Pacquiao: WBO's Boxer of the year

The World Boxing Organization named Filipino boxing icon and pound-for-pound king as "Fighter of Year",  that was held at Hotel Caribe in Cartegena, Columbia.

Another glorious achievement for Manny Pacquiao.  He has been dominating boxing at this point in his career.  With 12th consecutive win and trying to add up one more if he could win in his upcoming fight against the Mexican slugger, Antonio Margarito.

Pacquiao wasn't able to attend the ceremony because he has been training along side hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach at his Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, in preparation for his on November 13, at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the Vacant WBO light middleweight belt.

Manny Pacquiao's biography to be released

The Filipino boxing icon Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will be releasing his life story published by Dunham Books that is entitled "Pacman: My Story of Hope, Resilience, and Never-say-Die Determination".  Learn more about Manny and his journey towards stardom.

A boxer known as "the Fighter of the Decade" by the Boxing Writers Association of America, rated number number one pound-for-pound best boxer in the world by Sports Illustrated, ESPN and one of the most influential person , The Ring, NBC Sports and Yahoo, ranking 25th of boxing's most influential people and ranking as one of the most powerful celebrity,  Manny Pacquiao has not been only known for his accomplishment in the sports of boxing, but also by devotion to God, a one true religious man who had been humble through out his career.  Hands down for Manny as I may say, he is one of the reason why we are proud of being a Filipino.

NBA Laker's star and friend Ron Artest who is also a boxing fan also praises the book, "Manny is one of the best boxers competing today. Not only is he a very talented athlete, but he is also a very caring and humble person," and added "He is a man of unflinching integrity and someone I am proud to call a good friend. Everyone should read his inspiring story," said Artest.

The book will be released three days after his fight (November 16) against the Mexican, "Tijuana Tornado" Antonio Margarito on November 13 (14 in the Philippines) at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium for the vacant World Boxing Champion light middleweight belt.

online source: All voices

Margarito Media Day

Just a day after Top Rank held Manny Pacquiao's media day, now it was Margarito's time with the media.  Held on a Thursday afternoon at the new gym of Australian ex-heavyweight contender Justine Fortune,  the  "Tijuana Tornado" Antonio Margarito amused the crowd with his skills on boxing.

The media arrived around 1pm while Margarito was pleasing fans, signing autographs to his supporters.  Then an interview was held for the media followed by a Margarito workout.  The three time champion showcase his skills to the media with trainer Robert Garcia.

Antonio Margarito looked sharp on his training and remained focused.  He showed the media his styles on the ring.  Margarito started his ring workout with some stretching exercise alone, unlike Manny Pacquiao with Alex Ariza supervising him.  Margarito then did some shadow boxing and then doing mitts with Robert Garcia.

Pacquiao media day work out

The Wild Card Gym was packed with media members and celebrities alike as Entourage TV star Jeremy Piven was also present to witness Pacquiao work out.  Manny Pacquiao showed some skills on the ring and still continue's to show some speed of hands for the media to see.

Trainer Freddie Roach was even joking around wearing in some armored gloves that signifies Antonio Margarito's hand wrap controversy.

Fans and supporter also showed support to the Filipino Champion, as they cheered for the pound-for-pound king and witness him do the mitts with coach Freddie Roach.  It was a fun filled afternoon for Pacquiao's camp.

For more Manny Pacquiao Media day photo's visit Examiner.com.

Margarito - we have a game plan to beat Manny Pacquiao

On an interview with DiamondBoxing.com, the Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito also known as the "Tijuana Tornado", said that they have been practicing strategies on how to beat the Filipino boxing champion's speed, “Look, I know Manny is very quick, but we have a game plan and with that game plan, we will defeat Manny,” said Margarito.  Margarito's camp has been doing regimens that is said to help Margarito to win the World Boxing Council (WBC) super welterweight title, a division Manny Pacquiao will try to conquer for his eighth division title.

Margarito stated that he is very well prepared for the fight.  He his nothing but focus on his training, “Camp is going very well. Thanks to God that there haven’t been any injuries, the weight is perfect, my sparring is great,” he said. 

Unlike Manny Pacquiao's recent training camp which was said to be full of destructions according to Hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach, due to Manny's political duties as a Congressman of Sarangani.  Though Roach is still confident that Manny Pacquiao will be in best shape with two weeks more training in the Wild Card Gym.

As the day comes to close, Margarito is ready for the biggest fight of his career, for he is in need of redemption. This win would change how people would see him as a fighter regarding with the hand wrap controversy, according to the Mexican.  “I am extremely focused; this is the most important fight in my career. I have been given the opportunity of the lifetime, and I intend to take advantage of it,” said Margarito.

Manny Pacquiao Day - San Diego, California

As Manny Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles, he was applauded and cheered by a lot of his fans.  The pound-for-pound king proves to be very famous not just in his country, Philippines but also in the US.

