JACK JOHNSON VS. JIM JEFFRIES CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION – JULY, 2010 IN RENO
Posted on | November 9, 2009 | 2 Comments
WWW.JOHNSONJEFFRIES.COM
Reno, Nevada (November 9th, 2009)
On July 4th 1910, the fight of the 20th century took place in Reno, NV. The reining heavyweight champion, Jack Johnson, and former undefeated heavyweight champion, James J. Jeffries, squared off in Reno for a bout that transcended professional sports. More was on the line than just the Heavyweight Crown on that day. To many, the fight was a battle for racial supremacy – as Johnson, the first black Heavyweight Champion was matched against Jeffries, who came to be known as “The Great White Hope.” Nearly one hundred years have passed – and next summer the professional boxing community, boxing fans, historians, political leaders, and the City of Reno will be celebrating the historic event.
With the recent passing of the Jack Johnson Congressional Resolution, and wide demand for a posthumous pardon for his 1912 violation of the Mann Act, the festivities in Reno will largely be a celebration of the life and career of the legendary fighter.
“The whole boxing community wants President Obama to move forward with the Pardon.” Says boxing historian, Gary Schultz. “The Pardon is long overdue, but there isn’t a more appropriate time than now as we approach the 100th anniversary of this fight.”
Event organizers include boxing historian and memorabilia collector Gary Schultz, USA Boxing Executive Director Mike Martino, and boxing promoter Terry Lane.
Festivities are currently being organized and will begin on Friday, July 2nd. On Friday evening, things kick-off with the “Jack Johnson Pardon” dinner celebration, multimedia historical presentation Fighting for the Soul of America, a celebrity discussion panel, continuous showing of the original 1910 fight film, and autograph sessions with past heavyweight champions. Events will continue into Saturday, July 3rd beginning with “Breakfast With Champions” where boxing enthusiasts can eat breakfast with past boxing champions, USA Boxing silent auction, opening of a Johnson vs. Jeffries memorabilia showroom, book signings by various boxing authors, visitation to the 1910 training camp sites, and culminating with a night of live professional boxing. On Sunday, July 4th at the actual Johnson vs. Jeffries fight site, a bell-ringing ceremony will take place honoring the 1910 battle with the bell from Johnson vs. Jeffries bout.
“July 4th 1910 was such an important day in the history of Reno, NV.” Says USA Boxing Executive Director, and Reno native Mike Martino. “People in this city have discussed for years how to celebrate that day, and we have some special things lined up.”
“It’s going to be a boxing summit.” Says Let’s Get It On Promotions’ Terry Lane. “Everyone is invited to Reno on the Fourth of July weekend.”
More details will be announced as July, 2010 draws near. For more information, please visit www.johnsonjeffries.com. Seating is limited, and events are expected to fill up quickly.
Deemed “The Fight of the Century”, Jack Johnson, the first African American Heavyweight Champion, defended his title against former Heavyweight Champion, Jim Jeffries in Reno, NV July 4th 1910. Johnson was victorious. He dominated the fight and won by TKO in the 15th round. Racial tensions came to a boiling point all over the world during the lead-up and aftermath of this bout.
Reno, Nevada based “Let’s Get It On” Promotions was founded in 2000 by legendary boxing referee Mills Lane. In early 2005 he was joined by sons Terry and Tommy in the operations of the company. Along with super middleweight contender Jesse Brinkley, Let’s Get It On Promotions also promotes middleweight prospect Brandon Gonzales, lightweight contender Rustam Nugaev, sensational lightweight prospect Bayan Jargal and highly regarded brothers Tyler and Derek Hinkey. They have consistently promoted world class boxing events on a national basis. Please visit www.letsgetitonboxing.com.
Tags: Boxing > heavyweight championship > Jack Johnson > James Jeffries > Nevada > Reno
THE FLOYD MAYWEATHER FOUNDATION BRINGS HOLIDAY CHEER TO THOSE WHO NEED IT MOST FOR HOLIDAY SEASON
Posted on | November 9, 2009 | No Comments
Boxing Superstar Plans Multiple Activities to Give Back to Las Vegas Community
Las Vegas, NV (November 9)… Boxing superstar Floyd Mayweather has a lot to be thankful for this holiday season. His September 19 win over Juan Manuel Marquez after 21-months away from the ring has catapulted him back at the top of the pound-for-pound lists. He has reunited with his father after a decade-long feud, is happily settled into his new home and loves being an active father for his four children. And in recognition for his good fortune and in a gift of generosity, the six-time world champion is making sure that hundreds of Las Vegas residents have reason to be thankful too.
This holiday season, Mayweather and the Floyd Mayweather Foundation are in the midst of rolling out a large-scale plan to help as many men, women and children as possible through a grand outreach taking place throughout the holiday season.
“The holidays are the most important time to give back,” said Mayweather. “No family should have to go hungry on Thanksgiving and no child should go without a toy on Christmas. I don’t believe that food and gifts should be a luxury. They are a necessity and through our efforts, we want make this year’s holiday season happier than ones before for Las Vegas residents in need.”
Starting today when the Floyd Mayweather Foundation, in association with United States Marine Corps, starts its own toy drive through 15 Toys for Tots collection bins in locations around the city of Las Vegas (see complete list of locations below). The collection will continue through the month of November and end on December 11. The highlight of the drive will be an event hosted by Mayweather for family, friends and invited guests, where each person must bring a toy to donate in order to attend.
