Welterweight star Shane Mosley has called out Manny Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – Welterweight star Shane Mosley has called out Manny Pacquiao following the Filipino’s flawless two-round demolition job of Ricky Hatton.
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In an interview with ESPN’s Sports Center, Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs) said he was impressed by Pacquiao’s performance, and is very much looking forward to sharing the ring with him soon.

"I thought Manny Pacquiao did an excellent job of putting together … the right hook and that overhand left. I mean, that pretty much rocked Ricky Hatton every time it hit him," the gracious boxer from Pomona, California, said.

Asked if he deserves to get a shot at the current pound-for-pound king, Mosley pleaded his case.

“Why not [get a shot at Pacquiao]? I’m the welterweight champion of the world, the WBA super champion,” he stressed.

A former pound-for-pound king himself, Mosley reiterated his willingness to face top opposition. He stopped recognized welterweight champion Antonio Margarito in January to annex the WBA welterweight crown.

And his motivation in facing Pacquiao?

“I could be the first guy in history to win the pound-for-pound title twice. So let’s do it, let’s bring it on,” he said. - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)


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Viloria dreams of headlining Hawaii double-card with Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines – If he would have his way, IBF light-flyweight champion Brian Viloria wants to fight in a double-card alongside his good friend, pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, in Hawaii.

According to sports columnist Dave Reardom of Hawaii-based Star-Bulletin, Viloria claimed both he and Pacquiao are interested to bring their act to Hawaii.

"He’s (Pacquiao) mentioned it," said Viloria, who recently celebrated his conquest of the world title in Waipahu along with former champs Jesus Salud, Andy Ganigan and Ben Villaflor, as well as trainer Al Silva. "We've talked about it a couple of times."

Pacquiao, boxing’s premier attraction and top box-office draw today, is apparently intrigued about fighting in Hawaii because, according to Viloria, "he knows there's a market out here."

But for this major fight card involving the Pacman to be uprooted from Las Vegas and brought to the islands, Viloria admitted it would take the “perfect alignment of the stars and the right people."

"I don't know, but anything's possible. There's some talk about it out there (mainland US). That's something that would be a dream come true. It's a matter of getting the stars aligned and getting the right people behind it," he said.

And who are the right people? The Hawaiian Punch pointed to Top Rank honcho Bob Arum and legendary local promoter Tom Moffatt. "If they talk to each other, it has a chance," he said.

This Hawaiian outing would not happen for Viloria at least for his next fight though, as the fighter with Ilocano blood is being eyed for a San Francisco card on Aug. 22, along with another Filipino, IBF and IBO flyweight boss Nonito Donaire Jr. No opponent has been announced yet for Viloria while Donaire is reportedly being considered for a shot at Puerto Rican Jose Lopez’s WBO super-flyweight belt.

Viloria and Donaire had previously shared top-billing in “The Flash and the Furious" card last month in the Philippines in what turned out as a successful “homecoming" for the two US-based Pinoy fighters. Viloria knocked out Ulises Solis to get his second world title while Donaire retained his IBF strap by stopping Raul Martinez. –GMANews.TV

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Body Talk with Manny Pacquiao

Ladies and gentlemen, presenting Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao of Sarangani!

That was how Pacman, the Pambansang Kamao no less, was introduced in Las Vegas last May 2 during his title bout with Ricky Hatton whom he knocked out not once, not twice, but thrice in the first two rounds, making him the greatest boxer of (perhaps) all time after also scoring wins in several other divisions.

And that’s how Pacman prefers to be identified now that he is determined to venture into another ring — the political ring. In 2007, he ran for Congressman in his native Gen San
and lost to Darlene Custodio, Ang Dating Kampeon. In 2010, Pacman is deadset on running again for the same position, this time in Sarangani, never mind if well-meaning fans and admirers are advising him against it because they’d rather see him where he should be — in boxing, whether in action or, eventually, as trainer of would-be champs — and not somewhere else.

Pacman has been hinting that after one more fight, he will hang his gloves. “He should enjoy his millions,” according to unsolicited advice from well-meaning fans and admirers,

“and stay away from the dirty world of politics.”

Last Thursday, Funfare sat down with Pacman for a “body talk” during a victory party hosted by former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson at his home in Corinthian Gardens, Quezon

City. Throughout the brief interview, Pacman kept rubbing his eyes. He was sleepy and couldn’t hide it. As the party progressed, Pacman was soon in his element especially when

he was asked to sing. Winner!

The next night, he was in GenSan enjoying the 60th birthday bash of his mom, Aling Dionisia, together with more than 400 invited guests.

What’s your regular workout?

“I don’t do boxing; I play basketball.”

Of course, iba ang workout mo when you are preparing for a fight.

“Iba. Ibang-iba. I jog in the morning as warm-up.”

Nagbo-ballroom-dancing ka ba like Aling Dionisia?

“No, I don’t.”

There are offers (daw) for Aling Dionisia to do a TV show or a movie. Will you let her?

“Kung saan siya masaya, doon ako.”

She will soon shoot (daw) a TV commercial for a laundry soap. Okay lang ba sa’yo?

“Okay lang.”

What’s your diet before a fight?

“Filipino food. Dapat hindi pabago-bago ang kinakain mo.”

What part of your body is your favorite?

(Smiles) “What do you think?”

Of course, your left hand. It’s lethal, pamatay.

“Dati, I often used my left hand. But I have started also using my right hand. During my last fight, I used my right hand for the first time at okay naman.”

So, Hatton was the first victim of your right hook.

“Yes, si Hatton.”

How do you take care of your hands?

