Pacquiao outpoints tough Thurman, wins split decision

LAS VEGAS  - Keith Thurman's will turns out to be as good as his loud mouth.

But Manny Pacquiao hands are equally still good.

Pacquiao on Saturday humbled the brash Thurman, scoring a split decision victory to become the WBA "super" welterweight champion at the MGM Grand Garden Arena here (Sunday, Manila time).

Scores were 114-113 for Thurman, and 115-112 (twice) for Pacquiao, who knocked Thurman down in the opening round of what turned out to be an entertaining fight in front of 14,356 fans.

The Filipino star sent Thurman down with a left straight to the body following by a quick right to the head. By the fifth round, the previously unbeaten boxer had a bloody face after eating a huge right hook from Pacquiao.


Thurman, though, came back and had many moments as well. After yielding the first five rounds to Pacquiao, the fighter from Clearwater, Florida stormed back in the middle rounds and caught his opponent with several solid one-two combos.

Pacquiao had Thurman in trouble in the 10th round when he tagged him with a powerful left to the body, putting his foe on survival mode for the rest of the round. Thurman eventually held on and went the distance with the 40-year-old Pacquiao.

Thurman earned Pacquiao's respect with his toughness.

"He's not an easy opponent. He's strong," Pacquiao said in the ring afterwards.

"He did his best, I did my best. We made the fans happy," he added.

Thurman, for his part, was fine with the result and put an end to the brash talk that highlighted the entire promotion.

"I knew it was too close. But he had the knockdown in the first round," said Thurman.

"Pacquiao is truly great, legendary," he added, even addressing Pacquiao as "senator."

"I wish I had a little more output. It was just behind Manny's output," Thurman continued.

Pacquiao improved to 63-7-1 (39 KOs, while Thurman suffered his first defeat in 30 fights (with 22 KOs).

source: philstar.com

Bob Arum blows top over Mayweather posters during Pacquiao-Bradley faceoff

LAS VEGAS – Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley faced off in the final press conference for their welterweight world title rematch on Saturday, but it was promoter Bob Arum providing the fireworks.

Arum thought there was far too much Floyd Mayweather in evidence at the MGM Grand, where signs and banners promoting Pacquiao-Bradley 2 were side-by-side with materials advertising Mayweather’s May 3 fight against Argentinian Marcos Maidana.

Arum introduced Richard Sturm, President of MGM Grand Entertainment and Sports, as “the president of hanging posters and decorations for the wrong fight”.

Sturm sidestepped the criticism, but he was still sitting next to the podium when Arum closed the press conference at the MGM’s Hollywood Theater with another blast at the venue.

“In the Venetian they wouldn’t make a mistake like this,” said Arum, the founder and chief executive of Top Rank Promotions who staged Pacquiao’s 2013 bout against American Brandon Rios at the Venetian hotel-resort in the casino haven of Macau.

“They knew what fight was scheduled in three or four days and they wouldn’t have a 12-1 fight all over the building that’s going to take place three weeks from next Saturday,” Arum said.

“But that’s why one company makes a billion dollars a quarter and the other hustles to pay its debt,” he added.

The broadside from the 82-year-old Arum was a sharp contrast to the restrained comments from Saturday’s combatants, even though both Pacquiao and Bradley have said they have plenty to prove.

Bradley was stung by the outrage that greeted his split-decision triumph over Pacquiao here on June 9, 2012, with even the World Boxing Organization saying that upon review, the decision should have gone to Pacquiao.

In the build-up to the rematch, Bradley has goaded Pacquiao, saying the 35-year-old veteran has lost the “killer instinct” that made him a world champion in eight weight divisions.

Pacquiao, whose loss to Bradley was followed by a brutal knock-out loss to Juan Manuel Marquez before he righted the ship with a convincing points win over Rios, promised an entertaining bout.

“Everything is all said,” Pacquiao said. “Both fighters are doing our best to do our job in the ring and make you guys happy and to give a good fight to make people happy.”