The giving doesn’t stop there. As he has been feeding the homeless weekly for the past several months, Mayweather will now step up his efforts and serve a Thanksgiving hot meal to those same people. On November 21, the Foundation is planning a Thanksgiving feast for 250 people outdoors on Owens Ave & N. Main St. (across from the Salvation Army). Each individually wrapped hot meal will include turkey, rotisserie chicken, mashed potatoes, dinner rolls, string beans, pumpkin pie, water and tea.
To top off his holiday-related contributions, Mayweather will be donating coats to the students at a local inner-city elementary school. All 318 students (pre-school through fifth grade) will be given a coat.
“I look forward to continuing our mission of making sure people who are hungry have food to eat, and that children wake up on Christmas morning with something to look forward to,” Mayweather said. “Through the donation of toys, coats and food, I know we will be making the holidays a little brighter for those in need and that is the best gift of all.”
TOYS FOR TOTS DROP-OFF LOCATIONS
Expressions Salon and Spa–6345 South Pecos Rd. St. #103, Las Vegas, 89120
Nail Gossip–4860 West Desert Inn Rd. #6, Las Vegas, NV, 89102
Merryhill Preschool/Elementary School–5055 South Durango Dr. Las Vegas, NV, 89113
North Stars Dance Academy–4025 North Rancho Dr. Suite#160, Las Vegas, NV, 89130
Las Vegas Indoor Soccer–1400 N. Rampart Blvd, Las Vegas, NV, 89134
Fletcher Jones Imports–7300 W. Sahara Ave. Las Vegas, NV, 89117
Jackie’s Iced Out Barber N’ Beauty–1100 Martin Luther King Blvd. Suite D, Las Vegas, NV, 89106
The Jeweler’s–2400 Western Ave. Las Vegas, NV, 89102
Roots–4418 W. Charleston Blvd. Las Vegas, NV, 89102
Harsch Property Management–3853 Spring Mountain Rd. Las Vegas, NV, 89102
Harsch Property Management–3111 S. Valley View Blvd. Unit E-101, Las Vegas, NV, 89102
Harsch Property Management–6285 Dean Martin Dr. Suite A23, Las Vegas, NV, 89118
1st Commerce Bank–5135 Camino Al Norte Rd. Ste 100, N. Las Vegas, NV, 89031
Findlay Cadillac-Saab–933 Auto Show Dr. Las Vegas, NV, 89106
Tags: Boxing > charity > Christmas > Floyd Mayweather > Jr. > Juan Manuel Marquez > Las Vegas > Salvation Army > Toys For Tots > United States Marine Corps
PACQUIAO VS. COTTO-WHO ARE YOU PICKING?
Posted on | November 9, 2009 | No Comments
Athletes, Celebrities, Boxers and Writers Predict Who Will Win the November 14 Showdown
LAS VEGAS (November 9, 2009) – BIG George Foreman leads the list of boxers, professional athletes, celebrities and the esteemed press core who all have opinions about the outcome of FIREPOWER: MANNY PACQUIAO and MIGUEL COTTO. The championship bout takes placeon Saturday November 14 at MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.
In just five days the pound-for-pound king Pacquiao and three-time world champion Cotto meet in the ring in one of the most talked about match-ups in recent boxing history. Some of the most well-known fighters, celebrities, athletes and writers are abuzz with talk of Saturday’s evenly matched battle.
From Foreman to P. Diddy, Trump to Hopkins, below please find the predictions of these famous personalities as they answer the question “Pacquiao vs. Cotto-Who will win and why?”
THE BOXERS ARE PICKIN’…
“I think there would have been a good opportunity for Pacquiao to win if he faced Cotto before he fought Clottey, but now Cotto is thinking defense. I think Cotto is going to pull out a decision, and now because of the terrible beating he took against Margarito, he knows he can’t get into a knockdown drag out brawl. He’s going to be smarter, and I think Cotto wins in a 12 round decision.
“Pacquiao has been riding high and has beaten some of the best in the world. And it leaves you kind of complacent when you’re winning. And even if you don’t want it to, sometimes you can’t get up for a big fight. And that’s a plus for Cotto.
I think it’s an excellent fight. But when you’re riding high you think you’re going to walk through your opponent. You get overconfident. People in your camp tell you you’re going to win. And you have your spies in camp, telling you about the other guy. When I faced Ali, Frazier and Norton both had beaten Ali, and I had knocked them out pretty easily. So when I faced Ali, I had that confidence, and you think I surely can beat this guy. So I know the feeling, and I think that will happen to Pacquiao.”
– George Foreman, Former Two-Time Heavyweight World Champion, Olympic Gold Medalist, and Entrepreneur.
“I pick Manny Pacquiao by knockout. I think he will knock him out in 7 or 8. Manny just has too much for Cotto.”
– Mike Tyson, Former Undisputed Heavyweight Champion of the World
“Pacquiao is going to chop Cotto up. Out of respect, Cotto will get some rounds, but Manny is the Bruce Lee of boxing. His basketball and martial arts background give him that speed and agility. You can’t tell where his shots are coming from. Unlike Rocky, Bruce Lee was a real dude and so is Manny.