“Nothing special. I exercise my hands by just opening and closing them.”

You’re cracking your knuckles. Hindi ba masama ‘yon?

“I don’t think so.”

What part of your body is vulnerable?

“My muscles.”
How much sleep do you get per night?

“When I’m training, I get from seven to eight hours.”

What’s the last thing that you do before you go to sleep?

“I eat and rest a little. And then, tulog na.”

And the first thing that you do when you wake up?

“Brush my teeth.”

What’s your favorite sleep wear?

“Jogging pants.”

Do you sleep with the air-con turned on full blast?

“Yes, malamig. Mga 70 degrees (Fahrenheit).”

What are the upside and downside of being a superstar? Time has chosen you as one of The 100 Most Influential People in the World.

“Siempre, kapag sikat ka maraming taong humahanga sa’yo. I like that. But now, I can’t go around the mall anymore without attracting attention, so I don’t go to the mall anymore.”

But you have bodyguards. How many do you have ba?

“Secret!”

How do you unwind? Do you get a massage; do you go to the spa?

“Hindi ako nagpapamasahe; di rin ako pumupunta sa spa. I’d rather spend my free time with my family.” (The Pacquiaos have just bought a $2.1-M house in L.A., occupying one

thousand square meters, with four bedrooms upstairs and a den downstairs. According to a Funfare DPA, the house is exclusive for the family and the rented condo unit in Beverly

Hills is open to Team Pacquiao when Manny is training for a fight.)

How do you cope with stress?

“I listen to music.”

Are athletes supposed to abstain from sex before a game/fight?

“Oo. Dapat lang.”

Mga how many weeks before a game/fight?

“At least 20 days before a fight.”

Si Jinkee ba kaya kang i-knock-out?

(Doesn’t answer; only smiles)

In the GMA action-adventure Totoy Bato, you play almost a real-life role. Which is harder, acting or boxing?

(Smiles) “Ano sa tingin mo?”

You are good at both, even in singing.

“Mas mahirap ang boxing. Totohanan ‘yon, eh.”

What are your bathroom habits?

“I just take a shower.”

Don’t you sing in the bathroom? Don’t you rehearse in the bathroom since you are also a singer?

“No, I don’t. Basta ligo lang talaga.”

You always pray in your corner of the ring during a fight. Do you have a special prayer?

“Wala naman. I just pray for my safety, na huwag ako mapahamak, na sana iligtas Niya ako.”

Do you have a favorite saint?

“Wala naman. When I pray, diretso kay Lord.”

What’s one thing that you can’t do without?

“Bukod sa wallet ko, palagi akong may dalang rosary.”


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Roach wants Mosley for Pacquiao at 142 pounds

Freddie Roach wants Shane Mosley for Manny Pacquiao but only if the WBA welterweight champion agrees to drop down to 142 pounds.

As of now, the answer from the aging but raging champion from Pomona, California, is a big no.
“Mosley fight is probably the most exciting because they both like to fight,” Pacquiao’s trainer, told David Avila of The Sweet Science in a recent interview.

Roach said Pacquiao couldn’t fight Mosley at 147 pounds because he may be too small for the 5-foot-9 champion by the time they climb the ring a day after the weigh-in.

Pacquiao weighed in at 142 pounds and climbed the ring at 148 1/2 for a welterweight fight with Oscar dela Hoya last December, then weighed in at 138 pounds and climbed the ring at 148 against Ricky Hatton two weeks ago.

The result was phenomenal as Pacquiao showed the quickness he had even when he was fighting at 126, 130 or 135 pounds, and the power even greater.

Roach wants the same formula for Pacquiao if ever he gets to face Mosley next.

“I have to protect my fighter. I spoke to Shane and told him that we would fight him at 142. He said he can’t make that weight,” Roach said from his Wild Card Gym in LA.

Mosley, according to The Sweet Science, “asked why not 147 as was set for De La Hoya at 147?” and Roach answered by saying, “Mosley is not De La Hoya in terms of setting a weight handicap.”

Another big fighter who wants a fight with Pacquiao is Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. But the son of the legendary fighter from Mexico wants Pacquiao at 150 pounds.

Pacquiao isn’t interested.

“Masyado na ’yan (That’s too much),” he said when told of Chavez’ challenge hurled by his promoter, Fernando Beltran.

“If he thinks he’s Superman, then let him fight Chavez Jr. He’s beaten the great Mexican boxers (Morales, Barrera and Marquez) but there’s still a Mexican who can beat him,”

Beltran said.

Roach also talked about Floyd Mayweather Jr., who takes on Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18, and probably Pacquiao next, even if there’s already an early disagreement on the terms of the fight.The weight shouldn’t be an issue, probably a catch weight of around 142 pounds, but it’s the money.

Mayweather wants a 60-40 split in his favor and Roach said it just wouldn’t happen. The trainer said it could take place if it’s the other way around.

“Even 50-50 with Mayweather is nonsense,” said Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum.

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American Idol artists attend Pacquiao's party

The biggest names in the country, including visiting American Idol artists David Cook and David Archuleta, attended a victory party on Thursday for boxing champion Manny Pacquiao in Quezon City.

The party was organized by Pacquiao's "best friend" former Ilocos Sur governor Chavit Singson, and was held at the latter's house in Corinthian Gardens.

"Hindi naman masyadong bongga ito pero natutuwa kami at masaya ako na nabigyan ng karangalan si Manny kasi karangalan nating Pilipino ang tagumpay ni Manny," Singson said.

By seven in the evening, a diverse group of people, from politicians to celebrities to ambassadors and dignitaries, had gathered at the party.

