Video Hype: Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley on Showtime's Fight Camp 360

Here's a little sneak peek at the April 2 CBS premiere of Showtime's acclaimed Fight Camp 360, this time focusing on the May 7 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley.



I reckon it looks like Showtime did their usual fine job, but I will say again that I really doubt that this particular series has been made with the already-familiar boxing fan in mind. This is to spread the good word of Manny Pacquiao (oh and this "Mosley" fellow -- he seems lovely!) out to the masses who either only know the name and mispronounce it, or don't know anything at all about him. Pacquiao's ability to hook fans is remarkable. I've never watched a Pacquiao fight with someone who wound up going, "You know something? I don't like that guy." He's just too nice, too talented, too likeable, and he doesn't run around grimacing and making mean mug faces or trying to play a fake character, which I think at this point is pretty much old hat that nobody wants to see anymore. The only money-making villain I can think of in recent years is Mayweather, in part because Floyd can say "I'm playing a character" all he wants to, but the further we go along the less like a character "Money Mayweather" appears.

Once again, the series premieres on CBS at Noon EDT on April 2, right before the Final Four kicks off. Tell your neighbors.

Source: badlefthook.com

Preview: Fight Camp 360 Pacquiao-Mosley

It is clear that the producers of Fight Camp 360 will utilize the underdog theme to market the May 7 welterweight title fight. The production costs are underwritten by Top Rank Boxing, the main promoter for the event. Pomona-native Shane Mosley (46-6-1) is currently a 7-1 betting underdog and has one loss and one draw in his last two fights.

The first full episode follows Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao's (52-3-2) visit to the U.S. Senate and White House in Washington DC last month, as well as, the large throng of admirers that Pacquiao attracts in the Philippines and in the United States.

Fight Camp 360's first episode is scheduled for Saturday, April 2nd at 9am PST on CBS, which will be televised to a national audience prior to the continuation of the NCAA men's basketball tournament.

Source: Examiner.com

Fight Camp 360°: Pacquiao vs. Mosley -- Episode 1

PACQUIAO STARTS SPARRING

BAGUIO CITY – Manny Pacquiao sometimes has the tendency to be lax in his training, but when he plunges seriously into it, he sort of kills himself.

This was again proven on his first day of sparring when the world welterweight champion missed his routine roadwork as he slept twice in the morning before facing 10th ranked welterweight Shawn Porter and lightweight David Rodela in the afternoon in two rounds skirmish each.

After the day’s session though that included six round of working with the mitts, extra rounds with the big bag, double end ball, speed ball and conditioning exercises, chief trainer was all praises with the way the day went.

“It’s a great day. He’s not 100 percent okay yet, especially in his timing,” Roach said in what he saw in a four and-a-half hour sweat session. “He’s a little bit cautious with his moves, but that’s understandable. I can see him improving a lot before we leave for Los Angeles on Saturday.”

Their plan, according to the 51-year-old trainer, is to increase the frequency of sparring from four rounds yesterday and today with Porter and Rodela having two rounds each, to five Thursday and possibly six and seven Friday and Saturday.

“That’s what he usually does following a miss in a training regimen. He did not run this morning, but look how he almost killed himself this afternoon, “ Ariza, for his part, observed.

“Actually, what he did today was what he requested. He did not need the big bag, but he wanted that. And so were the double end and the speed ball. That only meant one thing, he’s serious in whatever he wants to do in training,” Ariza added.

“Well, kailangan talaga bigay-todo sa ensayo, marami tayong dapat ma-recover matapos ang mahabang pahinga mula noong laban ko okay (Antonio) Margarito. Pero ayos lang naman,” Pacquiao, on the other hand, said.

“Excited na ako sa laban at ngayon pa lang ay gusto ko nasa kondisyon na. Pero siymepre malayo pa naman. Tama si Freddie nangangapa pa ako sa timing ng suntok. Di ko maibigay agad kahit gusto ko. Ma-adjust naman agad yun,” he said.

Despite what he lacked, Porter, a former candidate to the U.S Olympic team, and Rodela along with a throng that filled the Cooyeessan Hotel Shape Up Gym despite earlier announcement that the session was closed door were impressed with Pacquiao’s performance in his first day of tasting a mocked fights.

“He’s still a bit rusty. We both are, but he still possesses the power and speed like before,” Porter one of the men who helped Pacquiao prepare in his fight against Miguel Cotto, assessed.

“I challenged him to toe-to-toe and he accepted the dare. He amazed me as usual, he said.

“Yeah, same with me. I wanted to mix it up with him and he obliged,” Rodela said.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

SHANE MOSLEY: "WE'RE WORKING HARD...I GOT A LOT OF THE FILIPINO FANS RILED UP"

"Oh yeah, I've been sparring; a long time ago. I've been sparring with everybody basically. They put 'em in one at a time and everybody goes like a round with me; one round and then I go to the next guy. They go as hard as they can go and then another guy comes in the next round. We're working hard...I've watched him live, I've watched him workout, I've watched him at the Wild Card gym, so I've watched him at different places. I'm pretty familiar with what he does and what he likes to do...I got a lot of the Filipino fans riled up now," stated three-division world champion "Sugar" Shane Mosley, who gave us an update on how training camp is going for his upcoming May 7th showdown with Manny Pacquiao. Check out what else he had to say.

