It is not HBO or Showtime that granted King an opportunity to televise four championship fights, part of 11 fights to be held Saturday November 5^th from the Seminole Hard Rock & Casino in Hollywood Florida. The feature bout will be WBA cruiserweight champion Guillermo Jones defending his title against 14^th ranked Mike Marrone.

King made an indirect reference to HBO and Showtime the two major broadcast networks of the sport. They would not give him an opportunity to showcase Jones or Joey Hernandez the United States Boxing Organization Junior middleweight champion. He made references to the past and how Wealth TV will provide an opportunity for people across the nation to see fights like they did on ABC, CBS and NBC, the major networks that televised free boxing when King was on top of the business.

Not to say that Don King is history. He is still visible but does not have the major fighters that promotions like Top Rank and Golden Boy have to offer for the networks. He wants to see boxing return to the glory days, the old school theory of putting boxing on free television. It means more for King now to see the sport thrive again.

“The downward spiral,” said King about the sport, as he held court with media before introducing Robert and Charles Herring, a father and son who launched their network in 2004. King was referring to the ineffective people running the sport and how fans have been turned off with the recent and bizarre outcomes of major fights seen on pay-per-view and the networks.

There were references by King regarding how he had to advocate and get a return bout for his fighter, bantamweight Joseph Agbeko, who will get the opportunity against Abner Mares on December 3^rd. And he cited how boxing has been embarrassed with the recent outcomes of the Floyd Mayweather-Victor Ortiz and Bernard Hopkins-Chad Dawson title fights.

“Yesterday, today, tomorrow,” is what King said will be the theme of the telecast on a network available to over 100 cable systems across the country.  The promoter, who now does most of his business in the state of Florida, said the Wealth televised card is a celebration for the people. The President of Panama is expected to attend, as well as legendary boxing champions Larry Holmes and Roberto Duran.

“A celebration for Roberto Duran and celebrate the birthday of Larry Holmes,” he said. It was vintage Don King as he waved the flags of different countries, said, “Viva Puerto Rico,” referring to one of his greatest champions, Felix Trinidad, and he of course provided his views on the economy and opportunity. It was Don King smiling, playing to the cameras, and bringing back memories of the old days.

And this will be a venture for Wealth TV. They admit this is an opportunity to expand their base.  Boxing to the premier lifestyle and entertainment network may be a risk. They invested an undisclosed amount of money and days ago made the deal with King, but the 70-year old Herring, a boxing fan said, “It nicely fits into the programming vision of WealthTV.”

More televised boxing cards, by the network if successful could mean a revival for King. He said, “Return boxing back to the masses, to the fans and not pay-per-view.”

It is technology incorporated into the old school theory that Don King is attempting to do. And it was convincing enough to convince Herring that boxing needs something different, another shot for King and a new way to present boxing to fans. The availability of viewing the telecast on Verizon FIOS TV and AT&T U-verse will also enable boxing fans to see the telecast on their phones and I-Pads.

King has always been an innovator with the sport and this year reunited and co-promoted a card with a former adversary, fellow Hall of Famer Bob Arum of Top Rank. This is his latest deal that could work, and with the technology available by the network, to say the least, old school could work with the new school.

And as much as Don King has been criticized over the years, a boxing fan will always recall the heyday of King being the dominating promoter, his success with Ali, Frazier, Norton and the “Thriller in Manila.” He made references to that in a small room at the Phillippe restaurant in New York City.  “All the champions are now in foreign countries,” he said. “They have escaped the country. The networks did it. You want to see fair play. Let us have a coalition for truth,” making reference to how HBO and Showtime would not make a deal for Jones, a legitimate champion with a 37-3-2 record along with 29 KO’s.

So this could work, and King did offer a WBA championship fight to his new network. “Give the people an opportunity in the land of opportunity,” he said about Jones not getting his chance on the major networks ,and thanking Herring for the chance to put his promotion back on a network.

“Go back to pride, dignity, and glory,” he continued, advocating for a national boxing commission, if done properly. No, it won’t hurt to have Don King visible again. A little more of old school boxing and a new network can’t harm the sport.

email Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

“The thing with Margarito was 2008 the chapter that was closed in that book,” commented Cotto about the first fight in July 2008. That is a night that saw Cotto with a battered face, dethroned of the WBA welterweight title in the 11^th round. The result was talk about Cotto being done, that he no longer had it. Cotto would rebound later, and Margarito, after winning the title from Shane Mosely, would eventually see his boxing license suspended for using tainted hand wraps under his gloves.

So a lot transpired since their first encounter. Both fighters went to war with Manny Pacquiao and  Cotto, quietly had been seeking this rematch for revenge. He leaves business to the promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank and in the last year made it known that Margarito is what he wanted, and at Madison Square Garden his favorite venue where he is undefeated in six fights.

Though Cotto does admit he did have flaws in that first fight and will make no excuses or accusations that Margarito had tainted hand wraps then. But for the first time he showed writers a picture on his cell phone that was given to him earlier this year. It indicated a tear in the wrapped hands of Margarito. There was evidence of a tear with the tape and gauze. Again this was pure speculation by Cotto and he will not make accusations. However, the facts later on make one to believe that Margarito had an unfair advantage, even if Cotto that night was not at his best.

Margarito remains silent about the hand wrap controversy except when he is asked. “I never used any illegal bandages. I can’t change the opinions of everyone. I always fought clean. He claims to have paid his dues and the subject is a thing of the past.  He is also promoted by Arum and never went against his Mexican fighter when it came to the hand wrap issue. A win this time would put everything in perspective. He takes care of business in New York and Antonio Margarito indeed has the number of Miguel Cotto. Though the early line favorite is Cotto gets a commanding win and vengeance for what happened a few years ago in Las Vegas at the MGM Grand Arena.