Although it was a private party, many fans were able to enter the venue and have their photos taken with the "pound-for-pound king."

Before Pacquiao settled down at the table where members of the Marcos family were seated, he met with American Idol Season 8 artists David Archuleta and David Cook.

Best fighter, best party

According to Singson, "the best fighter in the world, deserves the best party in the world."

Singson was known to be one of Pacquiao’s avid supporters, having been present in almost every event the boxer attended.

Pacquiao was happy with the party and thanked his "Pareng" Chavit and the guests.

"Masayang-masaya at nagpapasalamat ako kay Pareng Chavit sa pagbibigay niya ng ganitong kalaking party, at salamat sa lahat ng dumalo," he stated.

Pacquiao also sang his fight song, "Lahing Pinoy" at the party, with the visitors singing along.

Among the guests were former First Lady Imelda Marcos, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez, Jomari Yllana, Eddie Gutierrez, Annabelle Rama, and ambassadors from Indonesia, Pakistan,
and Cambodia.

The boxing champ flew to General Santos City on Friday for Mommy Dionesia's birthday. -- With reports from TJ Manotoc, Bandila

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Fighter

At the age of 30, Manny is a 14-year pro—he made his debut at 16. He has been fighting at the top levels of competition and given some of the most exciting performances in the ring in recent years.

He is a national hero in his native Philippines the entire country comes to a virtual standstill whenever he fights.

Manny is also recognized by most observers as the best fighter at any weight in the ring today—the best "pound for pound" fighter.

With all of his accomplishments, which someday will surely be immortalized in the Hall of Fame, Manny is coming off the biggest win of his career in his last fight on December 6—a dominant eighth-round TKO against former junior lightweight, lightweight, super lightweight, welterweight, two-time super welterweight, and middleweight world champion Oscar De La Hoya—the biggest name in the sport and a sure future Hall of Famer himself.

Manny was considered a huge underdog by most observers—and the fight a mismatch—because of their extreme difference in size. Manny weighed 134.5 pounds when he won the WBC lightweight world title in his previous fight in June, 2008. De La Hoya last held a world title at 154 pounds, and weighed 150 in his previous fight in May, 2008. Boxing's time-honored conventional wisdom says that, "A good big man beats a good small man."

Manny is a national hero in the Philippines—when he returns home after his fights, he is greeted by thousands of his cheering countrymen.

After the fight, Dan Rafael wrote on ESPN.com, "Pacquiao stunningly administered a beat down of epic proportions. [De La Hoya] was never in the fight for a moment. Pacquiao won his third fight of the year in his third weight division, including winning two titles. The victory makes Pacquiao something of a modern-day Henry Armstrong, the all-time great pound-for-pound legend who over the course of ten months from October 1937 to August 1938, claimed, in order, the world featherweight, welterweight and lightweight championships—back when there were only eight divisions."

Fightwriter.com's Graham Houston reported from ringside, "So many people got it so wrong. What some thought would be a mismatch turned out to be a mismatch in reverse when Manny Pacquiao pasted Oscar De La Hoya for eight rounds in the so-called Dream Match in Las Vegas," Houston wrote.

"Far from being the weaker, smaller man, Pacquiao looked much stronger and also much harder-hitting than De La Hoya. Pacquiao was the puncher in the fight. Right from the start he was hurting De La Hoya.

"His upper-body movement and quick moves had the older fighter looking perplexed. The speed and power of Pacquiao's punches actually seemed to shock De La Hoya, who looked old, slow and painfully vulnerable.

"Just 19 months earlier [De La Hoya] had fought Floyd Mayweather Jr.—the world's number one at the time—to a close, split decision. This time, as a 2-1 on favorite at the MGM Grand sports book before the line was taken down, De La Hoya looked as if he didn't belong in the same ring as Pacquiao. "Pacquiao punched with excellent technique from his southpaw stance, sharp and accurate, and he was superior in every department and in fact was made to look a bit of a bully, such was the one-sided nature of the affair."

Manny had already made his mark in boxing history, however, before beating De La Hoya.

He has held world titles in four weight divisions—he won the WBC flyweight world title two weeks before his 20th birthday in December, 1998, the IBF junior featherweight world title at 22 in 2001.

Manny won the WBC super featherweight world title in March, 2008, with a 12 round decision victory in the rematch against defending champion Juan Manuel Marquez. It was one of the most highly-anticipated fights of the year, and one of the most exciting. He won the WBC lightweight world title in June, 2008, with a ninth-round TKO against defending champion David Diaz.

Manny was named "2006 Fighter of the Year" by the Boxing Writers Association of America and The Ring.

From TheRing-online.com: "It's amazing what a little guy with a big smile and an even bigger punch can accomplish. While the heavyweight division was bogged down by mediocrity last year, the junior lightweight class soared to new heights thanks in large part to Manny Pacquiao, The Ring's 2006 Fighter of the Year."

Manny's nickname is "PacMan." His webpage address is mannypacquiao.ph



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Manny Pacquiao will love a fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr

“Maganda ‘yan,” Pacquiao told the Bulletin when told about the odds for such a matchup as he was having a sumptuous seafood lunch at Harbour View restaurant near the Quirino Grandstand in Manila. Still, Pacquiao is not too inclined on discussing about who, where and when to fight next.
“I just want to enjoy my free time,” said Pacquiao.

This early, oddsmakers have pegged the mouth-watering Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight as a pick 'em or even-steven.

According to the Las Vegas Review Journal, Nevada’s leading newspaper, a betting line has been entered for such a bout although the date and venue have yet to be decided.

