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	<title>Keep It In The Ring &#187; Punches</title>
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	<description>The Archive, News and Thoughts From Sports Writer Rich Mancuso</description>
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		<title>A Floyd Mayweather we never saw before as he addresses, the Pacquiao issue</title>
		<link>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2011/07/01/a-floyd-mayweather-we-never-saw-before-as-he-addresses-the-pacquiao-issue/</link>
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		<pubDate>Fri, 01 Jul 2011 18:37:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Mancuso</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boxing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Balcony Area]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bob Arum]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Closed Circuit]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Floyd Mayweather Jr]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Star Power]]></category>
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		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.keepitinthering.net/?p=734</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[There was Floyd Mayweather Jr. on a stage at the Hudson Theatre in New York City. His next opponent, the WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz said his piece about their upcoming title fight at the MGM grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on HBO Pay-Per-View September 17th. It was a Mayweather we have not been [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>There was Floyd Mayweather Jr. on a stage at the Hudson Theatre in New York City. His next opponent, the WBC welterweight champion Victor Ortiz said his piece about their upcoming title fight at the MGM grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on HBO Pay-Per-View September 17<sup>th</sup>. It was a Mayweather we have not been accustomed to knowing.</p>
<p>Besides the fact we had to wait over an hour for his grand arrival at a press conference that would top a Star Wars movie premiere, it was Mayweather holding court as fans cheered in the balcony area ,and the media who came out for a typical new school type of press gathering continued to wait. No questions asked at the podium, just Mayweather giving his account of the issues that have kept him out of the ring the past 16 months.</p>
<p>Never discount what Mayweather says, or for what he does. They said he is the best pound-for-pound- fighter in the business, but until he exchanges punches with Manny Pacquiao that issue will always be open to debate. However, when Mayweather returns it is always a production. The fight is being billed as “Star Power” to also promote what Ortiz has accomplished and will also be televised at closed circuit venues.</p>
<p>So disregard all the talk that Mayweather is avoiding Pacquiao. We waited for the anticipated first of a two-city press tour. Wednesday they take the production to Los Angeles, because Mayweather is holding his own forum. And if you could get a question or two in, when the proceedings were over, good luck. Mayweather was protected on the stage as he was bombarded with those who say they were media, and some of the imitators who claim they are.</p>
<p>There is the overall consensus if Maywether wins this fight, and if Manny Pacquiao holds his end of the bargain in November, against Juan Manuel Marquez, then the anticipated fight with the two becomes a reality. Not right away. Because Bob Arum, promoter of Pacquiao may have other plans for Pacquiao to fight Mike Jones after Marquez, and Ortiz, promoted by Golden Boy should not be counted out until the last punch is thrown in September. Adding to the puzzle is Mayweather and Arum still at opposite ends in their verbal war.</p>
<p>Here is Mayweather talking like he never did before. There wasn’t that trash talk, instead compliments thrown at his opponent.  His children were at the podium, though a few obscenities, unexpectedly, came from the mouth of Ortiz, maybe because this was the first time the champion was in the spotlight and he seemed to be enjoying the moment.</p>
<p>But those who saw Mayweather heard the difference. It may be psychological games what he said about the Pacquiao fight, why he has stayed away from the ring, because of family responsibilities. His adviser, Leonard Ellerbe refused to discuss all the legal proceedings surrounding Mayweather, saying “We focus on the business part and the boxing part. We let the attorneys handle the legal stuff.”</p>
<p>As Bert Sugar, boxing writer and historian said, “It was Mayweather on the couch talking to a psychologist and we listened and we should get some of his money for listening.” No kidding, it was Mayweather explaining where he is and what is taking so long to get a fight going with Pacquiao. We wanted the answer and perhaps it has become clearer.</p>