– Bernard Hopkins, Former Two-Division World Champion and Future Boxing Hall of Famer
“I think Manny Pacquiao is going to be too quick for Cotto. I was ringside when Cotto fought Clottey. He seemed to struggle a bit in that fight and it is hard to say what he will do against a faster, quicker Pacquiao. I know people say Cotto is the bigger guy but I still think Pacquiao beats him in a decision.”
– Joe Calzaghe, Former Undefeated Super Middleweight and Light Heavyweight Champion
“Manny Pacquiao, he’s the best, he’s on top right now!”
– Chad Dawson, Current IBF Light Heavyweight Champion
“It’s going to be an interesting fight, and I think Pacquiao better take it very seriously! I think Cotto will win because he’s a little bit bigger and is a real welterweight. His power may be enough to overcome Pacquiao’s speed. I think Cotto wins in a decision.”
– “Sugar” Shane Mosley, Current WBA Welterweight Champion
“If Cotto stays busy, he’ll win a decision! I think that Cotto will win the fight, but I thinks it’s gonna be a good fight!”
– Winky Wright, Former Undisputed Light Middleweight Champion, Current Middleweight Contender
“Manny is a big puncher and a good boxer, but he has never faced a natural welterweight like Miguel. Cotto is the most dangerous fight of Pacquiao’s career. On the night of the fight, Pacquiao will still not be a full welterweight. And Cotto is very strong. As the fight plays out, around rounds 7, 8, 9, that’s when Cotto starts taking over. I think Cotto will win be decision, but he might even get a knockout. With all of my heart I think Miguel Cotto will win.”
– Tito Trinidad, Former Three-Division World Champion and Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year
“I’m a Puerto Rican like Cotto, but I like Pacquiao because he has fought better guys, like De La Hoya. I see him having no problem against Cotto. Cotto is not a smart fighter, he boxes, and he’s shown his colors already. He can be beat. So can Pacquiao, but I like Pacquiao. He has an unorthodox style, with punches coming from all over. Cotto tries to box. I see Pacquiao possibly stopping him. Pacquiao’s on a roll, he has the confidence, and he has the boxing momentum. I see him winning.”
– Hector Camacho, Former WBC and WBO Three-Division Champion
“Pacquiao is a good boxer and Cotto is a fighter. I’m going to give the edge to Cotto, and not just because he’s Puerto Rican, but because of the way he fights. He always comes to fight, he’s always in shape. Cotto is going to have the edge. I see him winning by decision, but I do think he can knock Pacquiao out if the chance arrives.”
– Carlos Ortiz, Former Three-Time World Champion and International Boxing Hall of Famer
THE ATHLETES ARE PICKIN’…
“I think Pacquiao will win in 12 rounds, but if there is a knock out I think it will happen in the 9th. Pacquiao is too quick for Cotto.”
– Terrell Suggs, Three-Time Pro-Bowl Linebacker/Defensive End, Baltimore Ravens
“I’d like to see Pacquiao win because then he’d get to fight Mayweather, and THAT’s a fight I really want to see!”
– Vernon Davis, Tight End, San Francisco 49’ers
“I think Pacquiao will win with a knock out in the 8th round. He is the best pound for pound fighter right now and he will be too much for Cotto to handle.”
– Brandon Marshall, Wide Receiver, Denver Broncos
“I think its going to be a great fight, but I think Cotto’s got the edge because Pacquio leaves himself open too much. So I’m going with Cotto in a decision”
– Kellen Winslow Jr., Tight End, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
“It should be one of the best fights of the year between two incredible boxers. Cotto’s size advantage could help him early on – if it does go the distance, I think Pacquiao’s technique and experience will be tough to beat. But, I say Cotto wins at the end of the day.”
– Kris Jenkins, Four-Time Pro Bowl Defensive-Tackle, New York Jets
“Manny’s quickness on his feet and landing punches will help to win on a knock out.”
– Justin Morneau, Three-Time All-Star, 2006 AL MVP, 2008 Home Run Derby Champion, First Baseman, Minnesota Twins
“Manny. He’s quick and that might be too much for Cotto to handle.”
– Justin Verlander, Two-Time All-Star, 2006 AL Rookie of the Year, Pitcher, Detroit Tigers
“If Cotto can slow the fight, hit Pac with lead rights, he will be good. I believe Pac will have too much activity, and cuts will play a role in a Pac victory”
– Lee Evans, Wide Receiver, Buffalo Bills
“Cotto will be the last one standing!”
– Brian Roberts, Two-Time All-Star, Second Baseman, Baltimore Orioles
“Miguel Cotto will end Manny’s domination with hard jabs and will knock him out in the later rounds to end Pac-Mans reign.”
– Gordon Beckham, 2009 Sporting News AL Rookie of the Year, Third Baseman, Chicago White Sox
“Pacquiao….I think he is on a roll right now and he doesn’t get enough credit for the power he brings so I think he wins by decision.”
– Calvin Pace, Linebacker, New York Jets
THE CELEBRITIES ARE PICKIN’…
“Pacquiao and Cotto are two of the best welterweights out there. While both fighters possess tremendous punching power and heart, I believe that the speed of Pacquiao will earn him the WBO welterweight belt. If Pacquiao is victorious, Mayweather would be the next fight that I and all fans would want to see.”
– Donald Trump, Chairman and CEO of The Trump Organization
“If Cotto reconnects the way he was three years ago, he may give Pacquiao a problem”
– Sean “P.Diddy” Combs, Hip-Hop Artist, Actor and Entrepreneur
“Pacquiao is my guy, we’ve hung out before. He’s the kind of guy you’d want with you if a bar fight broke out, I will be there to support him!”
