saturday, Sept. 19 on HBO PPV... Manny Pacquiao has announced that his training camp for the Miguel Cotto fight will be in the Philippines. Should make for some great 24/7 visuals. But we'll miss the Wild Card Gym.

Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto Yankee Stadium press conference open to public

Tuesday September 1, 2009 12:31 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Diaz tops Malignaggi, what's next?

Sunday August 23, 2009 5:30 PM By Marcus Henry

Juan Diaz put himself back on the contender's list after scoring a unanimous decision win over Paulie Malignaggi in a 140-pound NABO junior welterweight title bout at the Toyota Center in Houston on Saturday.

The judges scored the bout 118-110, 116-112, 115-113.

For Diaz (35-2, 17 KOs), he hopes this win leads to a major bout against the winner of the Juan Manuel Marquez-Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout on September 19.

"I can fight at 135 pounds, I can fight at 140," Diaz said to reporters. "I think I'm ready to take on anybody now. Whoever wants to fight me, bring it on."

Unfortunately for Diaz, he may have to wait a long time for that to happen. Although he's squarely back in the championship mix, if Mayweather wins, it is doubtful he would want to fight Diaz.

Mayweather, at least in the Neutral Corner's opinion, will certainly look for a mega-fight against the winner of the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto tilt.

If Mayweather prevails, a rematch with Marquez could make sense for Diaz. The first time the two met, Marquez emerged victorious with a ninth-round knockout of Diaz.

Other possibilities for Diaz include the winner of Chris John-Rocky Juarez, who are fighting on the Marquez-Mayweather undercard or even a rematch with Malignaggi. Golden Boy Promotions head man, Oscar de la Hoya, suggested a bout with Ricky Hatton.

Anything is possible these days. But for right now, until the Marquez-Mayweather, Pacquiao-Cotto business is settled, much of what will go on in the 135, 140 and 147-pound divisions will be on hold.

As for Malignaggi (26-3, 5KOs), he wasn't at all pleased with the decision and wants a rematch in New York City.

"You don't see too many good decisions in Texas, with out-of-towners against Texas fighters," Malignaggi told reporters. "I put my two cents in before. I said, 'I dont' want [judges] Gale Van Hoy and I don't want Raul Caiz.' Raul had it pretty close. I thought I won the fight, but at least he had it close.

Van Hoy scored the bout 118-110.

"There is no way anyone won that fight 118-110, Malignaggi continued. "Gale Van Hoy just filled out his scorecard, on purpose, to [rob] Paulie Malignaggi. I don't know how Gale Van Hoy keeps getting jobs."

Photo: AP

Toe-to-Toe with Mets centerfielder Angel Pagan

Tuesday August 18, 2009 3:47 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Mets centerfielder Angel Pagan is generally regarded as the best all-around athlete on the Mets. In addition to baseball, he excelled in basketball and volleyball while growing up in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He also boxed. And his passion for the sport has never left him. He still follows the sweet science today and we've seen him ringside at a few Miguel Cotto fights. The Neutral Corner caught up with him at Citi Field this week.

Neutral Corner: How long have you followed boxing?

Angel Pagan: I'm a big, big boxing fan. It's probably my favorite sport. I've been following boxing for a long time. I boxed when I was young, when I was about 12 I boxed for a while. Then it came time for me to choose between boxing and baseball.

NC: We've seen you ringside at some Cotto fights with your teammates, what's the best fight you've ever seen live?

AP: I've seen Miguel Cotto fight live but the best fight I've seen live was the Felix Trinidad-Ricardo Mayorga fight at Madison Square Garden in 2004.

NC: What fighters do you follow now?

AP: I like Manny Pacquiao. To me he's the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. I like Miguel Cotto, but Ithink Pacquiao will beat him.

In the next locker, fellow Puerto Rican and Mets catcher Omir Santos, shoots him a dirty look.

NC: Why do you think Pacquiao will win?

AP: I think he's too fast for him. And I think the relationship he has with Freddie Roach has helped him tremendously. Freddie Roach knows him really well and they work really well together. That's so important to have that relationship with your trainer. Each fight, he gets better and better and I think that's because of Freddie Roach. In boxing, I'm realistic. That's how I make predictions, I don't pick with my heart. I think it's going to be a very good fight. But I think that Pacquiao will win by 10th-round knockout.

NC: Who was your favorite fighter growing up?

AP: I grew up watching Trinidad. He's my all-time favorite fighter.

At this point, the other Mets catcher, Brian Schneider, in the locker to Pagan's left, tells how Trinidad signed a baseball for him when he played in Puerto Rico as a member of the Expos. Pagan grins and says, "He should have knocked you out."

NC: Why did you like Trinidad?

AP: He did it all for Puerto Rico. He won for Puerto Rico. He represented us very well and people don't forget that. He's like a king in Puerto Rico. Everyone loves him.

(Newsday photo)

Report: Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto set for November 14

Monday July 20, 2009 5:23 PM By Marcus Henry

It's the fight Bob Arum hoped for, the fight he had been preaching since Miguel Cotto beat Joshua Clottey. It looks like he's finally made it.

Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2, 27 KOs) and Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) will square off against each other on November 14 at the MGM Grand, according to ESPN.com

"It's done," Arum told ESPN.com. "While I was away [on vacation] I reached a verbal agreement with each side. Pacquiao committed to the fight this weekend and Cotto the week before while I was in Israel.

The two will meet at a catch weight of 145 pounds.

Cotto is fresh off a split decision win over Joshua Clotty at Madison Square Garden on June 13. Pacquiao scored an easy knockout over Ricky Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Grand.

Report: Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto to fight in November

Tuesday June 16, 2009 2:53 PM By Bobby Cassidy

It's the fight Bob Arum wanted, and now it looks like he'll get it. Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao are reportedly going to fight on Nov. 14. Arum said in an interview with Mike Marley that was, in part, published in the Philippine Star. Arum said that Pac Man gave the bout the greenlight. Here is part of the article that appeared on the Philippine Star's web site.

"MANILA, Philippines -- Impressed by the tremendous amount of fan support Miguel Cotto generated in his welterweight fight yesterday, Manny Pacquiao has given promoter Bob Arum the go signal to arrange a fight between the two stars.

Speaking to Michael Marley of The Examiner, Arum -- who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto -- said he already has penciled November 14 as the targeted date for the Pacquiao-Cotto showdown.

Pacquiao sat ringside with Arum as Cotto carved out a hard-fought split decision win over the tough Joshua Clottey ..."Manny told me what to do. Manny told me 'Go ahead, make that fight.' So it will go Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand here in (Las) Vegas," Arum told Marley. "He (Pacquiao) was impressed by Cotto's fan support and told me it reminded him of how the British fans stand with Ricky Hatton.

Arum, meanwhile, assured that Cotto is enthusiastic with the prospect of a Pacquiao bout.

Bob Arum wants Cotto-Pacquiao, trashes Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Sunday June 14, 2009 9:17 PM By Bobby Cassidy

At the Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey postfight news conference on Saturday, Bob Arum expressed his interest in making a Cotto-Manny Pacquiao fight and ridiculed Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Miguel Cotto beats Joshua Clottey at Madison Square Garden

Sunday June 14, 2009 3:11 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Miguel cotto beat a good welterweight tonight at Madison Square Garden. It wasn't easy and it was indeed closer than Cotto and his legion of noisy fans expected, but the champion overcame a nasty cut over his left eye to eke out a split decision over Joshua Clottey.

The officials scores were 116-111 and 115-112 for Cotto and 114-113 for Clottey. This corner saw Cotto a 7-5 winner by rounds. Cotto retained his WBO welterweight title before 17,734 fans, many of whom will march with Cotto Sunday in the Puerto Rican Day parade.

I'm going to steal from A.J. Liebling here - if you are going to steal, why not from the best? - Joshua Clottey is as good a fighter as you can be without being a damn good fighter. Twice Clottey has challenged for the welterweight title and twice he has come up just short.Clottey was knocked down in the first round and Cotto was cut terribly along his left eye in the third round. It was clear the cut was bothering him. He pawed at it often and at times would quickly shake his head -- the way someone does when they have wet hair -- to try and remove the blood from his line of sight. The fear in the Cotto corner was that eventually he wouldn't see the vicious right hands Clottey was throwing.

