Maybe boxing will be able to heal the wounds to its goodwill following the disintegration of the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight faster than we thought. First Manny agreed to face Joshua Clottey, and now Floyd's bout with Shane Mosley is all but a done deal.
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports is reporting that Mosley has signed his contract to fight Mayweather on May 1 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Iole's piece states that Leonard Ellerbe expects Floyd to sign his contract ASAP, and that a press conference will take place in New York to announce the fight within the next few days.
I've used some space elsewhere to spell out my complete feelings on this announcement, but suffice it to say that I'm impressed that Mayweather agreed to the bout. Yes, Shane is no spring chicken and has been inactive for over a year. But if you don't think Mosley poses at least some danger as a foe for Floyd, your opinion of him must be pretty low indeed.
My early gut feeling says Mayweather will win the fight because his defense will trump Mosley's offense. But I'll be pulling for Sugar Shane since he's a personal favorite of mine.
Does the fact that Floyd is facing the man many consider to be the next best guy make Manny look worse? Not really, because Mosley wasn't available when he was putting together a fight - Andre Berto hadn't pulled out of his fight with Shane at that point - and Clottey is no pushover.
It's certainly a good look for Mayweather and a nice situation for Mosley to get at least one more big payday before he calls it a career. And who knows, perhaps victories by Floyd and Manny will have them revisiting their negotiations for later this year.
I don't know anyone who would be opposed to that.
Posted by The Franchise
Showing posts with label floyd mayweather. Show all posts
Showing posts with label floyd mayweather. Show all posts
15.1.10
Franchise Thoughts: Mayweather-Pacquiao Fatigue, Jones-Hopkins II and the Return (Sort of) of Televised Boxing
A while back, when I thought Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao were going to fight each other (silly, I know), I dreaded how much analysis there was going to be leading up to March 13. Everyone, and I mean everyone with even the slightest interest in the bout and access to a keyboard was sounding off on how it would go down.
That was back in December, by the way.
Now I've discovered something even worse. Floyd and Manny aren't fighting and we're still hearing about them, seemingly all the time, from all corners.
Look, I'm as upset as anyone that the fight fell apart. I've thrown my two cents in when I felt like I had something relevant to say, so I'm as guilty as anyone else.
But I'm just worn out by all of the coverage now. At this point, I don't care about who was more responsible for the fight disintegrating, how it's a big blow to the sport, or anything of that nature.
We, the boxing fans of the world, need to move on. Mayweather and Pacquiao may be the two best boxers on the planet, but they aren't the be-all and end-all of the sport.
I promise not to write any more about the fight that wasn't after today (though I will write about their replacement fights), and I vow to focus on all of the other great boxers who will be in action soon. I invite everyone out there on the internets to do the same.
This may not be the world's best segue, but Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. have decided to go ahead with their rematch, Jones' recent KO loss be damned. Guess we'll just forget that Danny Green fight ever happened, eh Roy?
I really have no problem with this, as neither man looked to be in the running for a big money fight against anyone under 40. I hope cooler heads prevail and the fight won't be shown on pay-per-view, but I'm not holding my breath.
It's kind of amusing to see early fan reaction fairly split on who will win. B-Hop has done much better against tougher competition over the past few years, so in my mind he's a heavy favorite going in.
Hopkins' style has also aged better with time because it depends so much on fundamentals (including the dirtier type that aren't in the proverbial boxing textbook) than Roy's, built as it is/was around his superior quickness and athleticism. I'm not saying RJJ can't win, but I will consider it a fairly big upset if he does.
Finally, it occurred to me that I'd feel better about all of the above if people would start throwing punches at each other on live TV. We're still a week away from an HBO card, but Friday Night Fights and Top Rank's new Fox Sports Net show both get going this weekend.
Demetrius Andrade, Juan Carlos Burgos and Kassim Ouma might not be enough to make me forget about boxing's winter of discontent altogether, but they sure will help. Let the fights begin!
Posted by The Franchise
That was back in December, by the way.
Now I've discovered something even worse. Floyd and Manny aren't fighting and we're still hearing about them, seemingly all the time, from all corners.
Look, I'm as upset as anyone that the fight fell apart. I've thrown my two cents in when I felt like I had something relevant to say, so I'm as guilty as anyone else.
But I'm just worn out by all of the coverage now. At this point, I don't care about who was more responsible for the fight disintegrating, how it's a big blow to the sport, or anything of that nature.
We, the boxing fans of the world, need to move on. Mayweather and Pacquiao may be the two best boxers on the planet, but they aren't the be-all and end-all of the sport.
I promise not to write any more about the fight that wasn't after today (though I will write about their replacement fights), and I vow to focus on all of the other great boxers who will be in action soon. I invite everyone out there on the internets to do the same.
This may not be the world's best segue, but Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones Jr. have decided to go ahead with their rematch, Jones' recent KO loss be damned. Guess we'll just forget that Danny Green fight ever happened, eh Roy?
I really have no problem with this, as neither man looked to be in the running for a big money fight against anyone under 40. I hope cooler heads prevail and the fight won't be shown on pay-per-view, but I'm not holding my breath.
It's kind of amusing to see early fan reaction fairly split on who will win. B-Hop has done much better against tougher competition over the past few years, so in my mind he's a heavy favorite going in.
Hopkins' style has also aged better with time because it depends so much on fundamentals (including the dirtier type that aren't in the proverbial boxing textbook) than Roy's, built as it is/was around his superior quickness and athleticism. I'm not saying RJJ can't win, but I will consider it a fairly big upset if he does.
Finally, it occurred to me that I'd feel better about all of the above if people would start throwing punches at each other on live TV. We're still a week away from an HBO card, but Friday Night Fights and Top Rank's new Fox Sports Net show both get going this weekend.
Demetrius Andrade, Juan Carlos Burgos and Kassim Ouma might not be enough to make me forget about boxing's winter of discontent altogether, but they sure will help. Let the fights begin!
Posted by The Franchise
8.1.10
Franchise Thoughts: Why Floyd Mayweather is Doomed to Lose the PR Battle Over the Death of Mayweather-Pacquiao
Barring some kind of miraculous development at the eleventh hour, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao will not be standing across from each other in a boxing ring on March 13.
The fight that everyone wanted to see, that had the media and general public suddenly paying attention to boxing again, has fallen apart. And while it may be revisited again for the fall of 2010 or beyond–and indeed, I’ve gone on record saying that’s exactly what will happen–it’s dead for now, a fact that will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many.
Smarter and more informed minds than my own will pick at the carcass and try to assign blame. There’s sure to be plenty to go around, as it’s a situation in which no one will really look good going forward.
As the finger-pointing begins in earnest, I’m much more interested in the opinions of the fans than the experts. They are, after all, the ultimate losers in all of this, deprived of the fight that has captured their imaginations like no other in recent memory.
Since the fans are never going to be privy to a transcript of any of the negotiations or mediation sessions, the winner of the ensuing war of words is going to be primarily a matter of perception. This is fitting, in a way, since perception trumps reality in boxing more often than in any other sport.
Though I favor Mayweather to come out on top if and when the bout finally happens (which is difficult to admit since I’m a huge Pacquiao fan), there’s no way he can avoid losing the battle of public opinion. A majority of fans are going to think he’s to blame for scuttling the fight, and one can already sense that he knows that, as he quickly went on the attack to try to deflect the incoming fire back in his opponent’s direction.
It’s not going to work. At best, he’ll galvanize his own loyal followers, and perhaps a small percentage of neutral minds who are convinced Pacquiao had something to hide by refusing to bow to Mayweather’s drug testing demands.
Floyd’s problem is that he’s painted himself as the brash, supremely confident villain for so long that most people will have a hard time accepting that he’s the good guy in all of this. With that as the context, it’s easy to buy the line coming from Manny’s camp that he simply refused to accept the mediator’s proposed compromise.
A few years ago, I asked two respected boxing writers, Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports, and Doug Fischer, then of MaxBoxing.com, about what the real Floyd Mayweather was like for a piece I was doing for another site. Their answers could not have been more different.
Iole said that Floyd was basically a decent, generous person, and that his bad boy act was just that, a show he put on to sell tickets. I got the opposite opinion from Fischer, who claimed that Mayweather was a jerk whose fits of ego and insecurity were legit.
Which writer painted the truer picture? In this case it doesn’t matter, because Fischer’s version is the one that’s more commonly accepted.
On top of that, Floyd’s critics will simply use the disintegration of the Pacquiao match as more ammunition to back up their belief that he was too scared to fight Manny. To them, this is just the latest, greatest example of a career spent seeking slightly less than the top challenges available.
To me, it’s hard to swallow that Mayweather would be afraid to fight anyone, as his confidence in his own tremendous skills simply wouldn’t allow it. But again, the question is what fans will think, and put simply, this current turn of events won’t help.
None of this should come as much of a surprise. In addition to the differences between the two men in the way they embody the sport–Manny is raw power and aggression that’s been tempered over time, while Floyd has prodigious natural gifts and a mastery of the subtler nuances of the sweet science–there’s a similar dichotomy to the way they are perceived outside the ring.
Pacquiao is a beloved figure, carrying the hopes of an entire nation with him every time he fights. He comes across as affable and almost naïve despite his success, even though some of that is almost as certainly a show as Mayweather’s persona.
For Floyd, the most commonly encountered feeling among fans is respect rather than love, and often grudging respect at that. He’s embraced the villain role for so long that he’s more famous than popular, a small but important difference.
This saga is far from over, and there’s bound to be significant backlash against both men thanks to the legions of distraught boxing fans all around the world. Smart money says that more of it will be directed against Mayweather than Pacquiao, though, and short of unilaterally dropping his demands, there isn’t much Floyd can do at the moment to change that.
Posted by The Franchise
The fight that everyone wanted to see, that had the media and general public suddenly paying attention to boxing again, has fallen apart. And while it may be revisited again for the fall of 2010 or beyond–and indeed, I’ve gone on record saying that’s exactly what will happen–it’s dead for now, a fact that will leave a bitter taste in the mouths of many.
Smarter and more informed minds than my own will pick at the carcass and try to assign blame. There’s sure to be plenty to go around, as it’s a situation in which no one will really look good going forward.
