Hermie Rivera: When Manny Pacquiao Slaughters David Diaz, His Goat Goes Into Steaming Cauldron!

By Michael Marley

The old saying is to the victor go the spoils. I do not think anyone was thinking about rotten goat meat when they conjured up the phrase.

Which reminds me that canny promoter Bob Arum did miss one cute trick when it came to the smartest member of the David Diaz camp, Billy The Goat. Years ago, the National Lampoon had a cover photo of a cute puppy. The cover line was something “if you don’t buy this magazine, we will kill the dog;”

Talk about an attention grabber. But back to the WBC lightweight champion’s pet cabrito or, as we say in Tagalog. “kambing.”

Yes, the Mandalay Bay is not kid-ding. Yes, the hotel-casino granted the nagging Billy a Team Diaz credential.

But the question I am debating with our imbedded with Team Pacquiao correspondent Hermie “Chiz” Rivera is what is the fate of the tin can eater if, as we all expect, Megamanny Pacquiao dethrones Billy’s bossman.

It seems as though once Pacman slaughers Diaz, Billy gets slaughtered. I’d hate to be the one who has to relate this tragic news to Billy’s nanny!

Surely, there will be budget cuts for Team Diaz. I don’t want to get anyone’s goat but I bet Billy will be let loose so to speak when that happens.

Rivera said he has already discussed Billy’s dim future with Manny.

“We will immediately grab Billy by that beard of his, right at ringside,” Rivera said. “Then the only question is whether Billy is boiled, broiled, baked or steamed. His next destination is the nearest fiery pot. He will not return to Chitown unless he is frozen or burning on a skewer.

“Goat meat and a San Miguel beer is a typical Pacman treat when he is not in training,” Rivera said. “We put goat into our calderata and marinate it for kilawen. I’ve told Manny, ‘We must slaughter the goat for our victory party, for our celebration after you KO or stop David.”

Rivera, who reports that Manny will exit the lightweight class and move up to 140 for a Ricky Hatton fight next, said Billy only has one supporter on Team Pacquiao.

“It’s your Boston boy, Coach Freddie Roach,” Rivera said. “Freddie is an animal lover and wants to send Billy to a petting zoo for the kiddies. Freddie is opposed to our eating Billy in any form.

“Freddie told me, ‘Hey, Hermie, the goat is a Chicago Cubs baseball fan. Hasn’t he suffered enough?”

Early ending seen in Pacquiao-Diaz title tiff

By Hermie Rivera
(Photos by Levi Gutierrez)

June 28 is when the Philippines boxing phenom Manny Pacquiao authors an ambitious bid for a fourth title when he takes on David Diaz for the lightweight championship of the world.

The Mandalay Bay resort/casino in Las Vegas is is where the Filipino idol will accost the Mexican-American champ in a slugfest boxing purists are betting won’t go the assigned distance of twelve rounds.

Indeed, such pairing of game finishers in a toe-to-toe outing ends usually early or will wind-up being stopped in the late rounds.

Now, Manny who’s on leave as a junior lightweight boss is looking at a November meeting with the Manchester cyclone Ricky Hatton while David wants such plan himself due to previous wins as an Olympic silver medalist (139 lbs. Atlanta), and as a pro campaigner in the 140 pound class.

The privilege of competing with the new pound for pound king is where Diaz is looking at right now.

Unaccustomed to fighting in the 135 pound limit, the Pinoy hotshot is assuring his followers as well as doubting devotees that he is not straying out of his comfort zone in facing the aggressive, combat-ready Diaz.

Diaz beats Pacquiao and sky’s the limit for the Chicago native. Besides, the Windy City Mex-Am is obsessed. David’s fixation in retaining his WBC belt is legend. If he had his druthers, Chicago’s pride wants Manny’s scalp real bad.

What makes this fight appealing is the limitless bonanza the winner pockets.

So much is at stake with both warriors pledging a furious start which could only translate into an intensely violent ring battle in sustained velocity.

Oh yes, the winner comes out triumphantly pleased (but of course) with the loser a ruined wreck.

This happens when a crowd-pleasing puncher like Manny is matched with a relentless belter like David.

“I’m ready for David in case he tries to pull a fast one in our Mandalay party. I can’t let my fans down who are rooting for a smooth acquisition of Diaz belt,” Pacquiao assured.

Pacquiao completed 137 rounds of sparring Thursday (June 29), the last of his torrid sessions with his preferred sparmates and will break camp for Vegas after Monday’s presser at the Sta.Monica piers.

A marked improvement in ticket sales and PPV orders have been noted by the antsy promoters as the lightweight toasts starts easing-off from their back-breaking grind.

Now What?

Somewhere in the boardrooms of the world’s leading promoters are stacks of proposal for a megabuck year-ending thriller featuring England’s Ricky Hatton & the Philippines’ Manny Pacman Pacquiao.

Pacquiao will KO Diaz—-Roach

By Hermie Rivera

Photos by Noel Rivera
Berkeley, CA– Manny Pacquiao, coming off a hard-earned win over Juan Manuel Marquez clashes with a heavier David Diaz in a face-off that’s likely to generate excitement among fight fans in a championship match

The intriguing lightweight scrap at Vegas’ Mandalay Bay Casino is Pacquiao’s ticket for a fourth world title—one he longingly hankers due to the failure of his compatriots in garnering such masterstroke.

When the celebrated Carlos Ortiz ended the blue-ribbon reign of Joe Brown—no Filipino—to include the remarkably clever Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde succeeded in becoming a 135 lbs ace.

Odds favor the Pinoy challenger over the Mex-Am titleholder. Not unlike the time Pacquiao succeeded in grabbing Marquez’s junior lightweight belt in a war that continues to torment followers of both camps with each side claiming victory for their man.