“I accept my defeat like a man,” says Cotto about that uneventful evening in Las Vegas. “It’s the first time I show the pictures to anybody,” referring to the Margarito wraps. “I over trained and won’t make the same mistakes again. I will be watching the first fight again soon to see what I did wrong.” He did not have the veteran Emanuel Steward in his corner then and he will once again have him for the third time in his corner at the Garden.

Steward was able to correct some flaws when he worked with Cotto the first time in June of 2010 at Yankee Stadium, a Cotto 9^th round TKO and defense of the WBA title over Yuri Foreman.

“He is sharp and will be ready at 154,” said Steward when reached for comment because was preparing Andy Lee for his rematch with Brian Vera. “Nothing will go wrong. We will watch the wraps and the gloves. Miguel has picked it up and learned what went wrong the first time.”

And with vengeance obviously on his mind, though Cotto will never show a vindictive trait, Margarito could see the same approach that was used in March. Ricardo Mayorga, saw enough punishment before being stopped by TKO in the 12^th round in the WBA super world light middleweight title fight. Cotto was aggressive and finally put Mayorga on the mat in that final round. It was vintage Cotto, punching with authority, and throwing combinations that propelled him to be a three division world champion.

“I’m going to give it all my body and soul to make this a great match,” said Cotto, (36-2-28 KO’s) one of those in the loss column coming to Pacquiao. He reiterated, ”It’s going to be the same as last time but the ending will be different.” Meaning of course, the punishment this time will show on the face of Margarito who is fully recovered from an injured eye socket that occurred when he lost to Pacquiao last November.

Cotto insisted also that the fight be at 153.  Margarito says that is unfair and that Cotto should be at 154. “If he is a real champion he should fight at 154,” says Margaritio. And Cotto would later respond that the weight was not an issue. His win over Margarito will tell the story that the first loss was because Margarito was with the advantage, once again briefly making reference to the hand wrap controversy.

“Boxing is a sport when you use your skills,” said Cotto. “He played with my health and that’s not fair.”  The wraps for both fighters will be placed in a suitcase prior to the fight and inspected by the New York Commission at the weigh-in. So there could be an end to the issue about Antonio Margarito and hand wraps that have tarnished his career.

Arum stated the Garden has a record advance gate for the fight with an undercard that also includes the undefeated Mike Jones, another of the rising stars in the welterweight division and junior welterweight Pawel Wolak.  And Cotto always sells out the Garden with a strong contingent of Puerto Rican fans from New York City.

But this is not about Puerto Rico against Mexico. It is the fight that Cotto wanted and he anticipates the coming months of training, saying he is a much more matured fighter with his new team under the direction of Steward.

“We accepted 153 because we don’t want Antonio Margarito to make any excuses,” says Cotto. Indeed this looks like it could be another chapter though this time a different and better one for Miguel Cotto.

All three judges at ringside gave Pacquiao the edge, including one judge giving him every round 120-108.  The scorecard here at ringside gave Margaritio one round. “It’s hard I really did my best to win the fight. He was strong and a very tough fighter,” commented Pacquiao. “I can’t believe that he was as strong as he was.”

Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KO’s) won his 12^th straight fight and admitted that Margarito, (38-7, 27KO’s) was strong enough to hurt him when he was in the ropes in the middle rounds. He motioned to referee Laurence Cole several times in the 11^th round to stop the fight as Margaritio’s face was battered and a bloody mess.

“There was no way I was going to quit,” commented three-time champion Margarito after the fight. “I’m a Mexican. We fight until the end,” he said.

It was the second straight win for Pacquiao at Cowboys Stadium before a crowd of 41,734, many Margarito supporters.  Earlier this year, in March, he easily handled Joshua Clottey taking a 12-round unanimous decision, a seventh title and the welterweight championship.

As for a potential showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. at 154, a fight that has been anticipated and talked about, again Pacquiao left that answer to his promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank. As for continuing his career, Mayweather or not, Pacquiao would not rule it out of the question.

The popular Congressman of the Philippines said, “I have another job after this. I’m going back to the Philippines to do my job as a public servant.”

“He was really fast and I was going- good until I got cut,” said Margarito.  His trainer Robert Garrcia also said he never considered stopping the fight and it would continue until the end. Garcia also saw first hand as to why Pacquiao is indeed the best pound-for-pound fighter.

Said Garcia “Manny is the best fighter in the world.  He is just too fast, Very, very quick.”

By the 10th round it became a boxing clinic for Pacquiao who continued to throw the right hook and pound the face of Margarito.  In between rounds it became obvious that Margarito was fighting for redemption, proving that his year suspension from the ring from using illegal hand wraps was all in the books.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

But Pacquiao wasn’t the center of attention, even if he is going for an unprecedented eighth title in another division at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington Texas. Margarito returns to the ring after sitting out the past year due to a suspension from using tainted hand wraps in a title fight with Shane Mosley.

Margarito was recently denied reinstatement by the California State Athletic Commission. They were the governing body that imposed the suspension based on allegations and further investigation of the gloves, and wraps that Margarito used after he lost the WBA welterweight title to Mosley in Los Angeles.

So with Nevada, also out of the picture, Texas granted Margarito another chance. Top Rank was looking to keep their champion Pacquiao busy who also doubles up as a congressman in the Philippines. There is a sentiment that Pacquiao will easily win this fight. Of course, Margarito thinks otherwise as he also fights for his credibility.