Manny Pacquiao also received a hero's welcome at a charity basketball game in San Diego on Sunday.  Local official also showed support to the Filipino boxing icon making October 24 as "Manny Pacquiao Day" in San Diego and he also received the keys to the State of California.  Not many boxers receives this kind of acknowledgements.  Pacquiao known for his humbleness, thanked all his supporters.  “I would like to thank all my fans who came just to see me. I’m not going to play (basketball) tonight. I’m just gonna coach them,” said the Filipino Champion.

Pacquiao will continue his training in Los Angeles, at Freddie Roach's Wild Card gym in preparation for the November 13 (14 in Philippines) against "Tijuana Tornado" Antonio Margarito.

Roach - Khan punched the sh!t out of Manny

British boxer Amir Khan has been training along side Manny Pacquiao for the past week.  Also one of Freddie Roach boxing ward, Khan is also preparing for his upcoming fight against interim-champion Marcos Maidana on December 11 at the Mandalay Bay.

Khan, one of Manny Pacquiao's sparring mates, is said to be doing good with the Filipino Champion in the ring.  Freddie Roach said "I thought Amir looked great, he punched the sh!t out of Manny", quoted by Fanhouse.com.  Khan was requested by Manny Pacquiao to spar with him.  The pound-for-pound king believes that the young Khan can bring out the best in him in sparring.

Despite Roach's praises with Khan, he believes that Manny may have gone easy on him.  "I think Manny may have taken easy on me.  We train together.  It was  great sparring.  I had to do really well against him, just to see where I am.  It's a great inspiration and it's an honor to be in the same ring as him," said Khan.

Pacquiao-Margarito 24/7

Tune in here for Manny Pacquiao - Antonio Margarito HBO 24/7.  Get updated as both fighter prepares for the November 13 fight (14 in Philippines time) at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

Antonio Margarito-Manny Pacquiao Face-off

EPISODE 1 24/7 - Pacquiao vs Margarito
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EPISODE 2 24/7 - Pacquiao vs Margarito

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EPISODE 3 24/7 - Pacquiao vs Margarito
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EPISODE 4 24/7 - Pacquiao vs Margarito

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Experts picks Mayweather over Pacquiao

From the site opposingviews.com, boxing experts, trainers and fighters gave off their opinion on Mayweather-Pacquiao, if the fight would have had happen.  Most boxing experts from different sites like Ring Magazine, Doghouse boxing, Eastside Boxing, Fight Beat, Boxing Scene, Ringside Report and Boxing Talk, most favored Floyd Mayweather Jr. over Manny Pacquiao, 23 out of 25 was with Floyd.

• Brad Cooney from examiner.com was one of the experts who favored for the Filipino Champion saying that Pacquiao could knockout Mayweather.  “Pacquiao’s speed is ridiculous, and he is a two handed punching machine. Pacquiao’s punches have very bad intentions, and he throws a lot of them. Fighting Pacquiao is like someone throwing 30 running chainsaws at you at the same time," Cooney said.

• Boxing trainers namely Joe Goossen, Ronnie Shields, Buddy McGirt, Robet Garcia, and Yoel Judah, also shared their opinion about the possible match between Mayweather and Pacquiao.

• Joe Goossen said Mayweather wants nothing to do with Pacquiao because the WBO welterweight champion gives him the willies. He added that Mayweather doesn’t like fighting southpaws, Pacquiao is hard to discourage and he doesn’t stop punching. 

• Ronnie Shields thinks Mayweather’s too good defensively, but it’d be a close fight with Pacquiao the aggressor and Mayweather landing the harder and cleaner shots. He sees Mayweather blocking and countering and doing enough to win. 

• Buddy McGirt agreed with the choice, but said Mayweather would have to punch at the same time as Pacquiao instead of waiting. “I just think Floyd is better. And he’s very fast. You don’t know how fast until you’re in the opposite corner. His speed is unbelievable. I think Pacquiao would run into counters.”

• Robert Garcia evened the score when he predicted Pacquiao would win because of the sheer volume of punches he throws, but said he wouldn’t knock Mayweather out. “Mayweather doesn’t throw that many punches. I think there’ll be times he’ll take the combinations and not throw anything back. That should give Pacquiao the rounds.”

• Yoel Judah broke the deadlock when he said Pacquiao would destroy Mayweather. “He’s too busy for Floyd. Floyd is a slick fighter, smart and everything. But I think Pacquiao is too busy. He’s too busy. Too busy.”

• Frank Warren a British boxing promoter  picked Mayweather. "I think Mayweather is a natural counter puncher, although Pacquiao is a tremendous puncher, very fast, but…he can be hit. If I was a bookmaker, I would make Mayweather the favorite. HBO boxing analyst Larry Merchant agreed and said Mayweather sould be the favourite by odds of about 7/5 or 8/5. 

Boxers who had fought either Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather or even both were also interviewed and gave interesting points of view for the possible fight.

• Richard Pierson (9-2, 6 KOs) said the only way Mayweather wins is if he trains harder than ever, and if Pacquiao breaks both his hands before the fight. He predicted a Pacquiao knockout.

• Israel Vazquez (44-5, 32 KOs) went with Mayweather because of the weight difference. He said Pacquiao throws more punches, but Mayweather has better abilities. 