No one is saying it loud but there are bettors who believe David Diaz can scratch out a win over the Philippines’ reigning idol.

And why not? David was only beaten once enroute to his lightweight throne. He foiled determined challenges of contenders with his unquestioned ability topped by a go-for-broke style of brash boxing.

Listening to David’s endless claptrap of retaining his WBC crown, there just is’nt a way or so it seems for Manny to wiggle out from a trap Diaz is set to impose in their June 28 showdown. Or is there an exit for our man from this planned jam?

Freddie Roach, Pacman’s resolute coach now says David is in a situation that entails grave difficulty—neutralizing Pacman’s lethal combination of speed and power..

Manny’s threat of a fast start that can end the brawl early is a reality that’s not easy for David to master.

Pacquiao repeated his intimidating plan even as Roach paraded him in a well-attended public workout at Berkeley’s Westwind School, showcasing Manny’s rythmic cadence with the mitts and the bags.

“David Diaz is in for a rough evening in this meeting of vaunted sluggers and my Manny will send him to dreamland only to awaken when gas prices goes interminably down” adding “the end will come in the later rounds.” Roach concluded.

What started off as a balanced pairing of brave lefties is shaping up as one heck of a donnybrook involving worldbeaters with violent fistic traits.

This kind of of a free-for-all usually rouses up the fans —much to the delight of the promoters and aides who are making the fight a reality.

And when Pacman’s timely roll of the dice shows crap for Diaz, Ricky (Typhoon) Hatton must gear up fast for a humongous payday with arguably the planet’s hottest draw—Manny Pacquiao of General Santos, Cotabato.

Pacquiao to go for early K.O.

By Hermie Rivera

Los Angeles, CA– 13 years in his harsh calling and Manny Pacquiao finally gets the chance to add a fourth title when he challenges World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion David Diaz at the Mandalay Bay resort/casino in Las Vegas Nevada.

Pacquiao attempts to be the first ever Filipino champion in the 135-pound division. Others, notably Hall of Famer Gabriel ‘Flash’ Elorde failed twice against the redoubtable Puerto Rican Carlos Ortiz.

“Malaki ito at sisikapin kung maagaw yung korona ni Diaz (It’s the big one definitely and we’ll let it all hang out to grab the crown.),” the Filipino superstar declared at a well-attended presser at the Bonaventure Hotel in downtown L.A.

In Diaz, the Pacman will be unleashing his ghastly blows against a fighter who also wields his own brand of power shots.

“First round pa lang talagang upakan na, bakbakan at maganda ito para grabe ang action sa ring (an all out war starts in the early going so the fans will lap it up),” enthused the Filipino ring idol. “Yan ang gusto natin ‘todo buhos’. Importante makuha natin ang belt (We have to win the belt),” he added.

“It’s going to be a lovely brawl (magarang palitan ito),” assured the GenSan mauler and is not at all shy in projecting an early ending of his June 28 ring date.

Undefeated since his loss to Erik Morales, the new WBC junior lightweight champion’s last win was against Juan Manuel Marquez who remains steadfast in having another go with the the Pinoy idol. “But that won’t happen,” says promoter Bob Arum who ruled out a rubber bout between the bitter jr. lightweight rivals.

Manny’s inability to take out Marquez after a 3rd round knockdown in their March duel has fueled the Mexican’s obssessive drive for a rubber bout despite Pacman’s effective punching all throughout their hard-fought match.

“We’ve put that fight behind us,” Pacquiao shrugged as he braced for a memorable slugfest with Diaz.

Diaz himself vowed not to let Pacquiao breath all throughout the 12 round setto since, by his own reckoning— is in top shape.

“It’s all go,” boasted the defending champion as he let go with a yell of gratitude to Manny and promoter Bob Arum for making the fight happen.

Quite a mean feat really if the Chicago Mex-Am can do what no Mexican has ever done— stop Manny dead by hitting his respiratory tract.

Fact is, a lot depends on how fresh the contending warriors will be feeling as they reach the final two rounds— if ever the fight goes that far.

Methinks it will not.

What’s yours?

Pinay An Ace to Tennis Stars

The World’s Top Ladies Tennis Stars Are Raving About
By Joaquin Henson
The treatment they get from Destino Spa, a Filipino-owned Bay Area pampering haven that has catered to their off-court feminine whims in two Bank of the West tournaments at the Taube family stadium on the Stanford University campus.

Destino’s Filipina managing director Christine Rivera said the world’s No.2 player Kim Clijsters of Belgium is a “pet client and a very satisfied customer.” Clijsters won her fourth and seconds straight Bank of the West title via a 6-4, 6-2 romp over Patty Schnider.

Clijsters, has been untouchable in the world’s oldest all-female tennis tournament since Destino was selected as the official spa sponsor and has sinced retired when he married her fiance ex-Villanova cager Bryan Lynch.. Although hampered by a variety of injuries throughout her career, Clijsters has dominated the 36-year old tournament the last two years with Destino by her side.

Christine, the fourth of six children, is the daughter of boxing scholar and former Philippine consulate press attaché in San Francisco Hermie Rivera. Her mother Cristina is a schoolteacher.

The Riveras relocated to Newark in the Bay Area in 1983. Hermie shuttles from Newark to Manila and back in search of Filipino ring prospects who could follow in the footsteps of his protégés, former world champions Luisito Espinosa and Morris East.

Christine earned her esthetic license at Fremont Beauty College and Therapy Center . She worked for five years at a San Carlos spa before becoming an industrial partner at Destino.

She recently married her long-time fiance, Billy Cesano, a hotel management graduate of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas.