“Everything is in the past and now I am in the present,” said Margaritio at the podium with an array of his Mexican supporters cheering in the gallery. “I want to thank Manny for taking this fight. It’s time to show everyone that I am still very good,” he said.

And nothing else said about one of the major mistakes made by a fighter. You have to know that your hands are being wrapped the wrong way, or that something such as plaster is being put under the wraps. Margaritio will claim innocence, so will his disposed trainers who have been handed a lifetime suspension in the states.

“You have to know, every fighter knows what’s going on but you have to give a second chance,” was the way Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach put it. Roach is respected as the best boxing trainer in the business. So he should know what goes under the boxing gloves.

But boxing goes on, and so does the mega fight that the business surly needs. Both fighters are promoted by Top Rank. Pacquiao is the major draw in boxing and once again goes for history as he awaits the hopeful showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. that could happen in the spring.

“When Floyd runs out of money, the fight will happen,” said Roach with a chuckle about the on and off again fight with Mayweather. “We will have a good training camp and go with the plan to defeat Margarito.

Said Pacquiao, (51-3-2, 38 KO’s) who returns to Cowboys Stadium for a second fight, after easily defeating Joshua Clottey back in March, defending his WBO welterweight title, “Sure he’s a cheater but I am looking for an interesting and exciting fight. He has the capability to give a good show and he is a fighter that is impressive and a talented fighter.”

Fighters like Miguel Cotto, the former welterweight champion and current super welterweight title holder can vouch how powerful Margaritio is. Cotto was pounded and dethroned by Margarito out in Las Vegas in July 2008. Cotto’s face a mess from a Margarito pounding that had everyone discounting Cotto’s ability and bragging about Margarito’s power.

So give Margarito the benefit of doubt. The three-time world champion (38-6, 27 KO’s) from Tijuana Mexico was going about his business. Or for the lore of glory went with the plan and did what the trainers asked. Boxing, not like baseball and other sports is at fault because there is no regulation with a national commissioner.

In the meantime we wait for a fight in November, though not having the implications that a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight will have. Margarito will return to the ring and get his share of accolades and criticism from the expected crowd of 50,000 in Texas.

Are we to accept Margarito again as a great fighter? Pacquiao will eventually tell the story on November 13^th.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

This year, mainly because Cotto is headlining the return of boxing at Yankee Stadium on Saturday June 5^th the Garden will not be hosting a Cotto party the night before the parade. Instead the spotlight turns to the relatively unknown Ivan “Iron Boy” Calderon the WBO junior flyweight champion.

Calderon (33-0-1) from Baymon Puerto Rico defends against Jesus “Azul” Irbe (17-6-4, 10KO’s) of Culican Sinaloa Mexico, not in the main arena but at the adjacent Garden Theatre.  Not the main stage for Calderon, also a fight not televised on HBO, as Top Rank will stage the broadcast on FSN and Fox Sports Espanol.

It does not bother Calderon, a 35-year old champion that he is not on the HBO network. Not does it matter that he will be showing his talents before 5,000 or so fans instead of the 16,000 plus that would pack the Garden main arena.

Cotto has had his time. And many believe if he fails to defeat Foreman, the WBA Super Welterweight champion, then his career is just about over when it comes to significant title opportunities. Calderon has never caught on with the Latino boxing fan, here or in Puerto Rico. Cotto may have lost some of his popularity after a mediocre loss to welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao back in December.

And the retired former champion, Felix Trinidad, is still a hero in Puerto Rico according to many, and so says Calderon. “He is boxing to so many of us,” said Calderon referring to Trinidad at a New York press conference last week to announce his title defense that will include an under card of many Top Rank Latino prospects.

“I’m a little more popular because of my personality,” added Calderon who made reference as to how Cotto has turned off the light switch with his personality of not being as receptive as he once was. There have been highly publicized incidents of Cotto having conflicts with his management team, including a fist fight at a boxing gym in Puerto Rico with uncle and former trainer Evangilista

Then there was Cotto putting aside trainer Joe Santiago, and using the services of highly acclaimed trainer Emanuel Steward for the Foreman fight next month. Calderon, though, still offers his respect to Cotto, a one-time stable mate when they both started under manager Pete Rivera.

“The fact I am smaller is why my popularity is not as huge,” says Calderon who reigns in a division that gets little or no notoriety. “I always said Miguel Cotto helped me. Where he is, is where I want to be,” says the 2000 Olympic representative for Puerto Rico at 106 pounds.

Calderon is a nine-year professional and 17-0-1 with 2 KO’s in world championship fights. Cotto may or may not be at the Garden for his fight though there are reports he will remain in New York City a week after his fight in the Bronx and attend parade festivities the next day

“You can never be jealous of your people,” said Calderon when asked if there was any resentment towards Cotto.  The two fighters hardly speak after the split with Rivera. “But the one who made Miguel Cotto is Peter Rivera,” he says.

That alone says there is some type of animosity with Cotto and Calderon. And sources say some harsh words have been traded with the two. Calderon would not comment about what has been said, but in reality it does not matter.

Because you can never compare the boxing styles of the two fighters as Cotto and Calderon are so far away in weight. And of course Cotto has been involved in wars, in the ring with high profiled names such as Pacquio and Shane Mosley. Cotto has made more money and has never avoided a challenge.

The important thing now is Calderon taking the spotlight, at the Garden and he expects to prevail.