BT: What's going on Shane?

SM: Just training and working hard, you know?

BT: How's training camp going? Have you started sparring yet?

SM: Oh yeah, I've been sparring; a long time ago. I've been sparring with everybody basically. They put 'em in one at a time and everybody goes like a round with me; one round and then I go to the next guy. They go as hard as they can go and then another guy comes in the next round. We're working hard.

BT: When you guys are studying tapes on Manny, do you bother looking at his fights from the lower weights or are you just focusing on his fights since he moved up to 140 and 147?

SM: I look at everything. I just finished watching him fight Marquez the second time. I watch everything to see how he moves, what he's successful at, what he's not successful at, you know? I pretty much watch it all. I like to watch a lot of tapes. I can see different things and capitalize on it, so with this right here, I'm pretty sure I'm going to be pretty good with landing a lot of punches on him. Once I hit him, he's not going to feel nothing like this before.

BT: You've also had the benefit of being at a lot of his fights live and in person, right?

SM: Yeah, yeah, yeah. I've watched him live, I've watched him workout, I've watched him at the Wild Card gym, so I've watched him at different places. I'm pretty familiar with what he does and what he likes to do.

BT: Do you think it's more beneficial seeing him live and in person as opposed to viewing him on tape, or does it even matter?

SM: Actually, I mean, I don't know if it really makes a difference. Really, you have to be in there with the guy to really understand what they're doing. I used to watch a guy spar and fight, and I'm like, "Man, this guy cannot hit and he doesn't really look that good." And then when you get in there with him, you're dead tired after three or four rounds. You gotta know how they move their feet and all that stuff, so I just gotta be prepared. I see different things that I can see from the outside, but when I get in there, then I'll really, really know what's going on.

BT: Is everything on point as far as your weight is concerned?

SM: Yeah, I'm in striking distance. I was about 153 the other day, so I'm in striking distance. I'm not worried. I'm crusing in (laughing).

BT: I saw you taking a few shots at Manny on Twitter. I think some of his fans got a little upset when you made that comment about his hair and his singing (laughing).

SM: Yeah, I got a lot of the Filipino fans riled up now (laughing). When he walked in with that Bieber hairdo, I was like, "Whoa!"

BT: Well I don't want to hold you up too long. I just wanted to touch base with you real quick. You know I wouldn't be doing my job though if I didn't ask you about the craziness going on with the divorce and the battle for your belts.

SM: You see that? We're still battling. It's been like two years going back and forth over stupid stuff. Just go on about your business and leave me alone. We're done! Let's just get this shit over with.

BT: Well hopefully that crap gets ironed out.

SM: Oh, it's not even in my mind. I'm on my game right now. I'm feeling good right now. I'm focused. We're going to have a lot more to talk about before May 7th.

Source: fighthype.com

Pacquiao training cut to 120 rounds

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao will have no more than 120 rounds of sparring for his May 7 showdown with Shane Mosley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said it’s more than what they need to get in top shape, unlike before when sparring rounds get as high as 150.

“We don’t need that many rounds anymore,” said Roach who started cutting down on the number of sparring rounds with the Joshua Clottey fight.

Instead of more sparring sessions, Pacquiao puts in more time in strength and conditioning under Alex Ariza and making sure he doesn’t slow down.

Pacquiao will begin his sparring sessions today at the Shape Up Gym in Baguio, against old hands David Rodela and Shawn Porter.

A couple other sparring partners were supposed to fly in, but because Pacquiao is leaving for the United States on April 2, Roach found it impractical.

The other sparring partners will instead jump in when Pacquiao begins working out at the Wild Card Gym on the first Monday of April.

Pacquiao spars on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, normally kicking it off with three to four rounds. Then it gradually increases, reaches a peak of 12 before tapering down.

Pacquiao will only spar in Baguio today and Thursday. On Friday they drive down to Manila, and may resume sparring on Saturday at the Elorde Gym in Quezon City or Planet Jupiter in Makati.

They will fly to the US on April 2.

Source: philstar.com

PACQUIAO: BEWARE OF MOSLEY AND FLATTERY

Manny Pacquiao should beware of flatteries coming from influential people who may have the motive to wish him defeat in his forthcoming bout with Shane Mosley.

Forty five days to May 7, a well known boxing bigwig was reported to have been “obviously impressed with what he saw” during his recent visit to Pacquiao’s training camp in Baguio City and was heard commenting: ”This is so early and look how great he is. He can fight next week…He looks terrific. He looks very, very good.”


As if telling Pacquiao and Freddie Roach that they have done a great job in their two-week training, well enough already that they may now go easy in their efforts preparing for the May 7 showdown so that come fight night, Mosley may have the chance to pull a “miracle,” beating the world’s current best and greatest boxer at his prime.

And if that happens, the bigwig may be falsely considered vindicated from all the flak he received and be rendered “genius”, after all, in choosing Mosley as a “worthy” opponent to Pacquiao and that a lot of people, including experts and scribes in boxing worldwide may be proven wrong and goofy pundits.