Officially, the fight remains a figment of every boxing fans’ imagination since Mayweather has Juan Manuel Marquez to take care of on July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, while Pacquiao keenly awaits the result of Miguel Cotto’s June 13 fight in New York.

“Lucky’s sports books posted a potential Mayweather-Pacquiao fight as a pick (minus 110 on both sides). The line has not moved since it was put up Sunday (the day after Pacquiao flattened Ricky Hatton in two rounds),” the LVRJ said.

“I think if Floyd looks OK against Marquez, Floyd will be the favorite (against Pacquiao),” said professional handicapper Dave Cokin, also a local ESPN radio talk show host. Cokin added: “It’s a phenomenal betting fight.”

In an on-going poll being done by ESPN, 65 percent of voters believe Pacquiao will best Mayweather, who received 35 percent in his favor from among 15,700 polled.

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Pacquiao vs. Hatton

May 2, 2009, Pacquiao fought Ricky Hatton for the latter's IBO and Ring Magazine Light
Welterweight titles at MGM Grand Las Vegas in Las Vegas, Nevada.The fight was originally placed in jeopardy due to disputes with both camps over the fight purse money. Eventually,
the money issue was settled and the fight went on as scheduled. HBO aired the contest.

Pacquiao started the fight strong, knocking down a sluggish Hatton twice in the first round. At the bell, Hatton seemed to have re-grouped, only to get knocked down for the third time 2:59 into the second round, awarding Pacquiao the win by KO.
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Pacquiao vs. De La Hoya

Main article: The Dream Match

On December 6, 2008, Pacquiao faced Oscar De La Hoya at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, in a fight called Dream Match. Pacquiao asserted himself over De La Hoya from the first round till the eighth round. De La Hoya's corner threw in the towel before the start of the 9th round. Pacquiao won via technical knockout.

Presented by Golden Boy Promotions and Top Rank, Inc., the bout was scheduled as a 12-round, non-title fight contested at the 147-pound welterweight limit. Although Pacquiao went into the fight widely recognized as the leading pound-for-pound boxer in the world, some boxing pundits had speculated that 147 pounds could be too far above his natural weight against the larger De La Hoya.

Pacquiao received $15 to 30 million (share of the pay-per-view), plus a guaranteed amount.

Tickets reportedly sold out just hours after they went on sale. The total gate revenues were said to be nearly $17 million dollars. That amount apparently gave the bout the second largest gate revenue in boxing history.

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WBC Lightweight Championship

On June 28, 2008, at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Pacquiao defeated David Díaz via ninth-round knockout to become the WBC lightweight champion. With the victory, Pacquiao became the only Filipino and Asian boxer to win four major titles in four weight classes and also became the first Filipino fighter to ever win a world title at lightweight.[22][23] The fight ended at 2:23 of the ninth round and was viewed by 8,362 spectators.

Bob Arum announced that Pacquiao is most likely to fight November 15[24] versus 130-lb Venezuelan champion Edwin Valero or Humberto Soto in Planet Hollywood, and he also mentioned the name of WBA, WBO, and IBF lightweight champ Nate Campbell. "I can fight in November," Pacquiao stated, "Who I fight is the job of my promoter (Bob Arum)." Diaz had his best payday, $850,000, and Pacquiao earned at least $3 million.

Bob Arum reported that the Pacquiao-David Diaz fight which made $ 12.5-M (250,000 pay-per-view subscriptions at $ 49.95 each), paled in comparison to the 400,000 in the Marquez showdown. The sales reached over $20 million. Pacquiao’s 3 classic fights with Erik Morales earned a combined sales of 1 million pay-per-view hits. After HBO and Top Rank get their share, Pacquiao and Diaz will get theirs based on the contract, that is, in addition to the $ 3 million contract pay. Official records revealed an attendance of only 8,362 tickets of the seating capacity of 12,000.

Meanwhile, WBC president Don José Sulaimán clarified that Pacquiao is not a 5-division but 4-division world champion, because the November 2003 Barrera fight was a non-title bout.

Holding both the WBC Super Featherweight and Lightweight titles following the win, Pacquiao decided to vacate his super featherweight title in July 2008 in order to defend his lightweight crown.

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Rematch with Marquez

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On March 15, 2008, in a rematch against Juan Manuel Márquez called "Unfinished Business", Pacquiao won via a disputed split decision in a close, hard fought battle in which Pacquiao knocked Marquez down in round 3. Pacquiao won the WBC and The Ring super featherweight belts, making him the first Filipino to win three world titles in three different weight divisions (Pacquiao was a former WBC flyweight champion and former IBF super bantamweight champion).

During the postfight interview, Marquez’s camp called for an immediate rematch. Richard Schaefer, GBP CEO, offered a $6-million guarantee to Pacquiao for a rematch. Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, still stinging from the less-than-stellar revenue from Kelly Pavlik’s immediate rematch with Jermain Taylor, said the fight will probably happen but only after there is time to “put a little air under it.” Pacquiao, for his part, said "I don't think so, this business is over" because he planned to move to lightweight (135 lbs) to challenge David Díaz, the reigning WBC lightweight champion at that time. Diaz won the majority decision over Ramon Montano that night as an undercard of the "Unfinished Business" fight.

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Other events

In The Ring Magazine, Pacquiao (45-3-2) remained at the top of the junior lightweight division (130 lbs). He had been in the ratings for 108 weeks. Pacquiao was also at No. 2 in the pound-for-pound category behind then-welterweight champ Floyd Mayweather Jr.
On November 13, 2007, he was honored by the WBC as Champ Emeritus during its 45th Annual World Convention held at the Manila Hotel.

