Monday, January 11, 2010

Mayweather – Pacquiao: Floyd’s Fear Factor

By Rasheed Catapang:Floyd Mayweather Sr. had wanted us to believe that there’s something about – and amiss with – Manny Pacquiao. But I believe History and not “his story” will judge the Pacquiao’s remarkable ascent in the Pound-for-pound throne. In that regard, and with the benefit of hindsight, I hope this piece would shed some light.

While Dela Hoya was Pacquiao’s sacrificial lamb in the Altar of Fame, Hatton was really the deciding factor in his pound-for-pound claim. In the Pacquiao-Hatton fight, there was just no over-the-hill and weight-drained excuses as Ricky Hatton was the undisputed Junior Welterweight Champion who’s still in his prime and is undefeated at 140 lbs. So when Pacquiao’s devastating punch rendered Hatton unconscious in less than two rounds, it was both a statement and an affirmation.

Read full article at boxingnews24.

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/01/mayweather-–-pacquiao-floyd’s-fear-factor/

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Mayweather vs. The Incredible Pacquiao’s Urinalysis and More

Please see link for the complete article:

http://www.boxingnews24.com/2010/01/mayweather-vs-the-incredible-pacquiao’s-urinalysis-and-more/

And then some.

Mayweather - Pacquiao: Bad Blood

by Rasheed Catapang

40 Million dollars. That’s just about the amount this era’s top pound for pounders are each to earn should they take on each other on March 13, 2010. And then some. That’s a lot of money to burn.

Mayweather, one of the protagonists in this epic battle, has been known to do just that. Coming out of a 2-year retirement after spending a fortune on a lavish lifestyle, he may yet be the fastest man alive in that regard. The 40 odd million might as well be gone baby gone before it ever reaches his hands. What a bloody mess he’d done.

And blood is indeed what the ruckus is all about.

Trying to gain mental and physical advantage by initiating a severe blood testing regime, or merely initiating a ploy to evade a fight against his father’s accused drug user the- friendly-beater-to-a-pulp Manny Pacquiao (depending on who’s expert side you ask), the negotiation for the fight of the century just come to a halt.

For the moment, never mind the Pacmonster is afraid of needles because even Superman has his kryptonite. (And we know too well the plot is weak but we never question the man of steel). The fact is that Boxing’s Greatest Ever, a title Mayweather proclaims as his own, shouldn’t play hesitant in taking all corners. If you are such, you do not ask for concession. You do not ask why or why not. You simply take the fight and beat the opposing fighter to a bloody pulp. We’re not even talking here of taking on a bigger-than-Mayweather-behemoth-with plastered hands-a la-Margarito but Pacquiao who has always been the smaller man.

Boxing’s greatest ever should strike fear in the hearts of man, or fellow pugilists if you like. Mayweather being hesitant of taking Pacquiao doesn’t send that kind of message. And so, it’s like his alias “Money May”, which really is a title of no significance when applied to him.

The verdict for the man is this then: All hail Mayweather, the most elusive fighter of this era. You couldn’t even get him to a ring when a clear and real threat is on the opposite corner.

That said – and because Mayweather just won’t – let’s take on the Pacman. His is the ascent that is the stuff of legend (or of steroid as put forward by the ever-unreliable Floyd Sr.). Just what makes him tick? Bordering on disbelief, the not-so-always-disoriented-poet could not piece together how the small man’s run of havoc left fallen elite fighters in his wake. And it could not be due to God as Mega-Manny claims for He is known never to take side. Alas, he could only equate it with drugs to which his mind as a previous dope has close affiliation.

Enter USADA and the random blood testing. The little man has just been accused of taking steroids no matter if there’s lacking history to that. Naturally not agreeing, Pacquiao gave his reason to the world which is about his kryptonite.

Bloody hell, why not just bleed and give a little Manny. The Mayweathers made there point as much as those needles which created all those tattoos on your body. Bleed a little such that the little may save the whole and make us (boxing fans) happy.

It’s also because the usual urine test just wouldn’t do. Your old nemesis Marquez who admitted to be a consummate drinker of such potent an elixir would have made sure of that - alerting the Golden Boys and Mayweather never to trust yours. I mean, let’s face it, Marquez is an expert not just in boxing but in urine as well. (This news was kept in a tight lid because it’s not prim and proper to openly discuss. But it’s out now in the open.)

And notwithstanding the green with envy Dela Hoya’s take and fickle statements on the matter - It’s sad really - Pacquiao is just guilty until proven innocent.

The verdict: Counter to Mayweather is weak. Pacquiao should just give in to Mayweather’s demand to get them inside the same ring – and not in court. Then he could bring to Mayweather the beating of his life, if he can. After all, there’s no higher joy than mixing business with pleasure.

Drop the pretense like boxing is about doing the honorable thing and all such mumbo jumbo crap. It is war where a Geneva Convention only exists to not make it all look so bad. It’s more like ancient Rome’s gladiator combat with a Christian name. And just like the olden times, the people crave for blood.

And it’s not the one Mayweather had in mind.

We’ve asked for boxing and it’s a circus we’re getting. Blood Feud, Blood letting, Bad Blood – more like Bloody Mess - call it what you want but this fight might not just happen.

40 million dollars – it’s burn baby burn.