Because it was havoc at the conclusion and something loyal boxing fans don’t deserve.  A main event for the bogus alphabet soup New York State junior featherweight title, one of the participants, Reinaldo Lopez was advertised from Miami Florida. His opponent (35-0-1) Mauricio Martinez, from Brooklyn the former WBO bantamweight champion who was the heavy favorite.

So what happens?  After nearly waiting an hour after the last fight, watching the awful comeback of Staten Island favorite Gary Starks Jr,, who took a pounding and took a decision over Leopoldo Arrocha of Panama City. Lopez hit the canvas three times in the first round before referee Steve Willis stopped the content at 1:21 by TKO.

Starks, a once promising lightweight was on the comeback trail after an 18-month hiatus. He needed medical attention and supposedly was taken by ambulance for further observation.  Here is the point of contention that is not fair to the ticket holder that anticipates and expects good boxing.

In between the Lopez stoppage the loud and abusive rap music continued to blast from the speaker systems in the arena. We wait and talk, fans continue to lose interest and leave the venue.  In the meantime there is no announcement made in the ring pertaining to the delay.

We waited and waited with nothing to do. Just like a rain delay at the ballpark and waiting for the rain to stop until the grounds crew can remove the tarp. Except during extensive rain delays, ballparks show out of town games on the video boards and here it was continued loud nonsense from the sound system.

The Havoc was so appropriately returned to Brooklyn, and in this case unfortunate it happened at a boxing event. Because fans were asking, “What was going on,” at least those who decided to wait and get their deserved value for a highly anticipated main event,

In the meantime, Martinez and Lopez are sitting in their respective dressing room area with hands wrapped and also waiting. Both at the Aviator complex hours before the doors opened for the first fight that got underway way after the scheduled 7pm start.

So this reporter, also tired of the wait seeks out New York State Athletic Commissioner Melvina Lathan, the political appointee of Governor David Patterson who should have the proper explanation as to causes for the delay. Is there a last minute medical issue with the fighters?  Is this a matter of stalling time as the clock past 11pm?

Said Lathan, annoyed about being interrupted in the middle of a social conversation, “We are waiting for an ambulance.” That was it.  Obviously the standby ambulance that is required had taken Starks to a nearby hospital for observation. But that could also not be confirmed because the commissioner had other pressing issues to discuss obviously not related to the boxing matter at hand.

Point of contention was asked. “Then why not make an announcement” to the remaining few that were roaming around ringside and in the back of the spacious Aviator complex. No response from the commissioner who should know better to address the issue for the interest of good paying boxing fans.

And after an hour or so of delay, we get this bogus main event that lasted all about 80 seconds.  Oh, nothing spectacular to report about the previous fights. Except some of the former champions of the sport, who once made boxing great in New York proudly stepped through the ropes and were introduced to the crowd.

Junior Jones, Monte Barrett, among the great fighters when boxing was a premiere sport in New York, Havoc Boxing Promotions tried to help the starved boxing fans of New York  But how many will return after witnessing havoc and being a part of the waiting game?

e-mail Rich Mancuso:  Ring786@aol.com

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.

“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.”

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,”

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.

“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,”

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,

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.”

“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.”

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.

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.

“: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.”

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.

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^th annual Daily News New York City Golden Gloves Tournament. Pena has guided 42 champions to the illustrious gold over the years.

The 49^th 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,

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.

“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.

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.

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/

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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^th and 26^th.

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^th opposing Yuri Foreman in a fight that would be televised on HBO Sports.

“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.

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.

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.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com Log on to: www.keepitinthering,net

“In this fight, he is not the star of the show,” said Arum about Cotto at the final news conference for a fight that needs no hype. Cotto and Pacquiao proudly have nine world titles in seven weight divisions, Cotto (34-1, 27KO’s) of Caguas Puerto Rico with three titles to his credit. Pacquiao (49-3.2, 37 KO’s) from the Philippines is also considered the best pound-for-pound fighter in the business.

“But he plays a role that has made this fight what it is,” says Arum about Cotto. “Miguel Cotto is the biggest obstacle in Manny’s path. He is a true welterweight with a heart as big as this room. When the bell rings there won’t be one icon and one great fighter. There will be two great fighters in the ring and they will be fighting for their country and their families.”

