Khan Has Advantages But Overlooked Maidana Has The Power

By Norm Frauenheim - There is no advantage in hype, at least not at opening bell. Amir Khan has all of it. Marcos Maidana has none of it.

Maidana, an Argentine farm boy who can punch like a mule, is the son of a gaucho and about as anonymous as one in the hours before he faces Khan, whose good looks and versatile collection of agile skill have some anointing him as Manny Pacquiao’s heir apparent.

If this was a horse race, Maidana’s advertised chances Saturday night at Las Vegas Mandalay Bay would be about as good as a Clydesdale pulling a keg-filled wagon in six furlongs against Secretariat. It’s not. It is 12 rounds, thirty-six scheduled minutes and every second a chance for Maidana to unload a kick that damaged one prospect’s career with doubts that have yet to be eliminated.

Victor Ortiz still bristles at suggestions that he surrendered in June, 2009 to Maidana, who was more anonymous then than he is now. A few days ago during a conference call, Ortiz would not answer questions about whether he wants a rematch with Maidana. No answer needs no translation. Of course, he does. A complete rehab of his prospects can’t be complete without one.

For Khan, the good news is that Ortiz is there, on the Golden Boy-promoted and HBO-televised card against Lamont Peterson. Khan won’t have to look far to know what can happen if he lets the hype blind him to the imminent danger posed by Maidana.

Khan, a British silver medalist at the 2004 Olympics, is the latest Pied Piper for the UK media, which is about to stage its biggest invasion of Vegas since Ricky Hatton.

“A mini-England,’’ Khan said of beer, Union Jacks and more rounds of beer that he expects will transform Mandalay Bay into another colony for one night.

By the way, Hatton was a good example of what hype can do. Likable and entertaining, Hatton also was overrated, a fact proven first by Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and then Pacquiao in crushing stoppages. The guess here is that Khan, the British-born son of Pakistani immigrants, has more physical skills than Hatton and is smarter than Naseem Hamed. In boxing terms, Khan has the skill and instinct to be the UK’s best since heavyweight champ Lennox Lewis.

But Maidana stands in the way. For fans and often media with a short memory, the Argentine’s chances at an upset have been ignored, mostly because of a lousy performance against DeMarcus Corley, who hurt him with an uppercut.

But that performance was a lesson, says Maidaina trainer Miguel Diaz, a fellow Argentine with as much horse sense as anybody in any corner. The Argentina connection is coincidence perhaps, yet impossible to ignore. Khan’s quickness, precise jab and budding relationship with Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach are considered insurmountable.

Khan can just do more things. If that sounds familiar, think back to Atlantic City a few weeks ago. Paul Williams was feared, had speed, energy and all of the hype against Sergio Martinez, another Argentine. But with one big punch, Martinez made himself a contender for Fighter of the Year with a stunning second-round stoppage. Sometimes, upsets come in bunches.

If there is a weakness in Khan, it is his vulnerability to the big punch, which Maidana possesses two-fold, right and left. Breidis Prescott exposed that vulnerability in 2008 with a KO within a minute of opening bell. Sparring with Pacquiao and listening to Roach are the double-edged lesson in the plan to resurrect Khan and transform him into the fighter who was the talk of the 2004 Games in Athens.

Until opening bell Saturday night, however, the only sure thing is that the hype is back. The guess in this corner is that Maidana is too. That might not be enough against a fully-restored Khan. But for everybody talking about Khan as the next Pacquaio, or against Pacquiao or against Mayweather, beware.

Beware of Maidana.

Source: 15rounds.com

Amir Khan Looking To Make A Statement In Las Vegas Debut

By Brett Okamoto - British boxer Amir Khan says he’s always dreamed of seeing his name featured in the lights on the Las Vegas Strip.

Should he do well in his Vegas debut this weekend, the city often referred to as the boxing capital of the world will certainly invite him back.

Khan (23-1, 17 KO) is looking to make a statement Saturday when he takes on Marcos Maidana (29-1, 27 KO) for the WBA junior welterweight title at the Mandalay Bay Events Center.

Already a big draw in the United Kingdom, the 24-year-old Khan brought his talent overseas for the first time earlier this year in a TKO win over Paulie Malignaggi at Madison Square Garden in New York.