<p>“It’s not just Pacquiao, it’s sports period,” said Mayweather referring to the steroid issue. He and Ortiz have agreed to drug testing under the United States Anti-Doping Agency protocol which includes random blood and urine testing. That was what Mayweather and Schaefer insisted when the proposed fight with Pacquiao was scrapped. Since then litigation and defamation suits have not been dropped by Pacquiao, regarding allegations about Pacquiao from the Mayweather camp.</p>
<p>More from Mayweather about the steroid issue, and take it the way you want. “If you look at sports in the Olympics they’re cheating, everyone is cheating. And I never once said Manny Pacquiao was cheating. Only thing I said was this: Me and any other opponent I face must take the test.”</p>
<p>“I have never said that Manny Pacquiao was taking steroids. I never said he was taking enhancement drugs. I want to fight the best they got out there, not just him (Pacquiao) and if he’s on the list as one of the best guys, then absolutely. Do I want the Pacquiao fight, absolutely if that’s what the fans want.”</p>
<p>Two things here form the statements. If Mayweather can tell an audience how he feels about Pacquiao, then why could he not do that by failing to show for a court ordered deposition that still hangs in the balance? And if he believes Pacquiao is on the list as one of the best, why did he take on Ortiz now, which leads to more legitimacy that Mayweather has been ducking Pacquiao and all this steroid stuff was nonsense.</p>
<p>Though, there is hope. The first time, Richard Schaefer CEO of Golden Boy was at war with Arum. They came to a truce and seem to be in more contact and looking again to have a good working relationship. Mayweather respects Schaefer and is co-promoting, Mayweather Promotions, and that was evident Tuesday afternoon at a press gathering that lasted more than four hours.</p>
<p>Schaefer is also at peace that he and Arum are talking. It may be a part of business that boxing has been accustomed to seeing over the years, but either way, it makes it that much easier this time for Schaefer to be a part of the Pacquiao-Mayweather talks or involvement.</p>
<p>“It is good for boxing,” commented Schaefer when asked about his truce with Arum.” We have to work together. We are all in this together. Floyd said what he had to say today. Let’s get the Ortiz fight over with and go from there. Victor is a fine young man and deserves this opportunity.”</p>
<p>Mayweather returns to the ring for the first time since defeating Shane Mosley in May of 2010.  And that froum, what Sugar compared to him talking to a psychologist, also questioned why the media continues to attack Mayweather. His kids are older and they understand, so he said, that their father is under attack for things that are not true.</p>
<p>Mayweather said, “When you’re young, black and rich, you go through things in life. But I’m a strong individual. I can survive through anything.” But to be fair about the Mayweather situation, he causes his own demise, and the media, those legitimate to tell it, are doing their job as accurate reporters do.</p>
<p>For Ortiz, this is the opportunity, a champion now and looking to defend his title. He wanted to fight the best, whether it was Pacquiao or Mayweather. “I realize he is a great fighter,” said Ortiz. “I always said I wanted to fight Mayweather one day as champion of the world and check it out… It’s crazy.”</p>
<p>Yes Ortiz is the success story here and Mayweather will always be in the discussion with Manny Pacquiao. But Ortiz had the remark of the day before Mayweather had his time. “I’m fighting Pacquiao next. I’m the champion of the world and I’m not giving that up.”</p>
<p>And Mayweather has to remember that he is not the champion. Did the tide change with his remarks? That remains to be determined. At least we know the fight may be getting closer with Pacquiao, or is it?</p>
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		<title>Boxing Notebook</title>
		<link>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2010/03/13/boxing-notebook-6/</link>
		<comments>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2010/03/13/boxing-notebook-6/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 13 Mar 2010 17:30:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Mancuso</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boxing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bantamweight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Boxing History]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Division Champion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Floyd Mayweather Jr]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Flyweight]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Joshua Clottey]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Last Fight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Madison Square Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manny Pacquiao]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Pacquaio]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Punches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saturday Evening]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[CLOTTEY READY FOR PACQUIAO:   Before leaving for Dallas Texas last week for the biggest fight of his career against welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey showed his skills sparring in the Bronx and at the Kingsway Gym in Manhattan.  Pacquaio-Clottey Saturday evening on HBO pay-per-view is the replacement for what was supposed to be the [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>CLOTTEY READY FOR PACQUIAO:    Before leaving for Dallas Texas last  week for the biggest fight of his  career against welterweight champion  Manny Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey  showed his skills sparring in the Bronx  and at the Kingsway Gym in  Manhattan.   Pacquaio-Clottey Saturday  evening on HBO pay-per-view is the replacement   for what was supposed  to be the anticipated fight between Pacquiao and  the undefeated Floyd  Mayweather Jr.</p>
