Something To Hide Or Just Too Much???

Manny Pacquiao is refusing to give blood close to his proposed March 13 fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and now the super mega fight is in jeopardy of taking place. The Mayweather camp demanded Olympic style drug testing which includes random blood and urine samples leading up to the fight as well as one each after. Pacquiao, through his camp, said he will give a blood sample in January around the press conference and after the fight. He is refusing to give a sample closer to the actual fight. Of course this is throwing up red flags with all of the accusations that Pacquiao is taking performance enhancing drugs by Floyd Mayweather Sr and others. When the Olympic style testing was first demanded Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said he would not let his fighter draw blood close to the fight because it could affect him mentally. This comment from Roach drew some concern because that is a weird statement for a fighter that has nothing to hide. Bob Arum has stated that Pacquiao is scared of needles. Arum is trying to switch the issue back as saying that Mayweather is scared of Pacquiao which is why they are demanding these tests. Arum points that it is a smack in the Nevada State Commissions face because they have the best drug testing in all of athletics. However it has always been said that there are many things that are untraced in urine but often found in blood. For instance, Sugar Shane Mosley accidentally used performance enhanced materials but never failed a drug test. The Pacquiao camp argue that the blood test after the fight should suffice because if anything is in Pacquiao's system it would show after the fight.

The other new drama in this fight is the fact that Pacquiao wants $10 million for every pound over 147 that Mayweather may come in as. Mayweather has only fought above the welterweight limit once and that was his fight with Oscar De La Hoya. However, in Mayweather's return against Juan Manuel Marquez in September, the contracted weight was 144lbs and Mayweather came in at 146lb. Mayweather paid a $300,000 penalty per pound to Marquez for coming over. Citing this as a possible advantage and ploy, Pacquiao wants Mayweather to pay dearly if he does decide to come over 147lbs.

Stay tuned for this is not the last drama of this fight.

Around The Ring

Around the ring it is being reported that former foe Zab Judah could be a sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mayweather defeated Judah in April 2006 in a fight better known for the riot in the 10th round than the actual fight. Judah's fast hands and southpaw stance gave Mayweather problems for the first four rounds.

Around the ring it is being said that HBO will have a Boxing After Dark telecast March 6 featuring WBC Junior Welterweight Champion Devon Alexander taking on Marcos Maidaina. Also possibly Amir Khan on the card as well.

Around the ring word is Miguel Cotto may move up to Junior Middleweight to face newly crowned WBA Junior Middleweight Champion Yuri Foreman at Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Puerto Rican parade.

Around the ring it appears that the verbal agreement between Juan Manuel Marquez and Ricky Hatton is just that, verbal. Hatton cannot seem to make up his mind when he wants to fight and Marquez has an HBO date of May 1. Golden Boy Promotions on behalf of Marquez are seeking other opponents.

Kelly Pavlik Wins; Next Paul Williams???

Middleweight Champion Kelly Pavlik returned to the ring and stopped Miguel Espino in 5 rounds. The fight had plenty of action, but the power of Pavlik proved to be too much for the game Espino. Pavlik fought for just the second time in a very disappointing 2009 where he was bothered with a staph infection in his hand. The infection forced Pavlik to call off two different dates he had for a fight with Paul Williams. After the tough fight where he was able to knock off some ring rust, Pavlik said he wants to fight Williams first part of 2010. Bob Arum has echoed those thoughts by saying there is already a signed contract between Pavlik and Williams and if the terms remain the same with just a different date then the fight is a go.

And The Winner Of Mayweather-Pacquiao Is....

No surprise to those who are familiar with the business of boxing, but to those who are not here it is. The MGM Grand in Las Vegas will host the mega fight between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao on March 13, 2010. Although Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones put up a great offer, he could not beat out the ultimate total package that Las Vegas offers. The total package includes the accomodations, gambling, and best of all the tax rate. Sources say that the entire contract for the fight should be finalized before Christmas.

Pascal Out Nine Weeks After Surgery

WBC Light Heavyweight Champion Jean Pascal is on the deck for recovery for nine weeks after having arthoscopic surgery on his right shoulder. June 2010 is the target now for Pascal's next fight which could be against interim WBC Champion, Chad Dawson.

Haye Says Ruiz First Then Klitschko Brothers

WBA Heavyweight Champion David Haye says he has no agreement to face WBC Champion Vitali Klitschko and has no idea where that rumor came from. However Haye said once he has beaten John Ruiz in his mandatory defense, he is more than willing to sit down to negotiate a fight with Vitali Klitschko. Negotiations for a fight between Haye and either of the Klitschko brothers should be very interesting since Haye backed out of a fight with each of the brothers this year. Haye backed out of a fight with Wladimir in June and Vitali in September, which angered both of them. Haye then made the fight with Nikolai Valuev for the WBA Title which he won. With all the trash talking Haye did leading up to both of his fights with the Klitschko brothers then pulling out will present some obvious issues when it is time to negotiate.