Added Bradley: “It doesn’t really matter what we say, it only matters what we do. Me and Manny Pacquiao basically went through hell in training camp to put on a great show for the fans.”

As he moved to sit down, Bradley asked Arum if he’d hit the right notes.

“Why don’t you ask the guy whose picture is up all over building (Mayweather) when he’s going to fight somebody real?” Arum said.

“I’m not going to say that,” Bradley said with a half-laugh. “You can say that.”

Wrapping things up, Arum pleaded age as his excuse for speaking his mind.

“If whatever I said was incendiary,” he said, “I’m an old guy and I apologize.”

source: interaksyon.com

Cirque du Soleil performer dies in Las Vegas horror fall

LOS ANGELES – A performer with the world-famous Cirque du Soleil circus died after plunging from a high wire before a horrified crowd at a Las Vegas show, the organization confirmed on Sunday.

Sarah Guyard, who media reports identified as a 31-year-old mother-of-two, fell to her death towards the end of the circus’s popular “Ka” production staged at the MGM Grand on Saturday.

Witnesses quoted by US media reports said Guyard fell from a height of around 50 feet as she was being hoisted up towards the roof of the stage on a wire for a battle scene in the show.

It is believed to be the first fatality in the history of Cirque du Soleil, the Canadian-based animal-free circus troupe known for its offbeat performances which have toured around the world.

“(The artist) was being hoisted up the side of the stage and then just plummeted down,” witness Dan Mosqueda was quoted as saying by the Las Vegas Sun.

“Initially, a lot of people in the audience thought it was part of the choreographed fight. But you could hear screaming, then groaning, and we could hear a female artist crying from the stage.”

Cirque du Soleil founder Guy Laliberte said in a statement posted on Facebook he was devastated by the tragic accident.

“I am heartbroken. I wish to extend my sincerest sympathies to the family. We are all completely devastated with this news. Sassoon was an artist with the original cast of Ka since 2006 and has been an integral part of our Cirque du Soleil tight family,” Laliberte said, referring to Guyard by her stage name.

“We are reminded, with great humility and respect, how extraordinary our artists are each and every night. Our focus now is to support each other as a family.”

A statement from Cirque du Soleil said the organization was working with authorities in Las Vegas to determine how the accident occurred.

“The entire Cirque du Soleil family is deeply saddened by the accidental death of Sarah (Sassoon) Guyard, artist on the production Ka, that happened on Saturday, June 29th, in Las Vegas,” the statement said.

“We have been working with the appropriate authorities and have offered our full cooperation,” it added.

Performances of Ka have been cancelled until further notice, the statement said.

source: interaksyon.com

Team Pacquiao members caught attacking photographer for shooting knocked out Manny

Members of the Manny Pacquiao’s team were caught attacking a photographer shortly after the Filipino fighter’s loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last Sunday.

Pacquiao adviser Michael Koncz and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez were photographed trying to get a hold of Getty Images photographer Al Bello moments after the Filipino fighter was knocked out in the sixth round of the bout.

The Team Pacquiao members were allegedly trying to prevent Bello from taking photos of a knocked out Pacquiao.

“Had I not gotten off the ring, I have no doubt the two of them would have beaten the [expletive] out of me and I might have been seriously hurt,” Bello told Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports.

The Canadian Koncz texted his response to Yahoo!, saying the incident was “Not an assault, just a miss understanding (sic) in the heat of the moment.”

According to Bello, Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach had asked him not to shoot the photos, triggering Koncz and Fernandez’s reaction. Roach later apologized, said the photographer.

The Nevada Athletic Commission said it would review the incident.

Koncz is involved in various roles for Pacquiao, acting as one of his business managers.

Fernandez is a childhood friend of the fighter from General Santos City, and serves as Roach’s right-hand man during trainings and in the corner during fights.

source: interaksyon.com

After loss to Marquez, Mommy Dionisia wants Manny Pacquiao to hang up his gloves

Manny Pacquiao’s mother is at peace with the result of the boxer’s latest fight, a knockdown at the hands of old nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez Sunday at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.