As the finger-pointing begins in earnest, I’m much more interested in the opinions of the fans than the experts. They are, after all, the ultimate losers in all of this, deprived of the fight that has captured their imaginations like no other in recent memory.
Since the fans are never going to be privy to a transcript of any of the negotiations or mediation sessions, the winner of the ensuing war of words is going to be primarily a matter of perception. This is fitting, in a way, since perception trumps reality in boxing more often than in any other sport.
Though I favor Mayweather to come out on top if and when the bout finally happens (which is difficult to admit since I’m a huge Pacquiao fan), there’s no way he can avoid losing the battle of public opinion. A majority of fans are going to think he’s to blame for scuttling the fight, and one can already sense that he knows that, as he quickly went on the attack to try to deflect the incoming fire back in his opponent’s direction.
It’s not going to work. At best, he’ll galvanize his own loyal followers, and perhaps a small percentage of neutral minds who are convinced Pacquiao had something to hide by refusing to bow to Mayweather’s drug testing demands.
Floyd’s problem is that he’s painted himself as the brash, supremely confident villain for so long that most people will have a hard time accepting that he’s the good guy in all of this. With that as the context, it’s easy to buy the line coming from Manny’s camp that he simply refused to accept the mediator’s proposed compromise.
A few years ago, I asked two respected boxing writers, Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports, and Doug Fischer, then of MaxBoxing.com, about what the real Floyd Mayweather was like for a piece I was doing for another site. Their answers could not have been more different.
Iole said that Floyd was basically a decent, generous person, and that his bad boy act was just that, a show he put on to sell tickets. I got the opposite opinion from Fischer, who claimed that Mayweather was a jerk whose fits of ego and insecurity were legit.
Which writer painted the truer picture? In this case it doesn’t matter, because Fischer’s version is the one that’s more commonly accepted.
On top of that, Floyd’s critics will simply use the disintegration of the Pacquiao match as more ammunition to back up their belief that he was too scared to fight Manny. To them, this is just the latest, greatest example of a career spent seeking slightly less than the top challenges available.
To me, it’s hard to swallow that Mayweather would be afraid to fight anyone, as his confidence in his own tremendous skills simply wouldn’t allow it. But again, the question is what fans will think, and put simply, this current turn of events won’t help.
None of this should come as much of a surprise. In addition to the differences between the two men in the way they embody the sport–Manny is raw power and aggression that’s been tempered over time, while Floyd has prodigious natural gifts and a mastery of the subtler nuances of the sweet science–there’s a similar dichotomy to the way they are perceived outside the ring.
Pacquiao is a beloved figure, carrying the hopes of an entire nation with him every time he fights. He comes across as affable and almost naïve despite his success, even though some of that is almost as certainly a show as Mayweather’s persona.
For Floyd, the most commonly encountered feeling among fans is respect rather than love, and often grudging respect at that. He’s embraced the villain role for so long that he’s more famous than popular, a small but important difference.
This saga is far from over, and there’s bound to be significant backlash against both men thanks to the legions of distraught boxing fans all around the world. Smart money says that more of it will be directed against Mayweather than Pacquiao, though, and short of unilaterally dropping his demands, there isn’t much Floyd can do at the moment to change that.
Posted by The Franchise
7.1.10
This Time They Mean It: Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao is Off (For Now)
It looks like the fight everyone wants to see will not be seen, at least this spring.
Though the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout has been declared dead before, it looks like it's now been taken off life support. Multiple news outlets are reporting that the fight is off, and both men will look to make other matches for March.
For Pacquiao, this likely means Yuri Foreman and a really good shot at a world title in an eighth weight class. Let's be honest though: he comes off looking worse than his potential opponent after this, simply because it was his side that originally seemed unwilling to compromise on the drug testing.
I'm a huge Manny fan, but it's hard to discount his critics now. Even if he's clean, the perception that he wouldn't do the fight unless he got everything his way is bound to dog him.
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports says Mayweather will most likely end up facing Paulie Malignaggi, who got a boost with a very impressive performance against Juan Diaz in his last fight. But Paulie was a light hitter even at lower weights, and his strengths are in areas Floyd is even better. I'm not sure how he has much of a chance.
Money doesn't exactly come out of this smelling like roses either, since it looks like he was the one that was unwilling to accept the mediated compromise. There are those who have always thought he was simply too afraid of the possibility of losing to fight Manny (though I'm not one of them), and now that chorus will only grow louder.
I've said before that I thought Mayweather-Pacquiao would still be revisited in the fall if it fell through for the spring, and I'd be surprised if that wasn't the case. Could both men really leave that much fame and fortune on the table?
If they do, maybe my man Shane Mosley will have a chance to land one of them later this year - assuming he gets by Andre Berto, of course.
Posted by The Franchise
Though the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao bout has been declared dead before, it looks like it's now been taken off life support. Multiple news outlets are reporting that the fight is off, and both men will look to make other matches for March.
For Pacquiao, this likely means Yuri Foreman and a really good shot at a world title in an eighth weight class. Let's be honest though: he comes off looking worse than his potential opponent after this, simply because it was his side that originally seemed unwilling to compromise on the drug testing.
I'm a huge Manny fan, but it's hard to discount his critics now. Even if he's clean, the perception that he wouldn't do the fight unless he got everything his way is bound to dog him.
Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports says Mayweather will most likely end up facing Paulie Malignaggi, who got a boost with a very impressive performance against Juan Diaz in his last fight. But Paulie was a light hitter even at lower weights, and his strengths are in areas Floyd is even better. I'm not sure how he has much of a chance.
Money doesn't exactly come out of this smelling like roses either, since it looks like he was the one that was unwilling to accept the mediated compromise. There are those who have always thought he was simply too afraid of the possibility of losing to fight Manny (though I'm not one of them), and now that chorus will only grow louder.
I've said before that I thought Mayweather-Pacquiao would still be revisited in the fall if it fell through for the spring, and I'd be surprised if that wasn't the case. Could both men really leave that much fame and fortune on the table?
If they do, maybe my man Shane Mosley will have a chance to land one of them later this year - assuming he gets by Andre Berto, of course.
Posted by The Franchise
4.1.10
Top 10 Pound-For-Pound Boxers: BoxingWatchers.com End of 2009 List
Yes, we're a few days into 2010 now, but sometimes it takes some time to have all the BoxingWatchers give some input on... well, anything really.
Anyhow, we only do a pound-for-pound list at the end of each calendar year, because things don't generally change too much in any given month to be worth voting again. After 12 months though? That's a different story.
For starters, we lost several men from our end of list. Joe Calzaghe retired, and Antonio Margarito lost his only 2009 fight and got suspended for cheating.
A notable addition to the top 10 is Floyd Mayweather, who was still "retired" at this time last year. And the rest of the deck has been shuffled somewhat as well.
Based on nothing but our own opinions, here's our list:
BoxingWatchers.com Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Boxers - End of 2009
(End of 2008 rank in parentheses)
1. Manny Pacquiao (Last year: 1)
2. Floyd Mayweather (NR)
3. Bernard Hopkins (3)
4. Shane Mosley (NR)
5. Juan Manuel Marquez (4)
6. Israel Vazquez (5)
7. Chad Dawson (NR)
8. Paul Williams (6)
9. Arthur Abraham (NR)
10. Timothy Bradley (NR)
Also receiving votes: Nonito Donaire
Dropped out: Joe Calzaghe (retired, last year: 2), Antonio Margarito (7), Kelly Pavlik (8), Ivan Calderon (9), Rafael Marquez (10)
Posted by The Franchise
Anyhow, we only do a pound-for-pound list at the end of each calendar year, because things don't generally change too much in any given month to be worth voting again. After 12 months though? That's a different story.
For starters, we lost several men from our end of list. Joe Calzaghe retired, and Antonio Margarito lost his only 2009 fight and got suspended for cheating.
A notable addition to the top 10 is Floyd Mayweather, who was still "retired" at this time last year. And the rest of the deck has been shuffled somewhat as well.
Based on nothing but our own opinions, here's our list:
BoxingWatchers.com Top 10 Pound-for-Pound Boxers - End of 2009
(End of 2008 rank in parentheses)
1. Manny Pacquiao (Last year: 1)
2. Floyd Mayweather (NR)
3. Bernard Hopkins (3)
4. Shane Mosley (NR)
5. Juan Manuel Marquez (4)
6. Israel Vazquez (5)
7. Chad Dawson (NR)
8. Paul Williams (6)
9. Arthur Abraham (NR)
10. Timothy Bradley (NR)
Also receiving votes: Nonito Donaire
Dropped out: Joe Calzaghe (retired, last year: 2), Antonio Margarito (7), Kelly Pavlik (8), Ivan Calderon (9), Rafael Marquez (10)
Posted by The Franchise
25.12.09
Franchise Thoughts: Call Me Crazy, But I Still Think Mayweather-Pacquiao Is Going to Happen
Well, this was an unpleasant Christmas present.
Like most of you, I've been following the drama surrounding the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight and the falling out between the two sides regarding drug testing. Like some of you, I assumed the rift would be solved through negotiation and we'd still be watching the bout everyone wants to see on March 13.
Now I think it's seriously time to revisit that line of thinking. When Bob Arum is talking about alternatives for March - and color me surprised that Paulie Malignaggi is at the top of the list - things are definitely looking a little grim.
I haven't really weighed in on the drug testing and steroid issue, mostly because of the holidays. It's interesting because it's not clear whether Mayweather's testing demands are gamesmanship, a true suspicion that Manny is on something, or (most likely) a little of both.
Likewise, it's equally hard to know whether Pacquiao has something to hide or is just playing his own game of hardball. Boxing fans and members of the mainstream sports media, just getting back into boxing for the first time since Mike Tyson's prime, have taken just about every point on the range of opinions.
Some have even tried to have it both ways. I'm talking about Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports, whose most recent column says Floyd's request is ridiculous but Manny should agree to it anyway. Say what?
I think Wetzel is making the same mistake many sports writers make and assuming that the spectre of steroids will haunt Pacquiao if he doesn't agree, when the truth is most fans really don't care that much. If he tested positive, sure. But simply the suggestion that he might be juicing because he refused to cave to Money's demands? I think not.
