Recently in Manny Pacquiao Category

. Manny Pacquiao earned praise as the "greatest fighter that ever lived" after his sensational second round TKO win over Britain's Ricky Hatton. Video courtesy of Solar Sports.

Marjorie Gorospe INQUIRER.net What was it like watching Manny Pacquiao battle Ricky Hatton? I was not in Las Vegas to witness the fight. We watched it via a live feed at the Mag.net Cafe located at the Bonifacio High Street. Thanks to Nike Philippines we saw the bout minus the barrage of advertisements seen on free TV. Watching it via a live feed was like watching it live. Fellow Filipinos cheered with every punch Pacquiao landed on the Briton. As expected, some people booed when Hatton entered the ring. I felt that same tension and anxiety before the fight started. During the pre-fight, we managed to talk to a British fan. He declared, "If Manny gets close to Hatton, he'll be dead." But as it turned out, the fight was too short. Still, Pacquiao was able to unleash 73 punches (Hatton had 18 landed). As witnessed by millions of viewers worldwide, Hatton got knocked out eventually in the last 10 seconds of the second round. Later, we saw the British fan whom we talked to earlier. His tone was now different. We approached him again to ask for his reaction. He jokingly declared, "He's the best! Manny for president." For a few hours leading to the fight, the country was in a standstill. We almost forgot that just a few days ago, we've been hit hard by news of the swine flu, now aptly called A (H1N1). As we recalled the day that has passed--and the reaction of those who watched the fight via live feed, it was clear that no matter where you are--in Las Vegas or in a roomful of fans watching the fight via satellite or cable--we all reacted the same way when we saw Pacquiao land that strong left hook to the jaw of Hatton. In fact, I almost broke a plate while filming the reaction of the Pacquiao fans at Mag.net cafe.

It was a quick fight that stunned everyone. The fight ended early as Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao knocks out Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton twice in the first round, and later permanently in the second round. British fans were left stunned, including the parents of the Briton fighter who flew all the way from Manchester to watch the fight, when Hatton kisses the floor. We saw the fight at the Mag.net cafe in High Street in Fort Bonifacio, courtesy of Nike Philippines. A large screen was set up and everyone were seated in little, comfortable plastic chairs. Iced tea was served and some pasta. But since we were too excited to see the fight, we hurriedly finished our meal and got ready to watch and live blog the event. (Good thing there was wi-fi). The crowd started trickling in at around 10 a.m. Some people clapped as Pacquiao was introduced. But as the round began, every punch that landed on Hatton came with grunts from the crowd, followed by loud cheers. People stood and cheered, some for Hatton, mostly for Pacquiao. Then came the right hook that sent Hatton to the floor. He was wobbly. He was obviously stunned. Meanwhile, the crowd at Mag.net was getting louder. Everybody stood as the Briton fighter went down twice in the first round. Second round came. It was a short battle. Amid the flurry of punches, Pacquiao was able to sneak in a powerful left hook to the jaw of Hatton that floored him permanently. That was the end of the fight. The parents of Hatton were stunned. The Filipino crowd went ecstatic, including those watching from Mag.net in High Street.

UPDATE: Various reports posted on Pacland, a website dedicated to Manny Pacquiao, indicates that the fight is on. +++ By Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer MANILA, Philippines -- A day after promoters declared the fight has been called off after an impasse over the prize money, Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao has agreed to accept the offer to fight British superstar Ricky Hatton on May 2, a report on philboxing.com said. The report quoting Pacquiao's close friend and confidante Rex "Wakee" Salud said the Filipino idol was convinced when told that he would receive a $12 million guarantee and 52 percent of the pay-per-view shares. Eric Pineda, Pacquiao's business manager, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the "other camp has reached out to salvage the fight." Pineda, however, stopped short of confirming that the fight was back on track. "All I can say right now is that there are developments in the negotiations," he said in a telephone interview. Pacquiao had been insisting on a 60-40 deal, even though his promoter, Bob Arum, and Hatton's camp had agreed to an equal split. This did not sit well with Pacquiao, who did not sign the contract before the Wednesday deadline, prompting Arum and Golden Boy Promotions chief Richard Schaefer to announce that the super-fight between the world's top pound-for-pound fighter and the king of the 140-pound division had been called off.