And also fighting for the sport of boxing because this has become one of the most anticipated and talked about fights in years.  Not since the great welterweight wars that involved Marvin Hagler, Thomas Hearns and Sugar Rey Leonard has boxing seen the magnitude of two great fighters like this.

There is no telling how far this fight will go, but the implications after the result will also create interest in what is perhaps the premiere division in the sport. Waiting in the wings for the winner is an inevitable clash with the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. Reportedly a Pacquiao win could have him facing Mayweather at the new billion dollar Yankee Stadium in New York, or the comparable new football home of the Dallas Cowboys.

But Cotto can change the entire scope of where Mayweather fits in the picture. “I know the skills of Manny,” commented Cotto who had, what has been claimed to be the hardest and best training camp of his career in preparation for this mega fight, “We created a game plan for this fight and we are pretty sure this is going to be a great fight for boxing all over the world but especially for the Latin fans and the Puerto Ricans.”

Though Cotto never thrives on the future and Mayweather, looking in, is not a priority to him at least for the moment. Pacquiao has lived up to his distinction as being the top fighter in the game and in many ways, so has Cotto. The difference is Cotto fighting again at his natural weight and Pacquiao has moved up to another weight division which has never proved to be a problem.

To that Pacquiao said, “This fight is the most important of my boxing career .because if I win this fight I will go down in history. It’s a big honor for my country, for my family and myself. That’s why I work hard.” And it has more to do than the winner getting the new WBC Diamond Belt.  The winner is guaranteed more lucrative pay days and pay-per-per-view revenue that could surpass previous earnings of Mayweather and

Oscar De La Hoya.

And Pacquiao is claiming, “This is a once in a lifetime fight.”  Arum, who promotes both fighters, is in the driver’s seat either way.  When the fight was officially announced with a five city coast-to-coast tour in September, the kickoff at the new Yankee Stadium, there was mention of a trilogy between his two fighters, the next one at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx.

Then Mayweather started to make some noise, of which Arum has had a previous and bad history with “Mayweather is just a showman and not a fighter,” said Arum when asked if Cotto or Pacquiao is in the plan to fight Mayweather. But the most likely and lucrative fight, even before Cotto and Pacquiao talk trilogy is Mayweather taking on the winner after the final result is in Saturday evening.

The pick here: Pacquiao in eight rounds by TKO. He may be too quick for Cotto and if he gets his opponent in the ropes it spells trouble for Cotto.

THROWING THE PUNCHES: The Nevada State Athletic Commission which is sanctioning the Cotto-Pacquiao fight recently approved the use of instant replay to be used in televised fights in their jurisdiction/ Though it is not known if the rule will be implemented for Cotto-Pacquiao.

Good for boxing when it comes to controversial scoring decisions based on the discretion of a referee when it comes to a knockdown or slippage.  Sometimes the knockdown as opposed to the slip can be vital in the final scoring of the judges as to a 10-8 or 10-9 round….

The career of Hector Camacho Jr, has been revived after his recent unanimous decision win over the veteran champion Yori Boy Campos. Camacho, son of former champion Hector of Spanish Harlem came in the ring at his heaviest weight, 174 and claims he can be a contender now in the welterweight division. His next target, Fernando Vargas, who has made noise about coming out of retirement after leaving the ring a few years ago with a bad back…

So Paul Williams gets his date in Atlantic City, December 5^th on HBO but it is not for the middleweight championship against Kelly Pavlik.  Instead Williams, a definite threat to Pavlik, draws Sergio Martinez the exciting puncher from Argentina. Pavlik pulled out of the fight last month when it was well known his bad left hand would not heel in time. So what happens?

Williams gets to keep his HBO date and Pavlik weeks later, when it was said he could not fight for another seven weeks, signs on to defend his middleweight title against the lesser known and easier opponent Miguel Espino in his hometown of Youngstown Ohio. Pavlik also makes out on the deal getting a more lucrative deal as the fight will be televised on HBO PPV.