In the end, the whole thing doesn't interest me as much as whether or not Pacquiao and Mayweather are eventually going to fight, and I think they still will. It probably won't happen in March as originally planned, but there's simply too much money involved and too much interest from the general public for it not to happen.
Interestingly, when we ran a poll asking when Mayweather-Pacquiao would take place a few weeks back, the easy winner was the second half of 2010. Our readers are pretty slick, because I could easily see that happening now.
So Pac Man will fight Paulie or Yuri Foreman or whoever, and Mayweather may need a stay-busy fight as well. When both fighters make good but not great money from those matches, they will find their way back to the negotiating table and make it happen for the fall.
Unless one of them loses a tune-up fight (ahem, Roy Jones!) or gets injured in the interim, you can take that to the bank.
Posted by The Franchise
Like most of you, I've been following the drama surrounding the Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight and the falling out between the two sides regarding drug testing. Like some of you, I assumed the rift would be solved through negotiation and we'd still be watching the bout everyone wants to see on March 13.
Now I think it's seriously time to revisit that line of thinking. When Bob Arum is talking about alternatives for March - and color me surprised that Paulie Malignaggi is at the top of the list - things are definitely looking a little grim.
I haven't really weighed in on the drug testing and steroid issue, mostly because of the holidays. It's interesting because it's not clear whether Mayweather's testing demands are gamesmanship, a true suspicion that Manny is on something, or (most likely) a little of both.
Likewise, it's equally hard to know whether Pacquiao has something to hide or is just playing his own game of hardball. Boxing fans and members of the mainstream sports media, just getting back into boxing for the first time since Mike Tyson's prime, have taken just about every point on the range of opinions.
Some have even tried to have it both ways. I'm talking about Dan Wetzel of Yahoo! Sports, whose most recent column says Floyd's request is ridiculous but Manny should agree to it anyway. Say what?
I think Wetzel is making the same mistake many sports writers make and assuming that the spectre of steroids will haunt Pacquiao if he doesn't agree, when the truth is most fans really don't care that much. If he tested positive, sure. But simply the suggestion that he might be juicing because he refused to cave to Money's demands? I think not.
In the end, the whole thing doesn't interest me as much as whether or not Pacquiao and Mayweather are eventually going to fight, and I think they still will. It probably won't happen in March as originally planned, but there's simply too much money involved and too much interest from the general public for it not to happen.
Interestingly, when we ran a poll asking when Mayweather-Pacquiao would take place a few weeks back, the easy winner was the second half of 2010. Our readers are pretty slick, because I could easily see that happening now.
So Pac Man will fight Paulie or Yuri Foreman or whoever, and Mayweather may need a stay-busy fight as well. When both fighters make good but not great money from those matches, they will find their way back to the negotiating table and make it happen for the fall.
Unless one of them loses a tune-up fight (ahem, Roy Jones!) or gets injured in the interim, you can take that to the bank.
Posted by The Franchise
13.12.09
Maybe Dallas Isn't Out of the Running for Mayweather-Pacquiao Just Yet
The Floyd Mayweather-Manny Pacquiao fight isn't going to be held in Cowboys Stadium near Dallas.
Or is it?
Despite word that Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer turned up his nose at the idea without even checking the place out, Jerry Jones can be a stubborn sort. Just ask Cowboys fans.
ESPN reported yesterday that Dallas isn't dead yet, citing a Los Angeles Times story that suggested Jones would pony up $25 million for the privilege of seeing Money and Manny do battle. Bob Arum's quotes in the piece make it sound like at least Team Pacquiao is still interested.
And there are 100,000 reasons to at least hear out Jones' pitch. That's how many fans could potentially watch in person at Cowboys Stadium, with the ungodly huge HD screens allowing even people seated a mile off the field to be able to see the action with no problem.
Yes, the MGM Grand is used to hosting boxing matches like this. But while this may not be a once in a lifetime fight, it's the kind that doesn't come around very often. if the hype that already surrounds the bout is any indication of the interest that will build between now and March 13, you have to think the fighters would at least weigh the financial benefits of a live gate five times the size of what a casino arena could provide.
Smart money says the fight will still end up in Las Vegas, but I wouldn't count Jones and his facility out of the running until it's officially announced that it will take place somewhere else.
Posted by The Franchise
Or is it?
Despite word that Golden Boy's Richard Schaefer turned up his nose at the idea without even checking the place out, Jerry Jones can be a stubborn sort. Just ask Cowboys fans.
ESPN reported yesterday that Dallas isn't dead yet, citing a Los Angeles Times story that suggested Jones would pony up $25 million for the privilege of seeing Money and Manny do battle. Bob Arum's quotes in the piece make it sound like at least Team Pacquiao is still interested.
And there are 100,000 reasons to at least hear out Jones' pitch. That's how many fans could potentially watch in person at Cowboys Stadium, with the ungodly huge HD screens allowing even people seated a mile off the field to be able to see the action with no problem.
Yes, the MGM Grand is used to hosting boxing matches like this. But while this may not be a once in a lifetime fight, it's the kind that doesn't come around very often. if the hype that already surrounds the bout is any indication of the interest that will build between now and March 13, you have to think the fighters would at least weigh the financial benefits of a live gate five times the size of what a casino arena could provide.
Smart money says the fight will still end up in Las Vegas, but I wouldn't count Jones and his facility out of the running until it's officially announced that it will take place somewhere else.
Posted by The Franchise
4.12.09
Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao: Almost a Done Deal for March 13
I'd resisted posting about this earlier because I didn't want to jump the gun and because every other website with even a remote connection to sports has been (and will continue to be) talking about this nonstop. But it looks like we will see the two men who have risen to be the top pound-for-pound boxers and the biggest draws in the sport do battle early in 2010.
As reported by the AP and Fox Sports, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have agreed on most of the important details to face each other. Those include the date (March 13), the weight (147 pounds, the welterweight limit) and, perhaps most importantly, the purse split (50/50).
Still to be decided: the site and the weight of the gloves to be used. Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said in the Fox piece that Manny prefers eight-ounce gloves - the better to knock you out with, don't you know - while Money's camp would like 10-ounce gloves.
Fox Sports also cited an unnamed source claiming that Las Vegas and Cowboys Stadium near Dallas are the leading choices to host the fight. Earlier reports had mentioned Yankees Stadium and the Superdome in New Orleans as other possibilities, but Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum had already dismissed the former because of unfavorable tax conditions, and it seems to be mostly wishful thinking on the part of the latter.
Many news outlets have discussed the possible implications of Manny returning to the ring relatively quickly after his battle with Miguel Cotto on November 14. But let's be honest: Pacquiao didn't exactly suffer a serious beating in that fight, and though he's more commonly gone five or six months between fights over the past few years, he's certainly capable of performing at a high level with less time off.
Most notably, Pacquiao returned to action after his 12-round March 2008 rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez (a fight in which he took his fair share of flush shots) in less than four months to face David Diaz. Despite moving up in weight, he had little trouble with Diaz, stopping him in nine rounds.
There are no such worries for Mayweather, as it will be nearly six months after his own fight with JMM when he steps in against Pac Man. And since he was enjoying his brief retirement for nearly two years before that, he should be well rested come March.
I have to admit I'm surprised that the fight came together so quickly, but it's a pleasant surprise as it will shine the spotlight on boxing in a way that hasn't happened in years. Just remember that there are other good fights (Shane Mosley-Andre Berto in January, for one) between now and Mayweather-Pacquiao.
Posted by The Franchise
As reported by the AP and Fox Sports, Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao have agreed on most of the important details to face each other. Those include the date (March 13), the weight (147 pounds, the welterweight limit) and, perhaps most importantly, the purse split (50/50).
Still to be decided: the site and the weight of the gloves to be used. Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said in the Fox piece that Manny prefers eight-ounce gloves - the better to knock you out with, don't you know - while Money's camp would like 10-ounce gloves.
Fox Sports also cited an unnamed source claiming that Las Vegas and Cowboys Stadium near Dallas are the leading choices to host the fight. Earlier reports had mentioned Yankees Stadium and the Superdome in New Orleans as other possibilities, but Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum had already dismissed the former because of unfavorable tax conditions, and it seems to be mostly wishful thinking on the part of the latter.
Many news outlets have discussed the possible implications of Manny returning to the ring relatively quickly after his battle with Miguel Cotto on November 14. But let's be honest: Pacquiao didn't exactly suffer a serious beating in that fight, and though he's more commonly gone five or six months between fights over the past few years, he's certainly capable of performing at a high level with less time off.
Most notably, Pacquiao returned to action after his 12-round March 2008 rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez (a fight in which he took his fair share of flush shots) in less than four months to face David Diaz. Despite moving up in weight, he had little trouble with Diaz, stopping him in nine rounds.
There are no such worries for Mayweather, as it will be nearly six months after his own fight with JMM when he steps in against Pac Man. And since he was enjoying his brief retirement for nearly two years before that, he should be well rested come March.
I have to admit I'm surprised that the fight came together so quickly, but it's a pleasant surprise as it will shine the spotlight on boxing in a way that hasn't happened in years. Just remember that there are other good fights (Shane Mosley-Andre Berto in January, for one) between now and Mayweather-Pacquiao.
Posted by The Franchise
5.11.09
Cart Before Horse? Dallas Morning News Says Mayweather-Pacquiao Could Take Place at New Cowboys Stadium
As an unabashed Manny Pacquiao fan (disclaimer: all of the BoxingWatchers staffers are part-Filipino!), it's easy to fall in the trap of looking past Miguel Cotto and daydreaming about a bout with Floyd Mayweather. As it turns out, others should feel even guiltier of that than me.
The Dallas Morning News reported today that Cowboys Stadium could be the site for Mayweather-Pacquiao in March. The story quotes Bruce Trampler of Top Rank saying he's already discussed the possibility with Jerry Jones.
I think we all knew that Jones would have to use the stadium for something other than eight Cowboys home games a year to recoup his billion-dollar investment. I even dig the idea of using it for boxing, though it's quite large and I'm not certain many fights would even come close to filling it up.