The cut was Clottey's opportunity. And while Clottey capitalized a bit, he failed to press his advantage when it mattered most -- the second half of the fight. Those right hands came less and less.

Cotto, a gunslinger from Caguas, Puerto Rico, changed his approach to fighting and it saved his title. Rather than brawl, Cotto boxed and piled up just enough points to win. That is somewhat like going to see Alex Rodriguez hit and he goes 3-for-5 with two singles and a double. It's nice, but it's not exactly what you paid form

I'll steal from another great here - George Benton used to tell his fighters - "Win tonight, look good next time."

So Cotto won and it was a good fight. It really was. There were lots of give and take and both guys showed tremendous heart. Cotto looked better at the Garden against Shane Mosley and Zab Judah. But the 17,000 Puerto Ricans who made Madison Square Garden vibrate with noise, didn't seem to care. Cotto won and that made them happy, no, actually it made them delirious.

He can look good next time.

-- CASSIDY

Official Weights: Cotto and Clottey

Saturday June 13, 2009 11:02 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Both fighters made weight for tonight's welterweight title fight at Madison Square Garden. Miguel Cotto weighed in at 146 pounds and Clottey tipped the scale at the welterweight limit of 147.

This fight is not a gimme for Cotto. Clottey fought Antonio Margarito a very good fight back in Atlantic City during a Cotto and Margarito doublheader. Neither of these guys are in dull fights, so expect plenty of action over the 12 rounds. This corner likes Cotto in 12.

Brandon Jacobs hoping to set up post-football career

Wednesday June 10, 2009 6:09 PM By Marcus Henry

Giants running back Brandon Jacobs was a very conspicuous observer at the Miguel Cotto-Joshua Clottey press conference at Madison Square Garden.

But he's not some johnny-come-lately celebrity boxing fan. The 6-4, 260-pound bruiser says he is a big time fight fan for a long time. In fact, the Super Bowl champion is hoping to become a fulltime manager when his football days are over.

"It's early for me, so I'm just trying to get my feet wet," said Jacobs, who recently took over the managing duties of long time friend Kendall Holt. "We're just trying to get things set in stone and just trying to get my next career going right now."

Jacobs won't be going at it alone. Jacobs is in the process of securing a deal to work with long time manager Pat Lynch, who helped shape the career of Arturo Gatti.

Lynch was eager to get started working with Jacobs. "We're looking to sign some young fighters," Lynch said. "Brandon's a very knowledgable guy in the boxing business."

As for the Cotto and Clottey bout, Jacobs wouldn't offer any predictions, but did say "it would be a tough fight".

- MARCUS HENRY

Video: Miguel Cotto works out in the Bronx

Sunday June 7, 2009 4:53 PM By Bobby Cassidy

This video comes courtesy of Ed Keenan:

Manny Pacquiao doesn't need Floyd Mayweather, but what about Shane Mosley?

Sunday May 31, 2009 4:55 PM By Bobby Cassidy

To this corner, Manny Pacquiao is in the driver's seat. He's on top, he should dictate terms. He is wildly popular at home and in the States. If he fights Floyd Mayweather Jr. or Sugar Shane Mosley or Miguel Cotto, it's big business.

Let's try to make some sense of all the talk, internet posts and news reports.

1. Manny Pacquiao wants to fight again in October. We suggested here that Pacquiao should fight that bout in the Philippines. One thing for certain, Mayweather -- win or lose in July -- won't be ready to fight Pac Man in October.

2. Making a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight even more difficult to happen is PBF's demand that he get a 60-40 split. Bob Arum told the Philippine Star, “You can tell Floyd Mayweather that Bob Arum said he’s delusional... Floyd is not the attraction. Manny is the attraction. Floyd’s got no idea what he’s talking about... Even a 50/50 split with Floyd Mayweather is nonsense.”

OK, moving right along.

3. A Miguel Cotto (should he get by Joshua Clottey) and Pac Man fight is very intriguing. They are both promoted by Arum so there would be few obstacles. When you add the Latino market to the PPV audience, numbers should jump. The catch here is that Cotto has already intimated he's not too interested in fighting at a catch weight of say, 144. Remember, he was more than happy to leave 140 and stop sucking weight, so why go back? Well, money will do that to you.

4. Now enter Sugar Shane Mosley. Dan Rafael quoted Sugar Shane on ESPN.com as saying,

"I want it to be known that I want to fight Pacquiao and I want to fight him now," Mosley said. "I'm willing to meet at a catch weight to make that happen. I know this is what [Pacquiao trainer] Freddie Roach wants as well, as he has previously stated this to press. I am the best fighter in boxing and I am ready to reclaim the title of No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter."

The bottom line is that Mosley needs either Mayweather or Pac Man. Yes, the obvious fight is Pac Man vs. Mayweather. But how many times has the obvious fight not been made? Too many. Mosley has also attempted to bait Mayweather into a fight, but PBF has never seemed interested in fighting Shane. Why is that?

Which leads us to ... October 17, 2009, Manila, Manny Pacquiao vs. Sugar Shane Mosley.

Neither of these guys are ever in a dull fight. Please, someone make it happen.

CLICK HERE to read all of the Neutral Corner's coverage of Manny Pacquiao

Floyd Mayweather demanding more money than Manny Pacquiao

Friday May 29, 2009 8:49 PM By Bobby Cassidy

With Floyd "Money" Mayweather it really is about the money. There are two reports that carry quotes in which Floyd Mayweather Jr. says he will never enter into a fight with Pacquiao with a 50-50 purse split.

"Pacquiao will never get 50/50. It'll be a cold day in hell before that happens," he said in this report.

(Here's the other report)

Pacquiao's camp wants a 60-40 split, but, so too, does Mayweather.

Here's a quote from Mayweather explaining why he deserves more money: "We deal with facts," the undefeated Mayweather said in an article appearing on Philstar.com. "When he fought with Oscar, he did 1.24 (million buys). When I fought Oscar, we did 2.5 (million). Against Hatton, they did 800 (thousand) and change. I did 930 (thousand) for the same fight. I did over a million in the (United Kingdom for the Hatton fight) and they did less than half of that," he added.

There are two trains of thought here. Either, Bob Arum won't agree to Floyd's terms so he can be the good guy (and with Floyd that's usually pretty easy) and line up a Cotto-Pacquiao fight (as we suggested here). Or Floyd doesn't really want to fight Pacquiao and is conveniently pricing himself out of the fight. A tactic used more than one would think.

This corner feels that it's Pacquiao who deserves the purse advantage on this one. Floyd needs him a lot more than Manny needs Floyd. This will most certainly be continued.

More Coverage -- Read: Manny Pacquiao should demand to fight in Philippines

-- CASSIDY

Miguel Cotto is focusing exclusively on Joshua Clottey

Friday May 29, 2009 5:11 PM By Bobby Cassidy

As much as reporters tried to get him to talk about Manny Pacquiao during yesterday's conference call, Miguel Cotto focused solely on his next opponent, Joshua Clottey. Cotto defends his WBO welterweight crown against Clottey, out of the Bronx via Ghana, at Madison Square Garden on June 13.

Here is part of what Cotto had to say during the call:

On his first training camp without his uncle, Evangelista Cotto, as the trainer: "Training camp is running really good, I’m pretty happy to be here and I am excited for the fight... Training camp is running normal, everything is running better."

On Joshua Clottey: "I train for everything, if he wants to move, I am ready for him, if he wants to face me in the middle of the ring , I am ready for him … I never expect an easy fight from any kind of fighter. I always train hard for any kind of fighter. I am ready for anything that Joshua Clottey brings me."

On fighting on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade (for the fourth time) in New York: It means a lot to me because I am a big part of the Puerto Rican weekend in New York. Being a part of that, means a lot for any person."

On why he has not challenged his defeat to Antonio Margarito, since Margarito and his trainer have subsequently been suspended for using illegal substances in Margarito's hand wraps against Shane Mosley: "We committed the mistake of not sending anyone to Margarito's dressing room to check the way (his trainer) wrapped his hands. We didn’t check, so we can’t talk about something we didn’t know."