•  Ishe Smith (21-9, 5 KOs) said Pacquiao would fold like Mosley did against Mayweather. 

• Zab Judah (39-6, 27 KOs), who lost a unanimous decision to Mayweather in 2006, said, “I think Floyd will win. I think a lot of the shots that Pacquiao is gonna throw at him is not gonna hit him. Floyd is an expert at counter punches.”

• Juan Manuel Marquez (51-5-1, 37 KOs), who lost a unanimous decision to Mayweather last year and fought to a draw and a split-decision loss to Pacquiao, believes Mayweather’s smarter and faster. He said, "He has the great defense. He can move, move, move. Pacquiao has the power, but Mayweather has the intelligence, the speed and the counter punches."

• Ricky Hatton (45-2, 32 KOs), who was stopped by both Pacquiao and Mayweather. He backed Mayweather by saying “Mayweather is so good he doesn’t let you get any punches off. If he makes Pacquiao miss he’ll take the sting out of him.” However, he added, “I’d rather watch Pacquiao though. Mayweather will go down as one of the all time greats but I wouldn’t get up at four o’clock in the morning to watch him. He bores the sh*t out of me.” 

The argument will always continue, it will be a never ending debate to everyone if Pacquiao-Mayweather will never happen.  This is the best fight everyone is waiting for and the only way to know who the best really is, is when both fighter meet in the ring.  If the fight may never happen, then the argument will still forever remain.

"Pacquiao will be eating my uppercuts" - Margarito

A very confident Antonio Margarito came up into the shades.  In an interview with John Martinez from Boxscore news.  Margarito on the verge of redemption, stated that he will shock the world because he will knockout Manny Pacquiao.

Margarito has been training hard for this awaited fight.  He has been focused and dedicated to train in the corner of Rober Garcia.  He is ready for a comeback to the sport, where he was once feared by many.

“Pacquiao won’t stand up to my punches, he’s been shook by smaller fighters than me and he will find out the hard way that his punches won’t hurt me," said Margarito.  His going to give an upset and eyes to become the third boxer to stop the Filipino Champion, Manny Pacquiao.

On their upcoming fight, Margarito is the underdog.  He knows that everyone is thinking that Manny Pacquiao will beat him in the ring, yet he is ready to prove himself to the world.  "I know that everyone’s saying that I’m going to lose and get knocked out and that I’m no match for him," said Margarito.  

Though Freddie Roach is predicting a knockout favoring Manny Pacquiao, Margarito remains confident and that would not happen in the ring when they meet.  "Manny’s not going to have everyone’s help in there (on the ring); he’s going to fight me and me only. He won’t have anywhere to go once I start to apply the pressure and throw my punches at him. I will knock out him out because of this," said the 5-11 boxer.

Trainer Robert Garcia is also confident that Margarito has what it takes to beat Manny Pacquiao.  “I know what I’ve got in Antonio Margarito. He’s a fighter’s fighter. He comes to not just work, but to improve on what he has been learning since training camp has started," Garcia said.  His gameplan is not just to throw volume punches to Manny Pacquiao, his mold up Margarito to fight defensively.  “We’re not going to just get in there and throw punches in volume; we’re going to set it up with jabs, angles, and then go in for the attack,” Garcia said.

People still questions Margarito if he has what it takes to hit Manny Pacquiao.  He has been known as a slow fighter, and doubters believe that he would end up like Oscar De La Hoya when he fought Manny Pacquiao.  

Yet Margarito is positive that Manny will be in for a treat, “I’ve seen other guys hit him and give him pressure, but then they don’t continue their attack.  I am going to go nonstop if I see or think he’s hurt and I’m not going to stop until he’s on the floor.  The way he [Pacquiao] fights, he is open to uppercuts. He’s going to be eating mine and when he does, he won’t want to come inside," Margarito said.

Khan did well in sparring, Pacquiao did better

The British welterweight champion Amir Khan started its sparring session with the pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquaio.  This was not the first time Khan sparred with Pacquiao, he was one of Manny's sparmate during the Oscar De La Hoya fight.

Amir Khan also trained by Freddie Roach, is making himself ready for his upcoming fight.  “I sparred with him (Pacquiao) after a defeat two years ago. I did really well with him then, but this time I’ve done even better and it just shows how much I’ve come on since I’ve been training with Manny,” Khan said in an interview with East Side Boxing.

Since Pacquiao's sparring sessions where not available to the public, former boxer Dodie Boy Penalosa and the country's first ever two division world champion (world junior flyweight and flyweight) back in 1980's said that Manny Pacquiao has been doing better in his sparring.  He fought Amir Khan for four rounds, on the first two rounds Pacquiao worked on his defense by letting the British Champion attack continuously.  

“He dominated Amir the next two rounds, then bloodied the nose of Tapia before taking it easy with his third sparring partner,” said Penalosa.  He was amazed by the way Pacquiao did his sparring and maintain his punching power though wearing a 16 ounce gloves.  Pacquiao also sparred with Glen Tapia and Michael Medina.  Pacquiao completed a 10 round sparring session against his taller sparring partners.