Toney-Tarver Close To Crossroads Fight

James Toney and Antonio Tarver, two of the biggest trash talkers in boxing are close to agreeing to fight each other. After going back and forth about how no one would step up on Boxingtalk.com, they each accepted the others challenge. They are trying to figure out if they want to each take a tune-up fight to knock off ring rust or go straight into the fight against each other. For both fighters it is a crossroads fight. Both in the 40 club and there best years are behind them. However a good win for each could put them in the mix for another major shot at a championship. Should be interesting to see what weight the fight will take place at if and when they fight.

Golden Boy Promotions Sign Campbell and Mora

Former WBC Junior Middleweight Champion Sergio Mora and Former Unified Lightweight Champion Nate Campbell signed promotional contracts with Golden Boy Promotions. Mora was a free agent after leaving the Tournament of Contenders promotional company. Mora had been with them since becoming the winner of the first season of the reality show The Contender. Campbell had to go back and forth until he finally reached a buyout from Don King. Both Mora and Campbell are looking to get back in the ring in the next couple months and hopefully get back into title fights.

Wapakman

Wapakman, the new movie from Manny Pacquiao will open on Christmas day in the Phillipines. In this action/comedy, Pacquiao is a father who has superpowers and has to go against WWE wrestler Batista. Nicole Scherzinger is Pacquiao's leading lady in the film.

Roach Sees Mayweather Is A Real Challenge

Freddie Roach, the trainer for Manny Pacquiao, is predicting a tough fight for Pacquiao when he faces Floyd Mayweather Jr. Roach, who has predicted KOs and been pretty accurate in Pacquiao's last three fights, does not see a KO of Mayweather. He doesn't rule out a Pacquiao KO, but he sees it being a close 12 round decision victory for Pacquiao. Roach and Pacquiao are set to begin training right after the new year in the Phillipines until February when they will come to L.A. to finish off training before the fight.

Happy Birthday To Manny Pacquiao!!!!!!

#1Pound4Pound boxer Manny Pacquiao turned 31 today.

Green Machine Is Ready To Fight

IBO Cruiserweight Champion Danny Green, fresh off his first round KO of ring legend Roy Jones Jr., is aiming his interests at Bernard Hopkins. Hopkins and Jones were supposed to square off in a rematch in 2010 if Jones had beat Green. When Green shocked the world by KOing Jones, it destroyed the rematch. Hopkins is taking some interest in the fight in Australia because of the money. Jones was reported to have made over $4 million for his fight against Green. Green is so serious about getting a fight with Hopkins that he has hired American promoter Gary Shaw to help him land the fight. It should be very interesting how this turns out.

Klitschko Dominates Johnson

Vitali Klitschko dominated Kevin Johnson by 12 rd UD. Johnson appeared more focused on not getting KO'd than to win the fight. The only punch Johnson would throw is his jab which is not a KO punch. Klitschko applied pressure and walked Johnson down to the ropes but was never able to land the hard punches he usually does to get a KO.

Bradley Impressively Beats Peterson; Darchinyan KOs Rojas

Timothy Bradley came out to fight and prove he is no overnight champion. From the opening bell, Bradley came out aggressively and took the fight right to Lamont Peterson. For the most part Peterson was never really in the fight. He had his moments but Bradley was all over him. Peterson could not stop Bradley's right hand from landing over and over again. Bradley made quite the statement last night to show he is one of the best junior welterweights in the world. After this win, many options are out there for Bradley such as Victor Ortiz and Paulie Malignaggi who fought on HBO and won. For Peterson, he has to get back in line.

Vic Darchinyan came back with a great KO over Tomas Rojas after his loss earlier in the year. The fight was back and forth for close to two rounds before a left hand to Rojas chin dropped him for the count. Darchinyan is now focused on trying to get a rematch with Nonito Donaire, the only fighter to ever stop him in the ring.

Malignaggi Beats Diaz In Rematch

Paulie Malignaggi took full advantage of his rematch opportunity against Juan Diaz and won a unanimous decision. Diaz appeared to be sluggish in the bout, not pressuring like he does in most fights. He had his moments, but it was mainly an all Malignaggi show. Malignaggi, always trying to showoff, had Diaz hurt at one point of the fight and could have possibly put him down. However, Malignaggi showboated and let the moment pass. In the 10th round, Malignaggi was credited with a knockdown but Diaz was not hurt. All three scorecards were 116-111 for Malignaggi. Malignaggi says he would like to face Juan Manuel Marquez and then Ricky Hatton. Not sure if that will happen but he does have plenty of options as the 140lb division is full of great talent. For Diaz, he didn't speak after the fight with HBO, but he will probably go back to lightweight.