Do I think it will actually host the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight? Uh, no, and certainly not in March. There are just too many moving pieces: Pac Man has to beat Cotto, the two fighters would have to come to terms quickly on what is certain to be a testy negotiation, both men would have to pass up larger fan bases in Las Vegas, everyone has to stay healthy, etc.
There's nothing wrong with dreaming big, though, and a championship match between two of boxing's biggest stars certainly fits the bill. Maybe in 2011...
Posted by The Franchise
The Dallas Morning News reported today that Cowboys Stadium could be the site for Mayweather-Pacquiao in March. The story quotes Bruce Trampler of Top Rank saying he's already discussed the possibility with Jerry Jones.
I think we all knew that Jones would have to use the stadium for something other than eight Cowboys home games a year to recoup his billion-dollar investment. I even dig the idea of using it for boxing, though it's quite large and I'm not certain many fights would even come close to filling it up.
Do I think it will actually host the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight? Uh, no, and certainly not in March. There are just too many moving pieces: Pac Man has to beat Cotto, the two fighters would have to come to terms quickly on what is certain to be a testy negotiation, both men would have to pass up larger fan bases in Las Vegas, everyone has to stay healthy, etc.
There's nothing wrong with dreaming big, though, and a championship match between two of boxing's biggest stars certainly fits the bill. Maybe in 2011...
Posted by The Franchise
30.10.09
Manny Pacquiao Says What Many of Us Were Thinking About Floyd Mayweather
It's not like Manny Pacquiao is much of a trash talker. Heck, trainer Freddie Roach usually provides most of the provocative quotes before any Pac Man fight.
But Manny usually gives his heart-felt thoughts when asked, so perhaps it isn't a big shock that he came right out and said what he felt about the possibility of Floyd Mayweather fighting him. To sum up, he doesn't think Money will face him.
Said Manny to Greg Beachem of the Associated Press:
Honest, no? Also perhaps not the best way to get Mayweather to fight him, unless Pacquiao is trying to use some reverse psychology.
Even with the disclaimer that I'm a big Pacquiao fan (like the other BoxingWatchers, I'm part Filipino), it's hard to find too much fault with that quote. For all his brilliance inside the ring, Floyd isn't about challenging himself as much as he's about having things set up in his favor.
He's also about the money, obviously, and therein lies the interesting part when it comes to a potential bout with Pacquiao, who undoubtedly would make Mayweather more dough than anyone else out there. If Pac Man gets by Miguel Cotto in a few weeks and Floyd decides not to make a fight with him, it can pretty much only be because he feels like it's not worth the risk.
Mayweather may very well feel like he doesn't need Pacquiao to have a decent payday in 2010 after doing over 1 million pay-per-view buys against Juan Manuel Marquez, who isn't known as a huge draw. The ball really is in his court. He can make the fight that would give the fans what they want, create a ton of buzz for the sport and silence all but his most ardent critics - and by the way, would add the most to his bottom line.
Or Mayweather could do what he often does and play it a little bit safer. Lots of us were thinking it, and now one of his contemporaries has actually said it.
Posted by The Franchise
But Manny usually gives his heart-felt thoughts when asked, so perhaps it isn't a big shock that he came right out and said what he felt about the possibility of Floyd Mayweather fighting him. To sum up, he doesn't think Money will face him.
Said Manny to Greg Beachem of the Associated Press:
"Boxing for him is like a business. He doesn't care about the people around him watching. He doesn't care if the fight is boring, as long as the fight is finished and he gets (plenty of) money."
Honest, no? Also perhaps not the best way to get Mayweather to fight him, unless Pacquiao is trying to use some reverse psychology.
Even with the disclaimer that I'm a big Pacquiao fan (like the other BoxingWatchers, I'm part Filipino), it's hard to find too much fault with that quote. For all his brilliance inside the ring, Floyd isn't about challenging himself as much as he's about having things set up in his favor.
He's also about the money, obviously, and therein lies the interesting part when it comes to a potential bout with Pacquiao, who undoubtedly would make Mayweather more dough than anyone else out there. If Pac Man gets by Miguel Cotto in a few weeks and Floyd decides not to make a fight with him, it can pretty much only be because he feels like it's not worth the risk.
Mayweather may very well feel like he doesn't need Pacquiao to have a decent payday in 2010 after doing over 1 million pay-per-view buys against Juan Manuel Marquez, who isn't known as a huge draw. The ball really is in his court. He can make the fight that would give the fans what they want, create a ton of buzz for the sport and silence all but his most ardent critics - and by the way, would add the most to his bottom line.
Or Mayweather could do what he often does and play it a little bit safer. Lots of us were thinking it, and now one of his contemporaries has actually said it.
Posted by The Franchise
21.10.09
Shoe Shining: Vargas the Promoter, Hopkins Gives and Jack Johnson Pardon Watch
I had so much built-up anticipation for the beginning of the Super Six World Boxing Classic that it's almost a letdown now that we're past the first weekend of fights. You know, like you used to feel six hours after you unwrapped that last Christmas present.
But the sport goes on, and actually in fine fashion with a number of fight weekends between now and the end of the year. We'll see the big Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight, Kelly Pavlik do battle with Paul Williams and more Super Six when Mikkel Kessler faces off with Andre Ward. Not too shabby.
Until then, let's do some...
SHOE SHINING
I was really scared that when I saw Fernando Vargas' name in the boxing news that he was coming out of retirement. Instead, he's working on promoting boxing and MMA shows, including the Nov. 6 show at the Palms in Las Vegas with Zab Judah and Joel Casamayor. He's got his eye on doing shows in Lindsay, California with local fighters starting early next year, and yes, he hasn't closed the door entirely on returning to the ring...
We haven't said much about Bernard Hopkins fighting Enrique Ornelas in December because, frankly, there isn't that much to say. But here's an interesting angle: The Executioner is donating money from each ticket sold to three different charities, and Golden Boy is matching the donations. Good for them...
This blog is almost entirely politics-free, which is a good thing. What happens when boxing collides with politics though? I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Jack Johnson pardon watch, which seems to be kicking into high gear right now. Do I think Johnson should be pardoned? Absolutely. But seriously, President Obama and Congress have their hands full right now with the economy, Afghanistan, Iran, etc. Maybe this isn't the most ideal time...
Might as well finish with this: Ricky Hatton says he'd consider returning for a second fight with Floyd Mayweather. Um, yeah, and I bet Floyd would consider fighting you again, Hitman, because beating you probably wouldn't be much harder than it was the first time. For all our sakes, please don't give Mayweather an excuse to take an easy fight. I'm asking you nicely.
Posted by The Franchise
But the sport goes on, and actually in fine fashion with a number of fight weekends between now and the end of the year. We'll see the big Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight, Kelly Pavlik do battle with Paul Williams and more Super Six when Mikkel Kessler faces off with Andre Ward. Not too shabby.
Until then, let's do some...
SHOE SHINING
I was really scared that when I saw Fernando Vargas' name in the boxing news that he was coming out of retirement. Instead, he's working on promoting boxing and MMA shows, including the Nov. 6 show at the Palms in Las Vegas with Zab Judah and Joel Casamayor. He's got his eye on doing shows in Lindsay, California with local fighters starting early next year, and yes, he hasn't closed the door entirely on returning to the ring...
We haven't said much about Bernard Hopkins fighting Enrique Ornelas in December because, frankly, there isn't that much to say. But here's an interesting angle: The Executioner is donating money from each ticket sold to three different charities, and Golden Boy is matching the donations. Good for them...
This blog is almost entirely politics-free, which is a good thing. What happens when boxing collides with politics though? I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the Jack Johnson pardon watch, which seems to be kicking into high gear right now. Do I think Johnson should be pardoned? Absolutely. But seriously, President Obama and Congress have their hands full right now with the economy, Afghanistan, Iran, etc. Maybe this isn't the most ideal time...
Might as well finish with this: Ricky Hatton says he'd consider returning for a second fight with Floyd Mayweather. Um, yeah, and I bet Floyd would consider fighting you again, Hitman, because beating you probably wouldn't be much harder than it was the first time. For all our sakes, please don't give Mayweather an excuse to take an easy fight. I'm asking you nicely.
Posted by The Franchise
25.9.09
Mayweather-Marquez Tops 1 Million PPV Buys
The numbers are in for the Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez pay-per-view. And those numbers are good.
Multiple mainstream media outlets are reporting that the Mayweather-Marquez did over 1 million PPV buys. The card took in $52 million as a result, making it the leader in the clubhouse thus far for 2009.
It's a truly astonishing number for several reasons:
If Floyd's retirement was an "absence makes the heart grow fonder" gambit, it's safe to say it worked. Assuming the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight that fans everywhere are dreaming about eventually gets to the negotiating table, Team Mayweather's position in any proposed split just got quite a bit stronger too.
Posted by The Franchise
Multiple mainstream media outlets are reporting that the Mayweather-Marquez did over 1 million PPV buys. The card took in $52 million as a result, making it the leader in the clubhouse thus far for 2009.
It's a truly astonishing number for several reasons:
- It was up against UFC 103: Don't forget how much the media made of this fact. I'm not sure what numbers UFC did, but it's safe to say they didn't top 1 million buys. Kevin Iole of Yahoo! Sports claims industry sources say the boxing card won by a two-to-one margin. It's not apples to apples, as the UFC card was pretty weak compared to some of its other offerings of the past year or so. But it's still interesting, to say the least.
- Floyd and JMM don't have long histories as top PPV draws: Sure, Floyd was involved with the biggest PPV event of all time, but he was up against arguably the top draw of all time, Oscar De La Hoya. Marquez has fought Manny Pacquiao and not come close to this number.
- Ticket sales didn't set the world on fire: Guess we'll never know how slow sales were for the original summer date, but reports were that they weren't good. And the announcers were still touting available tickets during the weigh-in. Yet plenty of people shelled out money to watch on TV.
- The economy is still in the crapper: You know, just in case you forgot.
If Floyd's retirement was an "absence makes the heart grow fonder" gambit, it's safe to say it worked. Assuming the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight that fans everywhere are dreaming about eventually gets to the negotiating table, Team Mayweather's position in any proposed split just got quite a bit stronger too.
Posted by The Franchise
22.9.09
Franchise Thoughts: If Manny Pacquiao Isn't Next for Floyd Mayweather, Then Who Is?
