Welterweight the money division

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports

Welterweight is a terrific division and there are a lot of great fights to be made, regardless of whether Mayweather returns. But if he does, as I suspect he will, I think the biggest fights he could take would be against Pacquiao, Margarito, Cotto and Mosley. A Mayweather-Pacquiao fight would be a license to print money for the promoters. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Mosley, Ricky Hatton

Pacquiao unfazed by Hatton’s threat

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Aie Balagtas See, GMANews.TV

MANILA, Philippines —Manny Pacquiao is not bothered by Ricky Hatton’s bragging that he will beat the Filipino boxing icon in their upcoming mega-bout on May 2.

The British boxer said during his press conference last week that he will steal the world’s No.1 pound-for-pound fighter title from Pacquiao.

In interview with GMA News’ James Velasquez Monday, Pacquiao said he would rather train hard than listen and think of Hatton’s threats.

The report was aired on GMA News’ primetime newscast “24 Oras.”

During the interview, Pacquiao did not promise to bring home the bacon, but he said he would give his best for the country.

“Ako’y hindi nangangako pero gagawin ko lahat ng aking makakaya at lahat ng aking magagawa sa ring para makapagbigay ng magandang laban at makapagbigay ng karangalan sa ating bansa [I’m not promising to win but I will do my best to give a good fight inside the ring and for the country],” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao is set to fly to the United States on February 24 and is expected to train in Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles.

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton

FLOYD MAYWEATHER SR.: "HATTON COULD STOP PACQUIAO"

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Percy Crawford

“Hatton could stop Pacquiao man. I'm telling you what I know. Hatton is going to beat Pacquiao like Pacquiao beat a dehydrated De La Hoya because that's what he was. A lot of people got blinded by that performance from Pacquiao, but De La Hoya couldn't have looked any worse if he wanted to…Wait till you see this Ricky Hatton. He is going to be a different fighter man, mark my words. You could see a few changes in him already, but that wasn't shit compared to how he's going to look in May. Pacquiao is going to be in trouble man and mark my words, don't be surprised if Hatton stops him. Pacquiao still is not that skilled man,” stated world-renowned trainer Floyd Mayweather Sr. as he talked about the highly-anticipated clash between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao. Plus, you don't want to miss what he had to say about Oscar De La Hoya, a potential Mosley-Mayweather showdown and much more. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Floyd Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton

Manny Pacquiao Plans To Sacrifice in Training For Hatton

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Ronnie Nathanielsz

Acknowledging that his showdown in the “Battle of East and West” against Britain’s Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton will be a tougher fight than his lopsided 8th round TKO over Oscar De La Hoya in Las Vegas last December 6 Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao has promised to once again “sacrifice in training.”

In fact, Pacquiao plans to leave for Los Angeles after the christening of his daughter Queen Elizabeth on February 22 to begin preparation for his May 2 showdown with Hatton before leaving for London and Manchester to kickoff the promotional tour which will also take the two fighters to New York and Los Angeles.

In an enjoyable dinner gathering with sports editors and boxing writers last Friday night at the sprawling Harbour View seaside restaurant by Manila Bay , Pacquiao maintained his attitude of never predicting the outcome of his fights and respecting his opponents. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Manila Bay, Manny Pacquiao, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky “The Hitman” Hatton, Ricky Hatton

Ricky Hatton Conflicted About Eight Week Vegas Camp

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Mark Vester

Ricky Hatton is a bit conflicted about his trainer’s request for an eight week training camp in Las Vegas. Floyd Mayweather Sr. wants Hatton to arrive in Las Vegas about eight weeks before his May 2 mega-bout with Manny Pacquiao, which takes place at the MGM Grand. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Floyd Mayweather, Las Vegas, Manny Pacquiao, MGM Grand, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, Training

TOP RANK SIGNS UNDEFEATED EDWIN VALERO

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
Edwin Valero, the 24-0, 24 KO super featherweight contender from Venezuela, has signed with Top Rank. Bob Arum made the announcement today.

"Edwin Valero is one of the most exciting fighters in the world today," Arum said. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Manny Pacquiao, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton, top rank promotions

Marco Antonio Barrera-Amir Khan To Still Go Forward

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Mark Vester

Despite suffering a bad cut in Saturday night’s bout against Freudis Rojas in Jalisco, Mexico, former three-division champion Marco Antonio Barrera plans to move forward with his bout against Amir Khan on March 14 at the MEN Arena in Manchester. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton

Shane Mosley Wants Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Mark Vester

Fresh from his dominating knockout of Antonio Margarito, the WBA welterweight champion, Shane Mosley, is looking for the biggest money fights he can land. The two fighters at the top of his target list are Manny Pacquiao, the number-one pound for pound fighter in the world, and Floyd Mayweather Jr. – the undefeated, but retired pound for pound king.

Richard Schaefer, CEO for Golden Boy Promotions [where Mosley is a partner], promised to begin talks with the Mayweather camp. So far Floyd has not shown any interest to return for a fight with Mosley. Pacquiao has a tough order on his hands when he takes on Ricky Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Pacquiao would have to win in order to set up a Mosley encounter. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Manny, Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton

Pacquiao lets his fists do the talking

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;
By Roy Luarca

MANILA, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao, as always, refuses to be drawn into a war of words with Ricky Hatton.

The Filipino ring superstar would rather let his fighting do the talking when he faces Hatton for the British icon’s IBO light welterweight title on May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Let’s just see what happens in the ring,” said Pacquiao, when asked by Filipino sportswriters for comment on Hatton’s boast on Thursday in Manchester, England, that he’s unbeatable at 140 lb. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather, Mosley, Pacquiao, Ricky Hatton

Hatton-Pacquiao bout set for May 2

<!–
google_ad_client = “pub-5161085239586630”;
/* PM/PT 468×15, created 1/28/09 */
google_ad_slot = “3448614590”;
google_ad_width = 468;
google_ad_height = 15;
//–>

<script type=”text/javascript”
src=”http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js”&gt;

By Dan Rafael

The month-long saga of the Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao deal is finally over.

The much-anticipated fight, pitting junior welterweight champ Hatton and pound-for-pound king Pacquiao, is signed, sealed and delivered, promoters Top Rank and Golden Boy announced Wednesday.

They’ll fight May 2 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The fight will be on pay-per-view, but the promoters have not decided whether they will accept an offer from HBO or rival Showtime to produce and distribute the pay-per-view telecast. If they accept the Showtime offer, sister network CBS will have some involvement in the marketing and promotion of the bout, according to Top Rank’s Bob Arum. read more

Filed under: Battle of East and West, edwin valero, HBO, Manny Pacquiao, Mayweather, Mosley, Pacquiao, PPV, Ricky Hatton