He’ll looks to leave an impression on Las Vegas next and continue building his status among American fans.

“My dream is to become a global star, not only a star in Britain,” Khan said. “To do that, I have to fight the best in America.

“I’ve come here at a young age. Not that many fighters have the balls to come here at this age and do what I’m doing. I could make more money fighting at home. I choose to fight here and prove to the world that I want to win everything.”

A win over Maidana won’t turn Khan into a household name in the U.S., but according to his trainer, Freddie Roach, it’s a matchup that offers other incentives.

In addition to likely putting Khan in line with a big-name fighter down the road, a good performance Saturday against a knockout artist like Maidana should silence critics who have said he has no chin.

“I think Maidana is well known in the boxing world but not to the general public,” Roach said. “We need an opponent who is more popular with the fans.

“But we win this and everyone saying, ‘This guy has no chin’ will go away. And the winner of this fight will get another big name in the division.”

The bout is being promoted as a clash of styles. Khan, who has been compared to pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in terms of speed, will be the technically sound fighter with the intelligent game plan. Maidana, the knockout artist, will play the role brawler.

It’s a sound prediction of how the two will approach the fight. But Khan says he takes an issue with anyone downplaying his punching power.

Like his sparring partner and friend Pacquiao, Khan says he’ll demonstrate his skill but actively look to hurt Maidana as well.

“When this fight was put together, there were a lot of people talking about how it’s a boxer versus a fighter,” Khan said. “I think Marcos Maidana’s record says it all — 27 knockouts of 29 opponents.

“But I really think in this fight I’ll be coming in a puncher. People are taking away from my power and saying that Maidana is the bigger puncher. It’s something I’ve been training.”

Although just 24, Khan has been fighting professionally for six years now and British media especially have noted changes in his demeanor and appreciation for the business side of boxing.

Khan agrees he’s grown a lot in the past years but says the inner drive he started his career with is still very much with him.

And according to some, the opportunity for Khan to be considered among the sport’s best could be just one fight away.

“I think you’ll start hearing the name of Saturday’s winner along with the elite fighters, like the Mayweathers and the Pacquiaos,” said Kerry Davis, senior vice president of sports programming for HBO.

“And he’ll deserve it.”

Source: lasvegassun.com

Alex Ariza Tells Juan Manuel Marquez To Man Up

By Erickson Beco - Juan Manuel Marquez probably irked lots of boxing aficionados around the world after pulling off the “Marquez Beat Pacquiao Twice” trick after beating Michael Katisidis two weeks ago.

Count Alex Ariza among those who raised their eyebrows on Marquez that night.

Ariza, Manny Pacquiao’s strength and conditioning coach who has been credited for devising an amazing dietary and nutrition plan for the eight-division champion, has vocally admitted that he wants to see a third fight between his fighter and Marquez rather than bore himself with Pacquiao facing the aging Shane Mosley.

However, such event looks like a bleak possibility as of the moment as Marquez has been reportedly asking for a hefty sum to fight Pacquiao for the third time.

“Marquez needs to decide if he’s going to stop talking out of his mouth and out of his ass. He comes out and says ‘I beat Manny, I’ll fight Manny, I’ll fight Manny at 147.’ But when he talks out of his ass, he says ‘I’ll fight him for $ million.’ Do you see what I’m saying?”Ariza said, as quoted by Rick Reeno on Boxing Scene.

Marquez first fought the then-rising Pacquiao to a controversial draw on May 2004 to retain his WBA and IBF featherweight titles, before losing in their second faceoff five years later on March 2008 via another controversial split decision. With that, he has been down 0-2 in his head-to-head matchup with the boxer acknowledged as the sport’s top pound-for-pound fighter.

“Man up. Take whatever they are offering you and then kill him like you say you can, like you say you can beat him, and then go and get that big payday that you want,” Ariza continued.

“You know that you’re the king of the mountain after you beat Manny.”

With talks about Pacquiao’s next fight penned on April 16 next year at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ariza sees no need for his fighter to take on Mosley and instead, should train his eyes on a third dance with Marquez — the Mexican counter-puncher who was the only one who ever came close to dealing Pacquiao his fourth career loss.