Amir Khan has high respects for the Filipino champion, he treats this moment as a good opportunity for him to improve.  “It’s a 50-50 spar. You know we’re both learning. Some days I have a good day, but some days Manny has a good day. It’s just great to work with somebody like Manny because Manny is known as one of the best fighters in the world," said Khan.

Pacquiao also said that he wants to be ready for his November 13 fight against Antonio Margarito and he believes that Amir Khan would be a good help on his team.  “I want to be ready in case Margarito shows improvement with his speed, that’s why I insisted on sparring with Khan,” said Pacquiao.

Margarito regains fans

On a fundraising held at Robert Garcia's boxing Academy in Oxnard last Sunday a huge crowd gathered around the streets to support Antonio Margarito with his fight against pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao on November 13, (Nov. 14 in Philippines) at the Dallas Cowboy stadium.

Antonio Margarito applauded by his fans

On a video by Fanhouse.com fans of  Margarito were in full support, asking for autographs and cheered for the Tijuana Tornado.  A car show was also being displayed outside.  Other boxer were also there to support Roberto Garcia, namely; Sergio Martinez, Brandon Rios and Miguel Garcia.

Roach will make Pacquiao tougher

Hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach aims to make Manny Pacquiao tougher in two weeks.  Roach plans to make Manny spar for 30 rounds against Amir Khan, Vanes Martirosyan and Peter Quillin.  This will be the hardest part of the training camp, once Roach leaves Philippines they will do the sparring in the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California.  According to the news at GMANews.tv, Roach said "It would be a big week for sparring. This week and next week.  I have more sparring there (Los Angeles), better sparring. No, not better, but more of the style I’ve been looking for.”

Roach is raising the level of training at this point.  Pacquiao had only sparred for 36 rounds for the past four weeks against undefeated Glen Tapia and Michael Medina.  "Manny is 100 percent in the the mitts, but only 50 percent in sparring," said Roach.  Roach plans to have 30 rounds this week and another 30 by next week.  It is going to be a deadly two week training for Manny Pacquiao.

By next week, Manny Pacquiao will be facing against unbeaten junior middleweight "Kid Chocolate" Peter Quillin (21-0, 15 KO's), Vanes Mortirosyan (28-0, 17 KO's) and WBA light-welterweight champion Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KO's) on their sparring sessions. 

Holyfield: Pacquiao is to fast for Margarito

Former heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield has been saying some good things about Manny Pacquiao.  On his recent interview with Brad Cooney from examineer.com.  He has all praises for the Filipino pound-for-pound king both in and out the ring.

“His humility is a great thing, and he fights. He does not complain, and he throws a lot of punches. He comes to fight and you know what you're going to get when you fight Manny Pacquiao," Holyfield said.  He has been very impressed with Manny Pacquiao as a boxer and even as a man of the people.  “Manny takes on all comers and in his mind it is simple.  You wanto fight? Let's fight! Outside of the ring, he is humble,”  Holy field said.

When Holyfield was asked about Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito's fight on November 13, he predicted a Pacquiao win.  “People need to understand that Pacquiao throws a lot of punches, he's a busy fighter, and by him being busy and with that good leverage, he hits hard, and by the time his opponent knows it, he is way behind on the scorecards. You can't not want to get hit and throw a lot of punches, and this is the problem for Manny's opponents. Manny will be throwing punches all day and he will want to win this fight.”

Holyfield also talked about Floyd Mayweather Jr's talent and he is not pleased with the way Mayweather has been making his decisions.  “When I look at Floyd, he's a very skillful fighter. As far as skill goes I don't think anyone matches up with him. The sad thing is once you become champion you dictate how much a person weighs? Rules are rules, you can't dictate who takes a steroid test. You don't become the person to dictate that. If the organizations are not made up that way, you don't make the rules.”

Pacquiao-Margarito greatest hits video

As we patiently wait for the World Lightweight Championship fight this November 13, 2010 (14 in Philippines) between pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao and "Tijuana Tornado" Antonio Margarito at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, here are some the boxers greatest hits from HBO boxing.




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Stay tune for the Pacquiao-Margarito HBO 24/7.

Margarito trains hard, Roach orders Pacquiao to stop Manila travels

Just today, the Mexican Antonio Margarito has been training 10 rounds of boxing against his sparring mates.  Training Robert Garcia is much please with the way Margarito has been showing on his work outs.  He trains hard, last week he spars for eight rounds against his sparring mates and on the last day, he requested for another round and made it nine rounds.  

Robert Garcia planned for Margarito to spar for 10 rounds in preparation for his fight against the Filipino Champion, Manny Pacquiao on November 13, at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

On the other had, Hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach wants Manny Pacquiao to stop traveling to Manila for his work and his late night basketball games.  While training in Baguio, Roach wants Manny to stop his back and forth travel to Manila, "it definitely tiring and won't do him any good," said Roach noting Pacquiao sleeps on his car during travels.

Roach is putting an end to Manny Pacquiao's basketball nights which is said to be missed roadwork in the morning.  Roach said that today would be Pacquiao's last day in playing basketball.  