– Tyrese Gibson, Actor starring in Transformers and Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen
“Manny Pacquiao’s nickname is ‘The Mexicutioner.’ He’s beaten more Latinos than the police. Pacquiao…unanimous decision.”
– George Lopez, Comedian, Actor, and Host of Lopez Tonight!
“I’m sorry, the Filipino’s going to win!”
– Mark Consuelos, Television Personality and Former All My Children star
“Both have no quit. Basically it’s Pacman’s speed and angles vs Cotto’s powerful body shots and boxing skills. Two things to watch, if Cotto’s cut above eye opens. And does Cotto’s new trainer get him fighting sharper than he did against Clottey? This one will go down with the classics. If Cotto’s on he wins, if not Pacman.”
– John Leguizamo, Emmy-Award Winning Actor from Moulin Rouge, Ice Age, Collateral Damage and Assault on Precinct 13.
“I’ve seen plenty of people talk about standing in front of Pacquaio, but those people always seem to not make it through too well. Cotto will be the same. Pacquiao in a walk. Knock out in the fifth or sixth.”
– Carrot Top, Comedian
“I’m going to have to go with Pacquiao. I saw his last fight and he’s just out of control!”
-Sam Trammell, Actor in hit series True Blood
“Pacman wins cause Pacman fights. If Pacman loses, then the Philippines won’t have no lights!”
– Andre Royo, Actor appearing in television series The Wire
THE WRITERS ARE PICKIN’…
“This is a fight of speed and accuracy for Pacquiao, against the body punching of Cotto. Vegas has always been Pacquiao’s home, and the Evel Knievelof boxing will leap over another opponent to come away with the win. Pacquiao also has a secret ingredient called Freddie Roach, who’s battle plans bring tears to the eyes of Robert E Lee. Cotto is a gutsy and gritty fighter, but I think Pacquiao stops him on cuts, and wins in the 8th round.”
– Burt Sugar, boxing writer and historian
“Manny Pacquiao, because his strength and speed has not been lost as he has gone up in weight. Cotto gets hit too much because he’s just not quick enough to defend himself against someone as lightning-quick as Pacquiao.”
– Bob Velin, USA Today
“I initially picked Pacquiao, but I did a flip flop on this one. For a guy that started at 106, you have to figure he’s going to climb up one division too high at one point. Cotto is not an Oscar at the end of the line, and he’s not Ricky Hatton. He’s one of the top five or six in the world, and he’s a natural welterweight. I’m picking Cotto by decision. His strength is going to be too much. Pacquiao keeps surprising me, but this may be the fight where he goes up one weight class too many.”
– Bernard Fernandez, Philadelphia Daily News
“Pacquiao by a knockout. His left is a laser and Cotto is fairly easy to hit with straight shots.”
– Gordon Marino, Wall Street Journal
“Pacquiao has enjoyed a meteoric rise by beating on offensive oriented fighters (David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton) but Cotto will be the first true counterpuncher he has faced since Juan Manuel Marquez. Cotto has the speed and skill to deflect Pacquiao’s heaviest shots and the power in both hands to return a few of his own. Expect a back-and-forth, uber competitive fight that is worth every dollar of the Pay Per View price-but expect Cotto to emerge with the decision.”
– Chris Mannix, Sports Illustrated
“I am having an incredibly hard time picking this fight. I find myself going back and forth – which is, of course, the sign of an excellent matchup. The big factors are going to be whether Cotto can cope with Pacquiao’s speed, and whether Pacquiao can deal with Cotto’s strength. I can see a scenario in which either man wins; but I still can’t escape the feeling that Cotto is a little diminished after his fight with Antonio Margarito. I wouldn’t be shocked at all to see him win, but for now, I think Pacquiao’s speed and sheer volume of punches will prove too much, and Pacquiao will win by clear decision.”
– Kieran Mulvaney, Reuters
“Pacquiao’s extraordinarily fast and Cotto has slowed down since the Margarito fight. If I were convinced Cotto was going to be the same guy he was before he fought Margarito, I’d take him. But I think he’s slowed because of the damage he took in that fight and, as a result, I expect Manny to move in and out, hitting Cotto and sliding out of danger. I expect a great fight but I expect Manny to win a decision.”
– Kevin Iole, Yahoo.com
“Cotto in a decision. He is the first legitimate welterweight that Pacquiao has faced who is in his prime rather than a blown up junior welterweight or a fighter who is no longer in the prime of his career.”
– Tim Smith, New York Daily News
“I like Pacquiao to stop Cotto in the 10th round of what should be a tremendous fight. Pac-Man’s speed will eventually get through Cotto’s skillful defense, but not before Manny is forced to answer his toughest challenge yet. Pacquiao’s gloves will be punishing enough with only his fist inside. Mayweather might want to book the winner quickly because fans just might like to see a sequel to this.”
– Jim Slater, Agence France Presse
“This figures to be Pacquiao’s toughest test yet. Cotto is big, strong and tough. He also showed great resolve in beating Joshua Clottey in June. However, Pacquiao is at the top of his game and despite the apparent distractions during his training camp in the Philippines, he can overcome that and use his speed, power and quickness to stop Cotto. Plus, there’s the motivation of a potential mega payday with Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the spring if Pacquiao wins. So he figures to be ready to give his best performance inside the ring. It will be a close fight, a tough fight with Cotto having his moments of brilliance, especially early on. But Pacquiao will weather the early storm and should eventually pull it out, earning a split decision.”