By Agence France-Presse MANILA--A planned May 2 showdown between Britain's Ricky Hatton and Philippines star Manny Pacquiao has been called off after two of the sport's top draws failed to agree on how to split the purse. "Basically, the two camps could not agree on the purse," Pacquiao aide Jeng Gacal told reporters in Manila on Thursday of the reported 24-million-dollar kitty for what had been billed as one of the biggest fights in years. Pacquiao, the WBC lightweight champion considered the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, let a Wednesday night Hatton deadline lapse on the Briton's final offer of a 52-48 split in the Filipino's favour. "Manny did not sign it," Gacal added, confirming earlier reports the mega fight, scheduled to take place in Las Vegas, was off. Pacquiao, who had earlier demanded a 60 percent share of the prize, later lowered it to 55-45. He also made it clear he would even agree to a 52-48 split "for as long as the minimum guaranteed purse is raised," Gacal said. However, "the Hatton camp refused to give in", he said. Richard Schaefer, chief executive for Hatton backers Golden Boy Promotions, told ESPN and the Los Angeles Times on Wednesday that the bout was called off by Hatton after Pacquiao would not sign by the deadline. "The fight is off," Schaefer told ESPN. "We're pursuing our other options. That's it. The Hattons called me and asked again if we had a signed deal from Pacquiao and when I said we didn't, they said they won't sit around anymore." Bob Arum, who promotes Pacquiao, earlier said the Filipino hero wanted more money and a bigger split of the profits. "Manny decided not to sign. He was unhappy with the terms," Arum told ESPN. "The fight is off. The suits can posture but it's the fighters who have to go in the ring and fight. But I am not thrilled right now." The fighters were set to tour from next week to promote the fight. Now Hatton is scrambling to find another opponent to face on May 2. Hatton, 45-1 with 32 knockouts, hopes to fight Oscar de la Hoya, the winner of next month's fight between Juan Diaz and Juan Manuel Marquez or retired star Floyd Mayweather. Such a bout might even be staged at London's Wembley Stadium. A Mayweather-Hatton fight would be a rematch of the 2007 bout in which Mayweather stopped the Englishman in the 10th round at Las Vegas. Mayweather has not fought in the 13 months since and declared himself retired. Four-time world champion Pacquiao, 48-3 with two drawn and 36 knockouts, could still step in and save the fight by agreeing to the deal before another rival was signed, but that wasn't seen as a likely possibility. Arum said Pacquiao's next possible foes include Humberto Soto, but the payday would be far less than a fight with Hatton. Gacal, the Pacquiao aide, said that if no matchup materialises the Filipino star "will concentrate on getting a college degree." He said Pacquiao "deserved due respect" through a bigger share of the purse after the way he effectively sent boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya into retirement in a Las Vegas non-title bout last month. "Hatton does not have Pacquiao's status," Gacal added.

By Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—Manny Pacquiao on Saturday rejected a fresh proposal for a 52-48 revenue sharing with British superstar Ricky Hatton in their 140-lb battle in May. And the latest twist in the negotiations could open the door for Floyd Mayweather Jr., whose handlers, Pacquiao disclosed, have been communicating with his camp for a possible match that could lure the former pound-for-pound king out of his retirement. But Pacquiao isn’t about to give up on the Hatton fight just yet. “Kita mo, nagbago din sila (You see, they changed their minds),” Pacquiao said with a laugh as if to stress that he is still the draw in this planned super fight pitting the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter against the king of the junior welterweight division. “Hindi pa din kami magkasundo. Wala pa kaming final decision. Maybe may adjustment pa on their part. (We still haven’t agreed to anything yet. We haven’t made a final decision. There might be adjustments on their part).” He added: “Hindi tayo pwedeng magulangan ng mga dayuhan. (We can’t let these foreigners put one over us.)” Pacquiao, though, wore a sheepish smile when asked if he was amenable to a 55 percent share of the fight and pay-per-view revenues, an idea which was broached by his American trainer Freddie Roach. Pacquiao, who had demanded for a 60-40 sharing, said he is considering his trainer’s proposal during a press conference before the opening of the Smart-Abap National Amateur Boxing Championships here. Pacquiao said a final decision on the fight will be known as early as next week, though his business manager Eric Pineda, in a separate interview, claimed that the Filipino champion has set a deadline for the negotiations on the first week of February. “Maybe Monday, we will have a decision or within next week,” the 30-year-old Pacquiao said. The Hatton camp and Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum had agreed verbally to an equal sharing for the British Hitman and the Filipino idol late last month, after Pacquiao demolished American star Oscar De La Hoya.

By Cedelf P. Tupas Philippine Daily Inquirer As far as Manny Pacquiao is concerned, there is still no deal to fight British slugger Ricky Hatton. This was confirmed Friday by Pacquiao adviser Rex “Wakee” Salud, who said that the Filipino superstar isn’t fighting Hatton unless the revenue sharing tilts to his favor. “Manny’s stand is the same; he is not fighting unless the numbers move to his favor,” Salud told the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Pacquiao is demanding 60 percent of fight and pay-per-view purses, a sharing that does not sit well with the Hatton camp, which claimed that a verbal arrangement for a 50-50 split had already been made. Salud’s statement conflicted with that of Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum, who claimed Wednesday that the fight is back on track after Pacquiao was promised half of the PPV revenue in Britain, where Hatton has a huge following. In an interview with boxingconfidential.com’s Michael Marley, Arum said Pacquiao could earn more than the $10 million he got from shaming Oscar De La Hoya last month. “Manny just got 32 percent in the De La Hoya fight,” Arum was quoted as saying. Arum also said the MGM Grand Arena has been selected as the venue for the fight. Asked if Pacquiao would be amenable to a 55-45 deal, an idea broached by trainer Freddie Roach, Salud replied: “He might. But he is still thinking about it.” Pacquiao is expected in Bacolod City today to grace the opening of the Smart-ABAP National Amateur Boxing Championships.