A good under card bout on the Williams card in Atlantic City, now moved to a ballroom instead of the more known Boardwalk Hall. Welterweight Johsua Clottey of Ghana and now residing in the Bronx, who gave Cotto a scare in June at Madison Square Garden, takes on the tough Carlos Quintana…

John Ruiz the two-time heavyweight champion is a stubborn and persistent fighter who believes his time is still coming to make boxing history. The first heavyweight champion of Latino descent form the United States gets his chance when he takes on newly crowned WBA champion David Haye.  Haye made history becoming the second light heavyweight champ to take a part of the heavyweight title, the first being Evander Holyfield…

January 30^th out in Vegas another compelling welterweight bout. Andre Berto the WBC champ taking on veteran WBA title holder Shane Mosley, also on HBO and a fight that makes it more interesting for Cotto, Pacquiao and Mayweather. Do we smell possible unification of the title again, or maybe not because the promoters and sanctioning bodies don’t want it that way,,,

The 42-year old Bernard Hopkins, partner with Oscar De La Hoya Golden Boy Promotions wants to make his hometown Philadelphia proud when he steps in the ring to defend his light heavyweight title on December 4^th at the Liacourras Center when he opposes the unknown Enrique Omeles…   …

And the busy end of the year boxing calendar continues on December 13^th, the interesting and return 12-round bout that fans anticipated after their first bout. Paulie Malignaggi of Brooklyn New York, the junior welterweight meets Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz this time at a neutral venue, the UIC Pavillon in Chicago Illinois to be televised on HBO

Many felt that their first encounter on August 22, in Diaz’ hometown of Houston Texas was a hometown decision as Malignaggi threw more punches and got the best of Diaz. “I am not going to dwell on the past,” said Diaz this week when the fight was announced. “This time it is a different city and a new and different game plan.”

Said Malignaggi, the former junior welterweight champion who revived his career in that first bout, “I made enough of a stink after the first match to help get the rematch,” And indeed he did as his promoter,  Lou DiBella, one who is very vocal about bad decisions immediately petitioned Diaz and his management, Golden Boy Promotions, to put the gloves on again and do it at any other place but Houston Texas where Diaz still resides and is extremely popular.

e-mail Rich Mancuso: Ring786@aol.com

First off, the news came down yesterday that the much awaited Middleweight showdown between Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik and Paul “The Punisher” Williams has been postponed…again. It seems that Pavlik is still feeling the affects of his multiple surgeries to remove a staph infection which has caused him to postpone three fight dates this year (Mora in June, Two with Williams).

The WBC and WBO middleweight champion was trying to fight through the pain and seemed like he was on his way there. However, he cannot close his hand completely and as a result is unable to train properly. His trainer Jack Loew has advised not to go through with the bout.

“He’s trying,” said Loew. “He’s running, he’s trying to shadow box with one hand, hit the speed bag with one hand…I’ve been keeping it secret but I’m not going to fool anyone any longer.”

So what are to make of all this? Paul’s status as the “most avoided boxer in boxing” still holds true and is still without a fight. I know this was a case of bad luck but I am really starting to feel for the Punisher. Am I the only one who is still waiting to see how good Paul really is? We know he has one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world when we saw him best Antonio Margarito, knocked out Carlos Quintana in their rematch in the first round, and totally dismantle Winky Wright. But Williams needs to find a fight soon or else his marketability will be completely vanished.

Now as I write this, there is news coming out of the Williams camp that they want to fight December 5^th no matter what. Dan Goosen promoter for Paul Williams seems has told Boxingscene.com he will be in action on December 5 whomever his opponent may be.

‘Paul is the star and the guy fans love to see, we plan on bringing him back December 5. No ifs, ands or buts. We ain’t waiting on him no more. I don’t know who but we are fighting somebody December 5.

George Peterson, William’s trainer was very skeptical of Pavlik’s injury. Even going as far as to question Pavlik’s integrity:

”If he had the staph infection for this long, he would have been poisoned to death. It’s not his hand it’s his heart that needs to be corrected.”

Ouch, I did not see those comments coming. I will not go quite as far as Peterson but it sure seems that Pavlik has lost some of his appeal. It was only back in early 2008 that Pavlik had the opening to become the top star in American boxing. His first win over Jermain Taylor was one of the best boxing matches of our era and showed how much heart Kelly had that night. He is essentially the King of Youngstown, Ohio and had a loyal and strong following as good as Ricky Hatton. Every fight for Pavlik became a hot ticket because the fans that come out to see him bring a passion that can rival any Mexican boxing fans.

