Pacquiao vs De La Hoya update: Pacquiao answered the De La Hoya rumblings. Here's what he said during a TV interview, a few days before he flies to the Cotto vs Margarito fight in Las Vegas:

"I'm willing to fight De La Hoya," said Pacquiao, "it depends on how the negotiations go. If the price is right, why not? I'm willing to fight anybody."


Freddie Roach in an interview with Sports Chat said he would like Manny Pacquiao to fight Oscar De La Hoya before he retires. Bob Arum also in an interview with Sports Chat the following day said that he is working out a Pacquiao - De La Hoya deal.

"Freddie is the trainer and nobody selects an opponent without running it by Freddie," Arum said during an interview with ESPN Dan Rafael. "But for Freddie to come out with these statements is counterproductive because behind the scenes there have been talks with [Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard] Schaefer and myself about an Oscar-Pacquiao fight. So I didn't need this kind of grandstanding. The talks are serious. Richard doesn't fuck around. He's not jerking my chain."

Pacquiao vs De La Hoya: If the Price is Right

Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito fight is just a few days away. Manny Pacquiao and Kelly Pavlik will watch the fight from the ringside.

The Cotto vs Margarito Countdown is a thirty- minute special from HBO Pay-Per-View. This is a prelude to Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito fight that will air this upcoming weekend.

The Cotto vs Margarito Countdown mini-documentary is 30 minutes long, the format of which is reminiscent of the Countdown to Pacquiao - Marquez II which is also by HBO Sports.


This Cotto-Margarito pre-fight dubbed "COUNTDOWN TO COTTO MARGARITO" will feature both of the fighter profiles, analysis by the expert, as well as forecasts of the Cotto Margarito result on Saturday, July 26 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

This semi-documentary is a followup to the 30 seconds Cotto vs Margarito Promo HBO Video TV advertisement, featuring expert analysts. Regular HBO commentators Max Kellerman & Jim Lampley analyzed the upcoming Cotto vs Margarito Results on this airing. Boxing Journalist Dan Rafael of ESPN and Doug Fischer of Maxboxing also commented.

Cotto, of Puerto Rico (32-0, 26 KOs) is among boxing's top pound for pound and has never been defeated. Margarito, is from Tijuana, Mexico, sports a 36-5, 26 KOs record, and has been in many world title fights.

This is bound to be another classic installment in the HBO countdown series, this welterweight unification bout of Cotto vs Margarito fight will feature profiles, analysis and forecasts for the battle between two of the best welterweights in boxing.

Update #1: Cotto vs Margarito Fight Live Venues Pay Per View Tickets

Cotto vs Margarito HBO Countdown Part 1 of 3


Cotto vs Margarito HBO Countdown Part 2 of 3


Cotto vs Margarito HBO Countdown Part 3 of 3

Update #1: Cotto vs Margarito HBO Countdown Promo Watch Online

Update #2: Cotto vs Margarito Fight Live Venues Pay Per View Tickets

This transcript is a continuation of Manny Pacquiao vs De La Hoya - Bob Arum Transcript. Bob Arum mentioned before that by luck Pacquiao will go to Las Vegas to watch the Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito fight. Here's what Bob Arum has to say about the possibility of De La Hoya fighting either Pacquiao or Cotto:



Dennis Principe: Well, of course Mr. Arum, one thing that makes you busy this days is one of the biggest fight is set to happen next week. Miguel Cotto vs Antonio Margarito. Of course Miguel Cotto is touted as the next superstar of the sports. But many beleives that Margarito would be a tough fight for Miguel.

Bob Arum: It would be a real tough fight. I mean, it's almost you have two Gattis who has the energy of Manny Pacquiao fight each other. This fighters are gonna go, go for as long as on one of them drops. They have such stamina and ability. I mean, this is fierce some fight, you know how good a fight it is when each fighters calls the other guy a great fighter. I mean, it's so refreshing to hear Margarito did a conference call today and called Cotto a great fighter. Yesterday, on a conference call Cotto said Margarito is a great fighter. So you know in the ring, each is gonna bring their best.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: That's what you like about Pacquiao also. He's very, very respectful of his opponent.

Bob Arum: That's what he should do, I mean be a sportsman. You want people who give respect to their opponents. In the ring, do what they have to do with. Now, De La Hoya was always like that. He never disrespected his opponent. Manny is a great gentleman, so are Cotto and Margarito.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: Between the both of us. I don't think De La Hoya would like to fight Cotto.