– Steve Carp, Las Vegas Review-Journal
“Pacquiao has proven his greatness. But even the great ones get beat and tonight Pac Man gets beat. Miguel Cotto is a strong, tough world-class welterweight who will wear down Pacquiao over the course of a very good fight. Cotto can handle speed — as he did when he beat Sugar Shane Mosley. But Pacquiao won’t be able to handle this welterweight’s strength and power. Cotto wins by 11th-round TKO.”
– Bobby Cassidy, Newsday
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions, MGM Grand and Tecate, Firepower: Pacquiao vs. Cotto will take place Saturday, November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. and will be produced and distributed Live on HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT.
HBO Sports’ all-access reality series “24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” returns with the premiere of the finale on Friday, Nov. 13 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. HBO will replay episodes #1, #2 and #3 consecutively prior to the premiere of episode #4. The replays begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Nov. 13. Episodes #1-3 are also available on HBO ON DEMAND.
Tags: Angelo Dundee > Antonio Tarver > Arturo Gatti > Bernard Hopkins > Boxing > Buddy McGirt > Eddie Futch > Evander Holyfield > Freddie Roach > George Foreman > Joe Santiago > Juan Diaz > Las Vegas > Manny Pacquiao > Miguel Cotto > Mike Tyson > Muhammad Ali > Nazim Richardson > Rocky Juarez > Ronnie Shields > Shane Mosley > Sugar Ray Leonard > Vernon Forrest
MIGUEL COTTO: CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT (Thursday, November 5, 2009)
Posted on | November 9, 2009 | No Comments
BOB ARUM: We’re really getting close to the fight. Todd duBoef told me yesterday it really feels like this week is fight week and I know that Manny and Miguel would just as soon have it this week. Both guys are fit and ready to go. Miguel worked out in LA on Tuesday and in a Las Vegas gym for some writers on Monday and believe me, he is fit and ready. We have Miguel on the phone, the welterweight champion of the world, who will be able to tell you how his preparations have been going.
MIGUEL COTTO: The camp is running very good, first in Puerto Rico and then in Tampa. Now we move to Vegas for this week and the next one. Right now, we are just getting ready for the night of the 14th.
What do you think about the history of Puerto Rican boxers and how you fit in?
MIGUEL COTTO: Puerto Rico has a good boxing tradition with Wilfredo Gomez and Benitez, Carlos Ortiz and Felix Trinidad. People in Puerto Rico are very interested in boxing. I am very happy and very proud to be a part of this Puerto Rican history. First of all, I have to make good work of Manny Pacquiao on the 14th and then I have to go back to Puerto Rico. I don’t know how the people are going to receive me there, but I hope it is going to be good.
How do you think Puerto Rican boxing fans look at your accomplishments?
MIGUEL COTTO: I never pay to much attention about the commentators in Puerto Rico. But I know that some people are happy with my accomplishments in boxing. Some others do not believe in me but I have to do my work whether the people believe in me or not. I am here for me, my family and the people that want to follow Miguel Cotto. For those who want to follow me, they are more than welcome.
How important is it to you that you get credit from the people on the island?
MIGUEL COTTO: I do not pay too much attention to that. If I am happy with the work and my family is proud of me..they are the real people that stay beside me. The people will disband when things go bad. The real people that are taking care of me, I am here listening to what they say about me.
If you win, where do you think that would put you in the heart of the Puerto Rican fans?
MIGUEL COTTO: Like I said before, I am going to be wherever the fans put me. I am never going to claim something that the people won’t give me or where they want to put me. Wherever they are going to put Miguel Cotto, I am going to be happy.
Pacquiao’s trainer has been talking a lot about knocking out in 1st round…do you hear about that?
MIGUEL COTTO: Forget about Freddie Roach. The only thing Freddie can do is train Manny. He can’t go over the ropes and into the ring to fight against Miguel Cotto. He can only train Manny the best he can. He may say and think Manny will knock me out but at the end of the day, it is just Manny and Miguel Cotto in the ring. No matter what kind of things Freddie Roach says before the fight…I have a very strong mind. The psyche game? I’m not going to follow that game.
You are just ignoring it?
MIGUEL COTTO: Yes.
What kind of accomplishment do you think it is to win seven title is seven weight divisions?
MIGUEL COTTO: I can only try to reach the goals I have in boxing. If he thinks he is going to win seven titles in seven weight divisions now, he has picked the wrong moment, the wrong fighter and the wrong opponent. If he thinks he is going to win the seventh title against Miguel Cotto, he is very wrong.
Where do you think you are now compared to pre-Margarito fight?
MIGUEL COTTO: That is the problem here in sports. Wherever you stand, there are ten or twenty people that know about boxing. I am not going to go to a doctor and tell him how to do his work. He knows how to do his work and I know how to do my work. I am pretty recovered from the Margarito defeat. I showed the world with my last two victories and I don’t have anything else to say about that.
What did you learn in the Clottey fight?