“Everybody knows I like Marquez,” says Ariza as quoted by Mark Vester in a previous write-up. “He’ll (Mosley) be tired after 15 minutes so what’s the point of that fight? Manny knocks him out and probably, Manny won’t even train for that fight.”

After witnessing Mosley “give up” against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. during their lopsided fight last May, which Mayweather eventually won by a unanimous decision, Ariza has been convinced that Pacquiao will easily dispose Mosley if ever they meet together on top of the ring.

“That guy is a quitter. He quit against Mayweather in three rounds.”

Mosley was at ringside when Pacquiao brutally demolished Antonio Margarito in 12 rounds last November 14 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas where he won his record eighth title in as many divisions.

“What do you think [Mosley is] gonna do when Manny starts to let loose his hands five or 15 seconds after the bell rings?” Ariza asked. “[I like Marquez] because he’s got balls. He’s got heart and he’s stupid enough to think he can beat Manny. So that’s a great fight.”

Ariza isn’t convinced at all with what Mosley can bring to the table against Pacquiao, despite a brilliant boxing career that had him earn belts from one division to another and triumph over big name fighters which cemented his legacy as one of boxing’s finest

But against Pacquiao, Ariza sees nothing but a brutal rout.

“I don’t expect anything less [than a Margarito-like blowout],” Ariza reveals in a separate interview with Reeno.

“If you have problems with a guy who throws 20 punches per round (Mayweather), what are you going to do with a guy who throws 120 punches per round? It’s really academic,” Ariza asserts.

Source: mb.com.ph

Manny Pacquiao A No Khan Do

By Kevin Francis - AMIR KHAN will never fight Manny Pacquiao – the one man preventing him being the world’s best pound-for-pound boxer.

Khan makes the latest defence of his WBA world light-welterweight title here against tough Argentine Marcos Maidana, 27, in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Victory will increase the clamour for Khan to face the only man to win world titles at eight different weights.

But Khan said of the man who currently holds the WBC super-welterweight title and WBO ­welterweight championship: “No way – I will never fight him.” This is not just a case of avoiding an opponent – they share the same trainer in Freddie Roach.

Khan, who celebrates his 24th birthday tomorrow, added: “Sparring in our gym is one thing, but we will never fight each other. You have to think of our trainer Freddie.”

The fight forms part of a TV bonanza which sees Dereck Chisora take on Wladimir Klitschko for the world heavyweight title in Germany – plus James DeGale facing Paul Smith from Liverpool.

And Khan wants to help restore Britain’s tarnished boxing pride after the farcical match between David Haye and Audley Harrison.

He said: “Everyone should be fighting to restore the pride in British boxing. It’s going to be an exciting night and a long night.

“The fights come from all around the world – England, then Germany with Chisora – and me finishing off the night from Las Vegas.”

Source: dailystar.co.uk

Nonito Donaire vs. Vic Darchinyan II Has To Happen

Danny Flexen says there are many obstacles but the juice will be worth the squeeze. “I’M telling you!” I couldn’t see Vic Darchinyan – we were talking on the telephone – but as the Aussie-Armenian strongly emphasised the painful nature of the beating he would administer to former conqueror Nonito Donaire should they meet again, I could visualise the little puncher wagging his finger vigourously and pacing around his Sydney abode.

Darchinyan’s hatred for Donaire – more evidence of which can be found in a four-page feature in the current Boxing News – is so palpable and his conviction regarding the outcome of any rematch so assured, the listener is almost compelled to agree with him unequivocally.

Almost. But while Vic insists he lost only because of his own mistakes, Donaire is quietly flourishing in the background. Since his fifth-round stoppage of Darchinyan in 2007, Donaire has not stopping winning, mainly by knockout or stoppage and Saturday’s three-knockdown triumph over Volodymir Sydorenko added a brutal exclamation point to a superb run of form.

Sydorenko was a long-time WBA bantamweight champion before losing that crown to Anselmo Moreno along with their return – both close fights – in his only two defeats. During his impressive reign, the Ukranian had beaten a Frenchman in Marseille and a Japanese in Osaka. He had never been stopped, was coming off a decent win and has a wealth of experience at bantam. It looked a tough fight for Donaire who fought at flyweight as recently as eight months ago. Darchinyan hinted at an upset.