Bob Arum: Well, I don't know, I can't read his mind. I really don't know. A lot will depend on how Cotto looks against Margarito. 'Cause Margarito he doesn't want to fight Margarito, 'cause he doesn't want to fight another Mexican. So I don't know but I think that there would be a good chance that Oscar would prefer the fight with Manny Pacquiao, I would agree with that.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: On Pacquiao and De La Hoya, if Mayweather Sr. gonna handle De La Hoya, and Roach handle Pacquiao, add another intriguing dimension to the fight. It's just Manny and Oscar

Bob Arum: Yes, it is, but Mayweather and Roach they were never met professionally as fighters.

Dennis Principe: How about the Promoters, I don't think there's a problem with you and Oscar, Mr. Arum?

Bob Arum: No. When the contracts are drawn out for the fight, and promoters have their signs printed, one promoter have to show up in the ring, you know, lose that animosity to maximize your revenue.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: Mr. Arum, obviously Freddie Roach said something which I think is little true that Oscar feels a little bitter about Manny Pacquiao because he signed up with you.

Bob Arum: That is not true. Oscar knows that.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: That's not true?

Bob Arum: No, no. Oscar is a businessman. And no, there's not truth to it, as far as mentioning the fight. It makes sense to make the fight in a good economic terms. That is not Oscar at all, trust me.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: As Freddie Roach said if anybody can get anything done that gentleman is Bob Arum. And I'm sure you can get it done.

Bob Arum: Well, let's see first. I haven't gone to the full options yet 'cause I have to talk to Manny. And I have the opporunity next week, meanwhile we have a rest period 'cause Richard Schaeffer who does business for Golden Boy will be leaving tonight for vacation and won't be back until the Cotto fight. So we have a little time to catch our breath, and talk to De La Hoya, before we get down to negotiating. 'Cause that's the way I'm being directed to go.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: You said yesterday, with the changes of lifestyle with Pacquiao, thousands upon thousands greeted him when he went to the provinces typhoon and gave away money and food near a Catholic church. Manny attend to the needy, you know it was a tremendous gesture on his part, the people responded to him in a big way. And some people said "even if I don't get anything from you, seeing you would be good enough.

Bob Arum: Yes, he's a real caring person, and he is certainly so in the Philippines. And remember he didn't started at the top, 'cause he started form a very humble beginning. He is a truly the man to beat.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: And you know, the thing about him Mr. Arum is that about 6 to 8 years ago, when he was just a young kid on a show that I did, and he told Juan Rosario and myself, I want to enter politics and public service because I want to help my people. And then, he said that a long, long time ago, long before he was a champion.

Bob Arum: Well, I think certainly that's one of his goals. Certainly that burns in his heart, and that is why he's the person and in a lot of ways that's the fighter that he is. Because he has a heart and bigger than his body. That makes a great fighter and a great person and future great politician.

Dennis Principe: Allright, and gentlemen, I would like to continue this show but we're running out of time, so before we end, Mr. Arum the Cotto Margarito fight would be shown here in the Philippines maybe you'd like to invite them to witness another great card not only for the Philippines, for the US, but for the rest of the whole world, actually.

Bob Arum: Yes. Absolutely. This card has spectacular cards and one of the fight in the card would be super bantamweight between Adam Carrera of California, who would fight the pride of the Philippines, another fantastic Filipino fighter coming up and coming to providence, Bernabe Concepcion. And Manny Pacquiao would be at ringside Saturday night, cheering on his countrymen, and as a matter of fact, the manager of Bernabe Concepcion and watching with interest the Cotto Margarito fight.

Dennis Principe: Allright, Mr. Ronnie, thank you very much too for your time.

Ronnie Nathanielsz: Thank you very much. It's always a pleasure to talk to Mr. Arum. First met him in 1975, met him in 1976 and he still the same.

Bob Arum: No, I wasn't born yet back then.

Dennis Principe: Thank you very much for your time Mr. Arum.

Bob Arum: Mabuhay.

Here's the third video of Manny Pacquiao Nike Training ads. The first Manny Pacquiao Nike Commercial Video is an introduction of Manny as an endorser of Nike. The second video of Manny Pacquiao Nike TV Commercial Multi-Athlete Ad is a collage of athletes: Kobe Bryant, Cristiano Ronaldo, Roger Federer, Maria Sharapova, Manny Pacquiao, and Xiang Liu.

Here's what Manny Pacquiao has to say:


Manny Pacquiao Nike Training - The Pacman Speaks


I was just 16 years old when I won my first professional fight. I was just 20 when I won my first world title. Needless to say, I came a long way from selling breads from the streets of Bukidnon Philippines.