MIGUEL COTTO: If you ever saw somebody who fought with a huge cut over his eye and had to deal with the cut and an opponent in front of him and win the fight – it is all the things I had to deal with. I had a huge cut over my eye, a strong opponent in front of me and I was the winner of the fight. I learned how to deal with huge problems in a title fight.
Pacquiao is talking about dates and opponents – how do you feel about that?
MIGUEL COTTO: What they say and what they do does not concern me. They know what they have in front of him. He better be focused on what they will have in front of him in Miguel Cotto.
Bob, do you want to tell up what you have planned for the 14th?
BOB ARUM: We are going to do something very unique on the night of the 14th. We are going to feed the part of the undercard that is not on pay-per-view which features so many aspiring young fighters who are looking to make their mark on boxing and we are going to put it on various channels on inDemand, cable systems, on DirecTV and on Dish Network and that will run from 7 – 8:30 PM ET and it will feature fighters like Matt Korobov, the young Russian sensation; Rodrigo Garcia from Los Angeles, a real future prospect. Then at 8:30 PM ET, a half hour prior to the pay-per-view, we are doing a special 30-minute show which is very exciting and that leads into the pay-per-view telecast which begins at 9 PM ET.
There is a lot of talk about who Manny will fight next and when…
MIGUEL COTTO: It’s really not important to me what the boxing world wants to see. Once I beat many Pacquiao they can continue their plans and do what they want but I am not going home without winning this fight.
Are you ready to surprise the world by dealing with the speed of Pacquiao?
MIGUEL COTTO: You know what? That’s why we prepare ourselves. He’s a fast fighter. We know he has speed. We know he has a style and we are prepared to beat it. You’ll find out on the 14th how I am going to deal with his speed. It’s not going to be a factor even though everyone thinks it is.
Oscar couldn’t fight at the lower weight as well as he thought.
MIGUEL COTTO: The last fight I spent more than 24 hours doing nothing. Just waiting for the weigh-in. My weight was 145. All I have to do is add a half hour to my work every day and I am going to reach 145 with no problem.
Do you think Manny is too small to beat you?
MIGUEL COTTO: He is coming from a lower weight division and if he thinks he is going to have the same power as Miguel Cotto, his thinking is very wrong.
Manny is the star in this fight. Do you feel you have been overlooked by the international media?
MIGUEL COTTO: I am here to do my work. I am not an artist. I am just a boxer and I have to be focused on the things I am going to do on the 14th and that is the reason I am here.
Bob, because of the typhoons, will everyone be able to see the fight in the Philippines?
BOB ARUM: Probably not. There were two areas that were badly hit. One was certain low-lying areas of Manila. The flooding is gone but some people are still without power. The spot that was really hit hard was a town up from Manila toward Bagiao to the north, where there were landslides, etc. I think most of these people have been relocated to other areas so I think viewership will be as big as it has always been for Pacquiao fights.
Do you think his speed is going to be the main factor you will have to contend with?
MIGUEL COTTO: I am prepared for anything he can bring me that night. He has a lot of things beside his speed. I have to be prepared for all he can show me.
Do you think a Mayweather fight would complete your career?
MIGUEL COTTO: You never can push someone to face you. My career has to continue no matter who wants to fight or not to fight Miguel Cotto. I am here for the big names and ready for the hot opponents. That’s what boxing needs for the guys at the top to fight other guys at the top, like it was 20 years ago. Make the fights that fans want to watch. I am here for any boxer that wants to fight Miguel Cotto. They have to start with my company and I am more than ready to fight the biggest names in boxing.
Bob, compare this fight to the Mayweather – Marquez fight…
BOB ARUM: This fight for me is a much more intriguing fight, a fight that is getting a lot more attention because it is a much more competitive fight than the Mayweather-Marquez fight. Most journalists did not give Marquez any chance, and rightly so, against Mayweather and in this fight the journalists are split in their views as to who is going to win. And even those making a prediction say they really don’t know who is going to win this fight. This is a much more competitive fight and one of the most competitive fights of the year and that’s what is intriguing a lot of people besides the fact that both fighters are exemplary athletes and are a credit to the sport of boxing and they epitomize the best of what athletes should be.
Was there any trepidation about putting these two stars against each other?
BOB ARUM: You’ve got to understand when we have a fighter like Miguel who has fought all of his fights with Top Rank and Pacquiao who has done so over the last 4 or 5 years, my job is to put them in fights where they can make the most money. Where they can get the biggest platforms, so sure it is tough to see one of my fighters beating up on another one of my fighters, but I am confident in this fight these two guys are going to give a great account of themselves. They are on the biggest stage that boxing can offer and they are going to make a lot of money. So in that regard, I have done my job.
Are you surprised you are such a big underdog for this fight as much as 3:1 odds?
BOB ARUM: Before Miguel answers that question, you have to understand odds. Odds are a reflection of how people are betting. The money that’s been coming into the sports book is Philippine money coming heavy on many Pacquiao and that has no reflection at all on how close this fight is or who is the better fighter. In other words, if some millionaires from Puerto Rico got on a plane tonight and bet big sums of money on Miguel, he would be the favorite.
MIGUEL COTTO: I don’t know anything about the betting business you. I am just here to try and bring my best every day in the gym and in training camp and I am working to beat Manny. If the people bet for Manny it is all right with me. I am here for myself and not any kind of bet. All the people that are betting for Manny Pacquiao are not going to change the result of this fight.
Do you see yourself knocking him out or claiming a decision?