But Dionisia Pacquiao, in a televised interview after the match, said she wants her son to retire from boxing already, pleading with promoter Bob Arum not to ask Manny to fight anymore.

“Hindi hayop ang anak ko, tao siya,” said the elder Pacquiao, who had been imploring the fighter to hang up his gloves for good. Dionisia said Pacquiao has a lot of options, since he has already started a career in politics, representing Sarangani province in Congress.

Dionisia also hinted at problems brought about by the boxer’s involvement with born-again Christian pastors.

“Magulo ang mga pastor dito sa bahay,” said Dionisia, a devout Roman Catholic.

In the past year, the younger Pacquiao has undergone intensive bible studies with born-again pastors, although he has repeatedly denied leaving the Catholic religion. He has credited his newfound faith for his renewed commitment to his family, leaving his vices in the past.

source: interaksyon.com

Celebs mourn Pacquiao’s KO loss on Twitter

As expected, netizens immediately tweeted their reactions to the shocking knockout defeat of Manny Pacquiao in the hands of arch nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez.

Hash tags like #PacMarquez, #WeStillLoveYouPacquiao and #PacMan became trending topics just minutes after the fight ended in a crushing knockout in the 6th round of the fourth fight between Pacquiao and Marquez in Las Vegas.

Despite the devastating defeat, many of his fans in the country as well as those based on other parts of the world such as Paris Hilton remained in the corner of the legendary multi-titled fighter.

Many celebrities — like former President Joseph Estrada, singer Ogie Alcasid, party list congressman Teddy Casiño and actor Matteo Guidicelli — remained proud of Pacman.

Some like BBC News Anchor Rico Hizon (who is rumored to be joining TV5 soon), politician Gilbert Remulla expressed their admiration for the way the native son of General Santos City handled his defeat.

There were also some like Ruffa Guitierrez, Ruby Rodriguez and Alma Concepcion who were not shy in admitting they cried after seeing Pacquiao down and unconscious for a while.

And then there were others like Agot Isidro, Amy Perez and Gab Valenciano, who tweeted that our Pambansang Kamao has nothing more to prove and should hang up his gloves.

Whatever happens from hereon, Pacquiao can still hold his head up high and be sure that the nation will remain supportive of his endeavors—whether it’s in or out of the boxing ring.

Here are some of the immediate celebrity reactions to the Pacquiao-Marquez 4:

Joseph Estrada @presidenterap
Weather-weather lang yan. We are still proud of you Manny#Pacquiao. #pacmarquez

Ruffa Gutierrez @iloveruffag
Sooooo sad. I’m actually crying. ☹ Can’t stop thinking about Jinkee’s face as she rushed to the ring. #delayedtelecast #delayedreaction

Amy Perez @perezamy
You will always be r hero! Thank you for all the inspiration Manny! It’s time to say goodbye 2 boxing en be der 4 ur family! They need u!

Paris Hilton @parishilton
Wish I was in Vegas to support my friend @MannyPacquiao at his fight tonight! Love him! #TeamPacquiao #Philippines

Rico Hizon @RicoHizon
#MannyPacquiao has made his mark in the hearts & minds of people in & out of the boxing ring. A true champion is magnanimous, win or lose.

Bongbong Marcos @bongbongmarcos
Congratulations to Marquez! The Mexicans have reason to be jubilant. Manny remains holder of most number of weight division titles conquered.

Ogie Alcasid @ogiealcasid
We love you #Pacman! You fought for the Filipino people!

Gary Valenciano @GaryValenciano 1
Manny, although we feel the impact of this loss…let me say, at least for me, you still are a real life hero…I stand with u my bro. This loss doesn’t define who and what u are in the eyes of God.

Sophie Albert @AASophieAlbert
My heart just broke today. Poor Pacman

Alma Concepcion @AlmaConcepcion
I cried #WeStillLoveYouPacquiao

Lucy Torres Gomez @lucytgomez
God’s ways are not our ways.