I guess it's hunger that drove me. After I moved on from selling bread, I worked in construction during day while training at night. Four years later, the championship was mine. I thought I had made it. It took losing to realize that there was much more to be done.

I decide to strength train some more and gained about 15 pounds of muscle. However, it was important that I didn't lose any of my speed while doing it. So the sting of my punches stayed, while I add a little more power to the thumping. It worked. Asked my opponents.

Soon, I became a huge star in the Philippines, and it became impossible for me to train there. I decided to dedicate myself to my new trainer, Freddie Roach, and his gym in Los Angeles, away from distractions and able to concetrate soley on my gymwork.

In 2006, everybody named me the Fighter of the Year. I've won championship at different weight classes, and I've defeated every top stars that challenged me. Although heavyweights and middleweights are too big for me, I still want to be recognized as the best fighter in the world.

And it's all because I've learned that every win deserves a sacrifice.

The Manny Pacquiao Next Foe Sweepstakes is up for grabs. Boxing experts has already given their opinion, here's what the Pacquiao insiders has to say:

Edwin Valero

Bob Arum kickstarted the conversation when he said Valero is Pacquiao's next opponent during an interview right after the Pacquiao vs Diaz bout.

The media pick up on Bob's statement, speculating whether Valero is ready for Pacquiao's fists.

Coach Feddie Roach on the other hand reiterates his first choice for Manny Pacquiao's next opponent: Ricky Hatton.

But because Hatton would be unavailabe due to a scheduled fight with Paul Malignaggi, Roach would like to Manny to fight Valero.

Roach said he had told Arum about his opinion about Valero, who is a more attractive opponent that Soto, "who just lost."

Humberto Soto

But a problem with Valero's medical clearance and a question mark on his US marketability, prompted Arum to shift gear, Soto is next. Humberto Soto challenged Pacquiao right after the Diaz bout. The Pacquiao vs Soto tiff almost happened a year ago.

"It’s okay that I fight Soto, especially since he beat my brother Bobby," said Pacquiao.

"I will not make a decision until I talk with Manny," said Arum. "But right now we are looking at Soto and while people are saying that Manny should fight in big-money fights, Manny has to keep busy because we will be doing the Hatton fight next year. Soto is excited to fight Pacquiao and he will be ready and it’s going to be a tough fight for Pacquiao."

Nate Campbell

Meanwhile, Team Pacquiao dislike the Pacquiao vs Sotto proposal, prefering instead a Pacquiao vs Campbell unification match. Campbell himself is challenging Pacquiao. Bob Arum made an effort in the past to make the Campbell fight a reality, but it looks like the deal didn't materialize.

Ricky Hatton

Former WBC featherweight and superfeatherweight champion Marco Antonio Barrera on the other hand advices Manny Pacquiao should avoid fighting either Valero or Soto, and should instead concentrate on Ricky Hatton next year.

Manny okays Sotto Video

Manny Pacquiao has been the recipient of different accolades in the past. Yahoo! Sports has named him the Top 16 in the 25 Most Powerful Men in Boxing. Maxboxing listed him as Among the Ten Most Exciting Boxers in the World. Now you can add Pacquiao among the 10 Hardest Puncher in the World, here's what Fighthype has to say about his punching power:


Manny Pacquiao (47-3-2, 35 KOs) - Knockout ratio: 74.50%
"In physics, the formula for force is mass times acceleration and no other fighter embodies that quite like Manny Pacquiao. The diminutive fighter with the megawatt smile cuts through his opponents like a buzzsaw. The whirling dervish of flying leather also packs a punch in the form of a short straight left hand that has left some of boxing's greatest warriors on their backs. Possessing raw aggression and uncanny hand speed, it's understandable as to why fighters have found themselves swallowed up by Pacman's assaults."

Manny Pacquiao Knockout Compilation Video

In an interview by Boxing Confidential last May 2008, Campbell trainer said that Campbell himself disclosed to him that Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum has made a tentative offer of a $3 million purse so that the Filipino icon, who was at that time just hoping to capture David Diaz’s WBC crown, can unify all four major belts before year’s end.

"If he dominates Diaz, maybe we go to Nate Campbell for the unified title. I think that would be a huge fight. A unification is a bigger fight than Marquez,’’ Bob Arum said.

Nate Campbell, of course, accepted Bob Arum's offer. Nate's trainer said to him that he would be crazy not to take the offer. In response, Nate Campbell wrote a letter to Manny Pacquiao. He even wrote an article at maxboxing.com stating that he's willing to fight Casamayor just to fight Pacquiao.