THROWING THE PUNCHES:  Enough is enough with the foul mouth coming from heavyweight Chris Arrelo (29-2, 2KO’s), the Mexican native residing in Escondido California.  Once again, in the ring after a 12-round IFF International title opportunity loss to Tomasz Adamek he used obscenities on the HBO televised broadcast that were not deleted.

And the words were loud and clear when he answered the post fight questions of ringside analyst Max Kellerman.  “That Mother ****** was tough…He was the better Mother ****** tonight,” said the foul mouth heavyweight who has done this time and time again on HBO.

The HBO broadcast team, Bob Papa and former champion Lennox Lewis stayed quiet and failed to offer a proper apology to viewers. It was another bad thing for the credibility of boxing, and most of all shame to HBO for once again failing to cut the mike or to tell Arrelo to watch his mouth.  The good thing is we wont be seeing or hearing much more of the “Foul Mouth” as this loss pretty much damages Arrelo’s credibility in the ring as well…

And farewell to John Ruiz, the first and only heavyweight world champion of Latino heritage who announced his retirement Monday after a ring career of 18 years.  Known as “The Quietman”, Ruiz (44-9-1, 30KO’s) was a two-time champion who defeated three world champions, Evander Holyfield, Hasim Rahman and Tiny Tucker  His of his career losses were against world champions.

Ruiz held the WBA title twice, but his mark on the division was never considered legitimate because the division is filled with alphabet soup titles and mediocrity. And Ruiz was never once to excite a crowd with his boring style, and hugging one or more opponent for 12-rounds instead of trading punches.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring 786@aol.com

Fact..With all due respect to the Vazquez-Marquez trilogy, there was no series of fights this decade that even came close to the amount of drama that Gatti/Ward brought us. It was not just the best trilogy of the decade, but it might been the best in the history of this great sport. These guys were true warriors and represented what boxing is about. No showboating, just fighting. The first fight of the trilogy was the best, and it deserves a place among the handful of greatest boxing matches in the history of the sport. Round 9 of fight 1 is perhaps the greatest display of toughness and guts you will ever see in boxing. Who could ever forget Jim Lamply yelling at referee Frank Cappuccino to stop the fight for Gatti as he was just being battered. But Gatti stayed on his feet and fought back to go the full 10 rounds.

The second and third fights were no different as they these guys continued to give it everything they had and more. The second fight was great because Ward wouldn’t quit even though Gatti was obviously getting the best of him. In third fight, Arturo Gatti broke his right hand in the fourth on a punch to Ward’s hip early in the fight which forced him to change his whole style. After the round, Gatti told his corner that he had broken his hand, but when his trainer asked what he wanted to do, he didn’t hesitate: “I’m gonna keep fighting.”

Marquez and Vazquez was great but two of those fights didn’t even go the distance. Ward and Gatti did not even think about givinp or letting the ref stop the fight. It’s pretty sad writing this because I just don’t think we will ever get as great trilogy ever again

2. Despite major successes and new world champions, you still consider Gary Shaw Promotions second banana to Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions.
2. Fact. .Gary shaw is starting to get up there but isn’t quite on the Top Rank or Golden Boy class just yet. Shaw knows his boxing very well and has got some great talent in his stable with the likes of Chad Dawson and Rafael Marquez. However, they just aren’t the star boxers that Rank and GB have. Sahw can put together the exciting fight but does not have the guys to put on a big PPV fight. He may have some champions but what does it all mean if people don’t know who they are? When I see one of Shaw’s boxers take part of a 24/7 show, then we will know that he is finally one of the top promoters in the buisness.

3. OK, I lied… there will be Pacquiao/Mayweather questions. With the bloodwork controversy in the press, you think this is a legitimate stumbling block, and not just “hype.”
3. Fact…This is no shocker to me that this fight is still not signed. But I never thought it was not going to be about the money. Mayweather and his father are convinced that Pacquiao has done steroids in the past. Floyd has said that the Phillipines is known for being one of the biggest steroid providers in the world. He knows this is going to probably be the toughest fight of his career and will do whatever takes to slow Manny down before the actual fight. I don’t think this is hype at all because people are going to buy and watch this fight no matter what. The hype has been there for months and Pacquiao and Mayweather should know that. These guys are the top two stars in the sport and just want to make sure  that one is not getting over on the other. At the end of the day, this fight will get it done because they just “ have” to.

4. Yeah right. Who was I kidding, Pacquiao/Mayweather-free… Anyway… Pacquiao’s slander lawsuit against Mayweather’s team has merit and should be seen through in court.

Fact- You can’t really blame Manny on this one. Wouldn’t anyone else in the sports world be upset if it happened to them? Manny Pacquiao is a very proud and respected warrior in the realms of boxing. He does not want anything or anyone to take away from his wonderful performances he has provided for boxing fans over his career. The Mayweather camp is trying to throw Pacquiao off with these false allegations. Manny should pursue the lawsuit regardless what happens with this fight. The possibility of seeing Mayweather and Golden Boy pay up to Manny would be pretty sweet for him. If Manny is not hiding anything, he should not hesitate to sue and really stick it in Mayweather and his father’s face.

5. OK, let’s try to get back on to other boxing… You think Steven Luevano can pull off the upset over Juan Manuel Lopez in their January 23rd bout.

Fact- If you asked me this before Lopez’s fight with Mtagwa, I would have said fiction for sure.  Despite the decision victory, his win was far from his most impressive. Lopez came within seconds of being knocked out at the end of the 11^th round and nearly again in the 12^th. Despite all that, he gained a great deal of experience in the fight and will come into his fight against Luevano as a smarter fighter. He needs to be that if he is going to win this fight.