-- CASSIDY

Will Manny Pacquiao skip Mayweather Jr. and go straight to Cotto?

Thursday May 28, 2009 9:27 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Miguel Cotto had a conference call with reporters today. And while it was just Miguel Cotto on the call, the presence of Manny Pacquiao was a constant. Reporters asked Cotto in a variety of ways whether or not he would fight Pacquiao. Cotto wasn't biting, continually stating he is focused on his next opponent, Joshua Clottey. (Which is not an easy fight, by the way.)

If it should happen, a Pacquiao-Cotto fight would be a fantastic action fight, while Mayweather Jr., the man most people expect Pac Man to fight next, generally engages in dull fights.

All Cotto would say about Pacquiao, when asked about the Hatton fight, was this: "It was a very strong moment for Pacquiao."

But sometimes, silence is louder than actual words. Consider this:

1. Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto are both promoted by Bob Arum. Arum made it a point to say that Pacquiao will be in attendance for the Cotto-Clottey fight. Cotto vs. Pacquiao is a win-win for Arum.

2. While the entire world knows the obvious fight is Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Jr., Pacquiao refused to commit to his next opponent when he was repeatedly asked about it after the Hatton fight.

3. Will Pac Man be happy to sit on the sidelines and wait for Floyd? Mayweather Jr. fights Juan Manuel Marquez in July. It will probably be six months before Floyd fights again -- if he wins. Is that too long for Pac Man to wait? Pac Man has already stated he wants to fight in October.

4. Both Cotto and Pacquiao are not talking about fighting each other. But when two guys -- promoted by the same promoter -- start saying they don't want to fight each other, well that gives us just enough reason to be just a little suspicious. -- CASSIDY

CLICK HERE to read all of the Neutral Corner's coverage of Manny Pacquiao

Joshua Clottey stripped of IBF title

Friday April 24, 2009 5:49 PM By Marcus Henry

It looks like the only belt that will be on the line in the Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey fight on June 13 will be Cotto’s WBO welterweight title. Joshua Clottey was stripped of his IBF welterweight title earlier this week for failing to beat the deadline to defend his title against the IBF’s No.1 ranked contender Isaac Hlatshwayo of South Africa.

Clottey didn’t meet the IBF deadline because Cotto’s camp delayed signing the deal for their fight. Although Clottey has said he would love to keep the IBF title, fighting Hlatshwayo is a lose-lose situation. Fighting Cotto would open more doors.

Hlatshwayo will fight Rafael Jackiwicz for the vacant IBF title.

- MARCUS HENRY

Joshua Clottey looking to open doors

Tuesday April 14, 2009 5:11 PM By Marcus Henry

Landing a mega-fight with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto is exactly what IBF welterweight champ Joshua Clottey is looking for.

"I'm so happy. I can't believe he accepted the fight," said Clottey. "I respect him for that."

Clottey (35-2, 21 KOs) will face Cotto (33-1, 27 KOs) on June 13 at Madison Square Garden on HBO Championship Boxing.

Clottey has an impressive track record, with wins over Zab Judah, Diego Corrales and Shamone Alvarez. Clottey went the distance in a unanimous-decision loss to Antonio Margarito in December of 2006.

A win would certainly put Clottey in line for a big-money fight sometime in November or December against one of several opponents. Shane Mosely, Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather and even a rematch with Margarito (assuming he gets is license back) are all possible opponents.

"This is going to do a lot for me," he said. "[When I win] I'll be thinking about Shane Mosley."

- MARCUS HENRY

Miguel Cotto to move on with new trainer

Tuesday April 14, 2009 5:08 PM By Marcus Henry

WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto has had a lot on his plate lately.

In addition to agreeing to face IBF welterweight champ Joshua Clottey at Madison Square Garden on June 13, Cotto recently fired his uncle and longtime trainer Evangelista Cotto after a physical altercation.Cotto has yet to select a new trainer and said assistant trainer Joe Santiago will serve has head trainer for the time being.

The abrupt change in trainers comes at a critical time for Cotto (33-1, 27 KOs), who is still in the process of rebuilding his reputation after a loss to Antonio Margarito last July. Cotto scored a 5th-round TKO over Michael Jennings February 21 in his first fight since the loss to Margarito.

Cotto, during a pre-fight new conference at MSG yesterday, refused to talk about the altercation with his uncle, calling it “a family matter”. But he stressed that the change won’t effect is training. “I am enough [of a] professional to keep away the distractions with my trainer,” said Cotto.

Cotto, who is set to begin training Wednesday, moved his camp from Puerto Rico to Tampa, Fla. “I don’t want any distractions,” he said.

Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum said the tension between Cotto and his uncle had been building. “[Evangelista] didn’t even talk to Cotto during the entire training session for the Margarito fight,” Arum said. “Miguel couldn’t operate under the present atmosphere.”

Cotto is hoping for a fresh start with Santiago. “It’s a new beginning for my career,” he said. “I’m going to start another type of training.”

- MARCUS HENRY

Miguel Cotto to fight Joshua Clottey at Madison Square Garden

Friday April 10, 2009 11:24 AM By Bobby Cassidy

WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto will fight IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey will fight Saturday, June 13, at Madison Square Garden. This is Cotto's annual pre-Puerto Rican Day Parade fight at the Garden. The bout will be broadcast live on HBO World Championship Boxing, beginning at 10:35 P.M.

Cotto walked through Michael Jennings in his last Garden appearance. But Clottey is extremely tough. He lost a unanimous decision to Antonio Margarito in 2006, but it was a very close unanimous decision. He also has wins over Diego Corrales and Zab Judah. -- CASSIDY

Antonio Margarito's fate is finally sealed

Friday March 27, 2009 3:07 PM By Marcus Henry

The hand wraps confiscated from Antonio Margarito on the eve of his welterweight title fight with Shane Mosley in January had two elements of plaster of Paris (calcium and sulfur), according to a Los Angeles Times report.

Tests of the wraps were conducted by the Department of Justice laboratory.

Margarito and his trainer Javier Capetillo had their licenses revoked by the California State Athletic Commission on February 10. Neither can partcipate in boxing for at least a year and must reapply for their licenses.

So where does this leave Margarito? Although Margarito is promoted by Bob Arum, who also promotes Miguel Cotto, it's hard to see him getting a big-money fight anytime in the near future. Stranger things have happened, but Margarito is damaged goods. If he could've defeated Mosely without the illegal substance, it would be a different story.

Margarito's promoter Arum, who said last month that he'd like to have his fighter resurface in Mexico later this year, wouldn't comment on the LA Times report other than to say "I'd have to see [the report]."

Why boxing desperately needs Manny Pacquiao

Thursday February 26, 2009 5:01 PM By Bobby Cassidy

I will tell you why.

Oscar De La Hoya is done. Even if he is not ready to admit it.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is still retired. Joe Calzaghe has retired. Roy Jones Jr. should retire.

Bernard Hopkins is 44. Evander Holyfield is 46.

The heavyweight division is, well, a division no one cares much about.

And we can't really be sure if Kelly Pavlik and Miguel Cotto are actually back, given the opposition they faced in their comeback fights. And we can't really be sure if Antonio Margarito will ever fight from under the A-Rod-type cloud of suspicion that now hovers over him.

So, yeah, boxing desperately needs Manny Pacquiao. But to what degree can he deliver?We asked several experts in the industry if they thought it were possible for Pac Man to replace the Golden Boy as boxing's true superstar. Here's what they had to say:

Doug Fischer, co-editor of RingTV.com: "I don't think Pacquiao can replace De La Hoya as boxing's star in the United States. He doesn't speak English well enough, he doesn't have the look of a soap opera actor, and he doesn't have the Mexican heritage, which helped Oscar's popularity. However, I believe he can at least equal De La Hoya's presence internationally. Obviously, Pacquiao's huge in the Philippines, but also throughout Asia, and he's known to hardcore fight fans around the world. If he adds Ricky Hatton's scalp to his list of victims, his stature will rise in the UK the same way it did in the U.S. after he beat De La Hoya, perhaps more so, because boxing is more of a major sport in Britain. His willingness to take on quality fighters, his all-action style, and his relationship with HBO coulp help him become the best known Asian pro athlete in the U.S. this side of Yao Ming - as long as he keeps winning. A showdown with Floyd Mayweather would boost his popularity tremendously.