By Izah Morales IT was not yet Friday but many have gathered at the Black Nazarene Church in Quiapo not to hear mass. They were there to catch a glimpse of the victorious Manny Pacquiao. At around 8:00 in the morning, the siren went off in Plaza Miranda as Pacquiao and his entourage arrived. The once solemn atmosphere in the Church was quickly filled with cheers as Pacquiao entered. People who were seated in the Church silently, stood up. Others even forgot they were inside the Church as they climbed on top of pews to have a better view of the boxing champion. The police took about 30 minutes to settle the rowdy crowd inside the Church. After priest gave his final blessings, Pacquiao was asked to give a message to the people. During his message, Pacquiao thanked the people and attributed his success to God. He talked about the criticisms he got from some sportswriters before his bout with Oscar de la Hoya. But he said he did not lose hope as he kept his faith in God. Pacquiao told the crowd, “Don’t tell God that [you] have a big problem. [B]ut tell your problem [that you] have a big God.” As he went out of the Church, people brought out their phone cameras and took photographs. They followed him until he got into his land cruiser. One man screamed, “Idol kita, Manny!” as if saying that Pacquiao has always been their champion.

(Video courtesy of Solar Sports) IT was a lopsided fight with Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao dominating every round. At the end of the eight round, Oscar "The Golden Boy" De La Hoya threw in the towel, and the fight was over. Pacquiao won via technical knockout over De La Hoya. Pacquiao proved to be the better fighter. His straight left proved an efficient weapon against De La Hoya who was unable to shake off Pacquiao. The Filipino fighter who was landing punches at will was just too fast for De La Hoya. You can read the round-per-round updates of the fight from here. +++ The following are notes from INQUIRER.net US Sales Director Esther Misa-Chavez who was in the US to witness the fight. Manny Pacquiao not only did himself proud Sunday (Saturday night in Las Vegas) but carried the country on his shoulders to victory. Thanking his kababayans, he spoke in Tagalog to extend his appreciation to everyone who has supported him. From post-fight press conference at the MGM Grand Media Room: A lot of experts had to eat crow tonight for doubting the mighty pound-for-pound king of the world. Of the three major fights he had this year, the victor spoke to the media right after the fight wearing a blue suit and necktie, looked every bit a CEO announcing his latest acquisition. And so he did with finesse.He showed very little bruising on his face, smiling as always and graciously acknowledged his opponent, De La Hoya, who was a no show for medical reasons. Manny Pacquiao's exhaustive training has paid off, the coveted dream was his. *** Pacquiao fans from all over the world came wearing his colors and unabashedly showed them off. Latino celebrities notwithstanding, from Mark Anthony, Jennifer Lopez, Eva Longoria, Mario Lopez, George Lopez and others who came to see the fight and cheer the " "Golden Boy" De La Hoya could not squash the fighting spirit of the man of the hour and his loyal supporters. This time, they were no match.

MANNY Pacquiao and Freddie Roach were swarmed by journalists for closer personal shots and interview right after the final media presentation of both fighters at the Hollywood Theater, inside the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. "The Dream Match: Dela Hoya vs. Pacquiao" is slated December 6 (morning of December 7 in the Philippines) at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Here are more pre-fight videos on the upcoming Pacquiao-Oscar De La Hoya fight. Three days before the Dream Match, oddsmakers still favor Oscar dela Hoya over Manny Pacquiao but Richard Stern, President and COO of MGM, Mirage Entertainment and Sports, says the difference between the two fighters is getting slimmer and that other factors might reveal themselves on fight night itself. Top Rank CEO Bob Arum presents Team Pacquiao to the media on December 3. Manny "The Pacman" Pacquiao is joined by, among others, trainer Freddie Roach, Wakee Salud and Luis "Chavit" Singson. Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao who is going up against Oscar "Golden Boy" dela Hoya in a match the world is anxiously anticipating, is clad in a dark suit and tie during a press briefing. Pacquiao says that the fight is "nothing personal," that he is "just doing his job," and will do his best to give the viewers a good show. We also asked our fellow Filipino fans about the upcoming fight, and guess who they favor ;-) You can find the latest stories, video, running account and updates from the The Pacquiao Files. Photo and video taken by INQUIRER.net US Sales Director Esther Misa-Chavez.