Roach calls for investigation

LAS VEGAS – Outraged by the split decision win by Timothy Bradley Jr. over Manny Pacquiao, trainer Freddie Roach said yesterday there should be an investigation on how two of the three judges scored it for the unbeaten challenger when the punchstats clearly showed the Filipino fighter dominated the 12-round bout.

“It’s outrageous,” fumed Roach. “I think the judges who saw it forBradley should be expelled. I don’t blame Bradley. It’s not his fault. Who can agree with that kind of decision? I’ll admit Manny gave away the 11th round but I told him to throw combinations and step it up in the last round which I thought he took. There was no way Bradley won that fight. Manny won that fight.”

Roach left on a private jet to Syracuse, New York, a few hours after the fight to attend his induction into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in Canastota. He said he won’t talk about the fight in his acceptance speech. Roach will be joined in the 10-seater plane by his mother Barbara, girlfriend Dr. Maya Matthews, secretary Marie Spivey, manager Nick Khan, assistant manager Evan Dick, Michael Buffer and his wife.

Earlier, Roach said focusing on the Pacquiao bout was more important than the induction, expressing his selflessness in prioritizing his fighters over his own personal recognition. He has often admitted that the best thing that ever happened in his life was Pacquiao walking into the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles in 2001.

Roach said a protest should be filed if only to try to preserve the integrity of the fight game. Cutman Miguel Diaz, the 74-year-old Argentine cornerman who has worked with over 30 world champions, said the verdict was unbelievable and will go down in history as one of the worst boxing robberies ever.

Diaz said the injustice was similar to Cuban Erislandy Lara’s undeserved fate in losing a majority decision to Paul Williams in Atlantic City last year. Judge Donald Givens scored it 116-114, judge Hilton Whitaker, Jr. 115-114 and Al Bennett 114-all. HBO’s boxing expert Harold Lederman had it 117-111 for Lara and former world champion Roy Jones Jr. said the robbery reminded him of his 1988 Seoul Olympic tragedy where he lost in the finals but was awarded Best Boxer of the competition. The New Jersey State Athletic Control Board conducted an investigation and indefinitely suspended the three judges. Since no corruption was established, Williams’ win was upheld.

If an investigation is made on the Pacquiao loss and no corruption is established, Bradley’s win will be upheld but the judges could be suspended. Only if corruption is established could there be the possibility of nullifying Bradley’s win.

When the decision was announced, a chorus of boos echoed in the arena. Judge Jerry Roth saw it 115-113 for Pacquiao but judges C. J. Ross and Duane Ford scored it 115-113 for Bradley. Ross and Ford gave Bradley five of the last six rounds. The punchstats contradicted the outcome as Pacquiao landed more blows, 253-159, with a higher percentage of accuracy, 34%-19%. Pacquiao also connected more jabs, 63-51 and more power shots, 190-108. The stats indicated that the fight wasn’t close – Pacquiao completely dominated Bradley. But two of the three judges saw it otherwise. - By Joaquin Henson (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

Pacquiao triggers gay row in Los Angeles

Philippine boxing icon Manny Pacquiao denied Wednesday he is homophobic, after he was banned from an upmarket Los Angeles shopping complex for comments about gay marriage.

Pacquiao was due to give a TV interview at The Grove, but the outdoor shopping and entertainment centre said he was no longer welcome after his reported remarks.

"Based on news reports of statements made by Mr. Pacquiao, we have made it be known that he is not welcome at The Grove and will not be interviewed here now or in the future," it said in a statement on its Twitter feed.

"The Grove is a gathering place for all Angelenos and not a place for intolerance," added the statement, dated Tuesday.

In an interview with the National Conservative Examiner, Pacquiao was quoted as commenting on gay marriage, thrust to the top of the news agenda last week when President Barack Obama said homosexuals should be allowed to wed.

"God's words first ... obey God's law first before considering the laws of man," said Pacquiao, adding: "God only expects man and woman to be together and to be legally married, only if they are in love with each other.

"It should not be of the same sex so as to adulterate the altar of matrimony, like in the days of Sodom and Gomorrah of Old."

The piece said "Pacquiao's directive for Obama calls societies to fear God and not to promote sin," and cited Leviticus 20:13, saying: "If a man lies with a man as one lies with a woman, both of them have done what is detestable.

"They must be put to death; their blood will be on their own heads."

But Pacquiao said he had only stated his opposition to gay marriage, and did not even know the biblical quotation.

"I'm not against gay people -- I have a relative who is also gay," he said in comments on his official website, adding that the Leviticus quote should not be linked to him.

"I didn't say that, that's a lie. I didn't know that quote from Leviticus because I haven't read the Book of Leviticus yet," he said.

Pacquiao, formerly known for enjoying late-night parties and gambling, now ends almost every training day with a bible session in an auditorium in the hotel which serves as his training camp.