I have a confession to make: I haven't seen the Mayweather-Marquez fight.
It's not because I didn't want to, as I really was curious about how Floyd would look coming off his hiatus. I had to work, though, and had to head in right after the John-Juarez bout.
I've heard from several reliable sources that I missed nothing. Money was too good - on top of being too big - for JMM. End of story.
Even before Saturday's fight, fans and media members alike have been speculating about the possibility of Mayweather facing Manny Pacquiao some time next year. That talk is accelerating now, with some folks acting like it's practically a done deal.
I'm not as certain of that. For starters, Pac-Man has a big fight of his own coming up in November against Miguel Cotto, and even though I favor him to win, I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Cotto is tough, craftier than he's often given credit for, and there's an excellent chance he'll be the strongest man Pacquiao has ever fought. I'll be surprised if Cotto wins, but I won't be shocked.
For what it's worth, if Cotto does beat Pacquiao, I think Mayweather may re-injure his ribs running to sign to face him. That's because Cotto is a big draw, meaning big bucks, and yet I could see Floyd seeing him (perhaps incorrectly) as an easy puzzle to solve. A large payday and a perceived low risk? That's right up Money May's alley.
Speaking of money, the sheer amount to be made from a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight means it makes the most sense for both parties if Manny gets by Miguel - but it could easily prove a sticking point too. Each man is going to see himself as the A side and negotiations aren't going to be easy. Bob Arum has already made that pretty clear with some of his comments.
Weight is another potential hurdle, as Team Pacquiao isn't going to allow the same hijinks that the JMM camp agreed to. Or, if you believe this guy, perhaps Freddie Roach will just throw up his hands, say "We can't beat him!" and that will be that.
Obviously, Mayweather isn't planning on heading right back into retirement, so if he doesn't agree to a fight with Pacquiao (or Cotto), what's his next move? Tim Starks recently laid out some possibilities at TQBR, but he's almost using too much logic in doing so, and we all know logic and the sweet science have a connection that's tenuous at best.
Because of that, I can't rule out Mayweather fighting yet another guy coming up in weight, though there isn't as obvious a candidate as Ricky Hatton or JMM once were. Assuming he's actually on fighting a welterweight at 147 pounds (crazy idea, I know), here are three names I'd expect to see kicked around, along with my thoughts on their chances of actually stepping in the ring with Floyd:
Shane Mosley: Sugar Shane just went from figuratively begging for a fight with Mayweather to literally begging for one. It was uncharacteristically crass for Mosley, and that's coming from one of his biggest fans.
Mayweather would probably let that affront slide if Shane was a big draw, but history has suggested that he's not. On top of that, for reasons Starks explains in that post I linked to above, Mosley is still good enough to pose at least a bit of a challenge for Floyd.
Shane probably didn't help his chances with his post-fight stunt, but I could still see this one coming together. Yet I could also see Mayweather pushing it off until Mosley is another six months to a year older.
Paul Williams: Even if The Punisher wasn't scheduled (I guess) to fight Kelly Pavlik in December, do you really think Floyd wants to subject himself to fighting someone with a ten-inch reach advantage who throws 100-plus punches a round? Williams is also even less of a household name than Mosley, despite his talent.
I'll never say never in boxing, especially after some of the match-ups we've seen over the past few years, but I'm not going to hold my breath for this one. I love Williams and would be thrilled if he got the shot, but in this case I wouldn't even fault Floyd for thinking the risk/reward ratio was all wrong.
Andre Berto: I'm surprised he isn't getting more consideration. Yes, he's less established than even Mosley and Williams, but he's likely to be considered less of a threat than either of them while still having accomplished enough to appear a credible opponent. In Floyd's world, those things count for a lot.
As the youngest fighter on this list, I'd guess Berto would be the most amenable to a lopsided split in favor of Money May, so if Floyd feels like his name would sell the fight (and really, that's not much of a stretch) he'd be okay with getting a super-sized slice of whatever pie there would be. If the Pacquiao-Cotto winner is out, Andre could get himself in the mix.
I honestly don't see anyone else at 147 who jumps out. If you think I've missed someone obvious, leave a comment and enlighten me.
Posted by The Franchise
It's not because I didn't want to, as I really was curious about how Floyd would look coming off his hiatus. I had to work, though, and had to head in right after the John-Juarez bout.
I've heard from several reliable sources that I missed nothing. Money was too good - on top of being too big - for JMM. End of story.
Even before Saturday's fight, fans and media members alike have been speculating about the possibility of Mayweather facing Manny Pacquiao some time next year. That talk is accelerating now, with some folks acting like it's practically a done deal.
I'm not as certain of that. For starters, Pac-Man has a big fight of his own coming up in November against Miguel Cotto, and even though I favor him to win, I wouldn't bet the ranch on it. Cotto is tough, craftier than he's often given credit for, and there's an excellent chance he'll be the strongest man Pacquiao has ever fought. I'll be surprised if Cotto wins, but I won't be shocked.
For what it's worth, if Cotto does beat Pacquiao, I think Mayweather may re-injure his ribs running to sign to face him. That's because Cotto is a big draw, meaning big bucks, and yet I could see Floyd seeing him (perhaps incorrectly) as an easy puzzle to solve. A large payday and a perceived low risk? That's right up Money May's alley.
Speaking of money, the sheer amount to be made from a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight means it makes the most sense for both parties if Manny gets by Miguel - but it could easily prove a sticking point too. Each man is going to see himself as the A side and negotiations aren't going to be easy. Bob Arum has already made that pretty clear with some of his comments.
Weight is another potential hurdle, as Team Pacquiao isn't going to allow the same hijinks that the JMM camp agreed to. Or, if you believe this guy, perhaps Freddie Roach will just throw up his hands, say "We can't beat him!" and that will be that.
Obviously, Mayweather isn't planning on heading right back into retirement, so if he doesn't agree to a fight with Pacquiao (or Cotto), what's his next move? Tim Starks recently laid out some possibilities at TQBR, but he's almost using too much logic in doing so, and we all know logic and the sweet science have a connection that's tenuous at best.
Because of that, I can't rule out Mayweather fighting yet another guy coming up in weight, though there isn't as obvious a candidate as Ricky Hatton or JMM once were. Assuming he's actually on fighting a welterweight at 147 pounds (crazy idea, I know), here are three names I'd expect to see kicked around, along with my thoughts on their chances of actually stepping in the ring with Floyd:
Shane Mosley: Sugar Shane just went from figuratively begging for a fight with Mayweather to literally begging for one. It was uncharacteristically crass for Mosley, and that's coming from one of his biggest fans.
Mayweather would probably let that affront slide if Shane was a big draw, but history has suggested that he's not. On top of that, for reasons Starks explains in that post I linked to above, Mosley is still good enough to pose at least a bit of a challenge for Floyd.
Shane probably didn't help his chances with his post-fight stunt, but I could still see this one coming together. Yet I could also see Mayweather pushing it off until Mosley is another six months to a year older.
Paul Williams: Even if The Punisher wasn't scheduled (I guess) to fight Kelly Pavlik in December, do you really think Floyd wants to subject himself to fighting someone with a ten-inch reach advantage who throws 100-plus punches a round? Williams is also even less of a household name than Mosley, despite his talent.
I'll never say never in boxing, especially after some of the match-ups we've seen over the past few years, but I'm not going to hold my breath for this one. I love Williams and would be thrilled if he got the shot, but in this case I wouldn't even fault Floyd for thinking the risk/reward ratio was all wrong.
Andre Berto: I'm surprised he isn't getting more consideration. Yes, he's less established than even Mosley and Williams, but he's likely to be considered less of a threat than either of them while still having accomplished enough to appear a credible opponent. In Floyd's world, those things count for a lot.
As the youngest fighter on this list, I'd guess Berto would be the most amenable to a lopsided split in favor of Money May, so if Floyd feels like his name would sell the fight (and really, that's not much of a stretch) he'd be okay with getting a super-sized slice of whatever pie there would be. If the Pacquiao-Cotto winner is out, Andre could get himself in the mix.
I honestly don't see anyone else at 147 who jumps out. If you think I've missed someone obvious, leave a comment and enlighten me.
Posted by The Franchise
20.9.09
Mayweather vs. Marquez Movie Theater Report
Over the years, I have paid for a pay-per-view fight to watch by myself, such as Paulie Ayala vs. Erik Morales, and Jones-Tarver II, gotten a bunch of people to split the price, like when Tyson fought McNeely and Holyfield, or gone over to the family's house. But over the last few years, I have watched the majority of the PPV fights at a local bar/restaurant. I have never, however, watched a fight in a movie theater until Number One/ Numero Uno.
The broadcast started at 9 pm my time, so I arrived at the theater at ten of 9, not really knowing what I would find when I got there. There hadn't been any advertising anywhere I had been or seen outside of the boxing media, so I was expecting the theater to be empty. As I approached the theater complex, there were no posters or advertisements for the fight on the outside. I had pre-purchased my tickets, so I didn't have to go to the box office, but I snuck a peak at the board, and one theater had the description "Mayweather" on the box office sign. The tickets were only $15 a piece, which is a great deal, at least in my opinion. And they were rated PG-13, for what it's worth.
I walked into the theater area, and this complex has approximately 20 theaters. Only one theater was showing the fight, and it was all the way towards the back of the complex. As I walked all the way to the rear, I once again saw no posters or ads for the fight, so I was expecting no one to be there. Security was extra tight for the fight's theater. There were three ticket takers/staff employees at the door checking tickets. I got my ticket punched and entered the hallway.
I looked up at the screen on the way in, and there wasn't the usual pre-movie nonsense, trivia and ads and such, but a still, poster-like shot of the two fighters. I turned the corner and was shocked to see a nearly completely full theater. There were next to no empty seats, except for scattered singles and seats in the first two rows. I ended up having to take the aisle seat in row two.
This was a shock to me to see not only the number of fans, but how early they were. At the fights themselves in person, the ticket-buying public doesn't even arrive earlier than the broadcasted fights. In my bar-going experiences, the crowd only shuffles in around 11, and most of the people who are there are still watching football and baseball games that haven't ended yet.