But Pavlik’s appeal took a big hit when he was dominated by future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins in what turned out to be Hopkins best performance of his career. Pavlik not only had his first loss of his career but he lost some of his star power. Even though Bernard told Kelly after the fight that “he could become one of the best middleweights ever”, it didn’t seem to be enough to get the bad taste out of his mouth.

Pavlik would bounce back this past February when he dominated Marco Antonio Rubio in front of his hometown crowd of Youngstown in what was a snooze of a fight. Sure he got back on the winning track but I still was not convinced that he vindicated himself from the embarrassment of the Hopkins fight.

Now with Pavlik’s latest fight postponement, he has slowly phased out as one of American boxing’s biggest star. Sure all of us at 411mania have Kelly in our top 10 pound for pound rankings but his luster has certainly worn off. He is starting to become the Leno Spinks of our generation. That might be over blowing it a little but time will tell for the Ghost.

As for the World Boxing classic, King Arthur Abraham might have put the finishing touches of the highly promising career of Jermain Taylor. Taylor was knocked out in the 12^th round for the second straight fight by an Abraham right that landed right on the sweet spot of the nose. While it was a devastating loss for Taylor both mentally and physically, It was perfect boxing by Abraham, using a left hook to split Taylor’s gloves the slightest bit enough for the right hand to slip through and drill Taylor.

Some have doubted Arthur given his track record but certainly has more believers now after that performance. It is readily evident that the beatings Taylor suffered at the hands of Kelly Pavlik have badly diminished his physical capabilities and it is time for the 2000 bronze medalist to seriously consider hanging up his gloves.

On the flipside, Abraham, 29, an Armenian-German who wowed his hometown supporters with his brilliant performance this past weekend, is a genuine force in the ring and his future in prizefighting is exceedingly bright. Abraham has emerged as the clear favorite in this tournament and right now looks like the best super middleweight in the world.

The second fight of the tournament was a lot more competitative but not without controversy. Froch was able to use his brute strength to successfully counterbalance the superior speed that Dirrell is renowned for and he was able to narrowly prevail in front of his fellow Englishmen. Many felt that Direll deserve to win the decision but I do not think so. Direll did not come to win this fight but actually try to steal it. Direll certainly looked like he won the last three rounds of the fight but before that, just did not do enough to beat. Make no mistake about it, Dirrell is going to do very well in this tournament and will have that chance when we next face off against Abraham.

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

It is one of those intriguing fights that could go either way and much of the speculation is how Cotto has adjusted to his new trainer, Joe Santiago. The challenger Clottey is set to confront a pro Cotto crowd at the Garden that will be sold out and the question is, will he be able to take an onslaught of Cotto punches to the body?

Cotto was very quiet and recently not offering much comment about his headlining a boxing card at the Garden for the fourth time in five years on the eve of New York’s National Puerto Rican Day Parade.  He focused and trained hard with Santiago down in Tampa Florida.

And until Wednesday, when the two fighters appeared at a final news conference at the Garden, Cotto had not said much There, were no Clottey appearances in the Bronx, where he now resides coming from his native Ghana while Cotto, the native of Caguas Puerto Rico, greeted the public twice in the past week at a Puerto Rican festival in the south Bronx and at a local AT&T store.

I love the people here,” said Cotto about greeting the vastly popular Puerto Rican community in the Bronx.  The fighter has become their ambassador in and out of the ring though in Puerto Rico they say former four-time champion Felix Trinidad still has the popularity.

Clottey who is finally getting his opportunity, and a long awaited championship bout at the Garden, has also been quiet since their initial press conference a few months ago. The fight televised on HBO Sports is also not on pay-per-view. Cotto wants his fans to see him without paying the $50.00 going rate for boxing PPV bouts.

And this, the words from promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank, who promotes both Cotto and Clottey tells the story about Cotto and New York City. “Cotto has returned home,” he said with a gleaming smile.  The truth is Cotto hopes to return home to Puerto Rico with two thirds of the welterweight championship.

And Clottey, (35-2, 21KO’s) wants the public to finally know what he is about/and respects the opportunity that Cotto granted him. “Cotto is giving me an opportunity and I respect him for that,” said Clottey.  “They make him the favorite. Favorites don’t judge the fights. That’s their opinion.”