Brian Doogan, Sunday Times of London: "Manny Pacquiao is an exciting, accomplished fighter with clear crossover appeal in his native Philippines. His victory over Oscar De La Hoya will have made him much better known internationally, too, but a win over Oscar does not automatically make that fighter the next Oscar. Felix Trinidad did not transcend the sport when he beat Oscar, nor did Shane Mosley. Bernard Hopkins has done so to a degree in America and Floyd Mayweather is a different personality. If Pacquiao beats Ricky Hatton and follows up with a win over Mayweather I think then he will have become a boxing star recognized more by the general public."

John Scully, former light heavyweight contender: "I would think it would be very hard. Oscar was such a media a star, loved by the women, very good looking, etc. etc. etc. Other than the fact that he can fight very well, what does Manny have to bring to the table that could make him a superstar? Sometimes I think people confuse what a superstar actually is. Manny could be a boxing star, an idol to his country, but a superstar in my opinion is a main stream star. Ali, Leonard, Oscar. It's a limited pool to draw from. To be a true superstar you'd have to be able to do commercials, hawk products, conduct great and revealing interviews, have a back story that average people can either relate to or want to get behind. I wouldn't think Manny could be included in that category no matter who he beats."

Steve Farhood, Showtime analyst: "Pacquiao is already a superstar, but to even BEGIN to venture into Oscar territory, he'll have to beat Floyd Mayweather. I believe that if Pacquiao convincingly defeats Hatton, Mayweather will reappear because a fight with Manny would mean "manny, manny" millions. I'd also like to see Pacquiao fight the winner of the title unification bout between Kendall Holt and Timothy Bradley, which will be on Showtime on April 4.

Nigel Collins, editor-in-chief, The Ring: "It would be both unrealistic and unfair to expect Pacquiao to be the ‘new De La Hoya.’ The pertinent question is how much of the void can Pacquiao fill. In many ways, we are fortunate to have Manny as the sport’s new standard-bearer. He is already a superstar within the insular world of boxing and now has an opportunity to soar higher than any of his contemporaries due to his unique qualifications. He is an extremely fan-friendly package of mayhem that practically guarantees a bit of the old ultra violence every time he fights. This is no small thing in an era populated by so many hesitant performers. Most of whom lack the passion to reached beyond themselves in search of glory. Pacquiao, on the other hand, happily pours everything he has into every fight.”

Ron Ross, boxing author: "Even being a superstar is relative. If you hang your hat on a rack in Manila the question of whether Manny Pacuiao can replace Oscar De La Hoya as boxing's superstar, the response can very possibly be, "Oscar who?" Superstardom was achieved for the Pacman on this Pacific island nation long before he pounded the Golden Boy en route to a one-sided TKO drubbing, but his being accorded such status in North America or much of Europe depends on a lot more than talent, ability and defeating all comers. Generally speaking, greatness is in the eyes of the beholders and the beholders view along ethic and nationalistic lines. These lines do become less rigid in time. Manny Pacquiao has all the equipment - a Henry Armstrong-like arsenal of non-stop punches, electrifying power, speed and boxing skills - to qualify him as a true superstar of the boxing world. He's already achieved that status in parts of the world. Just like the time zone difference, it may take a little longer but that bright spotlight is going to shine on Manny Pacquiao here too."

-- CASSIDY

Will Miguel Cotto vs. Manny Pacquiao happen?

Sunday February 22, 2009 4:35 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Is it long before we see Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao in the same ring?

If last night at Madison Square Garden was any indication, it's a good bet we will see that fight. As Marcus Henry reported in Newsday today, immediately after he dispatched a game, but limited, Michael Jennings, Cotto said, to .. "the winner of Pacquiao-Hatton, I'm here!"

That sentiment was toned down a bit later at the official post-fight press conference. Cotto issued the standard, "it's up to Top Rank," when asked if he would fight Pac Man. Of course, Pacquiao first has to defeat Ricky Hatton on May 2 and Cotto will likely fill his normal June date at Madison Square Garden. Top Rank and Cotto generally fight at the Garden the same weekend as the Puerto Rican Day parade. The speculation is that Cotto will face Kermit Cintron on that card.

So that leaves both Pacquiao and Cotto with a November date to fill. Most people in the press section last night were betting they would fill that date together. Top Rank just happens to promote both fighters. So when Cotto says, "it's up to Top Rank," it sounds like a good bet.

CLICK HERE for photos of the Miguel Cotto-Michael Jennings fight

-- CASSIDY

Miguel Cotto stops Michael Jennings

Saturday February 21, 2009 11:40 PM By Marcus Henry

By Marcus Henry

Questions surrounding the future and current status of welterweight star Miguel Cotto have been circulating ever since the first loss of his career – an 11th-round TKO at the hands of Antonio Margarito on July, 26.

Was it a sign of his decline? Was Margarito that good? Was Cotto prepared?

Those questions were answered in dominating fashion last night as Cotto scored a fifth-round TKO over England’s Michael Jennings to capture the WBO welterweight championship in front of 11,120 at Madison Square Garden.

Referee Benji Estevez stopped the fight with 24 seconds to go in the fifth round.

Stepping into the ring fresh off a loss isn’t easy for some fighters. Cotto, however, used it as motivation. “The loss made me stronger, more focused and a better fighter,” he said.

Cotto’s domination began in the fourth as he peppered Jennings (34-2, 16 KOs) with body shots and forced him into two standing eight counts.

“He’s a great fighter, the hardest puncher I’ve ever faced,” Jennings said. “He’s deceiving. You think you’re out of his range, [then] he strikes and connects.”

Punch stat numbers were all in Cotto’s favor has he landed 118 of 237 thrown, compated to 30 of 197 for Jennings. But Cotto (33-1, 26 KOs) didn’t come out looking for a quick strike. He took time to size Jennings up.

“It was a little slow in the beginning,” said the three-time champion. “I wanted to be the Miguel who came out and studied his opponent for the first few rounds.”

The difference between power punches landed for each fighter was staggering as Cotto landed 72 of 135 thrown. Jennings, who tried to play keep away in the early rounds, hit just 17 of the 44 power punches he threw.

“The way he moved in the beginning made it difficult,” Cotto said. “Then I caught up to him.”

With each shot Cotto landed, his large fan base at the Garden began to get louder. Cotto, a New York City favorite among Latino fight fans, reciprocated the love. “When I first started to fight here a couple people would come,” Cotto said. “When I came out tonight it was great.”

As for his future, Cotto was quick to let everyone know what he wants and said: “The winner of Pacquiao-Hatton, I’m here.”

Miguel Cotto vs. Michael Jennings

Saturday February 21, 2009 10:34 PM By Marcus Henry

- Marcus Henry

Miguel Cotto's fan base is still second to none in New York City as the crowd went crazy when he made his entrance. You think the fans want to see a Cotto-Margarito rematch? No question.

Cotto (32-1, 26 KOs) must first get past Michael Jennings (34-1, 16 KOs) for the WBO welterweight title.

Round 1: You can run, but you won't be able to hide forever. Jennings looked a little shell-shocked out there. Cotto landed a solid left to the body with 50 seconds left, which set the tone for the remainder of the fight. Cotto wins the round without breaking a sweat, 10-9.

Round 2: A relatively slow round with Cotto taking it in the last five seconds with a combination to the body and a shot to the head. Cotto got the crowd going for a second with a straight right that knocked Jennings' head back a bit. Cotto wins 10-9.

Round 3: Neither fighter has taken control of the fight, although Cotto is landing the crisper shots. Jennings held his own and even took a couple of chances with a left-right combo, but Cotto made him pay for it with his jab every time. Cotto wins 10-9.

Round 4: Everything began working for Cotto as he caught Jennings with a left uppercut with 1:46 left and a straight left with 1:25 left. It really heated up a little later as Cotto knocked Jennings down twice, with a flurry of body shots. Jennings only survived because the round ended before Cotto could finish him. Cotto gets a 10-8 round.

