HBO PPV to broadcast Hatton-Pacquiao

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by Marc Abrams

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, HBO PPV will broadcast the much anticipated clash between Ricky Hatton & Manny Pacquiao on May 2nd.
Promoters, Golden Boy & Top Rank had also been in negotiations with Showtime to broadcast the fight as Showtime had offered use of sister network CBS to get involved in the promotion of the fight. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, espn, Golden Boy, HBO, Manny Pacquiao, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, showtime, top rank promotions

HBO bests Showtime in bid for bout

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By Dan Rafael

Although there was a month of drama during the topsy-turvy negotiations between junior welterweight champ Ricky Hatton and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, eventually both fighters signed in late January for the biggest fight of 2009, which will take place May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Getting the fighters to sign was, of course, the critical element to making the fight. But one significant matter remained, and that was for the promoters to decide which network, HBO or rival Showtime, would gain the rights to produce, distribute and brand the pay-per-view fight. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, espn, HBO, Manny Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, showtime

Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera: Who Is the Better Fighter?

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by EJ Claudio

Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Marco Antonio “The Baby-Faced Assassin” Barrera are two of the most popular names in boxing today. They are two of the best fighters to come out of Mexico.

They are both legends. But who is the better fighter of the two?

According to ESPN’s “50 Greatest Boxers of All Time,” Barrera is ranked No. 43 and Morales is No. 49. But in my opinion, Morales is the better fighter of the two.

Let me explain.

Erik Morales has been more successful than Barrera. Yes, Barrera beat Morales twice, but their trilogy was so close, it could’ve gone either way. read more

Filed under: Erik "El Terrible" Morales, espn, Manny Pacquiao, Marco Antonio "The Baby-Faced Assassin" Barrera