Secondly, a consequent “compelling” rematch and a plausible, “justifiable” Pacquiao-Mosley trilogy would expectedly be pushed by the “bigwig,” being another big production hit shows that would surely mean a whopping double “big purse” again for the “bigwigs” and that such “big fights” may “reasonably” serve as a “big excuse” to evade for the nth time a Pacquiao-Marquez trilogy.

The only way for the Pacman to lose to Mosley is for Pacquiao and Roach to be overconfident and lax in training to face a fading but strong opponent, just as the outcome would have been different when Pacquiao fought Barrera, Morales, Diaz, Dela Hoya, Hatton, Cotto, Clottey and Margarito had he failed to adequately prepare for each bout.

No matter how hard Mosley may train, he is not a tough opponent for the pound-for-pound king at this time. But that doesn’t make sense whatsoever for a lackluster preparation and a thoughtless battle-plan in the Pacquiao camp.

The Pacman must know how to separate the wheat from the chaff. And he should succumb neither to flatteries nor cunning devices both from within and from without.

There is always a concealed sinister purpose in every word of flattery uttered insincerely.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Pacquiao -- Mosley shifts gear as hard sparring begins

Former multi-division titleholder Shane Mosley who had a crafty reign in three weight divisions is back in his hub at Big Bear lake of the Golden State, training like mad for his May 7th title-struggle with the world's top welterweight Manny Pacquiao.

Shane's early start at his training quarters is almost two weeks ahead of his rival's stint in Baguio City the Philippines.

Both rivals start a gruelling sked of heavy sparring at the start of the week.

Not a key edge but a pivotal move that might allow Mosley to acquire all that's needed in his frenzied pursuit at stardom.

A win over Pacquiao means the world for Mosley who's been repeatedly boasting a knockout defeat of the highly-fancied Pacman.

A lucky accident or a fluke of a triumph if Mosley embarrasses Pacquiao, a feat which serves a parallel purpose for Shane as well--- return bout with Floyd Mayweather. Jr.

Shane is eligible for a spot at Floyd's flaky calendar if he's able to stow away the century's upset.

But will Manny permit such anomaly---that of allowing the Pomona star to hijack his own agenda of battling Mayweather?

Nonsense! Or as the Brits would put it---'balderdash'..

Fight chronicler Larry Merchant is emphatic no one has emerged better than Manny Pacquiao, stressing the Pinoy Idol has impressed him the most and that the Pacman has become a complete fighter.

Continuing, Merchant, in a candid chat with your new Manila Standard Counterman says "Manny has broken through to be the kind of international pop culture superstar and that's very rare. I've been impressed with his whole career; certainly with the way he came back and fought Erik Morales twice and destroy an outstanding fighter. Then, surely as he moved up in weight, becoming completely dominant since campaigning in three heavier weight classes."

When asked if Shane has a chance against Manny, Larry, ever the tactful scribe says' "I am not saying he'll beat Pacquiao but the possibility of winning against the pound for pound champ is there."

Now, the fistic world know that a meeting between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.is the need of the hour.

This, to settle the score as to who is better between two highly regarded ringsters---one undefeated welterweight and the other undisputed P4P welterweight.

The Philippines' Idol is not about to let a hungry belter like Mosley steal his WBO welterweight sash.

But try as hard as he could to inveigle followers of the sport he'll hand Manny a wicked setback, Mosley's' intense plea is falling on deaf ears.

The posted odds stays against his favor by a 6 to 1 margin.

Is there a clear sense of it all in what Shane Mosley is most insistent of--- that of a nasty beating of Manny?

I don't see it, do you?

Pacquiao is heavily favored since Mosley has'nt learned innovative ways of dismantling Pacman's defenses.

Neither has he broken grounds for new means of victimizing the Pinoy Ace since losing to Mayweather and drawing with Sergio Mora.

When most boxing fans see this barn-burner on tv and witnesses who'll troop to the arena remain unconvinced that Pacquiao gets atypical loss this time around--- a more than primed, fit and able Mosley must answer the opening bell or else he is toast.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Pacquiao to begin sparring tomorrow

On road to Baguio City after spending the weekend in Manila, trainer Freddie Roach said he’s looking forward to the first day of Manny Pacquiao’s sparring with Shawn Porter and David Rodela on Tuesday afternoon.

“He better be ready,” said Roach, the man at the helm of preparing Pacquiao for the May 7 clash with Shane Mosley.

Roach and Pacquiao were scheduled to train Saturday afternoon at the Elorde Sports Center in Sucat, Parañaque, but the pound-for-pound king didn’t make it to workout.

“He overslept,” said Roach, citing that they both didn’t make it to bed early the night before because they had to be present during the annual Elorde Boxing Awards at the Sofitel Hotel.

Pacquiao and Roach were still at the event around midnight of Friday since they were requested by the Elorde family to stay for a while and watch some fights.

Pacquiao and Roach are staying in Baguio until Friday as they are scheduled to leave for the US this Saturday for the most crucial phase of the training.

Another batch of sparmates await Pacquiao at the Wild Card in Hollywood, according to Roach, who is also tapping prospect Omar Henry.

