Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV – “It has to happen…really?”

09/14/201609/22/2012 ESB

By Marc Livitz – Change is good…Complacency kills.

Neither of these well known socially accepted proverbs holds any weight if each of them is universally governed by the words of the great P.T. Barnum.

Oceans worth of fans still feel jilted from the fallout which resulted from the past three fights between a certain Emmanuel D. Pacquiao and a noteworthy Juan Manuel Marquez Mendez. To their credit, there is enough evidence however much it may be clouded by opinion and anger on each side to support their respective arguments.

Throughout the thirty six rounds contested between the two, we have been constantly reminded afterwards just how microscopic the differences have been in terms of how the scoring has played itself out. The knockdowns have made the difference, at least they have (or did) in the first and second contests, which took place in May 2005 and March 2008, respectively.

A show of hands, please. Who really wants to see a fourth meeting between the two?

Take into consideration for just a moment how age is certainly going to factor into the bout once the bell rings to commence round thirty seven on December 8 of this year. Manny Pacquiao will be closing in on his 34th birthday, while Marquez has already settled into the final year of his thirties.

Win?…pissed off at the result. Lose?…pissed off at the result. Draw?… pissed off at the result.

Pacquiao Agrees to 55-45 Split to Fight Mayweather

09/14/201609/21/2012 ESB

By John G. Thompson: Filipino Congressman, eight division champion, and pound-for-pound great Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KO’s) appeared on ESPN2’s “First Take” this past Thursday and announced something which could help make the long anticipated fight between him and fellow pound-for-pound great and five division champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather Jr. (43-0, 26 KO’s) actually materialize.

Pacquiao publicly announced that he is willing to cede the majority of revenue the fight would generate to Mayweather, who has been unwilling to fight under the normal 50-50 split. Though an even split is customary for two champions, Mayweather argued that his fights generate more revenue, and based on the numbers he is correct. Pacquiao stated that he would be willing to take a 55-45 split, possibly easing the barriers preventing a showdown between boxing’s two top stars.

Another point of contention from Mayweather has been Pacquiao’s refusal to accept random drug tests. Just to put this issue to rest as well, Pacquiao reiterated in the interview that he would be willing to submit himself for random drug testing. It seems that many fans are not up to date with this issue, so just for a little background: Mayweather and Pacquiao have attempted negotiations for this fight numerous times over the past few years. Mayweather accused Pacquiao of taking performance enhancing substances and demanded random drug testing from the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA).

Pacman vs JMM IV – I don’t want either one to lose

09/22/201209/21/2012 ESB

By Paul Strauss: Three and not out, and four might not settle the score. Maybe being unresolved is good enough. Shocking as it might sound, I don’t care. I like and admire both of these great fighters. Admit it, failure to produce a clear cut winner and final resolution to their four match-ups might not be such a bad thing. Constructive debate would continue and that is good for boxing.

It’s not difficult to envision future sportscasters bubbling over about the good old days when Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez fought four times in one of the best rivalries ever! They will describe with great enthusiasm the fact neither fighter could gain the clear cut upper hand over the other, providing unmatched excitement, not giving an inch.

So, even if there isn’t the so called finisher, it will be okay. Fans of each will keep their hero, and experts will be allowed to conduct lively arguments from now until doomsday about who in their opinion was the best.

To borrow a little something from Van Halen, “If we could have the best of both worlds, (then we’d) have heaven right here on earth.” Maybe lack of a definitive fight is not what some consider “heaven”, but it will at least allow the debate to continue, and for both combatants to then go on for a little while longer, knocking the blocks off remaining competition.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez IV: is it just for the Money?

09/14/201609/19/2012 ESB

By Robert Jackson: Since 2004 up until the present, fight fans around the world have been treated to 3 fights between antagonists Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez; and since 2004 neither man has separated himself from the other. All 3 fights followed the same script, and with the exception of 3 knockdowns – they were close give and take fights with Pacquiao doing the fighting and Marquez doing the boxing.

In many fight fans and critics eyes this 4th fight is unnecessary and not needed; what will they prove? Both men are claiming that they will KO the other but at this point it seems as if a silent agreement has been made between these two. Fight #4 could turn out to be another sparring session where one fighter defends while the other fighter tries to get his punches in and then they’ll switch roles.

The tempo and pace will be the same like it’s always been: high speed chess (they’ll try), and at fight’s end half of the observers will claim Pacquiao as the victor the other ½ will claim Marquez. And don’t forget the judging that many would say has been awful, where valid arguments could be made that any of the 3 fights could’ve been scored another way.

Manny Pacquiao vs. JM Marquez IV: Will cuatro “sinko” at the bank?

09/14/201609/18/2012 ESB

By Joseph Herron / On December 8th, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, eight division world champion Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KOs) will attempt to defeat Mexican legend Juan Manuel Marquez (54-6-1, 39 KOs) for a third consecutive time.

Although every meeting between the two future Hall of Famers have been riddled with controversy, the all time great trilogy has given fight fans around the world many memorable flashes of elite level action.

Despite the popularity of both fighters, most fight fans are divided regarding their support of the scheduled event. But realistically, what choices were Pacquiao and Top Rank left with?

Whereas most casual and die-hard fight fans are in agreement concerning whom they would prefer to see Pacquiao face in the ring on December 8th, that distinction has never been solely on the shoulders of Manny or the Top Rank brass; contrary to popular belief.

And while Palm Springs resident Tim Bradley won the Pac-Man’s WBO Welterweight title this past June, most fight fans are in congruence regarding the validity of the controversial “Split Decision” victory. Even after two consecutive losses to Pacquiao, a fourth bout with JMM still holds more credibility with the boxing faithful than a rematch with the current Welterweight title holder.