On November 20, 2007, Jose Nunez, manager of WBO super featherweight champion Joan Guzman, accused Pacquiao's handler Bob Arum of evading a match between the two boxers to protect Pacquiao.[16] Guzman went as far as to directly call out Pacquiao at the postfight press conference of the Pacquiao-Barrera rematch in front of a stunned crowd at the Mandalay Bay Events Center's media room in Las Vegas.

The 240-member House of Representatives of the Philippines, on August 7, 2008, issued a Resolution, sponsored by South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino-Custodio, which recognized Pacquiao as “a people’s champ” - “for his achievements and in appreciation of the honor and inspiration he has been bringing ... to the Filipino people.” He received a plaque from Speaker Prospero Nograles.

On July, 2008, it was announced that Pacquiao would be the flag bearer of the Philippines at the 2008 Summer Olympics.[20] He became the first Filipino Olympic non-participant to be Team Philippines’ flag-bearer during the August 8 opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympics at the Beijing National Stadium. Swimmer Miguel Molina, 2005 Southeast Asian Games’ Best Male Athlete, yielded the honor to Pacquiao, upon Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo's request to national sports officials on the Philippines at the 2008 Summer Olympics.

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Second bout with Barrera

On June 29, 2007, it was announced that Top Rank and GBP agreed to settle their lawsuit, meaning the long-awaited rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera will occur despite being the #1 contender for the super featherweight title of Juan Manuel Márquez.

Since Bob Arum was out on a vacation, GBP's chief executive Richard Schaefer politely declined to discuss Pacquiao’s purse from the October 6, 2007 rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera (at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas). However, Pacquiao was likely to get a purse of $5 million, plus possibly a share of the pay-per-view rights. Pacquiao defeated Barrera in their rematch via an easy unanimous decision. In the 11th round, Pacquiao's punch caused a deep cut under Barrera's right eye. Barrera retaliated with an illegal punch on the break that dazed Pacquiao but also caused the referee to deduct a point from Barrera. Two judges scored the bout 118-109, whereas the third scored it 115-112.

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Jorge Solis

After a failed promotional negotiation with Marco Antonio Barrera's camp, Bob Arum chose Jorge Solís as Pacquiao's next opponent among several fighters that Arum offered him to fight as a replacement.

The bout was held in San Antonio, Texas on April 14, 2007. In the sixth round of the bout, an accidental headbutt occurred, giving Pacquiao a cut under his left eyebrow. The fight ended in the eighth round when Pacquiao knocked Solis down twice; with Solis barely beating the count after the second knockdown, the referee (who was also a doctor) was prompted to stop the fight. The victory raised Pacquiao's win-loss-draw record to 44-3-2, with 34 knockouts.

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Final bout with Morales

Pacquiao and Morales fought for a third time (with the series tied 1-all) on November 18, 2006. Witnessed by a near-record crowd of 18,276, the match saw Pacquiao defeating Morales via a third-round knockout at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

After the Pacquiao-Morales rematch, Bob Arum, Pacquiao's main promoter, announced that Manny returned his signing bonus check back to Golden Boy Promotions, signaling intentions to stay with Top Rank. This resulted in GBP's decision to sue the famed fighter over contractual breaches.[10]

At the end of 2006, he was named by both HBO and Ring Magazine as the "Fighter of the Year", with HBO also naming him as the most exciting fighter of the year.

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Oscar Larios

On July 2, 2006, Pacquiao defeated Óscar Larios, a two-time super bantamweight champion who had moved up two weight divisions in order to face Pacquiao. Despite his camp's big promise of an early knockout, the fight went until the final round, with Pacquiao knocking down Larios two times during the 12-round bout for the WBC International Super Featherweight title held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.



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2nd bout with Morales

Pacquiao defeated Morales via a 10th-round KO in a much-anticipated rematch on January 21, 2006 in Las Vegas at Thomas and Mack Center.


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1st fight with Morales

Manny once again moved up another division from 126 to 130 lbs to fight another Mexican legend, three-time division champion Érik Morales on March 19, 2005

at the MGM Grand. However, this time around, at his first fight in the super featherweight division, Pacquiao lost the 12-round match by a unanimous decision from the judges.

WBC International Super Featherweight Title

On September 10, 2005, Manny Pacquiao knocked out Héctor Velázquez, capturing the WBC International Super Featherweight title in the process, in a fight held at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California.

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1st fight with Marquez

Only 6 months removed from his win over Barrera, Pacquiao went on to challenge another respected Mexican counterpuncher, Juan Manuel Márquez, then holder of the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight titles.

The fight held at the MGM Grand ended in a controversial draw after he knocked down Márquez three times in the first round but lost most of the latter rounds. One of the judges later admitted to making an error in the scorecards because he scored the first round as "10-7" in favor of Pacquiao instead of the standard "10-6" for a three-knockdown round.

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1st fight with Barrera

Pacquiao went on to defend his title four times with expert training from Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym, improving his hand speed and mental preparation before the match that many consider to have defined his career, a bout against Marco Antonio Barrera.

Pacquiao went on to defend his title four times with expert training from Freddie Roach at the Wild Card Gym, improving his hand speed and mental preparation before the match that many consider to have defined his career, a bout against Marco Antonio Barrera. Pacquiao, moving up in weight and in his first fight ever in the featherweight division, brought his power with him and defeated Barrera via a TKO in the 11th round at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas. Although this fight was not recognized as a title fight by any sanctioning bodies, Pacquiao was recognized as world champion by Ring Magazine after his victory,and he held that title until relinquishing it in 2005.