Source: mb.com.ph

Pacquiao speaks about God, wisdom, life

“Who would have thought that a poor boy from Mindanao, who could hardly eat a decent meal and did not finish school, can rise above the difficult circumstances and be a recipient of this unique award? “

This was how Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao’s opening statement in his keynote speech during Saturday’s 11th Elorde Awards Night where he was recipient of the Quintessential Athlete award.

Pacquiao’s message was centred on how one should make a choice in everything he does to become a member of a strong, healthy and responsible citizen.

“In this ever changing world, we need to be grounded on principles so we can make wise choices,” Pacquiao, an elected member of Congress representing the Province of Sarangani, said. “With values based on principles, we can make wise choices.”

“Look at us. We made a choice to believe in victories in the midst of battles. We are living testimonies of how we can rise in the midst of pain,” the eight-division world champion and pound-for-pound king said.

Pacquiao recalled how he fought to survive to rise from the quagmire of his past station in life to reach where he is now.

“In my journey, I realized that there is so much more to life than poverty and misery, he explained. “As an athlete, I decided to move out of my comfort zone. As a Filipino, I decided to dream big and conquer the world. As I developed my skills and stretched my abilities, I expanded my territory so that, in the process, my circle of influence was enlarged.”

Like Elorde, who he said is his idol and inspiration, Pacquiao reminded his audience and those who care to listen not to forget God, the source, he added, of all the things people enjoy.

“Let me declare that this award, and our celebration tonight, are reminders that with God, all things are possible. We have been given so much that we overflow with thanksgiving. But in the midst of all our achievements, let us believe there is more,” the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight belt-holder, a devout Catholic whose prayers before and after a fight is a trademark, emphasized.

“There is more to dream, more to accomplish. There is more to explore, more to discover, he said rather philosophically. “There is more for every boxer, more for every Filipino. There is more for us who believe in the magnet of dreams and the power of God.”

“God is able to do exceedingly, abundantly, far above we can ever ask or imagine. Together, let us choose to bring back all the glory and honour to him,” he averred.

Pacquiao thanked his countrymen for continuously supporting him in his every fight. “Thank you for believing in me and the potentials of Filipino boxers. Your love and support are the wind beneath our wings.”

He also gave credit to wife Jinkee, children Michael, Jimwell, Princes and Queen Elizabeth, parents and siblings for helping him realize the value of family, trainer Freddie Roach for challenging him to stretch his muscles, imagination and faith.

The Pacman also had good words for Top Rank’s Bob Arum, his promoter, who he said inspired him to see beyond his dreams, and Team Pacquiao for reminding him that one is too small a number to achieve greatness.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

THE ROAD TO MOSLEY CONTINUES: DAY 2 IN BAGUIO

By the time you read this, Manny Pacquiao will have already begun his morning routine for his second day of training. As usual, the day started off with breakfast, this time consisting of bangus rice, eggs, and some fish, to fuel the intense workouts that will follow. Yesterday, MPBoxing.com was able to bring fans exclusive video from both sessions of Manny Pacquiao's first day of training, and they're looking forward to getting even more exclusive footage today, tomorrow, and the rest of the camp as the road to Shane Mosley continues.

Day 1 was all about loosening up the muscles and joints; getting the blood flowing back into mind, as well as the body, in order to focus on what lies ahead. The question is, what does lie ahead? What will Shane Mosley bring to the table when he steps into the ring on May 7, 2011 to face Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. It's a fight that many in the media have questioned and criticized, but despite the criticism, tickets sold out in record time. In fact, it was the fastest sell out in Top Rank's history of promoting big fights. Regardless of what may have been written by the media, the world wants to see what lies ahead.

Still, the question remains, can Shane Mosley bring it, and if he does, will it be enough to dethrone the pound-for-pound king? NBA star Kobe Bryant once said, "The reason the Lakers have suffered so many losses this year is because so many teams play them as hard as they possibly can." In other words, the Lakers bring out the best in everyone because it's easy to get up for the best and challenge yourself against the Champion. Likewise, I believe "Sugar" Shane Mosley will be his best for this fight.

Make no mistake, Shane Mosley has the tools to beat Pacquiao. He's a great boxer who has speed and power. He's never been knocked out before in his Hall Of Fame career and possesses one-punch knockout power to lay out any opponent he faces. So perhaps a better question to ask is will Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao be ready for "Sugar" Shane Mosley? That's what we intend to find out!

MPBoxing.com, in conjunction with FightHype.com, will be bringing you "The Road To Mosley", an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Manny Pacquiao's training leading up to his May 7th showdown with "Sugar" Shane Mosley. Manny personally told me that he considers Shane Mosley to be a fierce opponent and someone he has to be 100% ready for, so you'll witness the heart and dedication of a Champion as Pacquiao embarks on the most intense training camp that anyone has ever seen on.

The question I pose to fans is what chance does this fight have of going to the scorecards? With both men fighting for everything they have, both fighting for their legacy, and both coming right at each other, will the judges even be necessary or is this a fight a lock to end in a knockout? Be sure to check out all of the videos we'll be bringing you to help you answer that question. Visit www.mpboxing.com for much more.

Source: fighthype.com

acquiao best pound-for-pound boxer

Manny Pacquiao heads this year's list of the best pound-for-pound boxers that includes a pair of newcomers with Great Britain's Amir Khan and Mexico's Giovanni Segura.

