Unfinished Business: Tim Bradley vs Manny Pacquiao Part 3 of 4: The Eye of the Tiger

We have all formed opinions of what we believe is going to transpire in the coming hours and I assume that you have your supporting arguments. What I do implore you to do is to make an honest assessment by introducing an ounce of objectivity into your analysis of these fighters and their abilities.

These gentlemen have a history and a bitter one for both parties. Manny Pacquiao was clearly robbed by some blind decision made by two judges who will not rendering their services tonight. Bradley did himself no favour when in days following the bout claimed to have assessed himself the victor.

continue

Unfinished Business: Tim Bradley vs. Manny Pacquiao – Part 2 of 4: Finding The Congressman

It is clearly evident to us ways that 2012 was a devastating year for Manny Pacquiao and his team. Disappointment surfaced, some fans rejoiced while others tore their betting slips as the hopes of Pacquiao vs Mayweather were dashed twice in one year, with the last issued in devastating fashion. We all begun to wonder whether the raging Philippines typhoon had finally met its dying days in the boxing ring.

Pacquiao vs Marquez IV

I say this without reservation although Manny went into this fight with a loss to Bradley, it is not a loss of conventional measure but was engineered by some incapable judging. There was no celebration in such but yet another reminder for us all, pertaining to the questionable decisions which tarnish our sport. Manny Pacquiao remained the peoples’ champ, even in the midst of blatant robbery; the congressman was diplomatic and humble.

continue

Unfinished Business: Tim Bradley vs Manny Pacquiao – Part 1 of 4: A Storm of Resilience

It has been almost two years since Tim Bradley and Manny Pacquiao cast the script for one of the most controversial boxing decisions of 2012. We all expected a reasonably easy evening at the arena for Manny Pacquiao but with the aid of some incompetent judging, the boxing’s gods did not will it.

Bradley vs Pacquiao I:

I will not deny that Bradley exceed expectations through his resilience in the face of the beating Manny sought to issue on the night in question. He did well, but there is no way that he did enough to convince any of us that he was the rightful victor.

continue

Here’s the Real Skinny – Pacman Must Go Beyond Bradley’s 1st Move

Boxing writers and analyst base their predictions for tonight’s rematch on the first fight and subsequent fights. As true with all prognosticators, they manipulate the facts to support their pick, not unlike students writing a position paper. They don’t lie, but they often times emphasize something beyond its real importance. Their goal is to make a persuasive, logical argument that if A is true, then it follows B must be true as well.

As a result, we end up with two seemingly valid arguments. Which one is correct. Or, are both correct? Fans of either fighter have no problem lining up with their fighter’s side. They obviously don’t need much convincing. But, what about the group that has not been influenced by personal feelings? They look at what’s been said, and are confused, because both sides have provided relevant points.

continue

Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley 2: “Boxing 411 video preview”

Tonight from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Tim Bradley and Manny Pacquiao will compete for the WBO Welterweight title in the main event of a four bout HBO PPV, presented by Top Rank, Inc.

The broadcast is slated to begin at 9PM EST/6PM PST, and can be viewed through regional cable and satellite distribution, as well as online streaming access through http://www.toprank.com/livestream for $59.95 in SD, and $69.95 in HD viewing.

The reigning title holder is coming into this fight brimming with confidence after decisively out pointing four division world champion and Mexican fight legend Juan Manuel Marquez last year. Despite not getting the recognition of many fight fans and boxing critics after getting the split decision win over the Pacman in 2012, Tim Bradley remains one of the more confident fighters in the entire sport.

continue

Lukas Konecny interview; flying to USA for Quillin fight

Wearing a brand new glasses and with a big smile on his face – that’s how the Czech Republic’s most successful professional boxer Lukas Konecny (50-4-0, 23 KOs) approaches his American adventure (as well as his ultimate fight) against the local middleweight champion Peter Quillin (30-0-0, 22 KOs).

“Quillin’s still the big favorite, but I won’t give him anything for free. We’ve done some things in the camp, working on a specific strategy, so let’s see how it all pans out in the actual fight,” said the 35-year old fighter from Usti as he was waiting on the Prague Vaclav Havel Airport for his noon departure for Frankfurt. Once there, he’ll join his trainer Dirk Dzemski, and the two will then head straight for Washington D.C.

continue

Andre Ward’s situation – a personal plight or a symptom of the current state of boxing

It has been a while since super-middleweight P4P star Andre Ward has performed and true boxing fans should be missing him. His inactivity is of legal nature, he is involved in some litigation that apparently has stalled his career. He may not be the most charismatic persona but he is a gem of a boxer, an all around pugilist in search of recognition. He is a sportsman who is currently “held hostage” by legal obstacles while he is in his prime. He has no control over his career right now and it’s a pity that natural ability and talent should be subject to a legal dispute.

continue

Sometimes a boxer’s toughest test is keeping all his money

Punching for pay is one very hard and dangerous way to earn a living, with pro fighters sweating, bleeding and risking their very lives once they step bravely into the squared circle. It is all too sadly ironic, then, that far too many great fighters have a tough, tough time keeping hold of all the cash they fought so bravely for.

The story of a great fighter going broke is not a new one: going back to the days of legends such as Joe Louis and Henry Armstrong, both immortals passing away whilst virtually penniless, and the trend doesn’t ever look like going away – not for some unlucky pugilists, anyway. Fans may have read about the sad situation Felix Trinidad currently finds himself in. According to reports, “Tito,” whose ring earnings were around $85 million, is now almost broke, having trusted a top aide with his finances (with the aide investing over $60 million in a very bad way).

continue

Pacquiao vs. Bradley 2: Will it be Revenge or Redemption that ends this tale of tragedy?

photo by Chris Farina — Act two, of what was a classic Greek tragedy (robbery), will take place at the scene of the crime from a very controversial first fight that sent each combatant’s career in opposite directions.

The last thing that was on Manny Pacquiao’s mind in the locker room before the fight, while watching his beloved Boston Celtics get eliminated by the soon to be World Champions Miami Heat, was reverse homecoming.

After walking away lucky to be 2-0-1 in his fights with Juan Manual Marquez, there’s no way anyone could have known that Pac-man’s luck was about to run out, especially after damn near pitching a shout out clearly outworking and out landing Timothy Bradley. Bradley can tell us he won the fight 8 rounds to 4 until he turns blue in the face it only adds fuel to the fire.

continue

Pacquiao and Bradley make weight

WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley (31-0, 12 KO’s) looked like a statue today at his weigh-in with Manny Pacquiao (55-5-2, 38 KO’s) for their mega fight on Saturday night. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Bradley look so good before. He came in at 145.5, and was oozing confidence, especially when two fighters came together for the traditional face off.

Pacquiao weighed 145lb and looked good as he always does. Pacquiao looked like he really worked hard for this fight. Let’s hope he’s ready to take the vicious shots that Bradley will be nailing him with on Saturday, because Bradley doesn’t want to give up his WBO title. He’s going to fight tooth and nail to keep it, and if Pacquiao doesn’t find the fountain of youth before Saturday night, he’s going to be out of luck.

continue