Though concerns has been on the road for Manny Pacquiao's camp, Manny is still a machine when training.  He might have skipped the morning jog but he sparred seven rounds in the gym, four rounds with Glen Tapia (7-0, 5 KO's) and three rounds with Michael Medina (24-2-2, 19 KO's).  The sparring went well Roach said, later by the week Pacquiao will spar with Amir Khan.

Ready for Pacquiao-Margarito HBO 24/7?

Are you ready for the truth?  On November 13, the world will witness two fighters aiming for one goal, Victory!  The Filipino champion Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao will go against Mexico's "Tijuana Tornado" Antonio Margarito for the vacant World light middleweight Championship belt.

Here are some videos that will get you excited.

THE FACE OFF



24/7 Trailer

24/7 Preview
Tune in here Pacquiao-Margarito HBO 24/7 for more.

Pacquiao will get knocked out - Robert Garcia

Freddie Roach predicted that it will be a knockout in the eighth round favor of his ward Manny Pacquiao.  So did trainer Robert Garcia, he predicted a knockout, but obviously not in favor of Pacquiao.  Garcia, Margarito's trainer is confident that the "Tijuana Tornado" will knockout Manny Pacquio in the late round and that would be on the 11th round.  Pacquiao will be stopped, Garcia said.  The same round when Margarito beat Miguel Cotto, in the 11th round.

Robert Garcia is confident that Margarito will win on November 13 for the vacant WBC junior middleweight crown.  They have worked hard on it, and Margarito has been training like a machine.  Its the fight of his life.   As what Garcia said, he had never seen a fighter train like this before, referring to Margarito.  This fight will be a redemption for Margarito's career.  

Garcia respects both Manny Pacquiao and Freddie Roach, he knows that both guys are really good in the sport. "You know, inside the ring it's going to be Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.  I'm not going to be able to help Margarito and Freddie Roach won't be able to do anything to help Pacquiao.  We're going to give him instructions and come in a game plan but going against Freddie Roach is an Honor because I'm going against someone who's the best and my fighter (Antonio Margarito) is also going against someone who's the best (Manny Pacquiao).  It's just an honor to see how well we do.  I hope we do well and pull it out," Garcia said to FanHouse. 

Margarito training hard for November 13 fight

Robert Garcia trainer of the "Tijuana Tornado" Antonio Margarito said that his ward is training hard for the fight of his life against pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao.  In search for redemption, this fight would be a make or break situation for Antonio Margarito.  

“I’ve never seen a fighter train this hard,” the Mexican trainer told The Manila Times by phone from Oxnard, California. “He’s pushing himself to the limit and we expect him to be in the best shape ever for his fight with Manny Pacquiao," Garcia added.

By next week, Margarito will prepare for 10 round sparring.  Last week, Margarito trained for eight round of sparring every other day and on the last day, Margarito ask for another extra round and went or nine rounds of sparring sessions.  Antonio trains from Monday to Saturday and takes the day off on Sunday.  Garcia said that Margarito has what it takes to beat Manny Pacquiao.  “Tony [Margarito] has very high respect for Pacquiao, but we are not intimidated by him. We know he is fast and he has power, and we are preparing for whatever he brings to the table,” said Garcia.

Robert Garcia is preparing his game plan to stop Manny Pacquiao.  They are aware that Manny is quick and explosive and they aim to keep the champion under constant pressure.  “Margarito will get hit, but he can hit back as well. I know Freddie Roach is devising strategies for Pacquiao, but we have our own strategy. We’ll see. The better man wins” said Garcia.  “That’s why boxing is so exciting because it is full of surprises, and I think we are ready to shock the world on fight night,” Garcia added.

Margarito enough to take out Pacquiao - ESPN Analyst

John "Iceman" Scully former boxer turn boxing trainer and boxing analyst for ESPN believes that Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao will get beaten by the "Tijuana Tornado", Antonio Margarito.  “Don’t get me wrong, I think Pacman’s speed of legs and hands will cause Margarito some big problems, but I think Margarito is still very formidable.”  said Scully.  

John Scully believes that if Margarito will press Pacquiao  and come forward while extensively utilizing his jab, Manny Pacquiao will be in for a long night,  “Margarito, if he presses the fight and uses his jab in a big way, could really test the conditioning and the skills of Manny.”  

Sources in Margarito's camp has been telling that they are just doing that.  The Mexican slugger will throw everything at Pacquiao, but they will be using a lot of the jabs.  Expect for a physical fight, it'll be fun and exciting.  “I honestly think Margarito is one of the liveliest underdogs of recent times, because of the hand wrapping scandal and the loss to Mosley people automatically seem to feel this is a blow out win for Pacman."  Scully said.  Margarito is relentless and tough, and his attitude would be a problem to Pacquiao.  Scully also expressed that  Margarito is the hungrier boxer, he is looking for redemption and there is no doubt that he will try to put the shadows of the hand wrapping scandal behind him by beating Manny Pacquiao.

“It may turn out to be the toughest and most grueling match of Manny’s career and while I think he has enough speed and shiftiness to overcome Margarito, I think he will do so only after being pushed to the full limit of his reserves,” Scully said.