The fight-watching experience itself was quite amazing. Obviously, the HD screen in the theater is much larger than any screen you will find in a home or bar. The detail was incredible, especially in the close-ups like when they zoomed in on Katsidis' cut above the eye. Also, since I was in a theater and not a bar, I found myself able to watch the undercard fights much more closely than I could at a bar. I had my own seat, bar patrons were not bumping me around, there was no meal to eat, and there were no other screens to distract me. Also, at least in my local bar, they don't turn every TV to the fights until the main event. Here, there was only one screen, and it was all boxing.
There was a major difference between watching a movie in a theater and a fight in a theater as far as the overall atmosphere. You can actually talk to other people in the theater with you, because it is not as rude to talk during a fight as it would be during a movie. The sound was so loud anyway that you couldn't really hear anything but the broadcast team and the person right next to you, but it was a bit more relaxed in the theater than it would be for a movie.
On the downside, four hours is a long time to be in a theater. The seats aren't overly comfortable, and the bathrooms are usually far away, making a trip to the bathroom a little bit more time consuming. Also, there's no alcohol, and the food choices are much sparser than in a restaurant. Still, even with inflated movie theater snack prices, you can easily get a ticket, a large soda and a large popcorn for below the home price of a $50 PPV.
The crowd inside the theater was fairly vocal, cheering every time there was a major blow landed by any fighter, even during the undercard fights. I was surprised at how attentive the crowd was to even the Chris John-Rocky Juarez fight, which had its slower points. The crowd really perked up when Juarez wobbled John in the 12th, as they had been somewhat starving for action. Also, as mentioned before, they didn't have anything else to do or anywhere to go, so their attention was on the fights themselves, and probably their Blackberries.
The broadcast itself moved at a brisk pace, aided greatly by the two lead-in fights to the main event going the full 12 rounds. There weren't the usual lengthy gaps in the action when the undercard fights only go a few rounds each. My crowd was extremely pro-Money May and thus had a lot to cheer about. I was also pleasantly surprised that the theater allowed us to watch and hear the entire broadcast, even the interviews at the end. The bar I go to immediately blasts loud music after the decision is announced in an attempt to clear people out, which annoys me to no end as I never get to hear Larry Merchant grill people or Max Kellerman get zany.
So all in all, it was a great experience. A person going to watch a fight by themselves, or with only one other person, or just wanting to watch on the largest HD screen they will ever get to a see a fight on, should go this route for sure. Otherwise, even with the affordable $15 ticket price, it only takes but a few friends to make the $50 price just as affordable, and with the Tecate rebate, even less.
I was defintely impressed with both the number of people at the theater and their level of engagement with the fights. On a side note, I was also very fortunate to have a theater showing the fight literally only five minutes from my house. I took a look at the theater list, and in a city like New York City, for instance, there was only one theater showing the fight in the entire city as far as I could tell. I really lucked out in that regard. If you have a long way to go to find a theater, it may dampen your enthusiasm to go there.
Aside from the food and beverage choices, the movie theater experience beat the bar experience in every other way. Hopefully the boxing industry continues to explore this distribution mechanism. You figure though, if all 170 theaters had 100 seats, and they all sold out at $15 a ticket, that's still only $255,000. That's a nice amount, sure, but when one fighter is willing to voluntarily forego over two times that in order to keep two pounds, this revenue is but a drop in the bucket. And if you spread over too many theaters, and the fight isn't a big enough draw, you are exposing yourself to some risk there. Still, I am no boxing promoter, and those that are are much smarter than I am in regards to the business details, so I am sure they will figure it all out.
I have to give the overall experience a solid and enthusiastic A.
Posted by uatu
The broadcast started at 9 pm my time, so I arrived at the theater at ten of 9, not really knowing what I would find when I got there. There hadn't been any advertising anywhere I had been or seen outside of the boxing media, so I was expecting the theater to be empty. As I approached the theater complex, there were no posters or advertisements for the fight on the outside. I had pre-purchased my tickets, so I didn't have to go to the box office, but I snuck a peak at the board, and one theater had the description "Mayweather" on the box office sign. The tickets were only $15 a piece, which is a great deal, at least in my opinion. And they were rated PG-13, for what it's worth.
I walked into the theater area, and this complex has approximately 20 theaters. Only one theater was showing the fight, and it was all the way towards the back of the complex. As I walked all the way to the rear, I once again saw no posters or ads for the fight, so I was expecting no one to be there. Security was extra tight for the fight's theater. There were three ticket takers/staff employees at the door checking tickets. I got my ticket punched and entered the hallway.
I looked up at the screen on the way in, and there wasn't the usual pre-movie nonsense, trivia and ads and such, but a still, poster-like shot of the two fighters. I turned the corner and was shocked to see a nearly completely full theater. There were next to no empty seats, except for scattered singles and seats in the first two rows. I ended up having to take the aisle seat in row two.
This was a shock to me to see not only the number of fans, but how early they were. At the fights themselves in person, the ticket-buying public doesn't even arrive earlier than the broadcasted fights. In my bar-going experiences, the crowd only shuffles in around 11, and most of the people who are there are still watching football and baseball games that haven't ended yet.
The fight-watching experience itself was quite amazing. Obviously, the HD screen in the theater is much larger than any screen you will find in a home or bar. The detail was incredible, especially in the close-ups like when they zoomed in on Katsidis' cut above the eye. Also, since I was in a theater and not a bar, I found myself able to watch the undercard fights much more closely than I could at a bar. I had my own seat, bar patrons were not bumping me around, there was no meal to eat, and there were no other screens to distract me. Also, at least in my local bar, they don't turn every TV to the fights until the main event. Here, there was only one screen, and it was all boxing.
There was a major difference between watching a movie in a theater and a fight in a theater as far as the overall atmosphere. You can actually talk to other people in the theater with you, because it is not as rude to talk during a fight as it would be during a movie. The sound was so loud anyway that you couldn't really hear anything but the broadcast team and the person right next to you, but it was a bit more relaxed in the theater than it would be for a movie.
On the downside, four hours is a long time to be in a theater. The seats aren't overly comfortable, and the bathrooms are usually far away, making a trip to the bathroom a little bit more time consuming. Also, there's no alcohol, and the food choices are much sparser than in a restaurant. Still, even with inflated movie theater snack prices, you can easily get a ticket, a large soda and a large popcorn for below the home price of a $50 PPV.
The crowd inside the theater was fairly vocal, cheering every time there was a major blow landed by any fighter, even during the undercard fights. I was surprised at how attentive the crowd was to even the Chris John-Rocky Juarez fight, which had its slower points. The crowd really perked up when Juarez wobbled John in the 12th, as they had been somewhat starving for action. Also, as mentioned before, they didn't have anything else to do or anywhere to go, so their attention was on the fights themselves, and probably their Blackberries.
The broadcast itself moved at a brisk pace, aided greatly by the two lead-in fights to the main event going the full 12 rounds. There weren't the usual lengthy gaps in the action when the undercard fights only go a few rounds each. My crowd was extremely pro-Money May and thus had a lot to cheer about. I was also pleasantly surprised that the theater allowed us to watch and hear the entire broadcast, even the interviews at the end. The bar I go to immediately blasts loud music after the decision is announced in an attempt to clear people out, which annoys me to no end as I never get to hear Larry Merchant grill people or Max Kellerman get zany.
So all in all, it was a great experience. A person going to watch a fight by themselves, or with only one other person, or just wanting to watch on the largest HD screen they will ever get to a see a fight on, should go this route for sure. Otherwise, even with the affordable $15 ticket price, it only takes but a few friends to make the $50 price just as affordable, and with the Tecate rebate, even less.
I was defintely impressed with both the number of people at the theater and their level of engagement with the fights. On a side note, I was also very fortunate to have a theater showing the fight literally only five minutes from my house. I took a look at the theater list, and in a city like New York City, for instance, there was only one theater showing the fight in the entire city as far as I could tell. I really lucked out in that regard. If you have a long way to go to find a theater, it may dampen your enthusiasm to go there.
Aside from the food and beverage choices, the movie theater experience beat the bar experience in every other way. Hopefully the boxing industry continues to explore this distribution mechanism. You figure though, if all 170 theaters had 100 seats, and they all sold out at $15 a ticket, that's still only $255,000. That's a nice amount, sure, but when one fighter is willing to voluntarily forego over two times that in order to keep two pounds, this revenue is but a drop in the bucket. And if you spread over too many theaters, and the fight isn't a big enough draw, you are exposing yourself to some risk there. Still, I am no boxing promoter, and those that are are much smarter than I am in regards to the business details, so I am sure they will figure it all out.
I have to give the overall experience a solid and enthusiastic A.
Posted by uatu
19.9.09
Mayweather v. Marquez: Round by Round
The wait is over. It's time for the main event. Both fighters are about to make their way to the ring. They just started the first of two national anthems. Tyrese is in the ring to sing the American National Anthem.
Posted by spartan117
Marquez is coming to the ring first. The crowd is hyped. Mayweather follows now. He is escorted by Triple H. Can't clearly hear the music that he is entering to. The commentators said that the music was so low that you could barely hear it.
Now with the entrances. Marquez is 50-4-1 with 37 KOs. Mayweather is 39-0 with 25 KOs.
Here we go.
Round 1
Mayweather sports a big smile during the instructions as they touch gloves. They meet in the center. Mayweather throws the first jab. They feel each other out. Mayweather throws a jab to the body. Marquez gets in there with a jab as well. Nobody has landed much of anything thus far. Marquez jumps inside and Floyd counters. Mayweather lands a quick left hook. Marquez gets a left hook in of his own. Marquez hesitates to throws a left uppercut but pulls back. Floys throws the quick left hook and dips away. Marquez misses with a wide left hook. Mayweather lands a straight right. Marquez throws a combo that is blocked by Floyd. The crowd erupts. Mayweather lands two more crazy-fast left hooks. He's not showing any signs of ring rust.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 2
Marquez starts the action first with a quick jab and a left hook. Mayweather dodges a left hook. Marquez lands a great right hook, the best punch of the fight. Mayweather lands his left hook again and Marquez goes down. Marquez didn't even see the punch. He makes it up but he doesn't look to be in great shape. Mayweather lands another left. Marquez is more timid now. Floyd lands another left hook. Marquez is choosing his punches.