<p>Nevertheless, Clottey has  bypassed  the questions as to why he has  become the second fiddle. He almost  defeated  Miguel Cotto last year  for the WBO welterweight title, now held by  Pacquiao  at Madison Square  Garden.  And Clottey realizes to defeat Pacquiao  more punches will  have to be thrown.</p>
<p>“You know I am not a flyweight,   not a bantamweight,” says Clottey  (35-3, 20KO’s) a native of Ghana  now residing in the Bronx “I am a  welterweight and welterweights only  throw punches that connect.  I can  throw punches which connect  and land and cause damage.”</p>
<p>That fight with Cotto, last  June at Madison Square Garden in New  York almost went to Clottey.  Another  punch here or there and Cotto  would have been dethroned. That’s how  close the fight was. “I can throw  punches which connect and land and  cause damage,” says Clottey.  “If  you look at the last fight,  I won the last round. He (Cotto) threw  punches and I blocked them and  threw punches and they connected. I will  throw punches that cause  damage,”</p>
<p>And if Clottey stands any  chance  against the powerful Pacquiao,  (50-3, 38KO’s) from the Philippines,  he will have to punch and also  throw his jabs with authority. Pacquiao  is considered the best  pound-for-pound fighter in the business and after   defeating Cotto  achieved boxing history as the first time seven division   champion.</p>
<p>“My training is going to  show when I get in the ring, but with Manny  Pacquiao you don’t have  to miss with him,” commented Clottey last  week. “When he is throwing  you have to let him do it.  A victory would  mean very ,very more  than a lot to me. That’s why I am so happy about  this opportunity,”</p>
<p>There is constant suspicion  that Pacquiao may be taking steroids, a  question that has been raised  now because Pacquiao refused Olympic  style drug testing that caused  his fight with Mayweather  to be called  off/ Mayweather wanted  that blood sample testing of  three random times  as a stipulation  and the Pacquiao camp did everything they could do to  prevent it,</p>
<p>As a result Clottey got his  big opportunity, this time at the new  Dallas Cowboys Stadium that could  see a crowd in excess of 40,000. On  the steroid issue hovering around  Pacquiao, Cottey said, “I don’t want  him to do that because I respect  him too much. I don’t think Manny  Pacquiao is doing that thing.”</p>
<p>“If he is doing that thing  he is killing the sport. I believe in  him. I know he throws a lot of  punches. He is the man now and he is the  best fighter out there.   When I walk in the ring I know what I will  have to do to win the fight.”</p>
<p>Cottey was never thinking about   this fight. He wanted another shot  at Cotto. But the chance came, and  his career has always been about  defeating any fighter that would give  him an opportunity. Pacquiao this  Saturday night offers that opportunity   and a win for Clottey could  turn the division upside down.</p>
<p>One other factor to consider  as Clottey fights for his fourth world  title. His trainer, Kwame Asante  was not granted a visa form Ghana.  Clottey has been tutored by the  veteran  Lenny DeJesus of the Bronx, a  valuable cut man as well who at one time  worked the corner with  Pacquiao’s main and acclaimed trainer Freddy  Roach.</p>
<p>“:Lenny has over 40 years  in the business and I feel very confident  and comfortable with him,”  says Clottey.  DeJesus has also been in the  corner of Clottey as  a cut man. “He was pushing me a lot,” says  Clottey, “and he knows  what he is doing.”</p>
<p>What the boxing world will  find out Saturday evening is how much the  Cotto fight taught Clottey.  He wins and for sure he is not looked as a  second fiddle when it comes  to the mega fight.</p>
<p>GOLDEN GLOVES CONTINUE WITH  DISAPPOINTING OUTCOMES:  Bronx based  Victor Pena was a busy trainer  the past few days preparing three of his  fighters for a chance to  advance  in the 40<sup>th</sup> annual Daily  News New York City Golden Gloves  Tournament. Pena has guided 42  champions to the illustrious gold over  the years.</p>
<p>The 49<sup>th</sup> annual  tournament, most prestigious amateur one  in the country, that has led  many more to pro boxing championship fame  continued last week in the  New York City area. Pena packed his bags and  met his kids at his  temporary  quarters, John’s Gym in the South  Bronx.  His kids have been  training there because their home gym,  Morris Park was gutted by a fire  in December,</p>