MIGUEL COTTO: I never come in to knock any guy out. I just try to do my work in the ring. If I hit the guy with a good punch or a combination, I will go for it. Or if I can get a decision. I go to do my work and if I hit him with a good punch, I am going for it.
What do you think Manny’s best attributes are?
MIGUEL COTTO: I don’t pay attention to his details but there are some things in particular that we worked on in training camp. I try to put myself in the best condition I can and I will try to capitalize on any kind of mistake my opponent will make. If Manny makes any kind of mistake I am going to capitalize on that.
Do you think the two pounds will have any affect on you?
MIGUEL COTTO: When we took this fight we decided that we were fine with 145. We knew we could do it and we knew we would be at our best the next night. We would not have taken this fight if we didn’t think I was going to be at my best the next night after the weigh-in.
What do you think about the difficult times Pacquiao has had with the Mexican fighters?
MIGUEL COTTO: Different fighters and different styles, they had their moments with him. It is going to be totally different with me. I am going in there and I have prepared myself for anything and everything that he brings. No matter who talks, trainer or whoever says he is going to win, I know that I am very confident that I am going to come out with a victory that night.
BOB ARUM: I want to thank everyone for coming and we’ll see you all in Las Vegas and as you heard today Miguel is very confident because when someone prepares for a fight as well as he has it gives him reason to be confident.
MIGUEL COTTO: I want to thank everyone for being here today and I am prepared. I have done the right things in my camp to make a great fight on Saturday the 14th. I have no doubt I am going to be the winner of this fight. It is going to be a great fight for me and the fans and all the people in the boxing world.
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The Pacquiao vs. Cotto pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $54.95, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View®, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Pacquiao vs. Cotto fight week updates, log on to www.pacmancotto.com, www.hbo.com or www.toprank.com.
HBO’s fast-moving reality series “24/7 Pacquiao/Cotto” returns with the premiere of the finale This Friday! Nov. 13 at 9:30 p.m. ET/PT. HBO will replay episodes No. 1, No. 2 and No. 3 consecutively prior to the premiere of episode No. 4. The replays begin at 8:00 p.m. ET/PT on Nov. 13. Episodes Nos. 1-3 are also available on HBO ON DEMAND.
Seven of the MGM MIRAGE properties along The Strip will host closed circuit viewing in conjunction with Pacquiao vs. Cotto. The resorts include MGM Grand, Mandalay Bay, The Mirage, Monte Carlo, Luxor, Circus Circus and Excalibur. Remaining tickets for the closed circuit telecast at all venues are priced at $50, not including applicable service charges and handling fees. All seats will be general admission and will be available at each individual property’s box office outlets and at all Las Vegas Ticketmaster locations (select Smith’s Food and Drug Centers and Ritmo Latino). To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000, or visit www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com. Ticket sales are limited to 20 per person.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena is home to concerts, championship boxing and premier sporting and special events. The Arena offers comfortable seating for as many as 16,800 with excellent sightlines and state-of-the-art acoustics, lighting and sound. Prominent events to date have included world championship fights between Evander Holyfield and Mike Tyson as well as Oscar De La Hoya vs. Floyd Mayweather and George Foreman vs. Michael Moorer; and concerts by The Rolling Stones, Madonna, Elton John, Bruce Springsteen, Paul McCartney, Bette Midler, George Strait, Janet Jackson, Phil Collins, Billy Joel, U2, ‘N Sync, Sting, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, Jimmy Buffett and the Barbra Streisand Millennium Concert. The MGM Grand Garden Arena also is home to the annual Academy of Country Music Awards (ACMA), Frozen Fury NHL pre-season game and the U.S. Open of Motocross.
Fedor Vs. Rogers Video
Posted on | November 8, 2009 | No Comments
Tags: Brett Rogers > Fedor Emelianenko > heavyweight > M-1 Global > MMA > Strikeforce
Cool Combat Sports Links: Mixed Martial Arts, Wrestling, Boxing (11-08-09)
Posted on | November 8, 2009 | No Comments
Pallone ready to pin down MMA career
Mixed Martial Arts in the Mainstream: The Jorge Gurgel Theory
MMA legend to hobnob with Cebu fans today
CBS puts MMA Strikeforce in primetime
Fedor featured on prime time MMA card
EA SIGNS STRIKEFORCE FOR VIDEO GAME
Coach Fears Void Without Wrestling
Prescription abuse plagues wrestling
Lehigh U. opens season against Rider today
The Wrestling Bard 11.08.09: Mania Odyssey, Part VI
Hardy could give TNA big boost
Wrestling season starts at Kaye Young Invite
Kodiak wrestling snags eight titles
Iowa wrestling: Hawkeyes returning all-American post wrestle-off wins
Northwest wrestler Adam Firestorm passes away at age 32
Top WWE Star Admits He Entered Drug Rehabilitation Last Year
Top 50 Wrestlers: Ranked by Pro Wrestling Illustrated (Number 50-36)
Boxing Result: Chad Dawson Outpoints Glen Johnson In Rematch
David Haye Unseats WBA Champ Nicolai Valuev
British Boxer David Haye Conquers Goliath
Myles Strasser: Boxing has lost its allure, imagination
Kronk alum trains hockey players in boxing
Dawson Wins Decision; Yorgey falls to Angulo
Briefs | Boxing: David Haye takes WBA heavyweight title from Nikolai Valuev
Angulo mauls Yorgey in one-sided affair
Tags: Boxing > fight news > fighting > links > Mixed Martial Arts > MMA > news > reports > stories > updates > wrestling
Cestus Fighter Don “DA BOMB” George Has World Class Win; Annihilates Natorious Jason Naugler In 4!