It’s no coincidence that Clijsters has played her best tennis in Stanford with Destino as the spa provider.

Destino has offered the tennis stars the ultimate luxury by transforming the players’ lounge into a spa haven with flowing water fountains, aromatherapy candles, facials, massages and hair, nails, waxing and foot treatments. It has also set up a courtside booth to provide chair massages and complimentary beverages to spectators.

A bonus for the players was the gift bag that Christine herself prepared. The bag contained items from Acqua Cures, A Sense of Scents, Baby Phat, Control Corrective Skincare, HMA Designs, ITOEN Teas, kNutek, Lalicious, Pure Inventions, Via Botanica Bodycare and Oral Fixation Mints.

“We are thrilled beyond belief to have been chosen by Bank of the West and the International Management Group for the second year in a row to participate in this first-class event,” said Christine. “They informed us that no other tennis tournament offers players a spa lounge or gift bags at this level so we are delighted that they have elected to place their confidence in us again.”

Tournament director Adam Barrett said Destino’s sponsorship was such a hit last year that the top players asked for a repeat sponsorship.

Destino was recently voted as the spa with the best massage and facial in Silicon Valley by Citysearch.com. A premier destination for physical rejuvenation and relaxation, it is located just minutes from Stanford University . Destino combines Eastern influences, ancient beauty rituals and rigorous service standards and offers a full range of spa services.

Clijsters once beat Venus Williams in the Bank or the West finals and went on to bag the US Open crown, her first Grand Slam title. She has been ranked No.1 in the world twice.

Bank of the West has sponsored the Stanford tournament the last 15 years.With $55 billion in its assets, it has over 680 branches in 19 states.

Clijsters has earned over $14 million in prize money since turning pro in 1998. Known for her splits in the court, Clijsters was once engaged to Australian tennis star Lleyton Hewitt. Now married with a kid , the former top-ranked tennister has retired.

The Great Debate

By Hermie Rivera
 
Boxing or what some call the Sweet Science is all about heart.
 
That’s why Manny Pacquiao eked out a well-deserved victory over Juan Manuel Marquez largely due to a ticker twice the size of Mexico’s external debt.
 
End of discussion?
 
“Not quite” says an esteemed colleague John Chavez who insists otherwise:  “While Pacquiao might possess a ticker twice the size of Mexico’s external debt, Marquez, at 34 years of age showcased an equally large heart twice the size of Manny Pacquiao’s stable of mistresses.
 
In battling a prime “Pacman” possessing a five year youth advantage, the Mexico City precision puncher fought gallantly picking himself up off the canvas in order to show the world that Mexican fighters are what truly drives the sport of boxing. Unlike Pacquiao, Marquez is one of the many great fighters to come from a country that has redwood-like deep roots embedded within the sweet science.
 
While the recent bout between “Dinamita” and the Filipino legend has provided much fuel for plenty of controversy, you can’t take away from the fact that a past his prime future hall-of-famer gave Manny all he could handle for every second of every round. The fight itself was a beautiful specimen of counter-punching in Marquez and controlled aggression in Pacquiao.
 
For those spectators that favor the come forward style of a pressure fighter, they scored the bout for Pacquiao. For those that favor the tactical, but equally effective matador-type approach to boxing, they tended to favor the Mexican. Being an aficionado of the sport, I appreciated the subtle effectiveness in Marquez’s ability to sneak his punches inside the slightest of openings as Manny showed a vast improvement in his defensive capabilities.
 
It was a magnificent display by “Dinamita” as he showed the world that there is more than one facet to Mexican prize fighting. He showed that not only does the warrior blood pump fiercely through their veins but also that they are an extremely intelligent group of soldiers that can out-fight and out-think their opponents whoever they might be.
 
If you’ve been watching boxing for quite some time and genuinely have a firm grasp of the sport, you’d understand that Juan Manuel Marquez was the true victor in the March 15 rematch.
 
End of story.
 
Son of a real gun!
 
Why Chavez  might just re-ignite another Filipino-Spanish war.
 
What say you Recah Trinidad?

Marquez and Pacquiao Define the Term… “Greatness”

Showing Fans That There’s More to Boxing Than Just Winning

By John Chavez

This past Saturday at the Mandalay Bay Events Center, Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez showed the world exactly how true prize fighters “get down”. Both men displayed what they do best with “Dinamita” playing the role of matador to the ever aggressive bull-style of the “Pacman”.

It was a bout that showcased why boxing encompasses all of the drama and developments of an award-winning script.

It was plain to see in the early evening hours on Saturday that this fight would most definitely surpass the electricity felt from Pacquiao’s most recent bout with Marco Antonio Barrera in October of 2007. You could sense that the stakes were much higher being that many people considered Marquez to be the last Mexican standing in addition to being overly determined to avenge the defeats of his fellow countrymen in Morales and Barrera.

The entire country of Mexico was riding on the Mexico City resident’s 130 pound frame.

As for Manny Pacquiao supporters… there were several of them in attendance.

More like several tens of thousands as they flocked in droves to Sin City in order to cheer and support their hero to victory.

In the opinion of this hack labeled “The Boxing Bookie”, this rematch solidified the greatness of both Marquez and Pacquiao being that they showed the world that boxing is a tremendous blend of science, grit, heart, dedication, focus, and a whole lot of balls.

The crowd brought the flint and the combatants brought the flame creating an atmosphere on par with any of the most dramatic fights in recent times.

While Marquez attempted to utilize his well developed counter punching tactics throughout the night, Pacquiao showed his development as a fighter leaving only the slightest of openings for “Dinamita” to capitalize on. While I had officially predicted the Mexican to defeat Pacquiao by decision, it was a bout that could have easily gone either way for each participant being that several rounds, especially the seventh and eleventh were extremely close in terms of scoring.