Spartan117: 10-8 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-8 Mayweather
Round 3
Mayweather goes to work with the jab now. Marquez counters with a right hand. Marquez throws the jab and follows with a straight right that Floyd dodges. Floyd is easily dodging Marquez's punches. Marquez lands an overhand right. It doesn't look like Marquez's punches will hurt Mayweather. Marquez comes in and eats a jab. Marquez tries to get inside and Mayweather is punishing him every time. Marquez is landing some good right hands but Mayweather is winning these rounds pretty easily.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 4
Marquez is trying to get inside again and is taking more chances. Floyd is using his shell defense that has worked so well for him. Marquez rushes inside and throws a combo that doesn't land. He's starting to let his hands go. Mayweather is against the ropes now. Marquez lands a big right hand and a left easily his best of the night. A cut has opened at the side of Marquez's eye. Mayweather's punches are incredibly accurate.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 5
Mayweather lands his trademark left hook again and again. Mayweather goes back to the jab. The crowd starts to chant Marquez's name. Mayweather gets backed into the ropes and Marquez goes on the offensive and throws a wild combo. Mayweather slips away easily. Mayweather keeps getting his jab between the gloves of Marquez. Mayweather gets against the ropes again and dodges Marquez's punches again.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 6
Mayweather keeps landing his jab and left hook and Marquez has no answers. Marquez is still choosing his punches well. Mayweather is starting to use his right hand. He staggers Marquez with a power straight right. Marquez gets Floyd against the ropes and throws a flurry to the body. Mayweather lands a jab to the body. Marquez lands a left to the body. Mayweather has Marquez in the corner and goes to work landing punches upstairs at will.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 7
Mayweather establishes the jab again. Floyd goes to the body again. Mayweather lands his fast left hook again. Marquez hasn't been changing his style at all to win any of these rounds. Marquez lands a counter right hand. Mayweather goes back to the jab. Marquez gets Mayweather in the corner and Marquez lands another nice flurry punctuated with a right hand. Mayweather lands a right hand.
Spartan117: 10-9 Marquez
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 8
Mayweather throws the jab and left hook. Marquez hasn't been able to do much of anything in this round. I gave him the last round due to activity and aggression. Marquez gets a jab in. Mayweather lands a right hand while Marquez is in the corner. Mayweather lands the jab again. Marquez lands a grazing right hand. Marquez throws a combo and Mayweather waves him in.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 9
Marquez is starting to throw more now that he needs a knockout to win this fight. Marquez sneaks in a right hand that gets around Mayweather's glove. Mayweather is on the defensive in this round. Now he throws the left hook again. He lands a jab to the body. Mayweather is letting his right hand go now. He lands a great right hand. Mayweather lands an amazing left-right combo. Marquez starts to take some chances in order to win some rounds. Marquez lands a hook to the body.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 10
Mayweather looks like he wants to finish off Marquez now. Floyd lands 2 big right hands. Now he lands a couple jabs followed by a right hand. Marquez lands a right hand. Mayweather gets Marquez against the ropes and lets his hands go once again. Mayweather lands a huge left-right hook combo. He looks quite comfortable. Marquez gets a right hand in to end the round.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 11
Mayweather lands a couple jabs. Marquez tries to get an uppercut in there but misses. Marquez gets beaten to the punch with every exchange. Marquez is against the ropes and Mayweather goes to work. He lands a huge combo and Marquez is showing off a strong chin. Mayweather could end this easily if he would take more chances but why risk it.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Round 12
Marquez throws some jabs. Mayweather lands the jab at will. Marquez lands a hook to the body. marquez lands a right hook. Mayweather is still trying to knock Marquez out but to his credit Marquez isn't making it easy. Mayweather waves Marquez in. Marquez throws a combo that is easily blocked. Mayweather dances to an easy victory.
Spartan117: 10-9 Mayweather
Uatu: 10-9 Mayweather
Spartan117: 119-108 Mayweather
Uatu: 120-107 Mayweather
The judges score the bout 118-109, 120-107 and 119-108 all to the winner by unanimous decision "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather
After the fight Mayweather says he was happy with his performance but he can get better. Max Kellerman asks him about the weight and Floyd completely dodges the question. He says that Marquez is tough and he gives him credit. Max asks Mayweather about fighting Shane Mosley. Mosley appears from off screen and hijacks the interview along with Bernard Hopkins. The exchange gets heated and Mayweather yells at Mosley for not respecting his interview. Kellerman tries to push Mosley away. Kellerman tries to ask him about Manny Pacquio. Mayweather tells him that he's going to talk cause "you talk to much". Kellerman ends the interview.
Marquez comes out of the ring to do his post-fight interview. Marquez says that Mayweather's speed wasn't too much for him but it was actually the weight. He adds that he wishes he had a few more fights at this weight before he faced Mayweather. He dedicates his fight to all of Mexico.
Posted by spartan117
Mayweather-Marquez and John-Juarez II Live Round By Round Updates Tonight
Boxing fans rejoice! That big fight feel is in the air again, courtesy of Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez. And while several factors (Floyd's possible rustiness, Juan's big jump up in weight) increase the risk that the bout itself might not live up to the hype, Money and Dinamita are unquestionably two of the best around.
In a rarity over the past few years, there's actually an undercard match worth caring about, as Chris John and Rocky Juarez face off again after battling to a draw in February. Good stuff.
There's still plenty of time to order the pay-per-view or look into seeing it in HD on a huge screen at a theater near you. For those of you who can't take advantage of either one of those options, we're here to help you follow the action.
Spartan117 and I will be blogging live during the PPV, with separate posts for the first two undercard fights, the John-Juarez rematch and the Mayweather-Marquez main event out on the home page. Join us for round by round recaps as they happen, shortly after 9 pm Eastern time tonight.
Posted by The Franchise
In a rarity over the past few years, there's actually an undercard match worth caring about, as Chris John and Rocky Juarez face off again after battling to a draw in February. Good stuff.
There's still plenty of time to order the pay-per-view or look into seeing it in HD on a huge screen at a theater near you. For those of you who can't take advantage of either one of those options, we're here to help you follow the action.
Spartan117 and I will be blogging live during the PPV, with separate posts for the first two undercard fights, the John-Juarez rematch and the Mayweather-Marquez main event out on the home page. Join us for round by round recaps as they happen, shortly after 9 pm Eastern time tonight.
Posted by The Franchise
18.9.09
Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez: Weigh-In Report
It's weigh-in time in Las Vegas. It looks like we may have to wait about half an hour for the main attractions, Floyd Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez. "The Colonel" Bob Sheridan and Dave Bontempo handle broadcast duties, and it looks like a pretty nice crowd on hand.
Michael Buffer kicks off the actual weighing with Cornelius Lock. He comes in at 125 pounds. His opponent, Orlando Cruz, hits 126-pound featherweight limit right on the button. Their fight will be the first one on the televised portion of the pay-per-view. They do a little bit of trash talking when they get face to face.
Next up are lightweights Michael Katsidis and Vicente Escobedo. It's Escobedo on the scale first, and he comes in at 134 pounds. Katsidis looks good at 135 pounds. There is some chanting for Escobedo as Katsidis does some talking. Sheridan mentions that some tickets are still left for tomorrow night.
The co-feature on the card will be the rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez. Before they come up, Buffer introduces Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya, who are all smiles. Radio host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo grabs the microphone and leads a soccer-style chant for Marquez. Comedian D.L. Hughley comes out to support Floyd, humorously calling the hype show "24 Hours." Uh, that's "24/7" D.L.
Sheridan and Bontempo run down some highlights of the first John-Juarez bout. They talk about how John started quickly but Juarez came on down the stretch.
Buffer is finally ready for Juarez and John. Rocky is sporting a mohawk as he weighs in at 126 pounds. John gets down to his briefs and hears it a bit from the crowd. He is also right at the limit at 126. De La Hoya and Hopkins stand behind them as they pose, and the fighters shake hands after the staredown.
We get a little bit of a video hype package for Mayweather-Marquez. Hughley makes a urine joke, and Sotelo responds with a Kanye West joke. Hughley asks if there are any Mayweather fans in the house. Sounds like a few, anyway. Sotelo gives D.L. business cards for the dentist and the plastic surgery and Hughley gives him some more crap about the pee-drinking incident.
They continue to go back and forth as Hughley bemoans the fact that Mayweather doesn't have a catchy chant or song. Then we cut to Mayweather-Hatton highights.
Back to Buffer, who introduces WWE superstar Triple H. The Game gets kind of a mixed reaction from the assembled boxing fans.
Sheridan and Bontempo speculate about whether tomorrow's winner will face the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto winner next year. In the interest of equal time, we see highlights from JMM-Juan Diaz.
The announcers throw it back to Buffer so we can get the main event fighters on the scale. Sheridan makes one more plea to sell the remaining tickets. Roger Mayweather and Floyd's cutman come out on stage.
At last, Buffer brings out Juan Manuel Marquez, decked out in full Rockstar energy drink gear. Floyd Mayweather joins him, bouncing up the steps in a sweatsuit. There's a short delay as other TV networks from around the world cut in to join the fun.
JMM is first onto the scale, stripping off his Remetee shirt. He weighs 142 pounds, which of course is as heavy as he's ever been for a fight.
Money gets down to his boxers and looks to be in terrific shape despite his brief retirement. He weighs 146 pounds.
There's a brief staredown as a "Mexico" chant rings through the crowd, but no verbal sparring or shoving.
Bontempo moves in for a word with JMM through his translator. Marquez says he's happy with his weight, and it's exactly where they planned. Asked how he will get inside, Juan says it will be difficult but not impossible. De La Hoya moves in and says his man knows what he has to do to win, and he downplays the importance of the weight difference.
Mayweather gets his turn to talk, and he says he feels tremendous. He gives both his uncle and his dad credit for getting him ready to be the same Mayweather we've seen before. Floyd brushes off the suggestion that the fans are mostly in JMM's corner and promises the fight will be explosive.
Posted by The Franchise
Michael Buffer kicks off the actual weighing with Cornelius Lock. He comes in at 125 pounds. His opponent, Orlando Cruz, hits 126-pound featherweight limit right on the button. Their fight will be the first one on the televised portion of the pay-per-view. They do a little bit of trash talking when they get face to face.