But Cotto is the favorite in just about every fight. Except this time Clottey is getting the accolades and a majority of boxing media are looking at Cotto heading to another defeat. Distractions prior to training camp, Cotto and an altercation with uncle and former longtime trainer Evangelista, and an ugly loss to Antonio Margarito that resulted in a WBA title loss may be the reason.

Cotto has put that all on the past, won’t discuss the previous problems and as Santiago said, “All of my work will show in the ring Saturday night.”  A different strategy or approach, perhaps going for a quick knockout could be what we see.

In line for Cotto, assuming he wins could be a return bout with Margarito who is under suspension for using tainted hand wraps under his gloves when Margarito lost the WBA welterweight title to Shane Mosley last year. The speculation is that the same wraps were used when Margaritio defeated Cotto by TKO last July in Las Vegas.

Or Cotto could at 140, challenge Manny Pacquiao, considered the best pound-for-pound fighter by the experts.  Pacquiao will be attending the fight at ringside and a Cotto-Pacquiao fight can be a marketing bonanza for Arum who also promotes Pacquiao.

To the controversy that has surrounded Cotto and for future fights he says, “I am at peace with myself.”  He leaves his future options to Arum and part of his reason as to avoiding questions from the media also stemmed from rumors that he has been seeking a way to break his contract with Top Rank that runs through next year.

On Margaritio, Cotto said “If we put everything together I will make a deal.” And he is open to a Pacquiao fight or any of the other top fighters in the welterweight division including Floyd Mayweather Jr. the former champion who recently came out of a brief retirement.

“I can’t talk about something I don’t know,” says Cotto about the Margarito incident that left him battered in the ring after 11 rounds. “I respect him though,” he said. Though the talk was Cotto became very angry and aggravated that Arum, who also promotes Margarito, played two sides perhaps a reason why Cotto wanted out of his Top Rank commitment. .

“I am not looking ahead, I never do.  I never say no to anyone. I am here for the new fighters and the real fighters. The welterweight division is real and good for boxing. On Saturday we are going to leave everything in the ring and we are going to win.”

Cotto has never lost a fight at the Garden since his debut there in 2005 and has sold more tickets than any other fighter at the Mecca of Boxing this millennium. And if were up to Cotto he would prefer all of his fights take place in New York at the famed Garden arena.

But Clottey, even with all of his respect for Cotto has his own agenda. “Guys don’t want to fight me and I thank Miguel for giving me the chance,” he said.   If I hit him then he has a lot of problem and if I hit him and he is still standing then I have problems,”

Cotto (33-1, 27KO’s) is a three-time champion in two different divisions and Clottey  had his biggest career victory, a 10-round technical decision over former three-time world champion Zab Judah  August 2  of  last year..

In addition Clottey, an aggressive puncher with power is on a two-year five-bout winning streak. He also has wins over the late Diego Corrales the two division champion, undefeated contender Shamone Alvarez and two-time world title challenger Felix Flores.

But all of that won’t matter when they touch gloves around 10:30 Saturday evening.  The pick here is Clottey by TKO in round 11.

Hatton went down three times in the two- round fight before it was stopped. This writer picked Pacquiao to win via TKO in eight rounds, and so many of the experts picking the fight actually gave Hatton a legitimate chance to dethrone Pacquaio as the best. The end result was 73 punches thrown by Pacquaio and 18 by Hatton in the short lived fight.

So at 140, Pacquiao, fighting in a different fight division for the fourth straight time, is still the dominant fighter and most sought after, very reminiscent of De La Hoya who won titles in five different weight classes.

Pacquiao was much stronger and faster and now awaits his next test. The discussion as to who may be next centers on a big money fight with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto or with Floyd Mayweather Jr.  Mayweather, earlier in the day made it official that he was returning to the ring after being away the last year and a half.

Mayweather, who handed Hatton his only loss, is set to return on July 18^th against Juan Manuel Marquez the same fighter who Pacquiao split two fights with as a junior lightweight

The statement was made once again and this time the boxing world should take notice. Whether it, be Cotto or Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao means business.  So popular is Pacquiao in his native land of the Phillipines, he is now the most exciting and popular fighter in the business.

And on a Super Saturday day of sports that included the Kentucky Derby and another Boston Celtics game 7 playoff win, how appropriate that Pacquiao did what he did.