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MANNY PACQUIAo'S biography

Emmanuel Dapigran Pacquiao, (born December 17, 1978 in Kibawe, Bukidnon, Mindanao, Philippines) is a Filipino professional boxer and reigning WBC International Super Featherweight champion. He is a former world champion at IBF Super Bantamweight, and WBC Flyweight divisions. Pacquiao has a record of 44 wins, 3 losses, and 2 draws, with 35 wins coming by way of knockout.[citation needed] His brother, Bobby Pacquiao is also a Super Featherweight boxer.

Pacquiao ran for a congressional seat to represent the 1st district of South Cotabato, but he was defeated by Darlene Antonino-Custodio. Custodio had 139,061 votes while Pacquiao received 75,908 votes.

In September 2007, he signed up with GMA Network as an artist.

Biography

Early career
Pacquiao started his professional boxing career in 1995 at 106 pounds at the age of 16. His early fights usually took place in small venues and were shown on Vintage Sports' Blow by Blow evening boxing show (hosted by John Ray Betita). His first professional fight was a four-round bout against Edmund Ignacio on January 22, 1995, which Pacquiao won via decision, thus becoming an instant star of the program.

His weight increased from 106 to 113 pounds before losing in his 12th bout against Rustico Torrecampo via a third round technical knockout (TKO). As well-known sportscaster Joaquin "Quinito" Henson observed, Pacquiao clearly had not made weight, so he was forced to use heavier gloves than Torrecampo, thereby putting Pacquiao at a disadvantage.

Shortly after the Torrecampo fight, Pacquiao settled at 112 pounds, winning the WBC Flyweight title over Chatchai Sasakul in the eighth round only to lose it in his second defense against Medgoen Singsurat, or Medgoen 3K Battery, via a third round knockout on a bout held at Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand. Technically, Pacquiao lost the belt at the scales by surpassing the required weight of 112 lb (51 kg).

Following his loss to Singsurat, Pacquiao gained weight anew, this time stopping at the super bantamweight division of 122 lb (55 kg) where he picked up the WBC International Super Bantamweight title, defending it five times before his next world title fight came.

Pacquiao’s big break came on June 23, 2001, against IBF Super Bantamweight champion Lehlohonolo Ledwaba. Pacquiao stepped into the fight as a late replacement and walked out of the fight as the newly crowned IBF Super Bantamweight champion on a bout held at MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada.


Pacquiao's rise
Pacquiao went on to defend his title four times before the match that many consider to have defined his career, against the Mexican boxing idol, Marco Antonio Barrera of Mexico. Pacquiao, moving up in weight and in his first fight ever in the featherweight division brought his power with him and defeated Barrera via a TKO in the 11th round at the Alamodome, San Antonio, Texas.

Only six months removed from his win over Barrera, Pacquiao went on to challenge another respected Mexican counter puncher, Juan Manuel Márquez, holder of the World Boxing Association (WBA) and International Boxing Federation (IBF) Featherweight titles. The fight held at the MGM Grand ended in a controversial draw after he knocked down Márquez three times on the first round, but lost most of the latter rounds. One of the judges later admitted to making an error in the scorecards, as he scored the first round as a "10-7" in favor of Pacquiao instead of the standard "10-6" for a three knockdown round. Had Marquez not had the extra point, Pacquiao would have won by split decision. It was probably the most hated decision done by the WBA and IBF for the Filipino boxer.

In a bout held at Taguig City, Philippines, Pacquiao fought against Fahsan (2K-Gas Battery) Por Thawatchai. Pacquiao sent Por Thawchwai to the canvas three times en route to a knockout in the fourth round. A left uppercut to the jaw knocked down the Thai fighter that lifted his feet off the canvas and ended the fight.

Pacquiao once again moved up another division from 126 to 130 pounds in order to fight another Mexican fighter, three-time division champion Erik Morales on March 19, 2005 at the MGM Grand. However this time around at his first fight in the superfeatherweight division, Pacquiao lost the 12 round match by a unanimous decision from the judges.

On September 10, 2005, Manny Pacquiao knocked out Hector Velasquez, capturing the WBC International Super Featherweight title in the process on a fight held at Staples Center, Los Angeles, California.

Pacquiao defeated Erik Morales by TKO in a much-anticipated rematch on January 21, 2006 in Las Vegas at Thomas and Mack Center.


Newfound fame
After the Morales bout, Pacquiao was in the limelight again during the first week of February 2006 when a waitress working in a Manila night club claimed that he was the father of her son, born out of a whirlwind affair with the boxer. The boxer was not giving her child financial support, prompting her to sue Pacquiao and demanding $250,000.00 (P5,159,958) in child support.

On March 21 Pacquiao was sent to the hospital due to stomach problems, brought about by his bar-hopping, womanizing, various product endorsements, and billiards playing (Pacquiao even qualified in the final stages of Philippine 9-ball Open). Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach had commented earlier about his concerns of Pacquiao's late night lifestyle and warned that the boxer is in danger of losing both his edge and his focus. Roach noted that there are too many distractions surrounding Pacquiao in the Philippines, including sponsorship deals, personal appearances, nocturnal activities as well as his circle of friends.