Round 5: It was another round of hide and go seek for a while, but Cotto ended that as referee Benji stopped it with 24 seconds left in round 5. It was all Cotto the whole fight as Jennings was overmatched. Any questions about Cotto being finished were answered.

Cotto easily won every round.

Stone Roses singer Ian Brown a big fan of Michael Jennings

Friday February 20, 2009 11:26 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Stone Roses singer Ian Brown is a big fan of welterweight Michael Jennings, who fights Miguel Cotto for the WBO welterweight crown Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Brown said he plans on being ringside at the Garden for the fight. Read this story in the Lancashire Evening Post about Brown and Jennings.

Miguel Cotto returns to comfort zone for comeback fight

Thursday February 19, 2009 10:28 PM By Bobby Cassidy

It has been seven months since Miguel Cotto suffered the first defeat of his pro career. That was a brutal 11th-round TKO at the hands of Antonio Margarito. Such defeats are not always easy to come back from. That may be why Cotto is returning to the scene of two of his greatest triumphs.

On Saturday, promoter Bob Arum has arranged for Cotto to enter the Madison Square Garden ring to face England's Michael Jennings for the WBO welterweight title. Cotto has fought four times at the Garden and has won impressively each time. In his last two Garden appearances he beat Zab Judah and Sugar Shane Mosley, perhaps his biggest wins as a pro.

Not much is known about Jennings -- or the 34 men he has defeated in a prize ring. And that's pretty standard for a comeback fight. Cotto has endured some great wars in his career, but don't be surprised if this one isn't exactly a typical Cotto battle of attrition. This fight smells more like a tuneup than a showdown. But if it turns out to be more than that, perhaps Cotto lost more to Margarito than we thought. -- CASSIDY

Miguel Cotto - Michael Jennings fight night facts

Wednesday February 18, 2009 11:42 PM By Marcus Henry

Fight facts

The Top Rank pay-per-view event will begin at 9 p.m. The Miguel Cotto - Michael Jennings and John Duddy - Matt Vanda will originate from MSG beginning at 9 p.m. ET. The broadcast will shift to Youngstown, OH for Kelly Pavlik vs. Marco Antonio Rubio.

All bouts that aren't televised can be seen via the internet on the Yahoo! sports page. Michael Buffer and Jimmy Lennon Jr. will introduce the main events from Madison Square Garden and Youngstown, respectively. MSG spectators will be able to see the live broadcast of the Pavlik- Rubio fight, while spectators at the Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown will be able to see Cotto-Jennings.

The pay-per-view price is $44.95.

For those wondering, this is NOT a HBO pay-per-view event. It is a Top Rank PPV event.

Miguel Cotto doesn't think Antonio Margarito cheated against him

Wednesday February 18, 2009 11:17 PM By Marcus Henry

By Marcus Henry

Although Miguel Cotto is convinced Antonio Margarito knew exactly what his trainer Javier Capetillo wrapped his hands before his fight with Shane Mosley, he chose not believe Margarito cheated in their fight.

"I prefer to think he had a great night against me," Cotto said.

Cotto (32-1, 26 KOs), who will take on England's Michael Jennings (34-1, 16 KOs) in a scheduled 12-round WBO welterweight bout on Saturday, said it took two or three weeks to get over his 11th-round TKO loss to Margarito. You'd think the revelation of Margarito's illegal hand wrap would've changed his opinion. Not so for the two-time welterweight champ.

"I feel better that way," he replied when further pressed about it.

Margarito and Capetillo both had their licenses revoked. Neither can participate in boxing in the United States for a year. Both can re-apply next year. Margarito losing his license dashed any hopes of a rematch with Cotto happening this year.

Top Rank's Bob Arum, who promotes both Margarito and Cotto, said he's hoping to have Cotto back in the ring in June for a bout with Kermit Cintron.

Arum, who has maintainted that Margarito's punishment was too harsh, has hinted towards promoting a Margarito card in Mexico. "The rules say that you punish someone four their own wrong doing," he said.

Shea to make history. Maureen Shea (13-0, 7 KOs) will take to the ring on Saturday for the WBA super featherweight title. It's the first time the WBA will recognize a female champion in the super featherweight division. For those who don't know who Shea is, she was Hilary Swank's main sparring partner in preparation for the Oscar-award winning movie Million Dollar Baby.

"It shows that there's market for women's boxing," Shea said of the WBA's decision to recognize a champion in her division. "I hope other females get the same opportunities I got."

Cotto throws out challenge to Manny Pacquiao

Tuesday January 13, 2009 9:14 PM By Bobby Cassidy

It wasn't exactly an old-school call out, but it was interesting nonetheless. At the presser to announce the Miguel Cotto, Kelly Pavlik two-city doubleheader today, Cotto had this to say about Manny Pacquiao:

"If Manny Pacquiao wants to stay at 147 and fight one of the biggest names in boxing - I am available."

He had a lot more to say, including that he's never seen his opponent, Michael Jennings, fight and it didn't appear that he cared too much. Hard to say where Cotto's looking next -- Pacquiao? Margarito? Would he really want to do that again? One thing though, judging by the quotes, it seems he's looking past Jennings.A fight with Pacquiao offers Cotto riches well beyond anything he has earned in the ring. A Margarito rematch offers him a chance at redemption. Where does the modern-day fighter look? Usually it's for the money.

But the making of either fight, is not up to Cotto. Margarito is scheduled to fight Sugar Shane Mosley and Pacquiao should be fighting Ricky Hatton, although that fight could fall apart because of purse splits.

Of the first Margarito fight, Cotto had this to say:

"I would like to get the rematch right away with Margarito, but I have to wait for the company to decide then we will see. It is a rematch that I want. Not badly (laughing), but I want it. When I fight him again, I will try to be a better boxer... I never watched the fight. I've been there, so I don't need to see it (laughing)."

On February 21, Cotto returns to the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden to face Jennings and world middleweight champion Pavlik makes his world title defense against Marco Antonio Rubio a homecoming at the Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown, Ohio.

Both fights will be broadcast -- from different cities -- live on the same pay-per-view card.

-Click here to see the latest Manny Pacquiao photos

Miguel Cotto and Kelly Pavlik part of two-city doubleheader

Thursday January 8, 2009 1:42 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Top Rank is calling it a Tale of Two Cities. Miguel Cotto returns to the ring to face Michael Jennings for the vacant WBO welterweight title at Madison Square Garden and Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik defends his middleweight title against No. 1 contender Marco Antonio Rubio at the Chevrolet Centre in Youngstown, Ohio. Both fights will take place on February 21 and both will be broadcast -- from different cities -- live on Pay-Per-View.

Pavlik returns to the ring after his first career loss, against Bernard Hopkins. This is also the first fight for Cotto since being defeated by Antonio Margarito. -- CASSIDY

After destroying Oscar, who is next for Manny Pacquiao?

Sunday December 7, 2008 9:59 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Manny Pacquiao's domination of Oscar De La Hoya was so thorough, so complete, it is hard to imagine who will be able to give Pac Man a good fight. Well, of course, we have some ideas.Floyd Mayweather Jr.: A few weeks ago we suggested that a Pac Man-Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight would rank among the biggest in history. We still think so and with Manny's dominating performance against Oscar, it should serve as even more motivation for Pretty Boy Floyd to come out of retirement. While somewhere in Las Vegas mansion Floyd was probably thinking, boxing is really going to miss me! Not any more. Manny is essentially relegating Floyd irrelevant. Thus, fueling the fire for a return.

Ricky Hatton: That was the name most often tossed around on fight night. It makes sense. Manny has expressed a desire to move back down to 140 pounds and Hatton is the biggest name in that division. I've heard they are talking about that fight in the new Wembley Stadium. It's a great fight for Manny on the way to a Floyd showdown.

Antonio Margarito: A logical choice if Manny were to stay at welterweight, but it seems that he has decided to drop down to 140. Margarito presents a far more difficult challenge than anyone else simply because of his size (he is a huge welterweight), his power and his ability to absorb a punch. This fight may be best fought at a catch-weight of say 144.

Miguel Cotto: Could be a great action fight. Perhaps even at a catch-weight of 144 pounds. At this point, do the titles even matter? Cotto would probably make 144 easier than Margarito. Remember, Cotto moved up to welterweight after dominating 140.