Luevano is very skilled fighter who I feel will give Lopez a real run for his money.Luevano has been dominant in the Featherweight division with a record of 37-1-1 and is in a position where the most competition he can get is by facing an explosive smaller fighter who is willing to move up and try his luck in the Featherweight division.It should be very interesting to see not only how Luevano deals with Lopez’s aggression but also how Lopez deals with Luevano’s smart, tactically sound boxing.

Like I said, Luevano is a skilled boxer and will not put himself in any position to be knocked out and will make Lopez look  unimpressive the first half of the fight. I do think Lopez will figure out a way to get the victory but Luevano has the goods to pull of the upset.

6. Sorry, ok, last question about Testinggate… due to the drug test roadblock, Pacquiao/Malignaggi is being discussed. If this Plan B is signed, it would drop your interest in Manny’s next bout from MASSIVE to ZERO in no time flat.

Fiction- My interest would be right in the middle but leaning more toward massive. Anytime Manny Pacquiao fights, I am going to always be very interested when he steps into the ring. A fight with Malignaggi would be a very interesting and intriguing matchup. Paulie is on a real high right now coming of his impressive victory over Juan Diaz. The guy talks a big game and a  fight with the biggest star in the sport could bring us another side of Malignaggi we have not seen. He has also accused Manny of taking PED’s and you know Pacquaio will not forget that. I think the contrast of both these guy’s styles is fascinating to me and while I won’t give Malignaggi a shot, I think he could make it very entertaining.

Yuriorkis Gamboa — Prospect of the Year
Gamboa’s win as prospect of the year might be the most impressive of all the Scrappy winners. Prospect of the year had the most nominees of any category with eight and makes Gamboa’ that much more impressive in the boxing community. Can anyone really argue with Gamboa’s rise toward stardom this year? He had an impressive a 4-0 record in 2009 with 4 KO’s. He won the interim WBA featherweight title with the 10th round KO over Jose Rojas. In his last fight, Gamboa looked great in finishing off Whyber Garcia with a 4th round KO with an amazing combination of power and speed. The fight was on the undercard of the Lopez-Mtagwa ” Latin Fury 12″ main event but Gamboa felt like he should be the one in the main event. He might have had a case as Lopez struggled with a decision win while Gamboa dominated.  Gamboa has won his last six fights by KO and looks for a big fight with Lopez sometime during 2010. The sky is the limit right now at the age of 27 and the only thing that can really stop him is himself. His uniquely talent and physical abilities can surely carry him into greatness.

Top Rank — Promoter of the Year
Bob Arum and Top Rank had themselves as good a year as any of the promotions. It did not start of well as Golden Boy’s Shane Mosley totally destroyed Antonio Margarito. Let’s not forget about the plaster controversy involving Margarito which gave Bob Arum and is company a big black eye. But that sure looked to be the only downer at otherwise successful year for Top Rank. First off, when you have the prospect and fighter of the year in your stable, it does not take a brain surgeon to let you know you have are the top promoter of the sport. Top Rank delievered us the biggest and highest grossing fight of the year as Top Rank fighters Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto gave us a fight that anyone can get into. While it was a dominant victory for Manny, the atmosphere on fight night was something that Golden Boy could not deliver for the Mayweather-Marquez disaster.

Amir Khan — Comeback Fighter of the Year
Last September 6th, Amir Khan suffered a most embarrassing and devastating a loss a professional boxer can have. Going into a fight with Brendiss Prescott at 17-0, Khan looked to continue his promising young career with another win. However in front of his home country in England, Presscott murdered Khan by scoring two knockdown in 54 seconds of the first round and handed Khan his first career loss. Not many would blame if Khan never came back to be the same and we have seen many boxers through the years just tank after a bad loss.
But Khan wanted to prove he was different and came right back three months later to close out his 2008 with a second round TKO of Oisin Fagan. Khan would build off that win and had himself a nice comeback in 2009 going 3-0 with 1 KO. One of those wins came against future hall of famer Marco Antonio Barrera as he won a technical decision after the fight was stopped due to a horrific cut to Barerra after a clash of heads. It was a very impressive win and proved that the loss to Prescott was behind him. Khan finished of his comeback of 2009 on December 5th when he knocked out Dmitry Salita in the first round. Thanks to the comeback year, Khan may have earned himself a big fight in 2010 with one of the best 140 pound fighters in the world, Timothy Bradley.

Victor Ortiz — The No Mas Award (Most Flagrant Display of Quitting)
This may have been the easiest award to give out. Ortiz came into 2009 with high hopes as he was elected the ESPN prospect of the year for 2008 and picked to be the breakout star of 2009. His 2009 started out well as he fought his first bout televised on HBO

against Mike Arnaoutis. He scored a technical knockout of Arnaoutis in the second round, winning the U.S.B.A title and retaining the WBO NABO title. But disaster struck for Ortiz in his next fight as he took on Marcos Meidana.In one of the more exciting fights of 2009, Ortíz and Maidana were knocked down in the first round. Ortíz knocked Maidana to the canvas twice in the second round. Ortíz suffered a cut in the 5th round and was knocked down in the 6th round. The fight was stopped when Ortiz was taken to the ring doctor and elected to stop the fight. But it looked as if Ortiz and not the doctor was the one who elected not to continue.
In a most bizarre display, Ortiz said in his post fight interview ” I’m young, but I don’t think I deserve to get beat up like this. So I have a lot of thinking to do.” This is a fighter that was signed by Golden Boy and HBO to be on of their top stars. It just doesn’t seem like Ortiz has the courage to be a great fighter. He has been crticized by everyone in boxing from Chris Arreola to Max Kellerman. ” When things were going his way,  Victor fought hard. But his heart disappeared when Maidanatook his best shots and spit right back in his face. Great fighters show tremendous courage and resolve. They argue against a fight being stopped. Think about Diego Corrales screaming at the doctor to give him one more round. Think about how Micky Ward and Arturo Gatti fought their butts off just to finish a fight when a normal guy would have been done much earlier. The quitter label was always be on Ortiz until he can prove he has the heart in his next big fight.