While supporters of both warriors will argue until their death as to who was the clear victor this past Saturday night, it’s boxing as a whole that came out as the definitive winner.

The sweet science needs more action-filled championship bouts such as Marquez-Pacquiao II in order to leave each paying customer satisfied with their purchase. The fight itself delivered in every aspect and most of those tuning in will probably continue to follow the career paths of both men including the sport as a whole.

Other News and Notes from Las Vegas:

Apparently Erik “El Terrible” Morales is enjoying retirement with little chance of returning to the ring anytime soon being that he’s been seen hovering around the super middleweight limit if not more. Hopefully “El Terrible” will leave his legacy intact and continue to engorge his body with foods he deprived himself for years while having to boil down to unnatural weight restrictions. Piles and piles of carnitas anyone?

Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions seem to have a friendly and at times not-so friendly rivalry in the air as both Richard Schaefer and Bob Arum let off some verbal jabs and right crosses at one another during the post-fight press conference. It’s great to see some fire in the promotional firms as it livens up the atmosphere and let’s the world know that competition will always remain fierce in boxing.

Steve “Two Pounds” Forbes seems very focused on upsetting the “Golden Boy” this coming May as he’s looking to surprise Oscar with his strength and toughness. Forbes gave much praise to both Marquez and Pacquiao for their great performances but is looking to outdo both of them as well as the Vazquez-Marquez trilogy bout by giving fans a “Fight of the Year”-type battle in just a few short months.

Michael “White Gorilla” Marley laughed all the way to the cashier at the Mandalay Bay sports book as the crazed individual cashed in what it seemed like 7 or 8 winning tickets on the closely contested rematch. Good move by this amusing individual as it now seems that he’ll be able to raise the wages of myself and Ricardo Lois by at least double if not triple.

Hermie Rivera attempted to leave the “Boxing Bookie” in a comatose state, foaming at the mouth with his deeply appreciated present of two extremely large bottles of Crown Royal and Belvedere. Thanks Hermie… my liver feels as though the “Pacman” himself used it as target practice.

Preston Wada conceded that although he lost over $30,000 betting on Marquez this past weekend, Manny has vastly improved as a fighter and deserves his pound-for-pound status. He has no qualms about the decision stating, “That damn Manny is one bad ass m$%#$@#@!”

Zab Judah seems to have mellowed out in his “old” age as he was rather subdued throughout the press conference announcing his May 31 bout with “Sugar” Shane Mosley. Hopefully this won’t translate into a lack of fire when the two speedsters square off as I’m picking “Super” to upset the veteran Mosley being that he’s recently opened up as a slight underdog at the MGM Mirage sports book. Nasty left hand my friends…

A big shout out goes to TouchPoint Marketing for assisting in giving boxing fans a break from the Pay-Per-View rampage due to their superior relationships and ability to bring on corporate sponsors such as Tecate, Southwest, Rockstar, and Cazadores. Hopkins-Calzaghe and De la Hoya-Forbes will take place on regular HBO rather than HBO Pay-Per-View which is based on the increased level of corporate sponsorship for both shows.

In closing… Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez deserve all the credit in the world for putting together two magnificent performances that brought together two nations to celebrate a sanctioned war. They represented their proud countries to the fullest and showed the world why boxing’s health has much more to do with the quality of the bouts rather than the heavyweight division. Both men should hold their heads extremely high as there was nobody on earth that could have competed with either man on Saturday night based on the elevated level of skill and prowess that they showed.

It was one for the record books, one for the ages, and one to look back on as one of the best of 2008.

Boxing isn’t back…. it never went anywhere. It’s just here bringing us the best and hungriest of what the sport has to offer.

I can’t recall a better time to be a boxing fanatic and this past weekend gave me much ammunition to continue pushing the fact that there is nothing on earth that compares to a highly anticipated fight that delivers on all cylinders.

Thank you Juan Manuel, Manny, and all those that made the fight a reality.

PS. Big props to all the Pacquiao and Marquez supporters for letting their warriors do the fighting in the ring. While the Mexico-Philippines rivalry has grown to an exorbitant level over the past several years, they still maintain a level or respect for one another which is great to see. There’s no need for an immediate rematch as of this moment but I’m sure we’ll see another hungry Mexican attempt to dethrone the absolute beast of a man that is Manny Pacquiao. I have to hand it to you Pac-maniacs… your guy is one tough nut to crack.

Singing ‘Manny Boy’ To Tune Of ‘Danny Boy’

Pacquiao Insider Rivera: Marquez Can Only Win With Lucky Leprechaun Punch!
By John Chavez

LAS VEGAS–They may not run in the same social circles, given their age difference, but Boxingconfidential.com has two cracked, I mean crack reporters in the San Francisco Bay Area. One is John Chavez and the other is veteran Pinoy reporter Hermie Rivera.

While I have been tied up on important business at The Playboy Club and Ghostbar at The Palms, Chavez and Rivera has been covering the daily doings of Team Pacquiao and Team Marquez nearby at the Mandalay Bay like seven eighths of the world is covered by oceans. Me, I am like one of those social parasites who arrives fashionably late at the party.

Anyway, our Roving Rivera, who seems magnetized to Pacman whenever Megamanny lands on U.S, shores, phoned up to give his last-minute take on the Big Rematch. Hermie’s been reading his tea leaves like a psycho, er I mean a physic, and he likes what he is seeing.

“The weight is perfect,” Rivera said. “Manny told me in Los Angeles that he wanted to surprise everyone by coming in just a bit under the limit so 129 is a very good weight as that was right at his target. I think Manny said he would make 128 but he is only one pound above that. Now he will eat and replenish himself with plenty of fluids so he will be a monster when he climbs into the ring.”