Khan, a junior welterweight with super speed and power, defeated the feared Marcos Maidana in last year's Fight of the Year. He's set to fight in April and could take on fellow pound-for-pound boxer Timothy Bradley in June or July.

Segura is a junior flyweight from Acapulco, Mexico, who packs a lot of power in his small frame. He trains in South Gate and will be moving up in weight.

Last weekend, Argentina's Sergio Martinez showed why he's considered among the best in the business by handing Ukraine's Sergiy Dzinziruk his first loss.

In less than two months, Pacquiao will face former pound-for-pound list member Sugar Shane Mosley, of Pomona, in Las Vegas.

1. Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs) - - Next up is Sugar Shane Mosley on May 7. Pacman has the speed advantage, but Mosley still has the power. It all depends on how Freddie Roach prepares Pacquiao to fight. Will he box and move or will he go to war with Mosley?

2. Floyd Mayweather Jr. (41-0, 25 KOs) - - It's been almost a year since "Money" Mayweather made any, when he fought Mosley last year in Vegas. Have his reflexes eroded? Will his timing trip up? These are problems Mayweather faces.

3. Bernard Hopkins (51-5-1, 32 KOs) - - Hopkins will jump back into the ring against Jean Pascal after they fought to a disputed draw on Dec. 18 in the Canadian fighter's hometown of Quebec. Golden Boy Promotions won the purse bid, so the rematch will be held in Las Vegas or Atlantic City, N.J.

4. Juan Manuel Marquez (51-5-1, 37 KOs) - - The Mexico City warrior was supposed to fight Erik Morales in Las Vegas, but that is now on hold. Because of boxing politics, Marquez may leave Golden Boy Promotions (like Mosley) in order to fight Pacquiao later this year. Marquez may want to stay busy but he's in limbo at the moment. It's not a good place to be.

5. Sergio Martinez (46-2-2, 25 KOs) - - The Argentine destroyed Ukraine's Sergiy Dzinziruk, though many expected a tough fight. Now fighting out of Oxnard, middleweight champion Martinez is looking unbeatable.

6. Timothy Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs) - - The Palm Springs fighter continues to surprise critics and opponents with his ability to beat the odds. When are they going to realize that Bradley is really that good? His decimation of a solid champion, Devon Alexander, adds another notch to his growing list of conquests.

7. Robert Guerrero (28-1-1, 18 KOs) - - The Ghost was last seen dominating Cuba's Joel Casamayor. Very few can claim to have beaten the Cuban master as convincingly as Guerrero. Now the Gilroy prizefighter is moving up to the lightweight division to face Michael Katsidis.

8. Nonito Donaire (25-1, 17 KOs) - - It was quick but it wasn't painless when Donaire wrecked Mexico's Fernando Montiel in two rounds last month. Many feel the Filipino Flash is unbeatable in the bantamweight division.

9. Andre Ward (23-0, 13 KOs) - - The Oakland-based prizefighter is beginning to make each bout look easy, though it obviously is not. The list of quality wins is growing for the former Olympic gold medal-winner.

10. Amir Khan (18-0, 15 KOs) - - Should Khan beat Paul McCloskey in April, it looks like the British speedster could meet Timothy Bradley in a mega junior welterweight battle in the summer. Can you imagine these two speedsters trading punches? Bradley and Khan are so fast, it may be difficult for the fans to see the blows.

11. Giovanni Segura (26-1-1, 22 KOs) - - Mexico's Segura beat Ivan Calderon last summer, handing the Puerto Rican his first professional loss. Now the little bomber is going for seconds with Calderon in Mexico. Coincidentally, Segura's style reminds me of former Puerto Rican great Wilfredo Gomez.

12. Paul Williams (39-2, 27 KOs) - - The long-limbed Williams is only 29 and may have a lot left. Nobody knows until he steps back in the ring. Looking back at his loss to Sergio Martinez, it's clear that Martinez was better, but it's not clear whether Williams can return to the elite level. Many forget that he beat Winky Wright, and that's not easy to do.

Honorable mention: Abner Mares, Rafael Marquez, Wladimir Klitschko, Miguel Cotto, Lucian Bute and Yuri Gamboa.

Source: pe.com

FIGHT CAMP COMMENCES FOR THE KING OF THE RING

It's about 16 degrees Celsius or 61 degrees Fahrenheit this morning in Baguio City, Philippines. The whole team is here. His trusted coach flew 7000 miles to be here to once again lead the preparations. The media is present with their cameras clicking and running in the background. The common people, fans, passerby's and onlookers stop whatever they are doing and gather around him, armed with their cell phone cameras to capture an image of him. His conditioning coach is present, despite the rumors that he is not part of the team anymore. Everyone, vital or not in his game plan is here in the city of pines. It is the start of camp for the best fighter in the world.

The exercises, the warm ups, the stretching all commenced. Early mornings in this city is so invigorating. The air is clean. The weather is conducive at this time of the year. It is summer in the rest of the archipelago with temperatures in the high 80’s F. / 30’s C. but it is comfortably cool here. It is time to rise up early. Time to put on the jogging suit which bears his name. It is time to put those brand new training sneakers that also bear his name to the test. It is time to put rubber to the pavement. It is time for roadwork. The hard grind starts for the pound for pound king.