<p>Pena on three separate evenings   got his fighters in his van, along  with some supporters as they took  the journey to Glen Cove Long Island,  Flushing Queens and near the  Sheepshead  Bay area of Brooklyn. Golden  Gloves venues are picked months in advance  by Daily News Community  Relations Director Brian Adams a Golden Gloves  champion in the 1990’s  who had a brief pro career as a welterweight.</p>
<p>“We prefer to do the shows  at community centers and churches,” says  Adams at ringside last week  when the quarterfinals continued at the  Electrical industrial Center  in Flushing   “It’s a win situation for  all,” he says  as the directors of the venues split profits with  tournament organizers.</p>
<p>As so often happens, Pena and  other trainers will arrive at venues  and their fighters will discover  that the preparation has to wait for  another day. Either one or two  participants is, a no- show, or there is  a medical or weight issue and  the result is a bye into the next round.</p>
<p>Pena’s fighters get to Glen  Cove and find out that their bouts in  the 114 pound weight class are  not until Saturday evening in Brooklyn.  “Someone made a mistake,  somewhere,”  comments Pena.   So it is on to  Friday in Flushing/</p>
<p>You arrive at the venue.  Fighters  are cramped in a back room and  called one-by-one for their physicals.  This time Pena’s fighter, Frank  Garriga is first on the bout sheet  and ready to try and advance to the  semifinals in the 123-pound open  class. He, like many others has no  idea what his opponent will do. It  is hard to study an opponent in this  tournament, not like the pro game  where fight tapes are available.</p>
<p>Garriga had a tough time with  Marcus Suarez and failed to get his  second pair of gloves. He won the  119-pound novice final at Madison  Square Garden two years ago. “You  did not do your running and lost your  stamina,” said Pena to his fighter   when it was all over.  “I want to  turn pro,” said Garriga who  felt he won the fight.</p>
<p>Pena quickly dispelled any  thoughts to his fighter about turning  professional. At the age of 21,  Garriga still has plenty to learn. But  like most fighters who fail to  get a decision in this tournament, the  feeling is they got robbed by  inept judges. “No you win when you throw  more punches,” says Pena.</p>
<p>Pena’s two other fighters,  Chayanne Rivera and Jeffrey Archie also  fell short in the quarterfinals  on Saturday night. Rivera, of the south  Bronx lost his first amateur  fight getting stopped after the second  round. The anticipation that  was there Thursday waited another day and  was quickly over.</p>
<p>You here the same response  from Rivera, that was heard from Garriga  the night before.  “I  want to turn pro.” And they same response from  Pena, “You are not  ready,” as this trainer has concern for his  fighters.    “It’s back to the drawing board,” said Pena to his fighters  after  Archie lost a tough decision to conclude a losing thee days.</p>
<p>The good thing is these are  kids. The earning process to only get  better, and as Archie said, after  failing in his second attempt to get  to the finals, “I won’t quit  this tournament until I get those gloves.”  Yes the Golden Gloves are  so important to these young pugilists  looking for prominence.   The finals are at the Madison Square Garden  WaMu Theatre March 25<sup>th</sup> and 26<sup>th</sup>.</p>
<p>COTTO FIGHT HEADED TO YANKEE  STADIUM:  It is not official but should  be in the next few days  Miguel Cotto, the former welterweight champion  who lost to Pacquiao  late last year will return to New York and have  his next fight at Yankee   Stadium Saturday June 5<sup>th</sup> opposing  Yuri Foreman in a fight  that would be televised on HBO Sports.</p>
<p>“It’s almost certain to  be a date,” said a source at Top Rank,  promoter of Cotto.  The  particulars as to seating and where the ring  would be placed are the  remaining elements that have kept the official  announcement from being  made.</p>
<p>Foreman and Cotto does not  have the magnitude as a Cotto-Mayweather  or Cotto-Shane Mosley bout  would, however the Yankees organization is  intent on returning boxing  back to their palace in the Bronx, and Top  Rank promoter Bob Arum is  a close friend of Yankees CEO Lonn Trost.</p>
<p>Foreman holds one of those  alphabet soup belts in boxing and has a  tremendous following in the  New York Jewish community.  So the fight  will generate some interest  in the Bronx especially with the popularity  Cotto has in the Puerto  Rican community.</p>
<p>e-mail Rich Mancuso: <a href="mailto:Ring786@aol.com" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Ring786@aol.com</span></a> Log on to: <a href="http://www.keepitinthering,net/" target="_blank"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">www.keepitinthering,net</span></a></p>
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		<title>Lopez and Gamboa shine in Knockout wins</title>
		<link>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2010/01/26/lopez-and-gamboa-shine-in-knockout-wins/</link>