Aiko S. Melendez @msaikomelendez
In defeat that’s where we learn humility… One class act for Manny.

Star DJ Mr. Fu @mrfu_mayganon
Natalo man, Manny Pacquiao IS Manny Pacquiao. You are the ONE! #pacman #WTFu #mayganon

Karen Davila @Karen_Davila
Manny, you are the best boxer…but perhaps God is telling you – it’s time to stop. Everything has a reason.

Teddy Casiño @teddycasino
Marquez’s single punch victory over Manny Pacquiao was a shocker but that’s how it is in sports – you win some you lose some. I just hope Manny is okay and recovers quickly from his injury. Definitely Manny’s loss will not diminish our high esteem for him as a fighter and colleague in Congress.

Shawn Yao @shawnyao
Finally, an undisputed Marquez!

Melissa Marie Ricks @mellyricks09
I hate how some people think… One failure doesnt make u a loser…its a lesson that just Makes u strive harder to be better..

Agot Isidro @agot_isidro
You are our hero. And you’ve done so much for this country’s pride. But I think it’s time to hang up the gloves. We want you around.

Divine Lee @divinemless
che! marquez ano behhhhh. nawalan ka parin ng ipin. panalo na kami dun. masmaganda parin ang artista smile ni manny #bitter

Bianca Gonzalez @iamsuperbianca
he handled it with grace. we should, too. mabuhay ka #Pacman

Yan Yuzon @yanyuzon
Manny Pacquiao, a true gentleman in victory or in defeat. We can’t win them all. We can only give our best. Mabuhay ang Pilipinas.

Isabel Oli @isabelolifee
Sad day. But everything happens for a reason.

Margaux Salcedo @margauxsalcedo
There’s a little black spot on the sun today #PacquiaoMarquez

Ruby Rodriguez @rodriguezruby
I have never shed a tear for a Fight before. This is the first time. I felt the pain of the loss.

LJ Moreno @daredevilchic
That Hurt but I’ll always be a proud #PacMan fan! Still proud of you Manny!

Gabriel Valenciano @gabvalenciano
No more #PacMarquez fights please. Both fighters have proven themselves. Let’s just accept this defeat and move on.

Ria Trillo @riatrillo
#Pacman should have retired 3 fights ago. Hate to see him go out like this.

Angelica Movido @IamAngelMovido
Better plans… I guess Mommy D’s right, time to retire.. But #WeStillLoveYouPacquiao #goodfight

Gilbert C. Remulla @GilbertCRemulla
If anything, I have to say the #Pacman knows how to lose with grace. Accepting, wise and grateful. #WeStillLoveYouPacquiao

Mikee C. Jaworski @mikeecj
That’s sports… But like a true champion, he got up; and he will always be the People’s Champ… Congratulations Marquez #PacMarquez

Pia Magalona @piamagalona
It was so heartwarming to see Manny smiling as he was being intvwd post fight. Very gracious of him!

Zendee Tenerefe @ZendeeOfficial
Nag bell muna bago na K.O si boss Manny… Bakit ganun?

Matteo Guidicelli @mateoguidicelli
Wow. That was heartbreaking…what an intense fight. Hope Manny is okay. You still make us proud. Your still the man pacman! #respect

Jim Paredes @jimparedes
Mas gutom si Marquez.. That is the greatest motivator.

Ping Medina @PingMedina
Time to run. Ikaw pa rin inspiration ko sa training, Manny.

 source: interaksyon.com

Pinoy fans 'angry,' in disbelief, after Pacquiao loses to Bradley

After Sarangani Rep. and boxing icon Manny Pacquiao lost to American fighter Timothy Bradley in the United States on Saturday (Sunday in Manila), Filipino netizens took to Twitter to express their disappointment over the judges' decision after the 12-round fight.

Pacquiao surrendered his WBO welterweight title to Bradley on a split decision at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

It was Pacquiao's first defeat since he lost to Erik Morales in Las Vegas in March 2005, ending the eight-weight division champion's run of 15 consecutive wins.