Then off to the gym we go for more exercises. Exercises to strengthen the core, the back, the arms, the legs. And most of all, the return to the ring for the bulk of the camp. The protective pads are placed on the champ, the gloves are donned, the headgear is fitted. His ever knowledgeable coach is ready and waiting for him on the ring. His protective gears are on too. His mitts are placed on both of his hands. It is sparring time once again in the confines of the Coyeesan gym in the city of pines for the fighting pride of this country.

His fight is 8 weeks away but the days will go fast. Days that are crucial leading to the fight. It is here where stamina is improved, nutrition is monitored, rest and recovery is essential. It is here where strategies are planned, practiced and executed. Sparring is initiated. The sparmates jump in the ring in a whistle’s blow and fight as instructed. Moves are calculated, feints, fakes and actual punch are launched. It is a mimic of a fight but it is not horsing around. Punches are thrown. Some will catch him in his gear, some wont. He will launch his own too, some will glanced his spar mates, some will land on their gear and some will hit them in parts that are not protected. It is not unusual to have a bloody nose, a swollen cheekbone or a busted lip. Its just part of the drill.

The fight is criticized by many. He is fighting a fighter who is on the twilight of his career. One who came from two unimpressive outings. One whose skills are in question now. But it is who it is. A fighter is a fighter. And this one has been in many great duels where he came out the victor. He packs a punch himself. He is a slugger, a pressure fighter. The same style that is known of him too. His last two bouts may be unimpressive but his reputation precedes him. And in boxing, reputation is a factor. Can this guy hurt him? He definitely can. That is why he is no different.

Distractions abound in camp. He is no stranger to it. Distractions of all kind. And why not, he is not a plain prize fighter. He is an icon of this country. A matinee idol, a rock star. But most of all, He is also a public servant, a lawmaker in this country’s house of representatives, a congressman of his hometown. His day to day matters are not confined to boxing. And one should realize that you don’t take a day off being an icon, a matinee idol, a rock star, a congressman and a public servant during fight camp. He will be bothered on matters other than boxing. He will be approached by people outside of the sport on matters that does not pertain to it but matters that needs his attention anyway. His popularity attracts many to him. His entourage has grown tremendously. And within a group of this many is the potential for discord and disharmony. There will be bickering, quarrels and conflict within its members. He will be at the center at times or a mere observant at most, but it will present a disturbance to him. He will be distracted.

But he will, like his resiliency on the ring will manage it with ease. He will approach them like he approach his foes, methodical, clock like and specific. In his desire to get everything done he will adjust body and mind to achieve what he wants. He will like in majority of his fights, get it done. And the complaining, the questions and the doubts will be again relegated at the back of the minds of those that follow his every move.

This has been the scenario before. It might or might not be the same this time. But this is fight camp. This is where the campaign starts. This is where the course of operations materialize. It seems exaggerated for many. But not everyone has gone through what he has gone. Fifty seven total fights, fifty seven times where his whole being is put at staked against the aggression of another, fifty seven times of imminent danger. That is the reality. And the end result will be seen on fight night in eight weeks time.

A fight is a fight. It does not matter who the enemy is, nor the place, nor the circumstances surrounding it. A fight is a fight. The danger is real, the risk is doubled, the peril is present. A fight is a fight. This is what he is, a prize fighter. But one that carries a nation in every punch that he throws. A nation that holds its breath on every punch that lands on him praying it does not incapacitate him. A nation that prays for him in the heat of the duel. A nation that cheers on his victory and is devastated by his defeat. He knows he is just a prize fighter but these are the circumstances that surround this particular prize fighter. He cannot let them down. he cannot take a knee. He will not quit. He cannot just take the pay check and run. It does not matter who is in front of him at that given night, at that given time.. This is no different. A fight is a fight.

Today fight camp begins yet again for Manny Pacquiao.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Manny Pacquiao, Shane Mosley and Floyd Mayweather’s Dirty Work

What is Shane “Made-To-Order” Mosley doing fighting Manny Pacquiao?

Moving forward, trading punches and eventually being stopped by the fast and powerful fists of Pacquiao.

Shane Mosley has said that by fighting Manny Pacquiao he is doing Floyd Mayweather’s dirty work.

In May of 2010, Mayweather personally took eleven of twelve rounds against Mosley.

Mayweather personally took Shane to the cleaners.

Mosley is certainly not doing Mayweather’s dirty work nor is he Mayweather’s dirty laundry.

The dirty work is being done by Top Rank and this time Mosley and boxing fans will brought to the cleaners.

The fight is the second of Manny Pacquiao’s retribution campaign.

In his last fight he beat the blood out of a man accused of wearing plaster inserts against opponents to do more damage.

In this fight he will more than likely do the same against a man accused of using designer steroids to gain advantages over opponents.

Wapakman couldn’t have found better comic book-styled villains.

And like comic book-styled villains the hero is scripted to win.

A fight like this in UFC terms can be related to an aging Randy Couture against Brock Lesnar.

Couture at the time, though, was the UFC Heavyweight Champion and the odds on the fight were much closer.