		<comments>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2010/01/26/lopez-and-gamboa-shine-in-knockout-wins/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:57:02 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Jonathan Yaghoubi</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boxing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Accomplishment]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dear Life]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Death Battle]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featherweight Division]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Felix Tito Trinidad]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knockout]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Left Hands]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Life And Death]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Manuel Lopez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Punches]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Tko]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Two Kings]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa took one more step to a future big money showdown between the two kings of the featherweight division. &#8220;JuanMa&#8221; Lopez (28-0, 25 KO&#8217;s) totally dominated and outmatched the skilled Steven Luevano to take away his WBO featherweight title in fantastic style. Lopez knocked out Luevano with a crushing right-left [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Juan Manuel Lopez and Yuriorkis Gamboa took one more step to a future big money showdown between the two kings of the featherweight division.</p>
<p>&#8220;JuanMa&#8221; Lopez (28-0, 25 KO&#8217;s) totally dominated and outmatched the skilled Steven Luevano to take away his WBO featherweight title in fantastic style. Lopez knocked out Luevano with a crushing right-left combo to floor Leuvano in the seventh round. Referee Benji Estevez stopped it at the :44 mark. In the co feature,  Gamboa (17-0, 15 KO&#8217;s) put on an fantastic performance in stopping Roger Mtagwa with a second round TKO at 2:35.</p>
<p>Lopez captured his second world title and hopes to one day match his idol, Felix &#8221; Tito&#8221; Trinidad, accomplishment as the next great Puerto Rican fighter with four world titles. Trinidad was in the house and received the loudest cheer of the night from a crowd of about 5,000 in attendance at the Wamu theatre in Madison Square Garden. It was clear that Lopez&#8217;s power was too much for Luevano.</p>
<p>&#8220;We saw the video and we knew the right was there for me all night,&#8221; said Lopez.&#8221;I could feel I was landing it, and I was very surprised he took so many punches. He took a lot of punishment.&#8221;</p>
<p>Lopez nearly swept all the scorecards with one judge giving Luevano the 5th round. Lopez out-boxed him and hurt him repeatedly with straight left hands and quick hooks. Luevano was not able to use his counter punching skills as Lopez&#8217;s pressure was just too much.</p>
<p>JuanMa had a far easier time on Saturday night than the last time he fought at MSG. Lopez fought a life and death battle with Roger Mtagwa as he had to hold on for dear life in the final round to take the decision. He knew he had something to prove. I asked him what he thought was the difference from this fight than the Mtagwa fight.</p>
<p>&#8220;The difference was the four pounds and moving up in weight, said Lopez. &#8221; I listened to my corner a lot more this time around. The last fight I did not listen to my corner as much I should have and stayed away from the gameplan. This time I was more discipline and it showed. I am still a work in progress and still improving.&#8221;</p>
<p>The turning point came when Lopez landed a great right that staggered the champion at the start of the seventh round. Leuvano backed up to the corner as he was badly hurt and Lopez went for the kill with the right hand and left hook combo for the knockout. As impressive as Lopez&#8217;s win was, Gamboa was the one that stole the show.</p>
<p>Gamboa had a far easier time with Roger Mtagwa than Lopez did. Gamboa retained his WBA featherweight title as he knocked Mtagwa twice in two rounds as referee Steve Smoger had seen enough and put a halt to the fight at 2:35 of the second round.</p>
<p>&#8220;I hope with this performance, no one compares me to JuanMa anymore,&#8221; Gamboa said. &#8220;We&#8217;re different fighters. I proved I&#8217;m Yuriorkis Gamboa.</p>
<p>From the sound of the opening bell, Gamboa used his blazing speed and power to totally take Mtagwa out of it. Landing some vicious left hooks in the 1st round, Gamboa knocked Mtagwa down toward the end of the first round with a left hand to the head.</p>
<p>Gamboa would not let Mtagwa breathe in Round 2 as he landed 38 of the 58 power shots he threw. Gamboa nailed Mtagwa with a power combination in the middle of the ring and then floored him with a right about halfway toward the round. Mtagwa and showed his heart as he tried to fight but Gamboa was too much as he would knock him down again and it was over.</p>
<p>&#8221; I came to demonstrate and become the best in my division, &#8221; said Gamboa. I&#8217;d love for whoever the public or maybe the press considers the No. 1 featherweight, to have him in the ring for my next fight. That way I can show who is the best.&#8221;</p>
<p>With both guys victorious, the hope next would be a fight between the two but Top Rank promoter Bob Arum wants to hold off a little longer.</p>