Roach: $1000 if spar mates can knock down Pacquaio

Manny Pacquiao and Amir Khan sparring

Hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach will give a reward worth $1000 to the spar mate that can knock Pacquiao out on their sparring sessions.  Everyone is up to the challenge and so is the pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.  This would mean an action packed sparring sessions as team Pacquiao prepares the big fight against Antonio Margarito on November 13 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, (November 14 in the Philippines).

Vanes Martirosyan

Who among Pacquiao's sparring partner could win the prize money or could they really knock Pacquiao down?  That is the question we will know in days to come in Manny Pacquiao's training camp.

Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (40-0-1, 30 KO's) and Vanes Martirosyan (28-0, 17 KO's) are a the new addition to Pacquiao's camp.  Chavez and Martirsoyan would also train with Roach for their upcoming fight.  Chavez Jr. against Alfonso Gomez on December 4 and Martirosyan as one of the undercards against Pawel Wolak.

Pacquiao's sparring mates are not just ordinary boxers, they are said to be futures of boxing like the Britain champion Amir Khan, undefeated Glen Tapia, Mexican champion Michael Medina and adding to the list are Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and Vanes Martirosyan.

"I am up for Freddie's challenge. I will be the first to drop Manny," said Martirosyan.  “I respect Manny a lot and I have learned a lot from him. He is a great fighter but I feel I am up to the challenge.  That is why I always say I want to fight the best. I want to prove how good I am. It doesn't get much better than sparring with Manny Pacquiao," the six footer Martirosyan added.

Pacquiao vs Margarito: Who will prevail?

The fight would set place at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, in Dallas Arlington on November 13.  A familiar venue for the Filipino boxing champion.  This is the second time Manny Pacquiao will play his game on the said venue.  His first was with Ghanaian, Joshua Clottey which ended with a unanimous decision in favor of Pacquiao.  On his next fight in Dallas, he will go against the Tijuana Tornado Antonio Margarito for the vacant WBO welterweight title.

Antonio Margarito was a three time welterweight world champion.  That would mean Pacquiao will be fighting in Margarito's division.  The chasing his eighth world division title and his 13th straight win.  Both fighter differ in many aspects, Manny is shorter, smaller but faster, while Margarito is the opposite, taller, bigger but slower.  The blinding speed of Manny Pacquiao is the number one key, while Margarito's size is his advantage.  Pacquiao has already fought with bigger men before and they were all exploited by the Filipino.  Margarito is the tallest boxer Pacquiao is about to fight in his career and he is confident that he would stop Manny Pacquiao.

Though the fight may be in Margarito's division, still he is considered as the underdog.  People have suspected Margarito's style in the ring will be an advantage of Manny Pacquiao.  They know that he is a kind of fighter that keeps going forward to his opponents no other lateral movements, his more of a slugger, which to Manny Pacquiao will be as a great target.  Plus, Margarito moves slower in the ring, he may have vicious right hooks but he doesn't have quick hands to match up Pacquiao's foot work.  Margarito needs to speed up his punches to be able to land a solid punch to Pacquiao.  How would he do that? A simple strategy is by cornering Manny, by not letting him move any part of the ring and if he fails, he will get beaten.

Regardless with Joshua Clottey, Margarito is a poor defender to compared to Clottey.  His face is an open target to Manny Pacquiao.  But some people questioned, that if Manny Pacquiao's power enough to make a welterweight fall?  

Here is a huge factor to the fight.  Manny has the speed of hands plus the power, and if Margarito will fight the way he used to fight, he will end up getting beaten or worst, knocked out.  Even Oscar De La Hoya and Joshua Clottey's defense was manipulated by Manny's blinding hands.  Pacquiao was able to sneak punches and both boxers were posterized or should I say, dind't got a chance to move well at all.  They end up covering every punch coming from Manny.  The more you get close to Manny, the more he'll throw punches at you.  So this would mean, Margarito should use his length advantage.  Throw long jabs to Pacquiao but expect for a counter, and that is what Margarito needs to overcome with.

Freddie Roach predicted that the fight would end with a late Margarito knockout that it would end in the eighth round.  The old style Margarito had already been taken a lot of bombs from Manny Pacquiao at that time,  it is that simple, Freddie knows Margarito will not get down easy and when you get hit by a lot of punches, sooner or later you will go down and that is why it would be a late round knockout.  

The only way Margarito can beat Manny is to speed things up.  Yet that is a problem, cause his been fighting that since before.  Even his last fast ended up to the last round in ten.  Margarito is considered to be ring rusty now.  But we can never disregard Margarito for he still has some power left in him.  He is seeking redemption now, so this would mean the fight will be a war.

Pacquiao miss training due to illness

It was reported today that Manny Pacquiao was not able to practice due to some sickness.  Could this be a cause of massive work out or to much fatigue?