Next up are lightweights Michael Katsidis and Vicente Escobedo. It's Escobedo on the scale first, and he comes in at 134 pounds. Katsidis looks good at 135 pounds. There is some chanting for Escobedo as Katsidis does some talking. Sheridan mentions that some tickets are still left for tomorrow night.
The co-feature on the card will be the rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez. Before they come up, Buffer introduces Bernard Hopkins and Oscar De La Hoya, who are all smiles. Radio host Eddie "Piolin" Sotelo grabs the microphone and leads a soccer-style chant for Marquez. Comedian D.L. Hughley comes out to support Floyd, humorously calling the hype show "24 Hours." Uh, that's "24/7" D.L.
Sheridan and Bontempo run down some highlights of the first John-Juarez bout. They talk about how John started quickly but Juarez came on down the stretch.
Buffer is finally ready for Juarez and John. Rocky is sporting a mohawk as he weighs in at 126 pounds. John gets down to his briefs and hears it a bit from the crowd. He is also right at the limit at 126. De La Hoya and Hopkins stand behind them as they pose, and the fighters shake hands after the staredown.
We get a little bit of a video hype package for Mayweather-Marquez. Hughley makes a urine joke, and Sotelo responds with a Kanye West joke. Hughley asks if there are any Mayweather fans in the house. Sounds like a few, anyway. Sotelo gives D.L. business cards for the dentist and the plastic surgery and Hughley gives him some more crap about the pee-drinking incident.
They continue to go back and forth as Hughley bemoans the fact that Mayweather doesn't have a catchy chant or song. Then we cut to Mayweather-Hatton highights.
Back to Buffer, who introduces WWE superstar Triple H. The Game gets kind of a mixed reaction from the assembled boxing fans.
Sheridan and Bontempo speculate about whether tomorrow's winner will face the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto winner next year. In the interest of equal time, we see highlights from JMM-Juan Diaz.
The announcers throw it back to Buffer so we can get the main event fighters on the scale. Sheridan makes one more plea to sell the remaining tickets. Roger Mayweather and Floyd's cutman come out on stage.
At last, Buffer brings out Juan Manuel Marquez, decked out in full Rockstar energy drink gear. Floyd Mayweather joins him, bouncing up the steps in a sweatsuit. There's a short delay as other TV networks from around the world cut in to join the fun.
JMM is first onto the scale, stripping off his Remetee shirt. He weighs 142 pounds, which of course is as heavy as he's ever been for a fight.
Money gets down to his boxers and looks to be in terrific shape despite his brief retirement. He weighs 146 pounds.
There's a brief staredown as a "Mexico" chant rings through the crowd, but no verbal sparring or shoving.
Bontempo moves in for a word with JMM through his translator. Marquez says he's happy with his weight, and it's exactly where they planned. Asked how he will get inside, Juan says it will be difficult but not impossible. De La Hoya moves in and says his man knows what he has to do to win, and he downplays the importance of the weight difference.
Mayweather gets his turn to talk, and he says he feels tremendous. He gives both his uncle and his dad credit for getting him ready to be the same Mayweather we've seen before. Floyd brushes off the suggestion that the fans are mostly in JMM's corner and promises the fight will be explosive.
Posted by The Franchise
17.9.09
Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez, Chris John vs. Rocky Juarez II: Predictions
The Franchise says...
A number of fights have come together over the last year or two that I never would have imagined I'd be seeing in my wildest dreams. Floyd Mayweather versus Juan Manuel Marquez certainly falls into that category, yet in a few days, that's exactly what we'll be watching.
I think JMM might be the best all-around boxer in the world at any weight, and by that I mean that while he might not be the fastest, toughest or most skilled, he's above average in every category. Though the prospect of his biggest payday ever can't be discounted, Marquez deserves all the credit in the world for agreeing to his fight, because he's in as tough as he's ever been.
For Floyd, there's really only two questions in my mind: will he be rusty after his brief retirement, and will he somehow feel like he needs to prove something and expose himself to more harm than usual? In order, my answers are doubtful, and he never has before.
Marquez is so savvy that I feel like he will be able to get to Mayweather, perhaps more often than many people suspect. But I can't get past the whole weight issue. Yes, Manny Pacquiao has been able to keep knocking people out while making rapid jumps through divisions, but JMM doesn't possess the same uncanny blend of speed and power that Pac-Man has. Even if his surgical counterpunching is in full evidence, I just can't see him hurting Floyd.
On the flip side, I see Money touching Marquez more often and wearing him down as the rounds pile up. JMM will leave everything in the ring, but ultimately Mayweather will get the victory via late TKO.
The card has another fight worth anticipating in the rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez. Their first meeting was a close one, though I scored it for John and felt he should have won.
The early rounds will be key to any Jaurez upset chance, because John was strong in the early going back in February. John has the height and the know-how to control the fight from the outside, and I expect he'll have success in doing so.
I can see this one turning out close again, but I like John to come away with a somewhat more decisive win. Since neither man has huge KO power, I feel John by unanimous decision is how it's going down.
Uatu says...
I agree all the way, except I am unsure whether or not I think JMM makes the final bell. I think JMM will keep trying to win and put pressure on no matter what the odds or situation in the fight, and he's going to have to eat punches to make that happen. But I see him applying that pressure more effectively than say, Ricky Hatton did, so maybe JMM loses by unanimous decision instead. Either way, I like Money May to win.
And I too like John by decision.
A number of fights have come together over the last year or two that I never would have imagined I'd be seeing in my wildest dreams. Floyd Mayweather versus Juan Manuel Marquez certainly falls into that category, yet in a few days, that's exactly what we'll be watching.
I think JMM might be the best all-around boxer in the world at any weight, and by that I mean that while he might not be the fastest, toughest or most skilled, he's above average in every category. Though the prospect of his biggest payday ever can't be discounted, Marquez deserves all the credit in the world for agreeing to his fight, because he's in as tough as he's ever been.
For Floyd, there's really only two questions in my mind: will he be rusty after his brief retirement, and will he somehow feel like he needs to prove something and expose himself to more harm than usual? In order, my answers are doubtful, and he never has before.
Marquez is so savvy that I feel like he will be able to get to Mayweather, perhaps more often than many people suspect. But I can't get past the whole weight issue. Yes, Manny Pacquiao has been able to keep knocking people out while making rapid jumps through divisions, but JMM doesn't possess the same uncanny blend of speed and power that Pac-Man has. Even if his surgical counterpunching is in full evidence, I just can't see him hurting Floyd.
On the flip side, I see Money touching Marquez more often and wearing him down as the rounds pile up. JMM will leave everything in the ring, but ultimately Mayweather will get the victory via late TKO.
The card has another fight worth anticipating in the rematch between Chris John and Rocky Juarez. Their first meeting was a close one, though I scored it for John and felt he should have won.
The early rounds will be key to any Jaurez upset chance, because John was strong in the early going back in February. John has the height and the know-how to control the fight from the outside, and I expect he'll have success in doing so.
I can see this one turning out close again, but I like John to come away with a somewhat more decisive win. Since neither man has huge KO power, I feel John by unanimous decision is how it's going down.
Uatu says...
I agree all the way, except I am unsure whether or not I think JMM makes the final bell. I think JMM will keep trying to win and put pressure on no matter what the odds or situation in the fight, and he's going to have to eat punches to make that happen. But I see him applying that pressure more effectively than say, Ricky Hatton did, so maybe JMM loses by unanimous decision instead. Either way, I like Money May to win.
And I too like John by decision.
16.9.09
WWE Superstar Triple H Will Walk to Ring With Floyd Mayweather
Along with his usual entourage, Floyd Mayweather will be bringing another intimidating figure to the ring when he walks out to face Juan Manuel Marquez on Saturday: a 13-time pro wrestling world champion. Triple H will walk out with Floyd on Saturday, according to 411mania.com.
One can only assume that Money and The Game hit it off during Mayweather's several WWE appearances over the last 18 months. Floyd was the guest host on Raw just a few weeks ago when the show hit Las Vegas.
He was also one of the headliners of WrestleMania 24, which was held during Money's boxing retirement last spring in Orlando. You can follow this link for a firsthand account from yours truly of his appearance on that show.
Posted by The Franchise
One can only assume that Money and The Game hit it off during Mayweather's several WWE appearances over the last 18 months. Floyd was the guest host on Raw just a few weeks ago when the show hit Las Vegas.
He was also one of the headliners of WrestleMania 24, which was held during Money's boxing retirement last spring in Orlando. You can follow this link for a firsthand account from yours truly of his appearance on that show.
Posted by The Franchise
Mayweather-Marquez on the Big Screen: Movie Theater Locations
If you want to catch the Mayweather-Marquez fight in the company of other boxing fans - or you just want to see it on a really big screen - might we suggest seeing it at a theater near you?
Fathom Events is putting the pay-per-view in over 160 theaters across the U.S., with at least one participating location in 40 of the 50 states. You can click here to see a list of the theaters showing the fight.
In my mind, this is a wonderful idea that I hope does well enough to warrant revisiting for two or three of the biggest boxing matches every year. Short of being at the fight in person, seeing it in a theater seems like the next best way to have a communal experience, and the huge screen and primo sound are nice bonuses.
If I wasn't on blogging duty on Saturday, I'd think about buying a ticket myself (only $10 at the theater closest to me). As it is, we're sending our own Uatu into the field to check it out, and hopefully he'll report back on how it goes.
Posted by The Franchise
Fathom Events is putting the pay-per-view in over 160 theaters across the U.S., with at least one participating location in 40 of the 50 states. You can click here to see a list of the theaters showing the fight.
In my mind, this is a wonderful idea that I hope does well enough to warrant revisiting for two or three of the biggest boxing matches every year. Short of being at the fight in person, seeing it in a theater seems like the next best way to have a communal experience, and the huge screen and primo sound are nice bonuses.
If I wasn't on blogging duty on Saturday, I'd think about buying a ticket myself (only $10 at the theater closest to me). As it is, we're sending our own Uatu into the field to check it out, and hopefully he'll report back on how it goes.
Posted by The Franchise
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