As soon as they finished trading jabs, Pacquiao the clear winner in the ring late Saturday night, Mayweather started to make some noise. “Pacquiao does not want to fight me or he would have said so himself,” said Mayweather. His people want ot get the fight done, so does Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach who called for the undefeated Mayweather immediately.

It has been explained to yours truly, from a source at Top Rank, the promoters of Paccquiao that the problem getting this fight together is dealing with Mayweather.  Bob Arum, promoter of Top Rank has a malicious attitude towards Mayweather his former fighter. So the negotiations that reportedly have started are going nowhere.

Mayweather wants more of the money form the purse to pay-per-view revenue. This has a potential to be the mega fight of this new boxing era, and could easily top the revenue of previous PPV fights that Mayweather and Oscar De La Hoya have accomplished. It is a fight that will keep boxing in the picture because these are two fighters now that generate that type of interest.

Not since we have seen Marvelous Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Rey Leonard, the prime fighters of the 1980’s have we seen a fighter like Pacquiao. The Philippine sensation made boxing history Saturday night becoming the first seven-time division champion in the sport and easily dominated Miguel Cotto.

Cotto is now a second thought. What once was talked about, a trilogy between Cotto and Pacquiao, now can become a three- time deal with Pacquiao and Mayweather. Cotto can continue to fight and work his way back into the picture. Possibly a return bout with WBA welterweight champion Shane Mosley at Madison Square Garden in June, the place where Cotto reigns and always fights on the eve of the National Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City.

But the fight boxing fans and the sport needs is Pacquiao against Mayweather. Arum said the past few days that it will have to happen.  How much each fighter will get has to be determined and where it will take place is another factor before the fighters sign on the dotted line.

The original idea was to stage Cotto again against Pacquiao at the new Yankee Stadium in the Bronx. Perhaps Cotto or Pacquiao opposing Mayweather there, however, Arum now has a change of thought because of a tax structure in the state of New York that would hinder the earnings of the fighters, promoters and pay-per-view outfit, most likely HBO Pay-Per-View.

Las Vegas is the most probable option. Promoters get rooms on the house, and the Nevada tax structure is so much easier to work with.  Then there is the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium being discussed as a possible venue for the fight. Unless the New York politicians give in, and their greed and bickering won’t allow it, Pacquiao and Mayweather is not coming to Yankee Stadium.

So where do we stand? Boxing fans want an answer soon because the sport is in need of this mega fight. They are looking at a date in May to get this done.  Reports are Dallas is the lead contender to host the fight. And the Cowboys Stadium has the largest video board for a sports venue that will allow those with the cheaper tickets to attend and see the fight from the upper rafters.

Arum, even with all his past animosity with Mayweather, knows also that the sport needs to stage this fight and is willing to put differences aside.  And though Pacquiao has not commented about an impending meeting with Mayweather, he too knows the significance of this potential fight to be.

After a vacation with family, Pacquiao with a clear mind and rest should be more than ready to make a deal.  Mayweather also needs to meet him half way and also knows differences with Arum will be put aside to get this fight done. It is for the betterment of the sport to make sure that Pacquiao and Mayweather touch gloves soon.

If not, the boxing world puts itself in the same situation. Less interest and fights of minimal value that carry no weight, or do nothing to bring the sport back to respectability. Cotto and Pacquiao gave us some hope that sparked some mainstream media interest again for the sport. Now we need Mayweather and Pacquiao to continue the process.

e-mail Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com

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.”

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.

Mtagwa, ranked 15^th 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.

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^th 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^th and final round. Lopez continued to take punches and had nothing left as Mtagwa went for the knockout he didn’t get

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.”

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^rd 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.

“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. “He let himself become vulnerable. He showed a lot of heart though.”  The stat of the night though was Mtagwa having a distinct edge in power shots landed, 62-34, in the last two rounds.

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.”

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.  .

Gomboa remained undefeated (16-0, 14K0’S) easily dominating WBA 13^th 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.

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.

“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,”

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.

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.

“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.”

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

E-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Regardless, Arum has plans to unify the featherweight championship and that begins tomorrow night at the Garden WaMu Theatre. WBO champion Juan Manuel Lopez and WBA champion Yuriorkis Gamboa of Cuba defend their respective titles in separate bouts on the “Island Warriors” “Latin Fury 12” pay-per-view show.  If both prevail, Arum has plans to put both fighters in a mega unification bout, in the Garden main arena, possibly with Cotto as the headliner.

“It is in the plans,” said Arum about a June date at the Garden. “These are two fighters that bring excitement to the sport and we have every intention of putting this together,” he said. And Arum, has that good working relationship with the Garden to put the fight together in New York with hopes Cotto is available and still holding his title.

Though if Cotto does prevail, there is still talk he could oppose Floyd Mayweather Jr. sometime next year either in Las Vegas, or in New York City at the new Yankee Stadium. A Top Rank source said the Yankees are very much interested in staging a Cotto-Pacquiao return bout if Cotto wins.