As far as the outcome of the bout, being a loyal Pinoy and Manny pal, he sees MP winning either by knockout or by decision but definitely winning.

What shocked me, the jaded veteran, was Rivera’s mentioning that Marquez can also win but can only win in one manner.

“Lucky punch, if he can catch Manny coming in to attack and he nails Manny with a lucky punch,” Rivera said. “That is really only the one way that the Mexican fighter can win, can score the big upset here.”

But Rivera said Pacman’s marked improvement from their May 2004 first bout makes that occurrence something that cannot happen.

“This is not the same Manny that Marquez fought four years ago. If you watch the tape, you will see Manny hopping all over like a grasshopper and so often really off balance. Four years later, he is so much more polished and has much better technique. I simply don’t see Manny leaving such an opening for Juan Manuel to score the KO with such a lucky blow.”

When last seen, Rivera and Chavez were seen inhaling vodka shots in the Russian Vodka Room, singing “Manny Boy” to the tune of Irish tearjerker “Danny Boy” and proudly wearing their “Let’s Get Ready To Stumble” tee-shirts.

For Hammering Hermie, the Lucky Leprechaun in this fight will be the guy who speaks Tagalog.

Promoter Grinning Like Cheshire Cat

Advocate Arum: Pacquiao, At Peak Of His Powers, Will Stop Marquez In Round 8 Or 9!

EXCLUSIVE VIDEO INTERVIEW BY HERMIE RIVERA

Here’s a surprise. Uncle Bob Arum tells Boxingconfidential’s ace reporter, Hammering Hermie Rivera, that Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez will make his greatest ring performance March 15 in Las Vegas against Manny Pacquiao.

Here’s a non-suprise. The 76-year-old promoter and head of Top Rank says that won’t be enough to stop the Pinoy idol because, as Arum sees it, Pacman is reaching the peak of his pugilisic powers at the age of 28.

“When they fought before, Manny was a one-handed fighter,” Arum said. “He just used that left hand like a howitzer. Now he can really box along with his punching power and he uses both hands so well. Manny is also in the best condition of his boxing life, far better than the shape he was in for his last two bouts.”

Hermie asked Uncle Bob for a prediction.

“I see Manny being too strong and powerful. He will stop Marquez in the eighth or ninth round.”

Marquez–no match for Pacquiao’s barrage

By Hermie Rivera
 
San Francisco, CA. — “The best conditioned Manny Pacquiao will face Juan Manuel Marquez on March 15″ the Filipino boxing hero crowed as he met the press on his first Bay Area visit since his torturous draw with Agapito Sanchez at the Civic Center.
 
Even with a torpid recollection of that bloody fight wherein the Dominican roughneck tried robbing him of his newly acquired title — Pacquiao wants another pugnacious scrap in his pet city by the bay.
 
And in an outright dig at Marquez’ brag of a more rounded training for their rematch, Pacquiao insists his trainers are far more superior and as such have negated whatever advantages the Mexican champ gained by his early start.
 
So then, both warriors are in shape–their best-ever conditioning brought about by their exacting workouts.
 
Expect a barn-burner when these intrepid boxers collide at Mandalay Bay Events Center in glitzy Vegas..
 
This is a must-see thriller made compelling by their mutual enmity engendered by their drawn match four years back.
 
Since that disputed draw at the MGM Grand, Pacquiao has matured while Marquez aged.
 
Marquez turns 35 in August and whether he admits it or not, this pesky item places him in a situation that entails difficulty for the aging fighter. 
 
A clear-cut winner will emerge in the ‘unfinished business’  featuring today’s remarkable talents in the junior lightweight division.
 
Manny Pacquiao who is not only strong but skillful as well remains the favorite in the posted odds at various betting centers. (Illegal bookies included.)
 
Any of the two combative warriors digging too big a hole in the early rounds will find it tough recovering lost ground.
 
And who’ll  pocket all the  marbles in this awaited return bout?
 
It will be highly unlikely for the Mexican defending champ to upset the Filipino lefty who’s on a roll—on a tear, if you please with a ten win streak.
 
Pacquiao has been ruthlessly productive since losing to Eric Morales.
 
Unless Marquez starts growing steroid-laden hormones (quite late in the day right?), Pacquiao will have his butt whupped when the battle smoke clears at the Mandalay.
 
Sorry Juan Manuel but it will take a lot more than a great camp to overcome the smooth rhythm of the power punchin’ Pacman.

Pacman sees no problem meeting 130 lb weight

By Abac Cordero Philippine Star Saturday, February 23, 2008

As he enters the most crucial phase of his training, Manny Pacquiao has quashed any concern regarding his weight for the March 15 rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez. “We will make the weight. No problem,” said Pacquiao as quoted by Hermie Rivera, one of his constant companions in Los Angeles. Reports coming out of LA last week, barely a month before the fight, placed Pacquiao at 139 lbs compared to Marquez’ 133 lbs, which is just a little over the super-featherweight limit of 130.