Pacquiao vs. Bradley Picture Picture

A combination photo shows (top to bottom): Boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines posing with competitor Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S., and taking pictures of him during a news conference to announce their upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welter weight championship fight, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Boxing promoter Bob Arum announces the upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. during a news conference, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

Boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines speaks during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. (2nd L), in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

Boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. smiles during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines smiles to the crowd during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S., in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

Boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines takes a photo of competitor Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. during a news conference to announce their upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

Boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines takes a photo of competitor Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. during a news conference to announce their upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)

Boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. speaks to members of the media before a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

Boxer Manny Pacquiao (R) of the Philippines claps for his manager Freddie Roach as he stands to speak during a news conference to announce the upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight between Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S., in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines waves to the crowd as he is introduced by promoter Bob Arum during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S., in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

1. A combination photo shows (top to bottom): Boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines posing with competitor Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S., and taking pictures of him during a news conference to announce their upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welter weight championship fight, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY)less 

2. Boxing promoter Bob Arum announces the upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight between Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines and Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. during a news conference, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

3. Boxer Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines speaks during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. (2nd L), in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

4. Boxer Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S. smiles during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines, in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

5. Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines smiles to the crowd during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S., in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

   
   

   
   

   

   Boxer Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines smiles to the crowd during a news conference to announce his upcoming World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight championship fight against Timothy Bradley Jr. of the U.S., in Los Angeles, California February 21, 2012. The bout is scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada on June 9, 2012. REUTERS/Bret Hartman (UNITED STATES - Tags: SPORT BOXING)

   
   

   
   

   
   

Mayweather's offer embarrassed Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao says the pieces were falling into place for a world title fight with Floyd Mayweather until the American boxer tried to low-ball him on the split of the pay-per-view revenue.

Pacquiao said he called Mayweather personally to try to broker a deal for a world championship fight and thought they had an agreement until Mayweather brought up the pay per view.

Mayweather said he would give Pacquiao a $40 million lump-sum payment if Pacquiao agreed to let Mayweather keep the pay per view earnings for himself.

"It was embarrassing to me," Pacquiao said Tuesday. "He was trying to take advantage of me. It is clear he didn't want to fight."

Some experts have estimated that the pay per view could be ar

ound $160 million.

Pacquiao and Mayweather have tried several times to get a contract signed but it has been scuttled for a variety of reasons, including disagreements over blood testing and the share of the purse.

"I called Floyd and told him that we need to make this fight happen," Pacquiao said at The Beverly Hills Hotel. "I said he could have whatever he wants, blood testing, 50/50 split and he said 'Oh, well. I will give you what you want.' Then he mentioned the pay per view."

For now, Pacquiao and the unbeaten Mayweather have lined up other opponents with speculation that the mega fight could happen later in the year if it comes off at all.

Pacquiao is scheduled to face American Timothy Bradley on June 9 at the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas for Pacman's World Boxing Organization welterweight belt.

Mayweather is set to fight Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto on May 5 for Cotto's World Boxing Association super welterweight title at the same venue.

Paquiao's trainer Freddie Roach said they are not taking Bradley lightly but it is hard not to get excited about a possible upcoming mega fight against Mayweather.

"If both (Pacquiao and Mayweather) come off with good wins it will be a step in the right direction," Roach said Tuesday. "That is the match everyone in the world wants to see."

Bradley was one of several fighters in the mix as a possible Pacquiao opponent after Mayweather fell through.

Bradley boasts a record of 28-0 with 12 knockouts. Pacquiao, 54-3-2 with 38 knockouts, hasn't lost since March 2005 and is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer on the planet.

But Pacquiao was less than dominant as he struggled to a majority points decision over Juan Manuel Marquez in November.

Bradley and Pacquiao kicked off their promotional tour Tuesday at The Beverly Hills Hotel. They smiled as they posed for photos together and Pacquiao then lightheartedly borrowed a camera and took pictures of Bradley in his boxing pose.

Joking aside, Roach said he expects Pacquiao to be ready to knock Bradley out.

"I don't want him to be compassionate," Roach said. "I want him to knock people out. Manny can't be a nice guy and try to touch gloves in the ring with him."

Roach said Bradley is more than just a replacement fighter and that they want to hand him the first loss of his career while he is in his prime.

"It is nice to fight a fighter who is undefeated and not worried about losing that 0 on his record," Roach said.

Bradley, of Palm Springs, California, is coming off an eight-round knockout victory over ex-world champ Joel Casamayor.

The 28-year-old Bradley said he plans to take the fight to Pacquiao. He won't make the same mistakes as recent Pacquiao opponents Joshua Clottey and Shane Moseley who were booed because they talked a good fight but didn't back it up once they got in the ring with eight division world champion Pacquiao.

"They were older and older boxers don't take chances like young fighters do," Bradley said.

"I don't have a lot of miles on me like Manny. If I am going out then I am going out flaming. He is going to have to knock me out. Manny is going to have to kill me to stop me."

Pacquiao will travel to New York for another news conference Thursday then fly back to the Philippines where he is a member of Congress.

Pacquiao has also divested himself of some bad habits, selling a casino he owned and getting rid of the roosters he kept for cock fighting in his native Philippines.