Manny Pacquiao's strength and conditioning trainer Alex Ariza said that the pound-for-pound king did not report to the gym today.  "He was not feeling well.  He's a little bit under the weather," Ariza said to the The Star via phone.  This is the first time Ariza saw Manny out of the gym the whole day since he join the team.  Pacquiao was suspected with a sinus problem.  To ordinary people, we could heal this through medication.  But to Manny Pacquiao it is a different situation.  He has to depend more on natural healing because it may have some substances that would trigger positive to a PED test which every boxer should stay away from.  Specially Pacquiao who was already accused by Mayweather's camp for steroids. 

It was also reported last week ago that Manny had also had problems on his foot.  But physicians said that it is nothing to worry about, it was just a minor problem. The cause of the injury was Manny Pacquiao's footwear.  "He's not used to that kind of footwear so his heels somewhat swells," Roach said referring to a leather shoes Manny wears while working as a Congressman.

Roach: Pacquiao still not 100%

On an interview with the hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach with Ted Lerner of Ring Magazine, Roach was telling that Manny Pacquiao is still not in the best condition ever.  He knows this just by looking over how Pacquiao fought in his sparring session, he wont be a hall of fame trainer for nothing.  

Though that some Team Pacquiao guys think Manny is in good shape, Nonoy Neri said when Pacquiao sparred with Glen Tapia yesterday that, "He almost went down."  Manny Pacquiao even gave Michael Medina a beating, giving him a cut on his left eye.  Yet still Freddie knows it ain't enough.  Any boxer can give a cut on everyone else's eye.  Freddie is referring more about the strategies and he has a brilliant mind, everyone knows that.  “The direction I want him to move is a little better. The stuff we were doing yesterday came through today. He’s not 100 percent; we still have a long way to go,” said Freddie Roach on his interview with Ted.  

Manny Pacquiao trains very hard, boxers and other people had witness it.  He is good in his sparring session and listens to Freddie's coach at all time.  That is what made him the best, “We’re just beginning to get the game plan down and get the timing and so forth. He did what I wanted him to do a couple of times. It’s a work in progress," Roach added.

It takes skills and hard work to win a fight and Manny will have that skill once he is 100%.  Roach also said if the fight would have to happen today, chances are he'd lose, but on November it would not happen.  “If that Manny Pacquiao went into a fight, we’d probably lose. But that’s why we have an eight-week training camp, so we can improve. You can’t expect too much out of a guy who hasn’t been in the ring since last March," Roach Said.

Manny Pacquiao was about 50 to 60 percent when they arrived in Baguio City to train, said Roach.  He also makes sure that Pacquaio will be close to 90% when they live for Los Angeles and continue there training.

Pacquiao requested Amir Khan as sparring mate

Antonio Margarito is not considered as an easy opponent in boxing.  He is tough and tall, and definitely the tallest opponent Manny Pacquiao has to face in his entire professional career this coming November 13 at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium.  Both camp agreed that it will be one heck of a fight.  It will be much more physical than the Clottey, Cotto and De la Hoya fight.

At this point in time, Manny Pacquiao is training with Freddie Roach in Baguio City, the summer capital of the Philippines.  Along side with Buboy Fernandez, assistant trainer and Alex Ariza, Pacquiaos conditioning trainer.  Just recently, Manny Pacquiao has been doing spar sessions with undefeated boxers such as Glen Tapia and Mexican champ Michael Medina.  The session turn out fine said Freddie Roach, Medina even got a cut on the left eye.

By this week another bother will visit Philippines to train and spar with the Filipino Champion.  Julio Cesar Chavez (41-0, 30 KO's) and Vanes Martirosyan (28-0, 17 KO's) will be part of the training to give Manny some rough time in the ring in preparation for his fight against the Tijuana Tornado, Antonio Margarito.

Things even got better for Pacquiao's camp, the Filipino Champion Manny Pacquiao requested Amir Khan (23-1, 17 KO's) to be one of his sparmates.  Manny believes that the Khan's hand speed and will be valuable help for him against Antonio Margarito.  Amir Khan is also one of the boxers who is trained by Freddie Roach.  Amir Khan was once a spar mate of Manny Pacquiao for his Oscar De La Hoya fight.

Amir Khan should much excitement with the report,  "Tell me if there's a better place to be than with the world's best trainer and the world's best boxer. I learn so much from rubbing shoulders with Manny and I genuinely admire him," Khan said.  Khan believes that this is a great opportunity, for he will gain much experience and learn more with Pacquiao, “I get so much from working alongside Manny. We never fight over Freddie's attention."  Khan also shows great respect to Manny Pacquiao, “I'm sure by the time I get to that level he will be calling it a day. We train in the same camp and I've got too much respect for Manny to fight him,” Khan said in an interview by LiveFight.com.

Pacquiao: Margarito is a Good guy

On an interview by Yahoo, the Filipino Champion remains humble.  Instead of firing back against opponents like Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr.,  Pacquiao just want to wish him well.

Pacquiao was ask different questions on the interview and this is what Manny Pacquiao has to say to it;

• What's your first impression of Margarito?

 "His okay and a good guy.  He is not like others who are arrogant."

• After his (Margarito) hand wrap controversy against Mosley, does he still have the right to fight in the ring?