Pacquiao is in the peak of his two-month training, and after three more heavy workouts next week, should begin tapering off before he travels to Las Vegas less than a week before the fight. Pacquiao spars on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays at the Wild Card Gym. Last Tuesday he did 10 rounds against Ramon Montano, Juanito Garcia and Raymundo Beltran. Pacquiao, according to Rivera, a respected Pinoy boxing analyst, is expected to top the 100 rounds of sparring prepared by trainer Freddie Roach. “At the rate he’s reaching peak form, Pacquiao is executing with ease the drills being imparted by his excellent crew. A well-conditioned challenger will answer the call of Marquez,” he said. While Pacquiao is in LA, Marquez is doing his thing in Mexico, and based on the calendar is almost a month ahead of Pacquiao in training, saying he normally trains three months for a big fight. “In the ring there is no such thing as a easy fight or a small challenge, and I keep that in mind and base my philosophy on that when I am preparing for a fight,” Marquez told the Mexican press. For the last two months now, Marquez has done nothing but train. His day starts at 4 a.m. with a one-hour run at the snow-covered mountains of Toluca, a few hours of sleep in his home, nutritious breakfast by 9 a.m., gym work at 1 p.m., and back home at 5 p.m. to rest with his family, and dinner of chicken, fish, vegetables and fruits. Lights are out at 9 p.m.

NEWSFEATURE: Roach unveils ‘3-punch killer’ to halt Marquez

‘Offensive thrust will stun Mexican’ By Hermie Rivera Philippine Daily Inquirer LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA–THERE’S still a month left before the big fight but Team Pacquiao has sprung a surprise by baring the weapon with which the Pacman hopes to clip and conquer WBC super featherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico. Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s head trainer, says his ward is having an action-filled outing with his sparmates, hitting them solidly and not betraying any signs of fatigue after backbreaking workouts. “This is where you’ll kill him,” advised Roach, as Manny cut loose with a three-punch combination they have been perfecting behind closed doors. “This no-name offensive thrust will surprise the Mexican,” added Roach. Marquez himself is into a taxing regimen at his Romanza gym in Mexico city. The sheer consistency of Pacquiao’s wins over Mexican hotshots places Marquez in a hellish spot, and the defending world 130-pound king will have to surpass himself in order to save his crown at the Mandalay Casino-Hotel on March 15. Their first encounter in 2004 ended in a disputed draw but, based on the animosity, the rematch will definitely produce a distinct, vastly superior winner. Marquez says he is fighting Pacquiao to redeem Mexico’s honor. Pacquiao himself knows that, more than the purses, the next fight will be for the honor of his country and his countless admirers all over the world. Two titles are at stake–Ring’s coveted junior lightweight belt and the WBC super-featheweight crown, a concession granted to the Mexican champ for staying unbeaten since his controversial loss to the Indonesian Chris John. The bar has been raised for the sensational battlers with the Pinoy slugger favored over the smart-boxing Mexican. But why is the defending champion the underdog in this duel with his mandated challenger? The concession is that Pacquiao, younger and stronger at 29, is decidedly faster. And in boxing, as pundits often intone, “there is no substitute for speed.” The 34-year-old Marquez is a master craftsman, a terrific defender and counter-puncher who has displayed the rare ability to spring back from impossible situations. It will be a war, the pundits say, one that is exciting and infused with the distinctive elements of a great fight.

Manny’s sparmates to simulate Marquez

By Joaquin Henson

Four quick-stepping, counter-punching sparring partners are being lined up for Manny Pacquiao who’s not taking any chances in his much-awaited rematch with WBC superfeatherweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez in Las Vegas on March 15. Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles last Monday and was expected to report for light workouts at the Wild Card Gym yesterday. He begins serious sparring sessions early next month in his eight-week timetable of preparations for Marquez. San Francisco-based boxing scholar Hermie Rivera, who advises Pacquiao on a variety of issues, identified three of the sparmates as Danny Cervantes, Roger (Speedy) Gonzalez and David Rodela. A fourth sparmate, reportedly a black American, is also in the list.

“Keep in mind that Manny needs fighters who can push him and provide counter-punching sparring,” said Rivera, adding that their style should resemble Marquez’. Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach earlier said he would rotate a platoon of sparring partners to avoid familiarity and anyone getting beaten up badly on a regular basis. Roach noted that Pacquiao has a tendency to ease up on sparmates with whom he has become friendly. Cervantes and Gonzalez are first-timers in Pacquiao’s camp. Rodela has visited the Philippines twice on Pacquiao’s invitation and as a fixture in the rotation, is the only exception to the rule. As lightwelterweights, Cervantes and Rodela are supposed to withstand the impact of Pacquiao’s punches more than fighters of his division. Gonzalez is a legitimate superfeatherweight who has a Marquez-like counter-punching style. The sparmates will simulate Marquez’ moves and sharpen Pacquiao’s focus in his quest for a third championship. Cervantes and Gonzalez are as tall as Marquez. Rivera described Gonzalez as “ultra-quick (and) an excellent counter-puncher.” Gonzalez, 29, turned pro in 1996 and has compiled a 27-1 record, with 18 KOs. One of his victims was Filipino veteran Allan Visayas who was knocked out in Maywood, California, last April.  Cervantes is a stylish boxer-counter-puncher, noted Rivera. Cervantes, 22, hasn’t scored a knockout in a 9-0-1 record and is known to dazzle opponents with his quickness and boxing skills. Rivera said he anticipates a “hassle-free” training for Pacquiao. “Manny is upbeat,” said Rivera. “He will be amply rewarded in his rematch with Marquez as he gears up into a seamless eight-week rigorous grind. He’s got a fine complement of new sparring mates and possibly, a new gameplan to surprise a determined defending champ.” While Rivera said Marquez can’t be taken lightly, he predicted a rousing victory for the Filipino. “How can Marquez do better in the rematch when at his prime, he got stewed in the opening round like a sloshed sailor out on a shore pass from the Guadalajara piers?” continued Rivera. “Pacquiao, at 29, is at his peak. Marquez is slowly leaving his time of vigor. His flawed behavior against (Marco Antonio) Barrera and a drab performance against Rocky Juarez say it all.”