But then something changed after Pacquiao beat David Diaz last June 28, 2008. Campbell’s co-promoters Don King and Terry Trekas were separately calling up Pacman promoter Bob Arum’s phone lines a few days after but both got only the deaf ear treatment from Bob Arum.

Bob Arum suddenly wanted to fight either Edwin Valero or Humberto Soto.

This has led critics and fans speculating whether Manny Pacquiao is being protected from Nate Campbell. Some even thinks that Campbell will outbox Pacquiao and beat him on points, that it may be an unwarranted risk for Arum, who would want more than anything else to protect his cash cow.

There have been even rumors that Campbell's promoter Don King raised his price after the Diaz fight, even dangling a possible Campbell-Guzman fight, and that Bob Arum didn't like Don King's counter-offer, deeming it too high. Bob Arum and Don King animosity after all goes back decades (the few bouts they co-promoted ended up in bitter war of words). Some even think Bob Arum announcing a Soto or Valero fight is a ploy to lower Campbell's asking price.

Bob Arum after Pacquiao vs Diaz Fight

Interviewer: What do you think of Pacquiao coming up and fighting David Diaz?

Nate Campbell: I can't wait, I hope... I can't wait. I just get happy just thinking about it. Sometimes, you know, I, I... my nipples just got hard. Really... my nipples, just got... I'm sorry... I'm overcomed with joy.


That interview took place a week before the Pacquiao-Diaz bout. Nate Campbell (WBA, WBO and IBF unified lightweight champion) during that time also wrote a letter to the winner, to fight him in a unification bout.

Last July 10, Nate Campbell reiterated his challenge, this time to the new WBC lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao, stating that they would skip Guzman, if Manny is interested in a history-making unification title fight.

"My nipples got hard, thinking about Pacquiao fight" - NATE

Exactly one year ago, when Humberto Soto beat Manny's younger brother Bobby Pacquiao, Manny stated that he wanted to avenge his brother's defeat:

"I couldn't explain what I was feeling...I felt pity for Bobby, I felt like crying," Manny said. "As of now, yes I want to fight Soto, I'm accepting his challenge to find out how strong he really is."

The Manny Pacquiao vs Humberto Soto contract nearly happened a few days after Bobby's defeat. The bout was supposed to happen at GM Place, Vancouver, Canada.

"As of now, yes I want to fight Soto," Manny Pacquiao said last June 2007. "I'm accepting his challenge to find out how strong he really is."

Manny Pacquiao vs Humberto Soto: One Year Later

But the bout didn't materialize. Instead, in the second half of 2007, Soto went to fight the likes of Joan Guzman, while Manny has a rematch with Marco Antonio Barera.

Fast forward one year later, Manny Pacquiao is on the top of the boxing world, while Soto was disqualified by a controversial decision by a referee.

Manny Pacquiao is supposed to fight Edwin Valero, but a problem with Edwin's medical clearance (he suffered a head injury from a motorcycle accident), and with potential challengers already booked for the rest of the year, Manny's promoter Bob Arum decided to revive the Pacquiao vs Soto potential.

Here is Humberto Soto predicting a 4th round KO win (he won by 7th round KO):

Humberto Soto predicted Knocking Out Bobby Pacquiao by 4th round


Humberto Soto vs Bobby Pacquiao 7th round

After the controversial disqualification by referee Joe Cortez, during a bout against Lorenzo for the interim WBC Jr. Lighteweight Championship title belt, Univision asked Humberto Soto about Manny Pacquiao. Soto said:

"Well, I think he's a great fighter, but he hasn't faced a fighter who can stand toe to toe with him like me."


Humberto Soto Challenging Manny Pacquiao Video

Interviewer: The next fight for you would be Paul Malignaggi, is that right?

Ricky Hatton: Paul Malignaggi, yeah. It's gonna be in November, just waiting for the date to be confirmed. Against, it's a chance to see fans over in America. Hopefully, I can win the World Title... the only fights that I'm interested right now is world title fights and then you know fighting the best pound for pound fighters in the world... Manny Pacquiao hopefully by summer.

Interviewer: Would you say that Manny Pacquiao is now the #1 Pound for Pound fighter in the world?

Ricky Hatton: Yeah, I would say so.


Ricky Hatton: Manny Pacquiao is #1 Pound for Pound

The contract is not yet signed, sealed, delivered for the Edwin Valero vs Manny Pacquiao bout. So this fight may or may not take place. However, Bob Arum is keen on pairing this two prizefighters. Critics and Fans are already speculating the Manny Pacquiao will beat Valero. Manny Pacquiao last year wanted Valero as his next opponent.