<p>&#8220;I want to sweep out the whole featherweight division first,&#8221; said Arum. I want both these guys to take all the guys in the division like Chris John and Caballero. All of them and I want to milk this up as much as possible. I want this to be the biggest money fight in the featherweight history. I owe it to both guys.&#8221;</p>
<p>Arum talks that the next time the two fight could be June with a split site doubleheader. Gamboa would fight in Miami while Lopez would fight in his native Puerto Rico. The mentioned names could potential matchups for each guy.</p>
<p>Earlier in the evening, Irish John Duddy improved his record to 27-1 with a first-round TKO of Juan Astorga. Duddy is one of the more popular New York fighters and continued to hold that clai. He would knock Astorga with a left hook to the body that knock him down to cause ref Wayne Kelly to stop the bout at 1:51.</p>
<p>With the victory, Duddy earns himself a spot on the undercard on the Pacquioa-Clottey undercard.</p>
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		<title>Pacquiao Dominates Cotto with 12th Round Stoppage</title>
		<link>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2009/11/15/pacquiao-dominates-cotto-with-12th-round-stoppage/</link>
		<comments>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2009/11/15/pacquiao-dominates-cotto-with-12th-round-stoppage/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sun, 15 Nov 2009 16:46:31 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Mancuso</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boxing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Division Champion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Epic Performance]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Floyd Mayweather Jr]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Intense Training]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kenny Bayless]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Left Hook]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manny Pacquiao]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Miguel Cotto]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opponents]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pay Day]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Right Hook]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[Las Vegas – Manny Pacquiao had another epic performance and for Miguel Cotto it was a fight for survival as referee Kenny Bayless stepped in and stopped the fight at 0:55 of the  12-round in the most anticipated fight of the year. With his win, Pacquiao once again secured his position as the best pound-for-pound [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Las Vegas – Manny Pacquiao had another epic performance and for Miguel Cotto it was a fight for survival as referee Kenny Bayless stepped in and stopped the fight at 0:55 of the  12-round in the most anticipated fight of the year. With his win, Pacquiao once again secured his position as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the business and also dethroned Cotto as WBO welterweight champion.</p>
<p>Pacquiao out punched Cotto from the fourth round on, and like he has done with previous opponents he used speed and power to his advantage/. Pacquiao also becomes the first seven-time division champion and up next is a potential lucrative pay day with the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr.</p>
<p>“The strategy of the fight was to take time and not hurry,” said Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38KO’s). “We were very careful in the early rounds,” he said as Cotto tried all he could to use his devastating left hook that had little impact on Pacquiao.  “Im trying to test his power in the early rounds that’s why I wanted to get hit in the body and the head,” he said.</p>
<p>Pacquiao also used good strategy against Cotto that his trainer Freddie Roach preached in their intense training camp. “I was looking for a knockdown shot, he said. “That’s why I didn’t throw a lot of punches. That’s why in the last seconds, I threw the good right hook.   I kept pressuring him and was very careful of his counter.”</p>
<p>But the counter never seemed to work for Cotto. After the fourth round it was all Pacquiao who knocked down Cotto with a left hook in the third round, and he knocked Cotto down again late in the fourth round as Cotto advanced to him.</p>
<p>The first four rounds reminded many about the Hagler-Hearns wars of the 1980’s with Cotto and Pacquiao trading and taking some punches, but Pacquiao was able to do more and took command of the fight after that. It was all Pacquiao, who led on all of the judges scorecards as it appeared Cotto took the first round and he barely won the fifth with some good counter punching.</p>
<p>“We were trying our best to try and knock him out because that is what my trainer said,” commented Pacquiao. But Cotto with a swollen face and blood flowing form his nose, with cuts showed his pride and determination by refusing to quit. His trainer Joe Santiago thought about stopping the fight earlier but saw that his fighter had the ability to continue,</p>