Yuriorkis Gamboa: The Cuban star has just the right style to mix with Manny. This fight may still be a ways off, but keep an eye on Gamboa as a potential opponent for Manny is he drops back down in weight.

Paul Williams: The southpaw just moved up to 154 pounds and won a title. He defeated Antonio Margarito at welterweight. He may not be a big enough name to fill out the dance card with Manny, but if Pac Man desires a title at a new weight class, this could be the ticket.

Juan Manuel Marquez: Would anyone mind seeing this for a third time? I'd pay to see it again.

-- CASSIDY

"Sugar" Shane Mosley not finished yet

Saturday September 27, 2008 10:06 AM By Marcus Henry

By Marcus Henry

"Sugar" Shane Mosley is not ready to hang it up yet. Still confident in his game and willing to take on anyone in the welterweight division, a dominating win against Ricardo Mayorga (29-6-1, 23 KOs) tonight on HBO, could thrust Mosley (44-5, 37 KOs) back toward the limelight.

With no Floyd Mayweather, that leaves Antonio Margarito, who tookcare of Miguel Cotto, at the top of the list. But with rumors circulating that Margarito and Cotto might mix it up again, Mosley could be left out in the cold.

"Oh well, that just lets me know that they want no part of me," Mosley said of the possible rematch. "I'm still the top fighter out there."

As noble as that sounds, even Mosley knows there aren't a lot of big paydays out there. But he still plans to press on. "I'm motivated right now to be the thorn in everybody's backside," he said.

DiBella signs Kermit Cintron

Sunday August 10, 2008 6:31 PM By Bobby Cassidy

New York promoter Lou DiBella has signed former welterweight champion Kermit “The Killer” Cintron to a promotional agreement.

“I am happy to work with Kermit,” said DiBella. “He is a tough, quick, aggressive fighter in the ring and a class act out of it. It’s a wide open welterweight division. Kermit is a devastating puncher and certainly has the ability to win another world title.”

Cintron is a former IBF welterweight champion with a record of 29-2 with 27 knockouts. Both of those losses, however, have come against Antonio Margarito. And while a third match against Margarito is not likely, Cintron could make for an interesting opponent for Miguel Cotto.

“Kermit is still a young man in the prime of his career, and losing to a fighter the caliber of Margarito is certainly no disgrace,” said DiBella. “Kermit is an intelligent athlete who knows exactly what he has to do to get to the top of the most talented division in boxing. We will help him get there.”

-- CASSIDY

HBO to broadcast Margarito-Cotto on Saturday

Monday July 28, 2008 4:14 PM By Bobby Cassidy

HBO Sports will present the exclusive replay of the Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito welterweight title fight this Saturday, Aug. 2 at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO. The HBO Sports team, which was ringside for the live event at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, will call all the action. The replay will be available in HDTV. It will be part of a doubleheader that will include the previously announced welterweight title bout between welterweights Zab Judah and Joshua Clottey.

-- CASSIDY

Antonio Margarito upsets Miguel Cotto for welterweight title

Sunday July 27, 2008 5:17 PM By Bobby Cassidy

Maybe Floyd Mayweather Jr. was on to something? Sugar Shane Mosley too. Both of these future Hall-of-Famers turned down fights against Antonio Margarito.

Give Miguel Cotto credit. He took a fight that many top boxers avoided. But he ended up paying a stiff price, a punishing TKO loss that cost him his WBA welterweight title. Margarito stopped Cotto in the 11th round Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden. He dropped Cotto twice and

the champion's corner stopped the fight with 55 seconds left in the round.

(Click through photos of the Antonio Margarito-Miguel Cotto fight here)

Cotto was 32-0 entering the fight and had been extremely impressive since moving up in weight and capturing the WBA welterweight title in December of 2006. The rise from 140 pounds seemed to invigorate his career.

But at the end of the day, Margarito (37-5) was bigger and stronger. He turned pro at the age of 15 in Mexico and always fought near the welterweight limit (147). In fact, some of his fights came at 154 pounds. In contrast, Cotto turned pro at lightweight (135 pounds). Margarito is the more natural welterweight and that was the difference.

The one fault in Cotto the fighter always appeared to be his chin. And while he withstood some heavy shots, Margarito's power and relentless attack was too much for him to take. Margarito, however, was able to absorb all of Cotto's power.

The win moves Margarito into position to face Oscar De La Hoya in what could be the final fight of Oscar's career. There was speculation that Cotto would be that opponent, now the most obvious choice in Margarito. Oscar has fought nearly every great fighters of his era (aside from Winky Wright), it will be interesting to see if he is a bit more selective when it comes to Margarito. -- CASSIDY

Cotto - Margarito update

Saturday July 26, 2008 11:41 PM By Marcus Henry

Through six rounds, Cotto is winning. Instead of meeting Margarito in the middle of the ring, Cotto is making Margarito chase him. Margarito is paying the price.

After six rounds: Cotto 58, Margarito 56

Round 7: Cotto was seriously hurt in the seventh after a series of uppercuts from Margarito. Margarito's pressure is getting to Cotto. Margarito certainly won round seven.

After seven rounds: Cotto 67, Margarito 66

Round 8: Cotto gained a measure of control and side stepped much of Margarito's power shots, but it's getting tougher and tougher for Cotto.

After eight rounds: Cotto 77, Margarito 75

Round 9: Cotto looks tired, but he's landing the cleaner shots, including several unanswered flurries. Margarito needs to get more aggressive and land more power shots.

After nine rounds: Cotto 87, Margarito 84

Round 10: Cotto was sticking and moving in the 10th and was winning the round until Margarito hurt him with a body shot with less than 40 seconds left. Margarito stole the round late, but he'll still need a knockout to win it.

After 10 rounds: Cotto 96, Margarito 94

Round 11: It's over. A tiring Cotto could not deal with Margarito's relentless attacks. Cotto doubled over after a hard shot from Margarito. After a quick recovery, Margarito came back again and Cotto just gave in. 2:05 into the 11th.

It was a great win for Margarito as his pressure was just too much for Cotto. Margarito's willingness to bide his time until he found an opening served him well. And again, I tip my hat to my friend and colleague Bobby Cassidy, who predicted a 10th-round TKO by Margarito. It was a round late, but nonetheless as close to accurate as you can get without being right on the money.

I really thought Cotto would catch Margarito in the sixth or seventh with a left hook. But Margarito showed his mettle and withstood Cotto's best shots. Margarito's win leaves the welterweight division wide open, especially with Floyd Mayweather retired.

As for Margarito's immediate future, who knows? But Margarito, based on his post-fight comments, appears to want to step in the ring with Oscar De La Hoya in an all Mexican affair. If not that, Paul Williams, who beat Margarito, is still out there.

-MARCUS HENRY

Predictions: Cotto vs. Margarito

Thursday July 24, 2008 10:42 PM By Bobby Cassidy

On Saturday, at 9 p.m., Miguel Cotto takes on Antonio Margarito in a welterweight title fight at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Here are Newsday's predictions:

Wallace Matthews: I like Cotto by decision in a terrific fight because he just does more things better than Margarito does, and the move up to 147 has made him a much better and more durable fighter than he was at 140. Margarito has a great chin which is why I think this one goes the distance, but his attack is too limited and dependent on the left hook for him to beat Cotto.

Marcus Henry: This fight is being billed as the fight of the year. And for good reason. With Floyd Mayweather "retired", Cotto was instantly touted the best welterweight in the world. He'll get a chance to prove it in what should be a great matchup. For Margarito, it's the fight of his career. With no big-time wins under his belt, Margarito needs to put on a good showing. But I doubt that will be the case. Margarito hasn't faced a fighter with the power of Cotto. Margarito's aggressiveness and power should serve him well, but Cotto has one of the toughest chins in the business. In 32 career fights Cotto has been hurt seriously twice (Ricardo Torres, DeMarcus Corley). But in both fights he recovered quickly and won by knockout. This fight will be brutal and bloody. But Margarito will walk into one. Cotto by knockout in round 6.

Mario Gonzalez: I think it will be a brutal fight with plenty of close rounds between Cotto and Margarito. In the end, I think Cotto will pull out the victory by a split decision.