Donaire punished Sydorenko, the Eastern European’s forward march taking him directly into the firing line of the Filipino’s rangy, whizzing blows. Volodomir was dropped in the first, third and fourth but such was Donaire’s effortless dominance, he could seemingly have finished matters anytime after the opener.

Despite a stand-out performance, given more prominence by its elevation on the Anaheim card when main eventer Julio Cesar Chavez Jnr withdrew from the bill, Donaire’s long-awaited – not least by his big rival – rematch with Darchinyan will have to wait. The second most popular Filipino boxer – a bit like being the Swiss No. 2 at tennis – meets WBC and WBO bantam king Fernando Montiel in a big fight for the lighter weight classes on February 19. Montiel’s stoppage win over Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan may look even better given the latter’s recent world title victory at featherweight, or you could glean that the victim had been struggling at the lower poundage. Either way, powerful but wild Mexican Montiel had been losing the contest before finding a big right hand in the fourth. Montiel is dangerous but his swarming pressure, replete with wide hooks, looks tailor-made for the rangier, speedy Donaire.

Darchinyan has his next two fights sewn up. This Saturday he gets unbeaten Abner Mares in the semi-final of Showtime’s four-man bantam tournament that Bob Arum prevented Donaire and Montiel from competing in. That said the tourney winner will almost certainly meet the February victor in the summer. That could be the most celebrated fight involving smaller guys since Israel Vazquez-Rafael Marquez III.

After their first fight, surprisingly it was loser Darchinyan, not Donaire, who progressed to higher-profile opportunities. The brash character with a big punch found himself in demand and bulldozed his way to the three main belts at super-fly. A narrow defeat to Joseph Agbeko – who, along with Yonnhy Perez completes the tournament line-up – has not taken the sheen off those achievements.

Negotiations for a Donaire reunion fell through amid acrimony earlier this year with both sides blaming the other. Donaire who after all won the first fight and thus has little to prove appears ambivalent over the prospect of a return. But until recently he has probably needed Darchinyan more – from a financial perspective – than vice versa. Emotionally, there is no contest; if Vic doesn’t obtain the rematch before the end of his career, he may become a very bitter retiree.

With his superb and destructive performances, plus the emergence of another exciting rival in Montiel, Donaire has become warm, if not quite hot property. If he beats the Mexican and Darchinyan wins the tournament – ideally avenging his defeat to Agbeko in the final – the pair will need each other equally and public demand for a return will hit its peak. Donaire, recognising Darchinyan’s improved form, must be inclined to attempt to shut his rival’s mouth.

There are many obstacles blocking the path to a rematch but if surmounted these will only add to the ultimate satisfaction when the bout comes together. I really hope it happens, in part for Darchinyan’s peace of mind, but most of all for boxing. It needs to happen. I’m telling you! Until next time...

Source: boxingnewsonline.net

Is Manny Pacquiao The Greatest Of All-Time

By Rich Thomas - Pacquiao Isn't the Greatest Yet; But He Could Be: With Floyd Mayweather mired in legal troubles of his own making, the man he ducked has gone on from victory to victory. Putting Mayweather behind him as best he could, Manny Pacquiao has conquered the welterweight division in defeating Miguel Cotto, Joshua Clottey and Antonio Margarito. While Pacman hasn't beaten Andre Berto or Shane Mosley, he would be the clear favorite in a clash with either man.That Manny Pacquiao has now eclipsed Mayweather as boxing's biggest star and its pound-for-pound king is beyond question.

That success has raised the question of Pacquiao's legacy: could he be the greatest fighter of all-time? Of course, in the minds of his legion of his rabid Filipino fans, Manny Pacquiao already is the greatest fighter of all-time. Leaving aside the emotions of Pacman's countrymen, however, he certainly has a strong claim to being ranked among the all-time greats. Manny Pacquiao is the only man to have ever won world titles in eight separate weight classes, and he didn't do that by fighting cream-puffs. Pacquiao has defeated tough, world class fighters from 112 lbs to 150 lbs. In addition to that laurel, he is also the only man to have held the lineal championships ("the man who beat the man") in four weight classes. In an era of dubious championship belts and ridiculous title politics, those lineal championships count for a lot.