Couture had also won 3 of his last 4 fights and was in the midst of a career renaissance.

No, this is the kind of fight only boxing can get away with because the promotional companies know that the fans will support it.

No matter that Mosley has looked sluggish in his last two fights.

No matter that Mosley, in his last outing, drew with marginal Sergio Mora.

No matter that Mora then lost a split decision to fellow Contender alum Brian Vera.

Pacquiao-Mosley will make money and Top Rank’s prized possession will come away unscathed.

In all probability this fight will be a one-sided, ugly affair with Mosley possibly taking more than a loss away from it.

Dirty work… Definitely, but it is not about Mayweather, it is just about money.

Source: boxingdispatch.com

Pacquiao starts preparations for Mosley

Eight-division world boxing champion Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to resume his conditioning build-up at the Elorde Boxing Gym in Quezon City, the same venue where he started training for his fight with Mexican Antonio Margarito last year.

Pacquiao’s adviser Michael Koncz disclosed this Saturday night when chanced upon by Malaya during the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night held at the Manila Hotel.

“Yes, Manny will continue his stamina build up, which he started in General Santos City, at the Elorde Gym,” Koncz told this writer, declining to give reason though for the change of schedule that runs counter to the wishes of chief trainer Freddie Roach.

Roach had announced earlier that he would rather prefer the reigning World Boxing Organization kingpin go straight to Baguio City to start preparing for his title-fight with Sugar Shane Mosley set May 7 in Las Vegas.

Roach, who is scheduled from Los Angeles, cited the numerous distractions the Pacman encountered in Manila during his preparations for his fight with Margarito, including attending sessions at the Lower House where he is a member.

The world’s pound-for-pound king has actually begun building up stamina in General Santos early last week by going on the road every morning and gym exercises in the afternoon under the watch of assistant trainer and boyhood friend Buboy Fernandez.

Pacquiao himself said, he also plays basketball as often as he can, which, he added is part of his conditioning regimen.

Although his heavy training will actually begin when his team reaches the country’s Summer Capital, the Filipino ring icon said he wanted to cover the basics again as reason for starting early.

“’Yun ‘yung ginagawa natin, basics sa training natin (We’re covering the basics of training),” Pacquiao told this writer before delivering his speech during the PSA Awards Night.

‘Hindi natin dapat i-underestimate ang kalaban. Dating champion din si Mosley at may experience,” he said.

Koncz agreed, saying Pacquiao only wanted to make sure that his conditioning is already at an ideal level before he begins the heavy training.

“We’re not underestimating Mosley. He’s the most experienced fighter that Manny’s ever faced,” said Koncz.

Also arriving Manila sometime this week is condition coach Alex Ariza, who for a moment, had misunderstanding with Roach and some members of Team Pacquiao that was nevertheless reportedly settled before the start of training.

Koncz said the team will proceed to the Pines City March 12 where extensive workout will start in earnest the following day.

Koncz said Pacquiao is expected in Los Angeles first week of April where training resumes at the Wild Card Gym that would last for three weeks. The final week of the schedule will be held in Las Vegas.

Also arriving shortly, Koncz said, are Lightweight David Rodela and unbeaten welterweight Shawn Porter who will be Pacquiao’s sparring partners while in Baguio. Both Rodela (15-3-3, six knockouts) of Oxnard, Calif., and, the hard-hitting Porter (18-0, 13 KOs) have served, at one time or another, as sparmates for Pacquiao (52-3-2, 38 KOs).

The “Fighting Congressman of Sarangani” will be gunning for his 14th straight victory – and ninth knockout win - since suffering his last defeat in 2005 when he goes up against Mosley (46-6-1, 39 KOs) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Pacquiao ready for Baguio training camp

DESPITE not seeing the country's best festival, the Panagbenga 2011, Manny Pacquiao will push through with his plans to set up a training camp in the Summer Capital for his build-up against Sugar Shane Mosley.

This early, the eight weight class pound-for-pound champion and congressman of Sarangani has started training for his May 7 bout for the WBO welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Pacquiao, including his entourage, Freddie Roach and conditioning guru, Alex Ariza, are expected to arrive in the city March 7 where they will hold camp for at least four weeks before flying back to Los Angeles for the last phase of his training.

Also arriving is famed promoter Bob Arum who was earlier reported to arrive in Baguio on March 21. Arum also invited several American sports journalists to take a closer look at Pacquiao's build-up.

Pacquiao was earlier invited by Congressman Bernardo Vergara to witness the grand street dancing and float parade of the annual flower festival celebration but the boxer-solon opted to start training instead.

"We tried to invite him because he is already one of us considering he's trained in Baguio for two times already," Vergara said.

The eight division champion and Sugar Shane Mosley will be holding their training in high altitude camps as earlier reported.

Mosley is kicking off his own build-up at around the same time as Pacquiao in Big Bear, California, a resort town in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California, 141 kilometers from downtown Los Angeles.

Baguio City has an elevation of 5,100 feet above sea level while Big Bear is at 7,000 feet but certain areas in the mountain range can reach up to 9,000 feet above sea level.

Pacquiao will be facing Mosley in Las Vegas, Nevada to defend his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title.