"Manny got a lot of distractions out of his life," Roach said. "He sold all his cocks for fighting, doesn't gamble, doesn't drink and he and his wife are getting along."

source:  http://ph.news.yahoo.com/boxer-pacquiao-embarrassed-mayweather-offer-034300007.html

Pacquiao-Bradley fight in the works

MANILA, Philippines - Bob Arum is expected to announce Manny Pacquiao vs Timothy Bradley in a couple of days, perhaps Tuesday right after the Super Bowl.

The Top Rank chief was scheduled to sit down with Bradley’s manager, Cameron Dunkin, and Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz, in San Antonio yesterday.

Pacquiao, who’s in the Philippines, is being briefed of the development, according to sports analyst Ronnie Nathanielsz who’s in San Antonio covering the Nonito Donaire fight.

“We will sit down and try to thresh everything out and then Manny will be contacted in the Philippines and hopefully we will be able to make an announcement on Tuesday,” Arum said.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. beat Pacquiao to the draw when he announced the other day, the day he was granted by the NSAC his license, his June 9 showdown with Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao wanted Cotto as well. But problems with the weight stood in the way, and the Puerto Rican said he can’t drop down to 147 just to earn a rematch with Pacquiao.

So, Cotto went to Mayweather, who said he’d fight the reigning WBA light-middleweight champion at the limit of 154 lb, nothing more, nothing less.

It wasn’t a touch choice for Cotto, who will reportedly get 35 percent of the revenue, and possibly a total package of $30 million once everything comes in.

Arum said everybody has to move on after negotiations for Pacquiao vs Mayweather bogged down for the third time in as many years.

He said while Pacquiao and Mayweather are working on their respective fights, it’s still possible for the superfight to happen in November.

Arum is also putting up Juan Manuel Marquez vs Lamont Peterson in July, and whoever wins that fight may end up facing the winner between Pacquiao and Bradley later this year.

Mayweather offered Pacquiao $40 million with no share from the pay-per-view sales while Pacquiao offered Mayweather $50 million guaranteed, with the winner getting 55 percent of the revenues.

Nothing came out of both offers because Mayweather said he deserves more than what’s being offered to him, and called Pacquiao a “$10 million fighter” who should be happy with $40 million.

“It’s really bizarre, it’s really sad because it’s making a circus of boxing. It’s obvious to anybody who has looked at this – the fight isn’t happening because of Mayweather.

“For two years one thing was in stone – that was a 50-50 deal and now Mayweather has departed from it and that’s ridiculous. Hopefully when our fight is set in June, his fight is now set for May, we will sit down sensibly without a lot of pressure and plan a fight if both (Pacquiao and Mayweather) are successful for November, hopefully,” Arum added.

The problem here is if Mayweather beats Cotto, he becomes the new light-middleweight champion, and he might call on Pacquiao to fight him at 154 lb.

Pacquiao said he’d never fight any higher than 147. So, here’s just another reason why the superfight won’t happen – in November. - By Abac Cordero (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/pacquiao-bradley-fight-works-161123823.html

Mayweather to fight Cotto, not Pacquiao, in May

Unbeaten US boxing star Floyd Mayweather announced Wednesday he will fight Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto on May 5, ending hopes for a showdown with Manny Pacquiao before November.

Mayweather will step up from the welterweight ranks and fight for Cotto's World Boxing Association super welterweight crown in Las Vegas before he begins a 90-day jail sentence on June 1 after a domestic violence conviction.

Boxing fans have long sought a matchup between Mayweather and Filipino icon Pacquiao. Mayweather even made a Twitter challenge for the Asian star to "Step Up, Punk", but they could not work out a deal so Mayweather went to Cotto.

"Miguel Cotto is a world class fighter who can never be taken for granted and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing," Mayweather said.

"It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder. I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto's reign as champion will come to an end on May 5."

Mayweather, who has won titles in seven weight classes, won his only other fight at super welterweight in 2007 with a split decision over Oscar de la Hoya for the World Boxing Council title.

Cotto defended his crown last December by stopping Antonio Margarito in the 10th round.

"I am here to fight the biggest names in boxing," Cotto said. "I've never ducked anyone or any challenge in front of me. I have accepted everything to give the fans what they like -- great and exciting fights.

"Stay tuned because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather."

Mayweather had made a deal for a May 5 fight but Pacquiao had wanted a June date to maximize revenue for what figures to be the biggest-paying blockbuster in boxing history, if it happens, which now cannot happen until late this year.

Pacquiao is still deciding who he will face in a fight to be staged in May or June.

Cotto and Mayweather have agreed to Olympic-style drug testing for the fight. Mayweather's insistence on such methods helped scuttle prior talks for a Pacquiao fight.

Mayweather, 41-0 with 25 knockouts, won his last fight in controversial fashion, knocking out Victor Ortiz last September when his rival was distracted by the referee having just restarted the action after a break.

Cotto, 36-2 with 29 knockouts, is 16-2 in world title fights and avenged a 2008 title loss to Margarito two months ago.