Hermie’s new baby

By Joaquin M. Henson Boxing kingmaker Hermie Rivera, known for masterminding the world championship careers of Luisito Espinosa and Morris East, has taken on the challenge of transforming veteran Fernando Montilla into a top-caliber fighter. For a ring nut like Rivera to give his undivided attention to Montilla says a lot about the 30-year-old half-Filipino, half-Indonesian slugger with a so-so record of 32-20-4, including 22 KOs (11 in the first three rounds). Rivera’s eyes brighten up when he talks about Montilla, just like they did during Espinosa’s heydey. He doesn’t fall in love with just any pug. There’s got to be something special in a boxer to catch his fancy. Before Espinosa and East, Rivera took care of Socrates Batoto who won the Philippine and OPBF flyweight titles but blew two bids for a world crown. That Rivera managed to secure two championship cracks for Batoto is a testament to his ability to create opportunities for his boys to shine. But why Montilla? Isn’t he over the hill and ready for pasture? “Don’t sell the kid short,” says Rivera, sounding like a master salesman. “He may be 30 but he’s still got what it takes to knock you out. I took him to (former world flyweight champion and now highly-touted trainer) Erbito (Salavarria) who sized him up in his gym over at San Francisco del Monte. Erbito agreed Montilla ain’t washed up.” What makes Montilla a diamond in the rough is his raw power. Rivera says Montilla reminds him of how his main man pulverizes his opponents. “Montilla’s like Manny when he connects,” continues Rivera, referring to boxing icon Manny Pacquiao whom he now assists as a trouble-shooting, all-purpose consultant. “They used to be sparring partners. They respect each other. Montilla learned a lot from Manny and that’s what I want to build on.” Rivera says Pacquiao doesn’t know what he has planned for Montilla. “But once he does, I’m sure Manny will be happy for Montilla,” he goes on. “Montilla deserves a break. He’s been a pro too long (since 1994). His life hasn’t taken off. He lives on the second floor of the L&M gym near the Central Market. It’s a hard existence especially since he has a one-year-old kid. All I want is to give Montilla one last chance to prove himself.” Rivera and Ricky Araullo are partnering to rebuild Montilla’s future. “We want to take Montilla to the US,” says Rivera. “I think he’ll do better against (WBC lightweight champion) David Diaz than Erik Morales did. I honestly believe Montilla can take out Diaz. I realize a fight like that can’t happen overnight since Montilla isn’t even world rated. But we’re ready to work on it. What I guarantee is Montilla will never back down from anyone. He’s a brawler. His fights are always exciting. If he goes up against a Mexican warrior, you can bet the fans will be on their feet from start to finish.” Rivera says Montilla, ranked No. 5 by the OPBF, could start his ascent by challenging OPBF champion Randy Suico. “That’s a heckuva match,” says Rivera. “I just don’t know if Joe (Koizumi) would risk Suico fighting Montilla.” Montilla, who once won 10 fights in a row, is a former Philippine lightweight champion and is coming off a disputed majority draw with Sataporn Singwancha in a WBC Asian Boxing Council lightwelterweight title bout in Thailand. Rivera claims Montilla was robbed blind of the decision. Two Thai judges saw it even while a third Thai judge scored it for Montilla. If experience is a measure of a fighter’s backbone, Montilla can’t be underestimated. He has fought WBA featherweight champion Chris John, former WBC superfeatherweight titleholder Yodsanan Sor Nanthachai twice and former WBC bantamweight ruler Sirimongkol Singmanasak. In 1998, he battered Australia’s Tony Wehbee black and blue only to lose a controversial split decision in Sydney. Montilla’s father Federico worked as a bulldozer driver in Ambon, Indonesia, where he was born. He never knew his Indonesian mother. When he was one year old, his father took him and an older sister Connie back to the Philippines. Montilla grew up in Davao and hasn’t seen his father or sister in years. For all intents and purposes, Montilla has been on his own – until Rivera came along. “I don’t consider Montilla a long shot,” says Rivera. “He’s a born fighter with knockout power. All he needs is a break and I’m sticking my neck out for him.” Montilla might just get the opportunity to be a late bloomer with Rivera in his corner.

Pacquiao picks David Diaz?Juan Marquez next.

By Hermie Rivera

Manny Pacquiao, the compulsive-punching terror of junior, lightweights is headed to an uncharted territory—moving up in weight to battle David Diaz for his WBC lightweight belt at Vegas’ Mandalay’s resort/casino. The still untitled 12 round championship match marks a dramatic turn for the Filipino ring idol as he intrudes into a new weight section since starting out as a light-flyweight. The beneficial assistance to Manny in his debut at 135 pounds will be known on March 15—the date his promoter Bob Arum chose for boxing devotees who are intrigued by Pacquiao’s move to drop Juan Manuel Marquez and the other Juan (Diaz) from the upcoming March blockbuster.   Earlier, one of the aspirants Joan Guzman of the Dominican republic was scratched from the Pacman “sweeps”.   Another discard is unbeaten Venezuelan Edwin Valero who has been unheard of since his sparring days with newly retired Marco Antonio Barrera.       It’s been six weight groupings that the GenSan bruiser has involved himself in, garnering two  alphabet titles, Ring magazine’s prestigious belt, fighter of the year accolade and pound for pound honors among others.   Other key details of the mega-bout entailing the highest prize-money for Manny and David will be known shortly.   The decision to gun for the lightweight diadem is in fulfillment of a special wish Manny has been coveting since his loss in politics— five world titles in 5 separate weight categories.  And then some which could be the loudest whispered meeting with the inimitable Oscar de la Hoya at 147 pounds.   The highly-fancied “Ides of March face-off” will net for the winner truckloads of current medium of exchange in various denomination.(Dwindling value of the U.S.dollar notwithstanding))   Not to mention the high drama and absolute ring mayhem the willing mixers are bringing to the dance.   To some buffs, Manny’s precipitate jump to David’s ringdom is unexpected knowing that he was serious to stay and sincere to play in his super-featherweight domain.   Why then is he lusting for Diaz’ scalp?   Simple. Manny creamed Erik Morales twice by knockouts while David escaped with a questionable points win over El Terrible in their August 4 clash for the title in Chicago.A nebulous decision even the Filipino smasher assailed when asked for his take on the closely fought title setto.   How Pacquiao will handle his hostile  konfrontasi with the Mexican action fighter so as  to allow him to get through unscathed will be in full display at a venue where he retired the other Mexican legend— Marco  Barrera.   For Diaz, it is important to keep his commitment as demanded by his governing  boxing body or else blame will be heaped on his handlers who were’nt good at getting him guys he can’t beat. 