Roach, a four-time boxing trainer of the year, earlier suggested for Pacquiao to lessen the number of training weeks from eight to six if the pound-for-pound king would go straight to Los Angeles before the fight.

But Roach earlier said their recent training camp for his fight against Antonio Margarito last November here had been the worst, owing to the many distractions Pacquiao had.

Despite the distractions, Roach still prefers Baguio to Metro Manila or Cebu because of the city's cool climate which is ideal for road work. (Roderick Osis)

Source: sunstar.com.ph

Exclusive: Shane Mosley Training in Big Bear, Ca, for Pacquiao Fight

EsNewsReporting takes you to Big Bear, Ca, where Sugar Shane Mosley is training for his fight against Manny Pacquiao. Mosley tells EsNewsReporting that people shouldn’t underestimate the match. ” I’m going to be the hardest fighter he fought in his whole life . He’s never going to fight a guy like me, never! ” said Mosley. He goes on to say that the world has no idea what they’re in for.

Atlas Gives Mosley Slim Chance Against Pacquiao

Shane Mosley appeared on ESPN's Friday Night Fights, in a taped session with Brian Kenny.

Mosley was asked about fighters who kept going when they didn't have a lot left, and what he'd need to feel to know he didn't have it anymore. He said he'd need to lose his desire to fight, that would would make him exit the game.

Mosley said Pacquiao has good hand and foot speed, and he likes it that Pacquiao will come to him.

Teddy Atlas weighed in, and said that Mosley isn't even close to being the faster guy in this ring. If he has a chance, Atlas said, it'll come via the right hand, and if Pacquiao comes in a bit overconfident. Atlas indicated his chances are slim.

I'll go with slim, closer to "none" though. Manny is at the peak of his game, as strong and as fast and as confident as he'll ever be. Mosley, age 39, might unleash a couple nice combos, dig in with a showy body shot, but I see him getting battered in the manner Oscar De La Hoya did when he tested the 32-year-old Congressman.

Source: thesweetscience.com

Roach set for Manila camp

MANILA, Philippines – Freddie Roach is getting ready to head to the Philippines to kick off the eight-week training camp of Manny Pacquiao, who collides with Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Roach is leaving this Sunday, the day after he turns 51, and should be in Manila on Tuesday.

He will be joined by super-welterweight Shawn Porter and super-lightweight David Rodela, who will serve as sparring partners during the Philippine phase of the training camp.

Roach and Pacquiao are actually training in the country for less than four weeks as the trainer bared that he would like to fly back to Los Angeles on April 2 to begin the Wild Card stage – the most crucial period – of the preparations.

Porter was Pacquiao’s main sparmate during the buildup to the Migel Cotto fight in 2009 because of his sheer size and speed, while Rodela had been utilized many times in the past for his resiliency.

Roach said two other sparmates are on standby and will be tapped once they get back to the Wild Card.

Conditioning coach Alex Ariza will be back after key members of Team Pacquiao apparently were able to iron out some kinks.

In fact, Roach said Ariza is on his way to Manila and is raring to start the pre-conditioning work.

Roach said there are plans for Pacquiao to spend a few days training in General Santos City before heading to the City of Pines.

The weather up in Baguio might be more conducive this time of year to training unlike in the previous stints when Team Pacquiao had to go through heavy rains, howling winds and landslides.

Source: mb.com.ph

Ariza sees Mosley at his best vs Pacman

MANILA, Philippines - One thing Alex Ariza learned from Freddie Roach, he said, was how to gauge an opponent.

“The very first thing Freddie said to me was ‘never judge a fighter by his last fight,’” said Ariza, the strength and conditioning coach to Manny Pacquiao.

Ariza, who’s been involved in some controversies recently, is not going anywhere soon but the Philippines for the start of Pacquiao’s training camp.

The Filipino superstar is set to face American Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand, and Ariza said he’d carry on Roach’s early instructions.

“I’m going to think of Mosley as the fighter that fought (Antonio) Margarito,” he said, without mentioning that Mosley knocked Margarito out in 2009.

Margarito, of course, is the same fighter who lasted 12 rounds against Pacquiao last November, and did some damage on the Pinoy icon.

Ariza also said he’d think of Mosley as the one who stopped Ricardo Mayorga in the 12th round in 2008, and who outpointed Oscar dela Hoya in 2000 and 2003.

“That’s how I’m going into this fight. That’s the Mosley I’m expecting,” said Ariza.

He wouldn’t think of Mosley as the one who almost quit against Floyd Mayweather last May, and who drew with Sergio Mora last September.

His main focus, the conditioning coach from Colombia said, is to get Pacquiao ready for this fight, the moment he comes in from Los Angeles.

“My job is to get Manny ready for that fight,” said Ariza.

Pacquiao’s training should start March 7 in General Santos City, before shifting to Baguio by March 13, and to Los Angeles four weeks after.

“I think it would be irresponsible to think of Mosley as the same Mosley who fought Mayweather, as the Mosley that got tired, the Mosley that quit.

“I’m thinking that this is the Mosley that fought Margarito, the Mosley that fought Dela Hoya. You’ll never know. What if he shows up like that?” Ariza asked.

He said he’ll make sure Pacquiao will be ready for that.

Source: philstar.com