<p>“I thought in the 11th round they were going to stop the fight.  I was surprised,” said Pacquiao about the fight not being stopped sooner. Pacquiao also said that he would not consider moving up in weight class again. “154 is too big for me,” he said.</p>
<p>On a possible fight with Mayweather, a name the sold old crowd at the MGM Arena started to chant, Pacquiao said “My job is to fight in the ring and that depends on my promoter Arum (Bob) to negotiate that fight.”It was a hard fight. Cotto is a tough opponent,” he said.,</p>
<p>A battered and defeated Cotto (34-2 27 Ko’s) will take some time and think about his options. His last fight back in June he barley defeated Joshua Clottey at Madison Square Garden in New York City. “You don’t have to tell me anything,” he said, “Its part of my job. I’m pretty proud of what I have done in the ring.”</p>
<p>He added, “ I did not protect myself from the punches   I fought everybody  Miguel Cotto came to fight all the big names and Manny is one of the best of all time.”   And about his trainer stopping the fight earlier, Cotto said, “I told Joe to stop the right when the round was over,,” he commented about the 11<sup>th</sup>,” but I think better it was my decision.   I will continue fighting.”</p>
<p>Now fight fans await the negotiations. Roach wants Mayweather and Arum will have a rough time at the table because Mayweather is an adversary. “I said we were going to break him down and we did,” said Roach about Cotto.” Manny put pressure down and early in the fight he was assessing Miguel’s power.”</p>
<p>MORE TO COME     e-mail Rich Mancuso <a href="mailto:Ring786@aol.com">Ring786@aol.com</a></p>
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		<title>Lopez May Have Spoiled Plans but Prevails to Keep His Title</title>
		<link>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2009/10/12/lopez-may-have-spoiled-plans-but-prevails-to-keep-his-title/</link>
		<comments>http://www.keepitinthering.net/2009/10/12/lopez-may-have-spoiled-plans-but-prevails-to-keep-his-title/#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Oct 2009 14:51:45 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Rich Mancuso</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Boxing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bouts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Caguas Puerto Rico]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featherweight Champion]]></category>
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		<category><![CDATA[Island Warriors]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Junior Featherweight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kevin Morgan]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Knockout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Madison Square Garden]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Manuel Lopez]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Punches]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Ringside]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rogers Mtagwa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saturday Evening]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Stupid Fight]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Theatre At Madison Square Garden]]></category>
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		<description><![CDATA[New York – Juan Manuel Lopez the WBO junior featherweight champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico and WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa of Cuba defended their respective titles in separate bouts on the “Island Warriors” “Latin Fury 12” pay-per-view show at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden Saturday evening. The fighters did what they had [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>New York – Juan Manuel Lopez the WBO junior featherweight champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico and WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa of Cuba defended their respective titles in separate bouts on the “Island Warriors” “Latin Fury 12” pay-per-view show at the WaMu Theatre at Madison Square Garden Saturday evening. The fighters did what they had to do to set up an eventual title bout against each other at the Garden in June,</p>
<p>But Lopez, (27-0, 24 KO’s) had his problems with Rogers Mtagwa (26-13, 3, 18KO’s) that had Top Rank promoter Bob Arum wondering, “I thought Lopez fought a stupid fight,” he said.  “He can’t fight a stupid fight against Gamboa. If he fights like that against Gamboa he’s done.”</p>
<p>And with those words, Arum may have been saying that Lopez has to take another fight before facing Gamboa in what could be a mega fight in the featherweight division with Lopez going up in weight .to 126. Gamboa, earlier did his job in disposing Whyber Garcia (22-7, 15KO’s) of Panama in the fourth round.</p>
<p>Mtagwa, ranked 15<sup>th</sup> by the WBO, a relatively unknown fighter, took the last three rounds on two of three ringside cards of the judges, who scored it 115-111 and 116-111 for Lopez. Kevin Morgan gave Mtagwa the last six rounds though gave Lopez a 114-113 edge in the 12-round bout.</p>