"It would be unfair to him if we won't give him a chance to fight again.  His a boxer, his just human bound to make mistakes.  Lets give him another opportunity to change himself at least that serve as a lesson to him and then we won't let that happen again,  specially this coming fight."

• Will you still fight Mayweather?

"I don't know yet, but I don't want to talk about Mayweather.  All I can do to help is pray for him, that he will be blessed by our beloved God and that he will be able to fix his life.  I know he is facing a lot of problem now.  I am not angry with him (Mayweather), I have no grudge against him.  My prayers for him is that he will be able to fix his life at may he have fear with God.

On the video you will witness how good Manny Pacquiao is as a person.  He has faith in God and never fails to thank Him for the blessings he has achieve.  No wonder Manny has achieved what no other boxers had achieve.

Roach orders Pacquiao sparring mates to get rough

Hall of fame trainer Freddie Roach ordered undefeated Glen Tapia and boxing champ Michael Medina to get rough on Manny Pacquiao.  Freddie Roach knows how Margarito does his work on the ring and that is what he wanted both fighters to do, to get close to Manny Pacquiao.  Margarito is a slugger and that is his style of fighting, being close to his opponent.  Roach wanted boxer to imitate the boxing style of Antonio Margarito.  Medina and Tapia will attempt to pin Manny Pacquiao on the ropes on their upcoming sparing sessions.

Roach expects a rough and very physical fight on November 13 at the Dallas Cowboys stadium.  He wants Manny Pacquiao to keep on moving and avoid staying in front of Margarito, to avoid the long jab from the Mexican.  Manny will have to be cautious and avoid trying to get hit by Margarito, "Manny doesn't need to take blows from his guy," said Roach.  He doesn't want Manny taking one or two punches from Margarito in order to get three punches.  Like what Manny displayed on his fight against Joshua Clottey.

On the other hand, Freddie Roach will close the gym during the sparing sessions.  Roach will close the gym from guests and the media to avoid distractions.

Pacquiao stuns spar mates

Glen Tapia and Michael Medina had a taste of the Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao.  Both fighter got the chance to spar with Manny Pacquiao for four rounds.  It serves as a great opportunity for them to have a chance to spar with the Pound-for-pound king.  They have learn a lot from the experience.

The undefeated junior middleweight boxer from New Jersey, Glen Tapia having a record of  7 wins and 5 knockouts and over a 100 victories during his amateur years witnessed Pacquiao's blinding hand speed and awesome foot work last Thursday.  Tapia stands 5-11 just like Antonio Margarito, yet Pacquiao showed no problem with the height advantage.  “What people don’t know, he’ll throw his punches and turn and then he will hit you some more,” said Tapia.  "They should be scared," Tapia added regarding Pacquiao's opponents.  Pacquiao is dangerous because of his ability to move around the ring and hit you with any punch.  

On the other hand, the six foot Michael Medina from Mexico (24-2, 19 KO) which is also a welterweight champion said that so far, Pacquiao is the best he had spared with.  Medina suffered a cut below his left eye as both fighter exchanged blows on the third round of sparing.  The Mexican was amazed by Pacquiao's speed and power, saying "His very fast, I need to watch my basics.  I don't have fast feet like him.  I need to learn."  

After Manny Pacquiao spared with Medina, he remains humble and said that "He's strong and moves like Margarito."

Another undefeated boxer Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. will join Manny Pacquiao's training camp by this week.  Chavez Jr. is also trained by Freddie Roach will also have the chance to spar with Manny Pacquiao.  Chavez Jr. has an upcoming bout against Alfonso Gomez on December.

Margarito: I am too strong for Pacquiao

On an interview with www.notflight.com, Margarito that he could land great punches against the Filipino Champion.  Margarito said that he has more punching power than the two mutual boxers that they both encountered in the ring, Joshua Clottey and Miguel Cotto.  This is what Antonio Margarito said against Manny Pacquiao:

“Look, he’s a great fighter, and he’s done what no one else has done in boxing by gaining titles in several weight categories, and he continues to win, But this is a matter of style. I have watched him fighting fighters who I also faced. Clottey was connecting on him and I beat Clottey and the same thing with Miguel Cotto. I am aware that he is very fast, nobody denies it. He might hit me five to one at first, but I will gradually break him down and knock him out, as I did with Miguel Cotto. I’m too strong for him.”  Obviously, Antonio Margarito knows that Pacquiao's speed his best factor in the game.

Manny Pacquiao is doing training in the Philippines and they have worked on how to counter Antonio Margarito's left hook to the body.  Yet Margarito and his trainer Robert Garcia are positive that the jabs of Margarito will disrupt Manny Pacquiao's rhythm.  He has a longer arms so it will be easy for him to land jabs. Margarito's long reach advantage is his key.

“You know me and know I can fight on the inside, but if there is no need to fight inside, then I can use distance to work,” Margarito explained. “The jab is a major punch in boxing, and we are working on that with Robert, but it is also important to work the body to remove his legs…Clottey connected on him several times, and Pacquiao was hurt, but I am more powerful than Clottey.”