Posted on | November 8, 2009 | No Comments
By: Cestus Press
Cestus Management’s super middleweight destroyer Don “Da’Bomb” George made the leap from boxing prospect to being on the verge of becoming a world-class contender with a four round savage annihilation of Canadian Jason Naugler; handing this tough and very experienced fighter his first loss byway of stoppage. Coming into the contest, Naugler previously had twenty-nine fights and has gone the distance in very creditable performances against Chad Dawson, Jean Paul Mendy,Anthony Thompson, Jesse Brinkley, Samuel Miller and Nicholas Poulard. The fight was the main event of a card at the UIC Pavilion in Chicago , Illinois .
George (18-0-1 w/16kos) showed impressive boxing skills and a snappy jab as he constantly peppered the experienced Naugler face and body. Naugler, attempting to overcome speed, power, and youth with experience, came out fast at the openinig bell and to everybody’s surprise tried to box by jabing and moving and throwing fast combinations. Nauglers attempt to box George was to no avail, as George was out jabbing and countering all of Naugler’s punches with fast and powerful combination’s to both the head and body.
Naugler tasted the canvas in the second round with a pulverizing short fast right hand to the head that stiffened Naugler and then turned his legs to jelly where he fell heavily to the canvas face first. To his credit Naugler got up and barely made it through the round being saved by the bell, the crowd in attendance roared as they could feel that their hometown boy was well on his way to a fantastic finish.
The third round saw George show a lot of maturity by sticking to his game plan by countering Naugler, using a very hard left jab and fast crisp shots that where stopping Naugler in his tracks and sistematically breaking him down and busting him up.
In the fourth round, George upped his aggression and continued to punish Naugler; ripping power shots to the body and head. Naugler was brave but outgunned as George was merciless in his attack. The end came in brutal fashion as George landed hellacious shots and was savagely battering the Canadian which caused referee Gino Rodriguez to call a halt to the massacre.
Cestus Mangement CEO Gina Iacovou, said, “I am very happy as this is really a great win for Donovan. Naugler is known to be a tough a durable guy. Just look at his record as he has gone the distance with current world champions and world rated contenders.”
Cestus Exclusive Advisor, Mike Michael, said, “What a win and what a performance by Donovan! This is the kind of statement that he (George) needed to make against such an experienced and durable fighter like Naugler” Michael added, 2010 is going to be a phenomenal year for Donovan.
Click Here To See “DA BOMB” In Mind Blowing “KO” Action
Tags: Anthony Thompson > Boxing > Cestus Managment > Chad Dawson > Don George > Jason Naugler > Jean Paul Mendy > Jesse Brinkley > Nicholas Poulard > Samuel Miller
Caramelito Promotions´ third show – Katajisto, Jack, Selesmaa on the card
Posted on | November 8, 2009 | No Comments
Caramelito Promotions – professional boxing stable which is led by Petro “El Caramelito” Koskimies will promote its third pro boxing show in Vaasa Finland on the 14th November. The show is called as “NÄYTÖN PAIKKA – SHOWTIME”.
The upcoming show will contain three international professional boxing fights with four local amateur fights. Pro fights will be started by Aki ”Boogieman” Selesmaa, 33, who is managed by Jaakko Helminen. Selesmaa will try to continue his KO-artist road in a fight which is scheduled 6 round. Finnish boxer will face Jevgenijs Fjodorovs (LAT) who won his latest fight on late August and is having the record of 3-9-1, 0 KO while stepping into the ring.
The internationally best known fighter on the card is Swedish Badou Jack, 25, who represents Caramelito Promotions co-operation partner McClory Sports from the neighboring country. Jack who is now 3-0 with 2 KOs has magnificent amateur background with 150 fights with 128 victories among other achievements Jack took part in Olympic Games 2008 and also he is 6-time Swedish national amateur champion in 2002-2008. Badou Jack has already once fought in the show promoted by Caramelito Promotions. That time Jack knocked out his Russian opponent in just 47 seconds!
Latvian Aleksandrs Taputs (1-1, 1 KO) will try to finish Badou Jack´s undefeated run in professional Boxing. Taputs who also competes in kick boxing won his latest professional boxing fight on July by way of technical knock out in the second round.
In the main event there is 4-round scheduled heavyweight fight with Caramelito Promotions´ Janne “Finnish Butterbean” Katajisto, 31. The former two-time Finnish national amateur Super-Heavyweight champion started his pro career back in August by KO 1 victory over a Russian opponent and continued his victorious walk on mid-September over Hungarian Ferenc Zsalek (now 7-11, 1KO) by points in 4 rounds.
In his third pro fight Katajisto will square off with Jevgenijs Zolotovs (LAT) who is making his second fight outside Latvia. The first abroad fight ended to a TKO loss during the third stanza although just in the previous round Zolotovs had knocked down his undefeated Polish opponent.
During the press conference manager and promoter Petro Koskimies shortly told that after this November show he will next time build up a show on early February 2010. About that show Caramelito Promotions will publish some early information already after the Saturday´s show!
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