<p>Lopez got the decision by winning the first part of the fight, but he took some punishment and was left staggering between the ropes in the 11<sup>th</sup> round and if it weren’t for the ropes, Lopez would have went down.  In what could be classified as a fight of the year, the intensity of the fight continued in the 12<sup>th</sup> and final round. Lopez continued to take punches and had nothing left as Mtagwa went for the knockout he didn’t get</p>
<p>The outcome was disappointing for Mtagwa who definitely made a name for himself. “Yeah, I won the fight,” he said.  “The first round I was really tired  He is not as strong as they say He gives good shots.. Yeah it was very close fight,” he said.  “Yeah I want a rematch.  I don’t believe I lost the fight.”</p>
<p>But that return bout may not occur immediately. Arum wants to put Lopez and Gamboa together, but first Lopez may have a date on HBO on January 23<sup>rd</sup> in Puerto Rico. It will be Lopez against junior featherweight title holder Celestino Caballero or featherweight champions Steven Lueveno or Elio Rojas if purse arrangements can be made.</p>
<p>“Lopez has to fight a smarter fight than he fought,” claimed Arum who almost saw that eventual showdown with Gamboa go down the drain by the way his champion fought. &#8220;He let himself become vulnerable. He showed a lot of heart though.&#8221;  The stat of the night though was Mtagwa having a distinct edge in power shots landed, 62-34, in the last two rounds.</p>
<p>Lopez, who knocked down Mtagwa briefly in the first round realized it was going to be a tough evening after that.  “That guy was very strong,” he said through interpreter Ricardo Jimenez.  “I tried hitting him but he is a very strong guy. He added “Sometimes it is very difficult to fight guys like this. They have nothing to lose… He is a strong guy even in the last round he was coming after me.”</p>
<p>Lopez is in the second year of his title reign after dethroning defending champion Daniel Ponce De Leon via a first round knockout last June. He has successfully defended his title four times since, all by knockout and is billed to be the next exciting fighter out of Puerto Rico, of course next to WBO welterweight champion Cotto.  .</p>
<p>Gomboa remained undefeated (16-0, 14K0’S) easily dominating WBA 13<sup>th</sup> ranked Whyber Garcia (22-7 15 KO’s) of Panama City Panama. Garcia had won four of his last five fights. The loss was for the world title against WBA super featherweight champion Jorge Linares last year.</p>
<p>Garcia could not match the punches of Gamboa which included a barrage of left and rights in round four.  The stoppage came at 0:58 of the round when referee Steve Smoga stepped in and stopped the bout.</p>
<p>“It’s one of my strategies to study the fighter and settle in,” said Gamboa who used that strategy well from the opening bell in round one. As for Garcia not coming into him, a type of fight that Gamboa likes to fight, he stated, “I definitely like when men come into me. It is better for my counter punches,”</p>
<p>The early stoppage showed what type of fighter Gamboa is. His punches were effective and strong which prevented Garcia from throwing anything strong at Gamboa. “At the end of the second round I knew I was going to knock him out quick,” he said.</p>
<p>The anticipated fight though would be for Lopez to unify the title .against Lopez, a fight that could happen early next year. “A lot of people ask me the same question I want to prove what is best for me,” responded Gamboa when asked about an opportunity to meet Lopez.</p>
<p>“I didn’t think Lopez is better than me,” he said. “I don’t need a warm up fight. I am ready for him. I expect to get better than this.  But winning by knockout at the Garden there is nothing like it.  I should be carrying the card over Lopez because I’m better.”</p>
<p>During the week Gamboa commented about making his debut at the Garden. He said winning the fight convincingly is what was needed to be done in order to accomplish the goal of meeting Lopez soon. And just being in The Garden meant he achieved his goals.</p>
<p>He commented about leaving his country and pursuing his goal of becoming a world champion. “It was a big risk for me to leave and take the stuff that I took, leaving not only the boxing team but my country. It goes on to prove that if I seat a goal I can accomplish it.”</p>
<p>On the under card John Duddy (27-1, 17KO’s) made a successful return to The Garden and got the unanimous decision over Jorge Munoz (21-4, 13KO’s) of Topeka, Kansas. Duddy at times let his opponent come at him and was able to use counter punches and scored points with the judges.</p>
<p>In a 10-round heavyweight bout the veteran, 38-year old Monte Barrett (34-8, 24KO’s) of Queens, New York became an easy victim of undefeated Cuban sensation Odlanier Solis (15-0, 11KO’s.)  Solis pounded Barrett early and put Barrett on the canvas with a quick left hook in the second round .and got the TKO.</p>
<p>And welterweight Omar Chaez, the son of former legendary champion Julio Cesar Chavez remained undefeated (18-0-1 13 KO’s) getting the six-round unanimous decision over (7-10-1) James Ventry.</p>
<p>E-mail Rich Mancuso: <a href="mailto:Ring786@aol.com">Ring786@aol.com</a></p>
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