On July 2, Pacquiao defeated another Mexican, Oscar Larios, a two-time super-bantamweight champion. Despite his camp's big promise of an early knockout, the fight went the distance with Pacquiao knocking down the Mexican two times during the 12-round bout for the WBC International Super Featherweight title held at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City, Philippines.[citation needed]

In September 2006, Pacquiao signed a major deal with Golden Boy Promotions (GBP), headed by Oscar de la Hoya, which is good for seven fights. This development was confirmed by coach Freddie Roach. Under the deal, Pacquiao is guaranteed a prize money of US$5 million for each fight. With regard to profits made on each fight, Pacquiao will be receiving at least 90% while the remaining 10% will go to Golden Boy Promotions.

Pacquiao and Morales fought for a third time (with the "series" tied 1-all) on November 18, 2006. Witnessed by a near-record crowd of 18,276, the match saw Pacquiao defeating Morales via a third-round knockout at the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

After the Pacquiao-Morales rematch, Arum announced that Manny returned his signing bonus check back with Golden Boy Promotions signalling intentions to stay with Top Rank. This resulted in GBP's decision to sue the famed fighter over contractual breaches.

At the end of 2006, he was named by both HBO and Ring Magazine as the fighter of the year, with HBO also naming him as the most exciting fighter of the year.

After a failed promotional negotiation with Marco Antonio Barrera's camp, Bob Arum chose Jorge Solis as his next opponent among several fighters that Bob Arum offered him to fight as a replacement. The bout was held in San Antonio on April 14, 2007. In the sixth round of the bout an accidental head butt occurred giving Pacquiao a cut under his left eyebrow. The fight ended in the 8th round when Pacquiao knocked Solis down twice, with Solis failing to beat the 10 count after the second knockdown. The victory raised Pacquiao's win-draw-loss record to 44-3-2 with 35 KOs.

On June 29, 2007 it was announced that Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions agreed to settle their lawsuit, meaning the long-awaited rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera will occur despite being the number 1 contender for the super-featherweight title of Juan Manuel Marquez.

Since Bob Arum was out on a vacation, Golden Boy Promotions’ chief executive Richard Schaefer politely declined to discuss Manny Pacquiao’s purse from the Oct. 6 rematch with Marco Antonio Barrera (at the Mandalay Bay Resort Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas). But Pacquiao was likely to get a purse of $5 million, plus possibly a share of the pay-per-view rights. Meanwhile Pacquiao denied gossips that he failed to pay taxes for his Porsche SUV at the Bureau of Customs (BoC). He bought the luxury vehicle (Porsche Cayenne) -- two weeks before his match with Erik Morales (A report by Thomas Hauser of secondsout.com said the Porsche Cayenne costs $67,639 or P3.5 million}.

A Pacquiao vs Barrera rematch is now calendared on October 6, 2007 at Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, NV, USA. Pacquiao, at 28, is in his prime while Barrera, at 33, is considering this fight to be his last.

In the bible of boxing, Pacquiao (44-3-2) remains at the top of the junior lightweight division (130 pounds). He had been in the ratings for 108 weeks. Pacquiao is also at No. 2 in the pound-for-pound category behind welterweight champ Floyd Mayweather, who recently defeated Oscar de la Hoya. Related to this are the ratings of Filipinos Donaire (18 wins, 1 lost, 11 knockouts) and Florante "The Little Pacquiao" Condes (22-3-1 draw, 20). They have made it to the prestigious Ring Magazine rankings (July 9). The bible of boxing put Donaire at second spot in the flyweight division (112 pounds) just behind Pongsaklek Wonjongkam (65-2, 34) of Thailand, who is rated No. 1. Condes, on the other hand, is at third in the straw weight division (105 lbs).

In popular culture
A movie based on his life has been produced and was released on June 21, 2006. The movie is titled Pacquiao: The Movie featuring Filipino actor Jericho Rosales as Manny Pacquiao and is directed by Joel Lamangan. Despite its huge P50,000,000 ($1,031,991) budget, wide distribution (80 cinemas) and strong marketing, the movie flopped in the box-office, grossing a total of only P4,812,191 ($99,322) confirmed by Lamangan.

Shortly after winning his rematch with Erik Morales, Pacquiao produced the song "Para Sa 'Yo Ang Laban Na 'To" (Translation: "This Fight is for You") which became a hit single all over the Philippines. It expressed a nationalistic theme as well as Pacquiao's struggles in the ring. The release of the song came weeks before his second bout with Morales, leading up to the promos to the fight. Although "Para sa 'Yo" is his first attempt at professional music recording, Pacquiao's victory against Morales greatly contributed to the song's popularity.

After their third bout, Pacquiao and Morales appeared together in a San Miguel Beer commercial filmed for the Filipino audience. The commercial ended with Pacquiao and Morales toasting their friendship with San Miguels. This commercial has been parodied in the comedy show, Bubble Gang, with Michael V. playing Pacquiao, and Ogie Alcasid playing Morales.

During her sixth State of the Nation Address on July 24, 2006 in Quezon City, Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo cited Pacquiao as one of the nation's modern day heroes. "Mabuhay ka, Manny", said Arroyo. In return, the champion delivered his own speech endorsing Arroyo. "The President said many good things in the SONA." Pacquiao remarked.

It is not widely known that professional wrestlers The Undertaker and Christian Cage were actually a part of Pacquiao's entourage during the Pacquiao vs. Velázquez fight in 2005. An avid boxing fan, The Undertaker was the person who carried the US flag while leading Team Pacquiao to the ring. This was also confirmed by another fellow wrestler, Batista. Batista revealed this during a televised interview in the Philippines while promoting an upcoming WWE promotional tour which was set to be shown in this country.Rumours are rife that Pacquiao is to enter the world of professional wrestling having being offered a contract by the WWE.

Pacquiao is currently being sponsored by Nike and No Fear sports apparels.