Mike Rose: The Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry has a tremendous history in boxing. I expect this fight to be another great one in the rivalry. While Margarito is a very good fighter, Cotto is better. Cotto can box and he moves well. I think Cotto can counter what will be an undoubtedly relentless attack by Margarito by using his jab. Cotto needs to have a fast start -- something he doesn't always do. Margarito will look to gain momentum and win rounds early because once Cotto gets going he is unstoppable. Margarito is the stronger puncher, but I think Cotto's skill wins the fight. Cotto by unanimous decision.

Bobby Cassidy: This is a tremendous matchup, one of the best the sport has to offer right now. And I agree with Mike Rose, this will only bolster the great rivalry between Mexican and Puerto Rican champions. Cotto is one of the hottest fighters in the game. He has power and speed and a tremendous left hook. But the fact that Cotto has been hurt by lesser punchers than Margarito -- Torres, Corley and Judah -- says a lot. His one weakness aligns perfectly with Margarito's greatest strength. Power. I think it will be a war, but Margarito scores a 10th-round TKO to upset Cotto.

Jose Moreno: This fight will pit Cotto’s boxing ability against the chaos that is Margarito. While Cotto has the power and stamina to rumble with anyone in his weight class, he will try to dictate the pace of the fight by controlling a “safe” distance with a jab or three punch combo. Margarito wants exactly the opposite. He needs chaos and a close brawl where he can use his unorthodox punching angles to overwhelm Cotto with a constant barrage of punches. But Margarito should be careful. If (and when) Margarito swarms him, Cotto has the ability to land his patented and devastating left hook to the body. While Cotto hasn’t faced anyone of Margarito’s intensity, his wins over Zab Judah and Shane Mosely are evidence of his superior boxing technique as well as his ability to adapt. Cotto will win by decision.

It's all business for Miguel Cotto

Wednesday July 16, 2008 12:20 PM By Marcus Henry

By Marcus Henry

If you're looking for any bold statements or predictions from undefeated WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, forget about it. Cotto (32-0, 26 KOs), who will square off against Antonio Margarito (36-5, 26 KOs) on July, 26 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, is all business all the time.

During a conference call, reporters peppered Cotto with questions about his legacy, where he ranks among today's fighters, Floyd Mayweather's retirement, etc... But Cotto wouldn't allow himself to be baited into anything.

"It's not my job to put myself on that list," Cotto said when asked if he deserves to be crowned boxing's best fighter, pound for bound. "I'm not here to be compared to other guys. I'm just here to do my work."

Cotto has been on a brilliant run lately, knocking off the likes of Alfonso Gomes, Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Carlos Quintana and IBF junior welterweight champion Paulie Malignaggi. But those fighters lack the power and aggressiveness of Margarito.

Although Margarito's skills aren't lost on Cotto, he believes his training will be the difference.

"I've been training for nine or 10 weeks and plan to return to Puerto Rico with my belt," Cotto said.

In a rare show of self gratitude, Cotto admitted the last three years "have been wonderful" for him. "[The last three years] showed another Miguel Cotto," he said. "They showed a Miguel Cotto who can put pressure on an opponent."

Fight promoter Bob Arum, who has a promotional deal with both fighters and will be in the middle of everything, is understandably excited about the matchup.

"I admire both of these fighters," he said. "Miguel we raised from his first fight...Antonio had a number of fights before we signed him to a promotional contract."

What I'm most proud of is that both of these guys are in the limelight now."

Now that Floyd is retired, what's next?

Monday June 9, 2008 7:38 PM By Marcus Henry

BY MARCUS HENRY

If we've learned anything about boxing, it's that boxers rarely leave the sport on top or on their own terms. (Apologies to Rocky Marciano and Lennox Lewis). If Floyd Mayweather is indeed done with the sport, I'm not mad at him. He's made enough money for his grandkids to live on. And let's face it, too many boxers leave the sport broke and in poor health. If he isn't finished and makes a comeback within the next 10 to 12 months, I wouldn't be surprised either, because money talks. If Top Rank or Golden Boy Promotions comes forth with a $30-plus million offer for Mayweather to return to the ring, could he say no to that? Few of us, if any, could turn down that kind of money.

Assuming Mayweather is really retired it will open the door for top spot in the sport. WBC and WBO middleweight champ Kelly Pavlik, who had no problems taking down Gary Lockett last Saturday, is primed for a big-ticket event in the near future. Joe Calzaghe (a bout which could be announced in the coming weeks, if not days), Roy Jones and Bernard Hopkins (yeah, I know, wishful thinking) are the likely candidates for Pavlik. No, Jermain Taylor fans, the boxing world doesn't want to see Pavlik-Taylor part III. I know I don't.

A Pavlik-Calzaghe fight would draw big viewership and big money. A Pavli-Jones or Pavlik-Hopkins fight could, too, but to a lesser extent. A Pavlik-Calzaghe matchup would bring in the big European audience and big European dollars that Jones and Hopkins couldn't. To be honest, Calzaghe, fresh off his defeat of Hopkins, is the hottest fighter of the three.

Miguel Cotto is also on the short list of fighters who could emerge as the next big name in the sport. If he can get by Antonio Margarito, Cotto will have his choice of who to take on next. Oscar De La Hoya is probably on the top of his wish list. Top Rank hasn't made any official announcements regarding Cotto's future since Mayweather's announcement, but any reasonable boxing fan can assume that Bob Arum and his crew will work hard behind the scenes to set up a Cotto-De La Hoya thriller. While I wouldn't necessarily call that fight the passing of the torch in terms of popularity (Cotto doesn't have the charisma, charm or crossover appeal De La Hoya has), it would cement Cotto as one of the top two fighters in the world.

The winner of that fight could lure Mayweather out of his so-called retirement. Stay tuned.

Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito presser in New York City

Thursday May 22, 2008 10:39 PM By Bobby Cassidy

The Neutral Corner's friend from the NYC fight scene -- GDM -- was at the press conference for the July 26, Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito welterweight title fight and sent along some observations, and some cool pics (above and below).

The setting for the press conference was the Marc Ecko world renowned brand of urban clothing and apparel facility in Manhattan. Top Rank head honcho Bob Arum presided and made it clear that this would not be a "Jerry Springer" type press conference. The press conference proceeded in an organized fashion and was free of incident.

Cotto was joined by his uncle and manager/trainer Evangelista Cotto while Margarito was joined by his two managers Francisco Espinoza and Sergio Diaz Jr. Margarito spoke in Spanish which was simultaneously translated while Cotto delivered his speech in both Spanish and English. There was an air of respect in the room and it seems that all of the energy will be utilized in the Las Vegas ring. This is certainly a welcome relief to raucous press conference and showboating fighters. We look forward to seeing the Puerto Rican-Mexico rivalry continue its historic legacy inside the ring.

Indeed. This fight has the makings of a classic. -- CASSIDY

Miguel Cotto-Antonio Margarito fight set

Friday May 16, 2008 11:53 AM By Bobby Cassidy

The good news is that welterweight champions Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito will fight a unification bout on July 26 at at the MGM Grand Resort & Casino, Las Vegas. It will be an HBO pay-per-view event.

The bad news for East Coast fight fans is that it will not be held at Madison Square Garden. Cotto has had most of his recent fights at the Garden or in Atlantic City. In it's current issue, "The Ring" magazine is calling this fight, Floyd Mayweather's gift to boxing. It's true, Pretty Boy has avoided both men for the last several years. So now they'll fight each other.

Thanks Floyd! -- CASSIDY

Cotto-Mayweather on hold again

Sunday April 13, 2008 1:27 PM By Marcus Henry

BY MARCUS HENRY

The announcement of Oscar De La Hoya - Floyd Mayweather II threw a huge monkey wrench into the welterweight division. It prevented a potential Floyd Mayweather-Miguel Cotto showdown in in the fall. For true boxing fans, watching De La Hoya and Mayweather hook up again is a waste of time.

Click here to see photos of the Cotto-Gomez fight.

For one, the outcome is likely going to be the same. Mayweather is still the best pound-for-pound guy in the sport and De La Hoya is 35. Second, the more a Cotto-Mayweather bout is pushed back, the more of a chance there is that either fighter could lose or maybe sustain an injury.