However, does all of that add up to being the greatest of all-time? In evaluating that claim, it is useful to look at the two men who have heretofore taken turns heading up the list of the all-time greats: Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali. Robinson was the dominant figure of the welterweight and middleweight divisions for 20 years, and at a time when the sport had only eight weight classes and one world championship. To put that into perspective, if Robinson were active today the man would have claimed championships in at least six weight classes and maybe more. Ali ruled the heavyweight division for two generations, the latter of which represented the heavyweight Golden Age and the most talent-deep period in the history of the big men.

Three factors contributed substantially to the greatness of Ali and Robinson: they fought everyone worth fighting; both dominated their eras; and the two fighters showed a rare longevity. So far, so good for Pacquiao. He won his first world title 12 years ago and should have at least three or four good years remaining in his career. If things go well, Manny Pacquiao will enjoy a run as an elite fighter for roughly the same length of time as Ali and Robinson. His quality of opposition is outstanding, so check that box off too.

Where Pacman stumbles is in the dominance factor. Manny Pacquiao has almost been the dominant top dog in his various weight classes throughout his career. One man has a good claim to having tied Pacquiao for that distinction at 126 and 130 lbs, and that man is Juan Manuel Marquez. "El Dinamita" and Pacman have an official record of 0-1-1, but plenty of journalists, experts and fight fans dispute those verdicts. The bottom line is that even Pacman won both fights, he cannot claim to have scored clean wins over Juan Manuel Marquez, and that plain fact places him a full step behind Muhammad Ali and Sugar Ray Robinson.

What made Ali and Robinson dominant fighters is that they were deadly rematch opponents. Ali lost to Joe Frazier in the first bout, but returned to defeat Smokin' Joe easily in the rematch and triumph in the Thrilla in Manila. Ditto for Ken Norton and even the late career bouts with Leon Spinks. Robinson lost a few, but the only unavenged loss in his prime was the infamous "hot lights" fight with Joey Maxim for the Light Heavyweight Title. Even after that fight diminished his health, Robinson kept going and remained a deadly rematch fighter for a few more years. For Manny Pacquiao to have lived up to the standards of these two top all-time greats, he would have needed to score a decisive, clean victory over Juan Manuel Marquez in the rematch. He did not.

For Manny Pacquiao to earn a place contending with Sugar Ray Robinson and Muhammad Ali for the top spot, he needs to do one of two things: either beat Marquez decisively while Marquez is still a top fighter or build his accomplishments up high enough to overshadow that sole blemish. The window to do the former is closing rapidly. Marquez still looks good, but he is six years older than Pacquiao and won't last much longer. If the rubber match is to mean anything, it needs to happen soon. Pacquiao's reputation will not be enhanced if the rubber match with Marquez happens only after Marquez's prowess starts to fade.

The other route is to keep going in Pacman's current direction and capture a title in a ninth weight class. That road runs through the middleweight division and Sergio Martinez. If Pacman can do that, he really will have driven the last nail into the coffin of Floyd Mayweather's reputation (unless, of course, Pretty Boy can duplicate the feat) and established a record that will likely withstand the test of time. After all, while there are no seven-division champions* other than Pacquiao, boxing does have a handful of six-division champions. The idea that no one else will ever enter the seven- or eight-division title-holding class in the future is ludicrous, but nine divisions? That is most unlikely, and a record that can withstand the test of time is all-time greatest material.

The answer to whether Manny Pacquiao is already the greatest fighter in the history of the sport is "no." Pacman has not done enough to rival the achievements of Ali or Robinson, although he is close. If he should either win a meaningful rubber match over Juan Manuel Marquez or capture the 160 lbs title from a real champion, Pacquiao will have joined the hallowed pair, making the greatest of all-time duo a trio. However, the real kicker is what if Manny Pacquiao actually manages to do both? If he should do that, the hurricane from the Philippines might very well come to be widely considered the greatest boxer of all-time.