Victor Ortiz won a 7th Round TKO over Antonio Diaz. It was a good comeback fight for Ortiz after quitting in June. Ortiz showed poise and power as he dropped Diaz in round 3 and cut Diaz too. The bout was stopped by Diaz's corner due to the cut over his left eye. Ortiz has many options with one of them possibly being Paulie Malignaggi.

Hatton Wants To Fight Again

Ricky Hatton, who was KO'd in two rounds by Manny Pacquiao in his last outing, wants to fight again. Hatton said he did not like the way his last fight ended and could not retire off of that performance. Hatton said he would like to leave like Kosta Tzyzu did with an all out war. Rumors have been going around that Juan Manuel Marquez is the next opponent for Hatton if he fights again in 2010.

Jean Pascal Retains Title

Jean Pascal outpointed Adrian Diaconu in a rematch of their great fight to retain his WBC Light Heavyweight Title. Pascal fought bravely after injuring his right shoulder and basically had to fight with one arm the last two rounds. Now that Pascal has gotten through his rematch he may soon have a fight date with Chad Dawson who is the interim WBC Light Heavyweight Champion.

Glen Johnson-Yusaf Mack IBF Title Eliminator

Glen Johnson is getting another crack at trying to achieve World Title when he faces Yusaf Mack on January 30th in an IBF Light Heavyweight Title Eliminator. The fight will be on the undercard of the Sugar Shane Mosley-Andre Berto fight at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.

Diaz-Malignaggi Make Weight

Juan Diaz: 138.4lbs

Paulie Malignaggi: 138.6lbs

Bradley and Peterson Make Weight

Timothy Bradley: 138lbs

Lamont Peterson: 139lbs

(WBO Junior Welterweight Title)

DiBella drops Taylor | Fightnews - Boxing News Updated 24/7

DiBella drops Taylor Fightnews - Boxing News Updated 24/7: "Statement: Promoter Lou DiBella on Jermain Taylor
“I have just been informed though numerous press reports that Jermain Taylor has elected to continue his participation in The Super Six: World Boxing Classic tournament, and will face Andre Ward in April. It is with a heavy heart, but strong conviction, that I will recuse myself and DiBella Entertainment as Jermain’s promoter.
“Jermain’s career has been outstanding, and it has been a pleasure and honor to promote him. His victories against Bernard Hopkins remain the highlights of my career as a promoter. Jermain is not only a great fighter, but a good and decent man with a wonderful family. It is out of genuine concern for him and his family that I am compelled to make this decision.
“I informed him, as I do all my contracted fighters, that my goal was to help his secure financial stability for his family, maximize his potential, and leave our unforgiving sport with his health intact.
“It is my belief that the continuation of Jermain’s career as an active fighter places him at unnecessary risk. While he is undoubtedly capable of prevailing in future bouts, I cannot, in conscience, remain involved given my assessment of such risk.
“I wish Jermain all the best in his future endeavors. All of us at DiBella Entertainment hold Jermain close to our hearts and consider him and his family part of our family. We wish him Godspeed and continued health.” – Lou DiBella"

Lou Dibella Releases Jermain Taylor

Lou Dibella, long time promoter for Jeramin Taylor, has decided to release Taylor after hearing that Taylor is going to continue fighting. Dibella felt strongly that Taylor should retire but rumors have followed saying Taylor is not as financially set as most would think he should be. Could this be the reason Taylor is continuing to fight despite horrific KO losses???

March 13, But Where???

The biggest fight in boxing probably ever is scheduled for March 13, but where???? Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Manny Pacquiao are scheduled to battle for the #1Pound4Pound title but as of now no venue is official. The Staples Center in L.A. is out. The MGM Grand in Las Vegas and The new Dallas Cowboy Stadium in Texas are now the only venues in the running. Conventional thinking and logic say that the fight will happen in Las Vegas. First it is the boxing capital and second it has supported many Mayweather and Pacquiao fights over the years. I do not see Bob Arum and Richard Schaefer risking future fights for one big one. However if they do decide to go for the money by going to Dallas, this is the fight to take the risk.

Jermain Taylor is NOT Retiring Yet!!!!

Word on the block is former undisputed Middleweight Champion Jermain Taylor, who has been knocked out viciously in last 2 fights, is going to remain in the Super Six Tournament. Most people think this is a mistake and that Taylor is destined to get seriously hurt. Taylor is due to fight Andre Ward, who dominated Mikkel Kessler in his last outing. Should be interesting to see how Taylor can make it in his next fight.