Had De La Hoya and Mayweather decided not go at it a second time, there is a good chance Cotto would not be fighting Antonio Margarito on July 26. And make no mistake about it, fighting Margarito could be dangerous for Cotto. Margarito, like Cotto, is aggressive and likes to go after the body. And Cotto, as great a puncher as he is, is vulnerable to a body attack. Jab Judah proved it. Margarito scoring a KO over Cotto is not a far-fetched idea. It could happen.

And Margarito is itching to get at Cotto. "They promised me Cotto," Margarito said after his TKO win over Kermit Cintron on Saturday. "And they better deliver him."

There is a flip side to this. A De La Hoya-Mayweather tilt will do well on Pay-Per-View. It won't get 2.15 million buys like it got the first time, but it should eclipse the 1 million-buy plateau, which is still considered the gold standard. Even the weigh-in was a big deal for the first fight as 7,000 people showed up to see it.

And the payout for both fighters will be tremendous. De La Hoya, who also promoted the fight got a reported $45 million. Mayweather's take was somewhere in the $20 to $25 million range. If you are Mayweather, what would you do? Face Cotto in a fight that could damage your legacy or take a huge payday and fight a guy with a name that you know you can beat?

Mayweather is taking a chance by fighting De La Hoya. Cotto could lose, which would leave him no one else to fight. But considering the money he will get from his bout with De La Hoya, it's a good chance to take.

One Top Rank official told me everything is up to Mayweather. "He could have this fight anytime he wanted," the official said. "He's not going to rush."

Miguel Cotto easily stops Alfonso Gomez

Sunday April 13, 2008 12:16 AM By Marcus Henry

ATLANTIC CITY – It was easy pickings for Miguel Cotto.

Fueled by a relentless body attack, Cotto had no problems as he scored a sixth-round TKO over Alfonso Gomez and retained his WBA welterweight title at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City last night.

The fight was stopped by Gomez’ corner after the fifth round ended.

In a fight that resembled a sparring session, Cotto’s domination was illustrated in the final punch stats as landed 188 of 369 punches thrown compared to 63 of 316 thrown by Gomez (18-4-2, 8 KOs). His power numbers were equally as impressive as he landed 125 of 213 thrown.

As routine as the fight looked, Cotto (32-0, 26 KOs) scoffed at the idea that he took it easy. “I wanted to work and do the right things,” he said.

As for his immediate future, Cotto is set to fight Antonio Magarito in July. The fight will take place in Atlantic City, New York or Las Vegas, according to Top Rank spokesman Lee Samuels.

Cotto, who was called out by Margarito after his victory over Kermit Cintron in the card’s co-main event, said he’ll fight anyone. “I am going to be prepared for anyone, especially Margarito,” Cotto said.

Gomez, a former participant on NBC’s reality show “The Contender” was in trouble early and often as Cotto knocked him down three times. The first two came in the third and fourth rounds. The last knockdown came with about 1:00 left in the fifth round. Gomez’ corner stopped the fight shortly after the round ended.

“That was a real beating out there,” Cotto’s cut man Miguel Diaz said. “Cotto sent a message tonight that he will punish anyone who gets in the ring.”

Margarito wins IBF title. The first time the Antonio Margarito took on Kermit Cintron, it wasn’t much of a match as Margarito prevailed with a fifth-round knockout.

Last night was almost a carbon copy of the first match as Margarito (36-5, 26 KOs) battered Cintron (29-2, 27 KOs) into submission and came away with a sixth-round knockout and was crowned IBF welterweight champion. “I had him all the way,” Margarito said. “I’m surprised the fight went that long.”

Cintron, who acknowledged fight inside turned out to be a bad decision, promised to return. “I should have tried to box more and stay on the outside, but I wanted to prove something. I’ll be back.”

Miguel Cotto vs. Alfonso Gomez - Fight update

Saturday April 12, 2008 11:01 PM By Marcus Henry

BY MARCUS HENRY

Round 1: Miguel Cotto was out for blood, literally, as he landed a straight left and cut Gomez over his right eye less than 25 seconds into the fight. Cotto wasn't as aggressive as he has been in previous fights, but when he chose to throw a punch, it usually landed. His biggest shot, a left to the body,came with a few seconds left in the first. Cotto 10-9.

Round 2: Cotto's body attack on Gomez has been magnificent so far. If finally paid off as he floored him with a short right midway through the round. Although several of my Ringside scribes felt it was a slip. Cotto 10-8.

Round 3: Gomez was game the first 1:30 of the round as he landed a few combinations. Gomez actually had control of things, until Cotto floored him with a left uppercut to the body with with five seconds left in the round. Gomez lucked out because under WBA rules a fighter can be saves by the bell. Cotto 10-8.

Round 4: Gomez is clearly overmatched. He's cut over both eyes and he hasn't been able to hurt Cotto. Cotto is peppering him with body shots and really dropped the hammer on him with about 1:00 left in the round. This is nothing more than a sparring match. Don't be surprised if this fight is stopped soon. Cotto 10-9.

Round 5: Gomez showed some resilience, but it was all for naught as Cotto knocked him down for the third time with about 1:00 left in the round. Gomez' corner stopped the fight. Another victory for Cotto (32-0, 26 KOs).

This fight was nothing more than a sparring session for Cotto. Top Rank spokesman Lee Samuels confirmed that Cotto will fight Margarito in July. The time and date have yet to be determined.

Miguel Cotto, official weights from Atlantic City

Saturday April 12, 2008 12:50 AM By Bobby Cassidy

Here are the official weights for Saturday's main bouts in Atlantic City:

WBA welterweight championship:

Champion Miguel Cotto, 146 1/2 pounds

Challenger Alfonso Gomez, 147 pounds

IBF welterweight championship:

Champion Kermit Cintron, 146 1/2 pounds

Challenger Antonio Margarito, 146 1/2 pounds

Click here to watch the weigh-in

-- CASSIDY

Miguel Cotto, Bernard Hopkins, Oscar de la Hoya mark busy boxing schedule

Thursday April 10, 2008 7:06 PM By Bobby Cassidy

It's a busy boxing schedule:

April 11, Showtime (ShoBox): Unbeaten super middleweight prospect James McGirt, Jr. (18-0, 9 KOs) appears in his first 10-rounder when he meets Carlos “Baby Sugar” DeLeon, Jr. (19-2-2, 12 KOs), in a match between the sons of two former world champions.

April 12, HBO: Miguel Cotto defends his WBA welterweight title against 'The Contender's Alfonso Gomez in Atlantic City. Cotto is streaking right now and everyone is mere fodder for this hard-hitting champ until Floyd Mayweather Jr. finally decides to call him. Gomez cashed in on his 'Contender' status which landed him in the ring with an aged Arturo Gatti. This will be a lot different. Also on the card, Kermit Cintron defends IBF welterweight title against Antonio Margarito. Don't look for the winner to meet Cotto. Cotto will probably face Ricardo Mayorga at the Garden in July.

April 12, Showtime: Chad Dawson (25-0) defends WBC 175-pound strap against former champ Glen Johnson (47-11-2) at The St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, FL. Also, Clinton Woods (41-3-1) meets Antonio Tarver (26-4) for the IBF crown. This should be the start of a light heavyweight unification series. Cuba's Yan Barthelemy, who won a gold medal at the 2004 Olympics and defected from Cuba in December 2006 is also on the card.

April 19, HBO: Joe Calzaghe puts his unbeaten record on the line against 43-year-old Bernard Hopkins at The Thomas and Mack Center in Las Vegas. The pick here is Hopkins by decision. At his best, Calzaghe was never as good as Hopkins. Plus, Joe's straight-forward style is taylor-made for B-Hop, who is as good a counter puncher as there is. Don't be fooled by Hopkins showing against Winky Wright, everyone looks bad against Wright.

May 3, HBO: Oscar de la Hoya tunes up for his September rematch against Mayweather by taking on another 'Contender' alumn in Stevie Forbes. Oscar is back on regular HBO, perhaps for the last time. Enjoy him now while you still can. -- CASSIDY