Mayweather recently returned to the ring and dominated Juan Manuel Marquez. And there is no doubt that a Cotto-Mayweather bout at Yankee Stadium will sell out and draw major pay-per-view numbers.  Arum, who used to promote Mayweather, would prefer his two fighters, Cotto and Pacquiao to have a trilogy. But Maywetaher, back in the picture may spoil his plan.

In the meantime the “Island Warriors: card is expected to sell out and has a good under card to supplement the main event.  Middleweight contender “Irish” John Duddy, looking to make an impact again is on the card along with former heavyweight contender Monte Barrett facing WBC 7^th ranked heavyweight Odlanier Solis of Cuba.

“For any Puerto Rican this is  a big site, this is a big venue and this is where you want to be,” said Lopez (26-0, 24 KO’s) of Caguas Puerto Rico. He trains with Cotto and knows how important it is to be fighting on the big stage at the Garden, even though it is not in the main arena,

To that Lopez said, “This is where you want to showcase yourself like Miguel Cotto and Tito Trinidad.  I talk to Tito almost every day and he tells how exciting it is to be fighting at the Garden. It is a very special place to fight. I am on the road to gaining all the exposure that I need.”

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 Cotto.  He opposes Rogers Mtagwa (26-12-2, 18 Ko’s) of Philadlephia, 15^th ranked by the WBO.

“I’d like to win four titles in four weight divisions,” he said, “something that no Puerto Rican has ever done. That is my goal. I fee like I will go to 126 sooner rather than later. I started at 21 years old and have been fighting for five years at 122-pounds.and now my body is ready to go up.

Lopez talks to the former champion Trinidad constantly about the pressures of being a champion and not looking ahead to the next opportunity.  Trinidad has attended most of his fights but won’t be there tomorrow because of a family commitment. “He is my idol,” says Lopez.

“He always tells me about the great experiences he had at the Garden. A lot of people are talking about Gamboa but I don’t think about that, I think about my next fight,” said the 26- year old who is 5-0 in championship fights. “Gamboa fight might happen but that is far down the road,” he said.

The undefeated Gomboa, (15-0, 13Ko’s) who won Olympic gold in 2004, one of the promising fighters in the division opposes (WBA 13^th ranked Whyber Garcia (22-6, 15 KO’s) of Panama City Panama.  An exciting and aggressive fighter, Garcia has won four of his last five fights the loss was for the world title WBA super featherweight champion Jorge Linares last year.

“I have to win the fights and convincingly to get to where I want to get,” he said. “Just being in the storied building (The Garden) means I have achieved my goals  I can feel the energy like it is on my doorstep but first I have to past this test on Saturday before I think about what happens next.”

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.”.

Camacho Legacy Continues:  Hector Camach Jr. believes this is his time much like the saying that his father, the former 4-time world champion Hector Sr. said over the years.  And the native of Puerto Rico and Spanish Harlem, now residing in Orlando Florida believes he is a better fighter and belongs in the same class with Cotto, Pacquiao and Mayweather.

Camacho, (49-3-1) the WBC Caribbean light middleweight champion begins his comeback to the championship ladder when he opposes former 2-time champion “Yory Boy” Campas of Mexico on Friday October 30 from the Don Haskins Center in El Paso Texas to be seen on pay-per-view.

“Yory Boy, he’s not a walk in the park,” said Camacho last week from his training quarters down in Orlando “He has been there. He’s coming to fight the fight. It’s a perfect style as he comes straight in” Added is a motivation factor because this past May, Campas and Camacho Sr. fought to a draw.

So there may be some vindication as well. “I have a score to settle with Yory Boy. This is as important to me as it is to my father,’ said Camacho who also wants it known that he should not be compared to his father when it comes to his ring entrance and style in the ring …

E-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

Arum is familiar with the trilogy, especially when it comes to welterweights having been a part of lucrative promotions in the 1980’s with Marvin Hagler, Sugar Ray Leonard and Thomas Hearns.  Years later, the division is the best in boxing and in the mix again is the r Floyd Mayweather Jr. who gets back in the ring again Saturday evening opposing Juan Manuel Marquez Saturday evening out in Vegas, a fight televised on HBO pay-per-view.

“This fight will be the most exciting and memorable event that Top Rank has promoted in 40 years,” said a gleaming Arum as Cotto and Pacquiao kicked off a five city media tour to promote the fight at Yankee Stadium last Thursday.  The Yankee Stadium press conference is also an indicator that boxing will return to the new stadium.

Arum and New York Yankees Chief Executive Officer Lonn Trost have been friends over the years, and there has been discussion with the two about hosting a major fight at the new ballpark in the Bronx. Reportedly, if Cotto wins in November the second of a possible three fights will take place at Yankee Stadium.

“I am not ruling that out,” claimed Arum about a Cotto-Pacquiao fight at the Stadium. He also said Mayweather could also get Cotto, but Arum, who once promoted Mayweather has made it known that his two fighters are more exciting and not entertainers like Mayweather is.

Either way, Mayweather could spoil the plans if he prevails Saturday.  Boxing fans suddenly get two possible fights with anticipation if Mayweather prevails. There could be a Mayweather-Pacquiao or Mayweather-Cotto fight on the horizon. But the logic is that Mayweather, who returns to the ring after a year-and a half of inactivity does not deserve immediate title consideration.