Quo Vadis Pacquiao: the Compulsive Puncher

By Hermie Rivera    OK, Marco Antonio Barrera, stubbornly inflexible for 12 rounds gave Manny Pacquiao a  surprise when he lasted the distance before a roaring Las Vegas crowd at Mandalay’s resort/casino.     But the bigger surprise was Manny’s inventive switch from compulsive punching to bonny boxing — an ingenius game plan that frustrated Marco despite Pacquiao’s lack of committed ferocity in the well-applauded rematch.   Pacman’s previous knockout wins has left an impact on his fans who have come to expect it in all of his fights.   Asked why he deviated from his usual norm, Gensan’s slugger fired back rather quizically; “You don’t want your ass kicked by an old man do you?”   Fittingly, Pacquiao’s innovative conquest of Barrera closed the book on one of Mexico’s  legends — a masterstroke unlikely to be equalled by a Filipino in the next century or so.   John Whisler of the San Antonio Express earlier wrote that a Pacquiao victory  was  certain since the Philippines’ finest ringman is just “too young, too explosive and too dynamic.”.     HBO’s Jim Lampley was more emphatic: The Filipino boxing idol is just “too fast, too strong and too good.”     But Pacquiao’s latest coup has posed problems in his weight class.     Manny has dominated the jr. lightweight division thoroughly that a move to the lightweight rung looks imminent.     Categorized at times as super-featherweight, the 130 pound rating was created for fighters who find it too wide to bridge the gap between featherweight (126 lbs.) and lightweigh (135 lbs.).     Since tightening his grip on this weight innovation, the 28 year old phenomenon is being lured to move up for big money fights against WBC lightweight boss David Diaz or unbeaten Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz, an aggresive, hard-hitting Mexican who could pull in the crowd for a huge payday..       There is also an on-going scuffle among the other aspirants in both weight allocations to earn a bunchful of mint.   Now, who is likely to have the first crack at Pacquiao’s tower of fortune?   While Juan Manuel Marquez was almost stopped by the General Santos city rougher en route to a debatable draw, he remained unbeaten in his last six fights to include his (oops) pilferage of Marco Barrera’s crown at the MGM grand.   Deserving?   Not quite.   The knock on Marquez is that he’s unexciting. Whether this is an accurate reflection of his style or not will be known only if he gets picked as Pacquiao’s prime challenger..     Promoter Bob Arum has given Manny the authority to negotiate all that’s needed with his next archenemy.     Cool!     Magkano? (How much?)

Paquiao?s compulsive punching to do Barrera in

By Hermie Rivera

That’s Manny Pacquiao’s clear intent in crushing Marco Barrera’s October hunt for redemption at Vegas’ Mandalay Bay resort/casino. The Filipino idol is itching to repeat his 11th round knockout of the Mexican three-time champ who’s recklessness at the Alamodome in San Antonio almost ruined his livelihood. Makes one wonder why Barrera would want to risk it all again. But Barrera is one good fighter who is now doing it right.

The ring-savvy Guadalajaran has once more become attractive to promoters– 6 straight wins since his Texas collapse—minus the theft of his WBC jr.lightweight belt he defended against Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand. Less than four years since that debacle, Barrera aced all of his opponents to become a viable corrival of the Pinoy ring icon. Now,Marco is into a bold experiment—that of engaging the services of Edwin Valero, a Venezuelan lefty who has iced all of his 22 victims.( Pedicab drivers?) So far there’s been no hints of distraction that marred Marco’s preparations. Nothing vexed Manny’s camp either save for a minor ailment which was readily remedied. We will know soon if this imported sparmate can deliver for the ‘assassin’ who has been ranting he’ll smash the Pacman for avoiding him like the hated tax hound. Valero must help his new found padrino. Otherwise, Senor Barrera’s worst fear of getting kayoed one more time will happen. Marco’s toughness is a given. But his ability to extricate himself from a Pacquiao-orchestrated bind remains his chief headache as we move closer to the highly-awaited classic. OK, there’s a chance for the multi-titled Mex to pull an upset. But he has to negate Manny’s speed else a bad loss will mark the end of Barrera as a world-class fighter.. Not an easy task since Marco is up against a nasty mangler who nearly converted his boxing license into a sales document that permits him to sell pencils in his cozy Guadalajara. Fight fans generally want to watch action-sated smokers spiced by punches that twist a fighter’s face which their own Moms can’t recognize. No problem. In this bout, both combatants are capable of providing one-punch knockouts or the multi-blow variety. There will be more power punches thrown than those executed in their first encounter—making it a compelling theater steeped in high drama. No title is at stake this time as decreed by the promoters. The WBC has been imposing it’s International title belt to extract unjustified sanction fees from the involved fighters. One of the greatest perfidies since the sale of the Brooklyn bridge more than once by con artists in various eras.