Disclaimer: Hector Camacho has a dubious claim to being a seven-division champion, based on holding three widely recognized championships and four fringe championships.

Source: proboxing-fans.com

Freddie Roach To Carry On Working With Amir Khan

By ESPN Staff - Amir Khan has revealed trainer Freddie Roach will shun retirement to continue working with him.

Roach, who suffers from Parkinson's disease, had initially intended to retire when Manny Pacquiao decided to hang up his gloves, but now he intends to keep going to help Khan in his bid to unify the light-welterweight division.

Khan defends his WBA belt against Marcos Maidana in Las Vegas on Saturday, and Khan admitted Roach's decision was a huge boost.

"Manny has won all his world titles with Freddie and Freddie had said he would quit when Pac-Man retired," Khan said in The Sun. "But he's told me wants to carry on because he enjoys working with me so much.

"For him to say that to me shows he must have a lot of confidence in me. It gave me a big lift and Freddie has told me that he believes in me like he believes in Manny. I'm sure he could call it a day whenever he wanted and he has achieved so much in his career and produced so many champions."

Khan also reiterated his desire to fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr, and vowed to triumph where his friend Ricky Hatton failed.

"I'm in boxing to fight the very best out there and that means Floyd right now for me," he said. "Ricky went to Vegas and met the best to try and prove that he was the best and I will continue where Ricky failed - it's why we fight. Manny knows that Floyd will never fight him and it could be me that gets in the ring with Floyd - that is a real fight."

Source: espn.co.uk

Michael Koncz Never Expected Manny Pacquiao's Huge Success

By Chris Robinson - As is the case with any worthwhile boxing show, you were sure to find your share of boxing luminaries at the In Harm’s Way event last night in Anaheim, California. The card was highlighted by Nonito Donaire’s destruction over former bantamweight champion Wladimir Sidorenko and Humberto Soto’s successful defense of his WBC lightweight crown as he pulled out a decision over Urbano Antillon in one of the year’s best fights.

Shortly into the post fight press conference I spotted Michael Koncz, advisor to the world’s premier fighter Manny Pacquiao, as he was walking through the halls of the Honda Center in an effort to get some coffee after another taxing day at work. The latest rumor regarding Pacquiao is that of his apparent April 16th date at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas with Shane Mosley being the suitor.

Many are reporting that the fight is all but done yet Koncz was quick to point out that nothing is final as of yet.

“First of all I haven’t’ discussed it with Manny in depth,” Koncz opened up. “When I spoke to him last week on the phone he indicated we would talk about it and decide when I got there. Mosley is one of the recommendations to him but until he gives a final go nothing is for sure.”

Pacquiao will be turning 32 years old in less than a few weeks’ time and is now balancing his role as a Congressman in the province of Sarangani along with his duties as a prizefighter. There have been whispers that the edge he used to carry as a fighter has slightly dulled yet Koncz insists the spirit is still there.

“Absolutely,” Koncz claimed when asked if Pacquiao still has the desire to fight. “It’s evident from his training. Manny is still having fun. When he gets up in the morning there is no complaints about jogging. In the gym he’s having fun and he’s still enjoying it. You can see that in his personality and in training camp in the gym and in the ring. So as long as he’s enjoying it and it doesn’t feel like it’s work he’s going to keep boxing.”

Koncz met Pacquiao over eight years ago and claims that he has found a way to stick around by simply showing his loyalty to the eight-division world champion. Koncz, like many associated with the General Santos City fighter, has seen his name often thrust into the spotlight and while he hasn’t always been portrayed as the most affable of individuals he has a laid back demeanor about himself that can be appreciated.

As our brief conversation came to a close I asked Koncz whether or not he expected such a crazy amount of success and fame to come from Pacquiao’s achievements, especially over the past few years. Pacquiao has always seemed to be a hero to those in his country but his status went to a whole new level after he beat Oscar De La Hoya two years ago and then continued preying on seemingly larger and stronger opponents.

Giving his take, the Canadian was candid in his delivery.

“No. We’ve talked about that. We never dreamt that he would become one of the most popular fighters in the world. And not only is he popular as a fighter, he has became to rock star status where he is recognized even when we aren’t in boxing circles.”

Source: examiner.com