“I am certain it will take place as an exciting and action packed classic such as Hagler-Hearms and Ali-Frazier III,” said Arum referring to some of the great trilogies in boxing history that Arum has promoted. Top Rank staged the last fight card at the old Yankee Stadium on September 26, 1976 when heavyweight world champion Muhammad Ali got a decision over Ken Norton in their third epic fight.

“Firepower” as the fight has been billed will be the anticipated one of the year as Pacquaio, considered the best pound-for-pound fighter, and Cotto offer excitement and have a tremendous fan base.  “Pacquiao and Cotto will join that list of boxing classics,” said Arum about the trilogies he has promoted over the years.

As for the fight, Cotto (34-1, 27 Ko’s) of Caguas Puerto Rico, has made it known he has overcome any flaws that were seen in his last fight when he won a controversial 12-round unanimous decision against former IBF welterweight champion Joshua Clottey in June at Madison Square Garden.  Cotto sustained a nasty cut then over his left eyebrow from a Clottey head butt in the third round that needed six stitches below is eye and 14 in the bad one above his eye so he had trouble seeing Clottey’s right hand.

“It is the biggest step of my career,” said Cotto about his upcoming fight with Pacquiao Once again Cotto will set up training camp in Tampa Florida with his trainer Joe Santiago. “He has fought a lot of tough fighters but never one like me,” he said referring to Pacquiao who has won six world titles in as many weight divisions ranging from 112 to 140 pounds.

In his last fight back on May 2, Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37KO’s) dealt defending junior welterweight champion Rickey Hatton a one-punch second-round knockout. “Miguel Cotto is strong and smart and that is a dangerous combination for anyone that challenges him,” said Pacquiao.

And Pacquiao once again has his trainer, Freddie Roach, perhaps the best in the business. All focus and concentration now for Pacquiao as Roach tries to keep his popular fighter from the Philippines free from the distractions due to his popularity. “There won’t be any distractions,” said Roach. “I won’t let that happen.”

“He has respect for every fighter he meets and I am expecting the fight to go the distance,” added Roach.  “Can’t let this guy (Cotto) land that left hook…We will be well prepared. It’s a good match up and if there is a trilogy it will be good for boxing.”

The fight televised on pay-per-view is what boxing needs. The two fighters know that, so does Arum who has a way of making noise to try and revive a sport that is desperate for some excitement. Cotto and Pacquiao could certainly revive some interest.

“Cotto vs. Pacquiao will join that list of boxing classics,” promised Arum. And barring no complications it certainly should.

Throwing the punches: Arum also has a good card set for the Madison Square Garden WaMu Theatre “Island Warriors” also known as “Latin Fury 12” on Saturday evening October 12 also on pay-per-view. Juan Manuel Lopez ( 26-0, 24KO’s) the WBO junior featherweight champion from Cotto’s hometown of Caguas opposes (26-12, 2, 18Ko’s) Rogers Mtagwa of Philadelphia

The co-main event is undefeated WBA featherweight champion Yuriorkis Gamboa (15-0, 13Ko’s) of Cuba defending against 13^th ranked Whyber Garcia (23-6, 15KOo’s) pf Panama City, Panama. If all goes to plan, Arum hopes to main event Lopez against Gamboa in the Garden main arena sometime next year…

Hector Camacho jr. is in the ring again and serious about a title opportunity. His next test is trying to overtake the veteran and former IBG light middleweight champion “Yori Boy” Campus (92-14-1, 74KO’s) of Mexico, Camacho (49-3-1, 27Ko’s) son of  the former champion Hector Sr. is claiming this time he is in the best condition of his career and ready to make an impact.

Said Joe Diaz, trainer of Campus, “No Puerto Rican will ever beat a Mexican.” The fight will be hostile territory for Camacho as it takes place on the campus of UTEP in El Paso Texas on October 30^th next to the Mexican border. And in past boxing history the words of Diaz may be true. Most recently, Cotto lost to the Mexican Antonio Margarito for Cotto’s WBA title. We all know though that fight was contested as Margarito was suspended for a year for using tainted hand wraps under his gloves…

Heavyweight John Ruiz is still in the picture for another opportunity with the various alphabet soup organizations. The former two-time champion is hoping to get a title shot against either Klitschko brother Vitali the WBC champion or Wladimir the IBF champion,  Vitali defends against Christobal Arreola September 26 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles televised on HBO…

Julio Chavez Jr. son of the legendary champion of Mexico City (40-0-1, 30KO’s) easily disposed Jason LeHoukkier in less than a round this past weekend. The junior middleweight is ranked third by the WBC and will soon get a title opportunity against the champion Sergio Martinez.

Giovanni Lorenzo of the Dominican Republic, who opted to stay at middleweight and not enter the Showtime upcoming televised Super Middleweight Tournament, will get his title opportunity. He has arrived in Neubrandenburg Germany for his Saturday battle with Sebastian Sylvester for the vacant IBF Middleweight championship…

Arum says he does not fear the popularity of MMA fighting that does record numbers of pay-per-view and has hurt the sport. “They don’t box, they brawl and they are a bunch of…. “ Determine what he said in sexual connotations as to what MMA fighters do when they are on the mat. Uncalled words from Arum who with some fighting words, knows that rival promoter Oscar De La Hoya is involved with MMA which has become a lucrative industry and has taken in more than one boxing fan..

Our best wishes to fight broadcaster Nick Charles of Showtime who is in his biggest fight to overcome his battle with cancer. Nick is on the sidelines undergoing treatments in Texas and thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.  He is one of the good guys in the business who knows how to call them at ringside with partner Steve Farhood.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com