Ricky Hatton wants Mayweather, Pacquiao, Khan and Brook

09/14/201609/15/2012 ESB

By Michael Collins: Ricky Hatton (45-2, 32 KO’s) is like a big kid in a candy store now that he’s decided to make a comeback on November 24th against who knows what kind of opponent. Hatton, 33, will be fighting in Manchester, England on the 24th of November and his opponent will probably be a soft touch brought in for him to shake off the ring rust from three years of inactivity huge weight gain. Hatton says he’s interested in facing Amir Khan, Floyd Mayweather Jr., Manny Pacquiao and Kell Brook. That’s a pretty impressive list I must say, but I don’t know that Hatton’s chances are good at beating any of them.

Even a fragile chinned Khan or the stamina plagued Brook could be enough to trip Hatton up before he’s had the chance to make the really cash in fights against Mayweather and/or Pacquiao. If Hatton is serious about wanting Mayweather or Pacquiao, he’s going to need to skip the Khan and Brook fights and go straight to Mayweather or Pacquiao. Those guys are getting older and it’s doubtful they’ll be hanging around too much longer.

Hatton told the Manchester Evening News “I’d love to get a crack at them [Khan and Brook]. I dream about another go at Mayweather and Pacquiao, without a doubt. The ultimate goal is to redeem myself.”

Bradley stunned that Pacquiao will be facing Marquez next

09/14/201609/13/2012 ESB

By Marcus Richardson: WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley is less than pleased with the news that Manny Pacquiao won’t be fighting him next in a rematch to try and avenge his loss to Bradley from last June. Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum have chosen to go with a proven pay per view money maker in 39-year-old Juan Manuel Marquez for Pacquiao’s next fight on December 8th.

Bradley told the Desert Sun at mydesert.com “I can’t believe these guys. He didn’t want any part of me. Marquez is an easier fight. He knows that a fight with me and two good legs are going to be hell…Any champion who lost his belt, you would want to redeem yourself.”

In fairness to Pacquiao, he probably does want to avenge his loss to Bradley, but it’s not just Pacquiao making the decisions here. It’s a team process and and I think he realized after hearing the arguments from his fellow team members that it was simply more logical to go with Marquez because of his potential to draw in more PPV buys from his large Mexican fanbase. Bradley still doesn’t have a large fanbase and it’s going to take a while for him and Arum to build one up.

Arum close to finalizing Pacquiao-Marquez 4, Roach not happy

09/14/201609/13/2012 ESB

By Michael Collins: Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is close to putting the finishing touches on a fourth fight between Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez. The bout will take place on December 8th in Las Vegas for a still yet to be determined pay per view asking price. Count on it being in the $49.99 range.

Arum said to Dan Rafael at ESPN “We’re having a meeting about Manny’s next fight and to get it finalized. My goal is to finalize the Marquez fight, but I have to meet with [Michael Koncz].”

This might good news or bad news depending on whether you’re one of the fans that want to see Pacquiao fight Marquez for a fourth time. Hardcore boxing fans are getting a little tired of seeing Pacquiao fight Marquez again and again, but casual boxing fans seem to really like the fight judging by the 1.2 million fans that purchased tickets for the Pacquiao-Marquez III fight last November. With boxing fans continuing to show interest in seeing Pacquiao fight Marquez, Arum is likely going to keep this rivalry going until it no longer brings gold for Pacquiao, him and Marquez.

Pacquiao’s next opponent could be picked this week for December 8th fight

09/14/201609/12/2012 ESB

By Rob Smith: Manny Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz is reporting that negotiations are complete with the potential opponent for Pacquiao’s next fight on December 8th in Las Vegas, and the only thing that is needed now is Top Rank promoter Bob Arum’s final decision. It’s going to be either Tim Bradley or Juan Manuel Marquez, two of Pacquiao’s past opponents. The opponent could be announced on Thursday, September 13th. That’s the word that has been floating around.

Koncz told RingTV “We’re done negotiation. We’ll present everything to Bob, and he will decide what he wants to do.”

Interesting. I thought Pacquiao was supposed to be the one that is picking out his next opponent, but Koncz sure is making it seem as if Arum is the ultimate decider in the choosing.

It’s not all that appealing Pacquiao facing the retreads that Arum has offered up to him. Boxing fans want to see Pacquiao fight someone new instead of seeing the same old Top Rank fighters brought in repeatedly for fights against him. At this point it would be more interesting to see Pacquiao fight someone completely new, even if it meant that the fight would likely be a mismatch. Seeing Pacquiao fight Bradley again would be like watching paint dry.

Bradley Sr: Timothy would have knocked Pacquiao out if he hadn’t injured his leg

09/14/201609/07/2012 ESB

By Rob Smith: Tim Bradley Sr., the father of WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley (29-0, 12 KO’s), feels that Manny Pacquiao (54-4-2, 38 KO’s) got a lucky break last June when Bradley injured his leg in their fight in Las Vegas, Nevada. Although Bradley still ended up winning the fight anyway by a 12 round split decision, Bradley Sr. feels that his son would have knocked Pacquiao out had he been fighting on two good legs in that fight.

Bradley Sr. said to Examiner.com writer Chris Robinson “I feel that Pacquiao would have got knocked the h*ll out if my son would have been able to shift the power on either leg but he could not do that.”

Bradley showed little in the way of power in that fight, and it pretty clear to most boxing fans that Pacquiao was the much harder hitter of the two. However, Bradley has shown some decent power in past fights against the likes of Lamont Peterson and Joel Casmayor. But Bradley has never been a huge puncher and it’s doubtful that even with two good legs working for him that he’d have been able to knock out the 33-year-old Pacquiao in that fight.