After the decision was announced, Pacquiao said he respects the younger boxer but that he believes "I won the fight."

Both Pacquiao and Bradley said they were open to a rematch in November this year.

On Twitter, Pacquiao fans -- Filipinps and foreigners alike -- expressed their disappointment and disbelief over the result of the fight:

Kirk Gimenez ‏@KirkSNY: "#PacBradley what just happened?!?! Rigged!!! Pacquiao was robbed!!!!! No way Bradley won that fight."

Ben Adler ‏@badler: "This bradley pacquiao decision is insane. Pacquiao dominated this whole fight, landed twice as many punches. Corrupt? Political?"

Railey Valeroso ‏@RaileyValeroso: "Bradley beats Pacquiao by split decision after getting knocked around the entire fight. And you thought the NBA was rigged."

Doug Liquori ‏@Padgoi: "If anyone thinks that boxing isn't fixed after this bogus PacquiaoBradley decision, you're insane. What a joke! Disgraceful!"

ringmagazine Michael: Kellerman is saying credible people at ringside had Bradley winning. If they scored it for Bradley, they're not credible. #boxing"

ringmagazine Michael: "Pacquiao has done so much for the sport; he's the last guy who should've been cheated like this.#boxing"

dougiefischer: "Bob Arum can't believe it. He's shrugging his shoulders to the media -- Timmy getting booed now during post-fight interview #boxing"


ringmagazine Michael: That is without question the worst decision I have ever seen. This is just a disgrace. I'm ready to give up on this sport. #boxing"

dougiefischer: "I've seen it all now. I'm living in Bizarro World. I thought maybe one could argue 116-112 or 115-113 for Pacquiao, but this? #boxing"

- VVP, GMA News

source: gmanetwork.com

Pacquiao Honored

LAS VEGAS, Nevada (PNA) – Manny Pacquiao has been named the World Boxing Organization’s "Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter of the Decade."

WBO president Francisco "Paco" Valcarcel announced this during the final press conference on the Manny Pacquiao-Tim Bradley welterweight championship fight held Wednesday at the Hollywood theater of the MGM Grand here.

Valcarcel gave Pacquiao a WBO diamond ring in appreciation of the Filipino champion’s 10-year heroics during a simple ceremony.

"This diamond ring is being given in recognition of Manny Pacquiao as the WBO’s Best Pound-for-Pound Fighter of the Decade," Valcarcel said.

source: mb.com.ph

For Pacquiao, Sunday A Moment To Reflect

LOS ANGELES — Boxing took a backseat in Manny Pacquiao’s life on a Sunday that the Filipino fighter devoted fully to the enrichment of his religious transformation.

Less than a week before he faces Tim Bradley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Pacquiao set aside his main profession to give way to attending Catholic services in the morning and a lengthy Bible preaching in the afternoon.

Pacquiao and wife Jinkee and their four kids went to mass and later heard the teachings of pastor Jeric Soriano in his apartment unit at the Palazzo and the boxer was particularly moved by Soriano’s remarks.

“Whoever controls your mind, controls your life,” said Soriano, son of the late actor Nestor De Villa, putting emphasis on positive thinking.

The bible study – attended by his US-based friends and supporters from the Philippines – was accompanied by lively music and singing.

Pacquiao said the preaching sessions will resume when he and his team arrive in Las Vegas as they take the 300-mile long journey after his last training and final sparring session on Monday at the Wild Card Boxing Club.

Trainer Freddie Roach has asked Pacquiao to report to the gym an hour earlier than usual so they could all be in Sin City before the clock strikes midnight.

Roach is lining up a four-round workout for Pacquiao possibly against Ruslan Provodnikov of Russia and the 52-year-old strategist said this will be par for the course.

Pacquiao will train until Thursday although it will be a light workout since Roach said everything’s been done during the past seven or so weeks starting in the Philippines in early-April.

source: mb.com.ph