Edwin Valero Maybe Pacquiao's Next Opponent

Manny Pacquiao on Monday arrived to a warm welcome in his hometown General Santos City, as the city celebrated his victory. He went straight to a prepared motorcade and made the rounds in the city along with his relatives and local officials.

Pacquiao’s parents, Rosalio and Dionisia, joined the motorcade, as they clutched their son’s championship belts during the entire grand welcome for Gen. Santos City’s pride. Also accompanying the celebrated Pacquiao family aboard the motorcade was South Cotabato Rep. Darlene Antonino Custodio, who beat the Filipino boxer in the May 2004 mid-term elections.


Manny Pacquiao arrives at Hometown General Santos City

Pacquiao at the Araneta Center received the “Award for Sports Excellence" given by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

The University of the Philippines, which is celebrating its founding centenary, also bestowed to Pacquiao the UP Centennial jacket and cap.

Both sports recognitions were handed to Pacquiao just before the start of the highly anticipated La Salle-Ateneo UAAP basketball match.


Pacquiao given Award for Sports Excellence by UAAP

photo credit: sports news (left to right) adidas managing director Joey Singian, NBA star Gilbert Arenas, boxing icon Manny Pacquiao, US Ambassador Kristie Kenney, Senator Richard Gordon.

NBA star Gilbert Arenas hands over a Philippine team jacket to boxing icon Manny Pacquiao after they met during the Ateneo-La Salle encounter in the UAAP last Sunday. The Washington Wizards’ star guard left Tuesday after a four-day visit for the adidas Agent Zero Tour 2008 while the UAAP feted Pacquiao the league’s Sports Excellence Award.

NBA star Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards, who was at both the Eagles and Archers’ dugouts before the game. Arenas left during the second quarter. Pacquiao left at halftime receiving the Award for Sports Excellence by UAAP.

Update: Gilbert Arenas wrote his experience in his blog

For Gilbert Arenas videos in Manila visit Fan Club Agent Zero.

For Gilbert Arenas photos in Manila visit Sandro's Site.

Manny Pacquiao Meets Gilbert Arenas

Pacquiao first visited the AFP headquarters to personally receive from AFP Chief Gen. Alexander Yano a command plaque recognizing Pacquiao's extraordinary feat of winning in four weight divisions following a knockout victory over American boxer David Diaz last June 29.

During the said visit, Pacquiao also took the time to deliver a speech before some 2,000 officers and men of the AFP, thanking all military men who took part in the rescue and relief operations for the families affected by Typhoon “Frank."

Pacquiao Receives Plaque from Armed Forces of the Philippines

Sounds from the Corner from HBO is a short video that tries to capture the sounds and sights from the boxing arena.

In this particular video we hear from coach Freddie Roach and Buboy Fernandez, from Manny's corner and Jim Strickland from David Diaz corner.


Sounds in the Corner: David Diaz vs Manny Pacquiao

For those who doesn't have the time to watch the Pacquiao vs David Diaz 2008 Full Fight HBO PPV Video, here's a HBO PPV video summary of the bout.

It was an one-sided but eventful display of Pacquiao prowess when he met David Diaz, peppered with a brilliant Pacquiao display, concluding in a merciful knockout punch.


Manny Pacquiao vs David Diaz Highlights Video

From the Department of Environment and Natural Resources offices in Quezon City, where Pacquiao lunched the motorcade, he rolled down España and Quezon Avenue and on down Morayta, Nicanor Reyes Street, Recto, Lacson Street and Taft Avenue before through the Makati business district.

The 10-vehicle convoy took just an hour to reach Makati. From there, Pacquiao got off the float and jumped into his car as the convoy drove on to Pasig.

During the motorcade, Pacquiao cheerfully waved at people, hoisting his championship belts one at a time for them to see. The biggest crowd, in the hundreds, seemed to have gathered in Sampaloc, where people erupted into cheers.

There, motorists stopped, office workers took breaks from their work, and residents stepped out of their homes to applaud Pacquiao. Men shouted his name while teenage girls shrieked. Others applauded from office windows.

Manny Pacquiao Motorcade after Victory over David Diaz


Fans flocked Manny Pacquiao Motorcade

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo named this morning reigning World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao as the country's special envoy to the 2008 Beijing Olympics set next month in the Chinese capital.

The President made the announcement during the Filipino boxing icon’s courtesy call in Malacañang hours after he arrived in Manila early this morning from the United States.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that “Pacman” will carry the Philippine flag in the Beijing Olympics.

"It’s also an honor to carry the Philippine flag at the Olympics,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao Courtesy Call Philippines President at Macañang Palace