Pacquiao owns a lottery outlet for the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.

Pacquiao is the owner of the Pac Man Gensan of the Mindanao Visayas Basketball
Association. The team based in his hometown of General Santos City. Pacquiao even suited up for the team for a few games during the first conference of said league.

Pacquiao is the third non-fictional Filipino featured in a video game. He is featured in the
video games Fight Night: Round 2 and Fight Night: Round 3. The first two were pool legends Efren Reyes and Francisco Bustamante, who both appeared in the World
Championship Pool 2004 video game.

Pacquiao is an avid supporter and endorser of PBA team Barangay Ginebra Kings.

Politics
For some time, many have speculated that Manny Pacquiao will enter politics after he ends his boxing career. While boxing is far from over for him, Pacquiao admitted that he is thinking about starting a career in politics. In fact, he quietly visited the Commission on Elections, escorted by Arnold "Ali" Atienza (son of then Manila Mayor Lito Atienza), to transfer his residence from General Santos City to Manila.[citation needed] This fueled speculations that he may seek an elective post in the nation's capital, which even gave him the title "Adopted Son" when he was winning his earlier bouts.

His name was once floated as a possible vice-mayoralty candidate to the younger Atienza when the latter seeks the city's highest post in the 2007 elections, but backed-out after Sen. Panfilo Lacson, then the leading candidate for Manila mayor, did the same after there were threats from his opponents to dig up the issue of his residency. (Similarly, Pacquiao also had such issues).

Being known as an Arroyo supporter, his name is also being floated as a candidate of Lakas CMD for the mayoralty race of General Santos City against incumbent Mayor Pedro Acharon. Instead, he was recently sworn-in as a member of the Liberal Party under the Atienza wing, thus further fueling his political ambition.

On February 12, 2007, the famed boxer announced that he was running for congress representing South Cotabato. His decision however easily turned off both his fans and the general public. Election experts stressed that as Pacquiao insists on participating in his next professional boxing match, he will immerse himself into a legal conflict regarding campaign exposure, especially since the match will be televised nationwide. Aside from that, COMELEC commissioner Ben Abalos mentioned a possible legal entanglement could ruin Pacquiao's candidacy since he already registered himself as a Manila resident months prior.

Numerous sports personalities and analysts around the Philippines expressed that Pacquiao should think seriously and deeply about his sports career, which could potentially be destroyed by the dirty world of politics. Popular columnist Randy David mentioned that Pacquiao allowed himself to be used by selfish and desperate politicians.

On February 24, 2007 in Cebu City, Pacquiao, for the first time ever, was booed by thousands of spectators as his presence was acknowledged by the organizers of The Battle of Cebu, a WBO-sanctioned boxing festival. The embarrassment later led to confusing statements made by Manila Mayor Lito Atienza that the famed fighter would withdraw. Despite the statements however, Pacquiao confirmed to the public that he would still run for office.

The negative sentiment among Cebuanos over Pacquiao's political aspiration was felt even before the The Battle of Cebu was held as at least one citizen's comment got published by local newspaper Sun Star.

In relation to the April 14 fight with Arce, the political opposition stated that they would not press for a ban on the broadcasting of the match despite its potential to violate election campaign rules.

Even though he won over Solis, Pacquiao's appeal has diminished most likely due to his political ambition. His last fight attracted noticeably smaller audiences and his performance was considered by many as disappointing. Some election candidates even turned the Pacquiao-Solis match into campaign gigs.

On May 17, 2007, Pacquiao suffered a lopsided election defeat to incumbent representative Darlene Antonino-Custodio with a deficit of about 37,000 votes according to the NAMFREL tally. Meanwhile, WBC head Jose Sulaiman stated that Pacquiao "doesn’t appear to be having the same dynamic impact at the ballot box, as he does in the ringed square."

The defeat became a depressing matter for the boxer himself as he lost a huge sum of money when his supporters allegedly funneled campaign funds to their own pockets. Pacquiao's personal money was part of the campaign budget.[28] Ironically, Pacquiao's fans rejoiced over his defeat. Some even declared his loss as a "victory" for boxing.

Over at General Santos City, Diocese of Marbel spokesman Fr. Angel Buenavides considered President Arroyo's endorsement of Pacquiao as a "curse" as constituents in the area have strong anti-Arroyo sentiments.

On May 20, 2007, Manny Pacquiao formally conceded to his congresswoman Antonino-Custodio, vowing to return to boxing and spend more time with his family.

On August 1, 2007, Pacquiao filed a P30-million libel suit against 4 journalists of the Manila Bulletin - sports writer Nick Giongco, publisher Hermogenes P. Pobre, editor-in-chief Cris J. Icban Jr., and Sports section editor Ding Marcelo. The complaint stemmed from the article "Trouble in Paradise-Again?" written by Giongco and published last July 25 in F-2 sports section of the Manila Bulletin. Pacman cited the alleged libelous fourth paragraph of the article - "Pacquiao who spent millions in unsuccessful bid to win a congressional seat in his hometown in General Santos City is reported to be a compulsive gambler and is known to bet hundreds of thousand in casinos, cockfighting, and billiards."


Other media
With his popularity, various business sectors have solicited Manny Pacquiao's help in endorsing their products through commercial advertisements in print and in broadcast. These include detergents, medicines, foods, garments, telecommunications, and even a political ad for Chavit Singson during the May 14, 2007 elections.

On April 12, 2007, the COMELEC cancelled his comercial appearances in accordance with existing Philippine election laws. Airing of the commercials resumed after the elections.

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