V8: Mayweather, Pacquiao, Roach, Mayweather Snr., and more

Mayweather Sr. Says Pacquiao Has The 'Juice'

According to reports, Floyd Mayweather Snr. recently spoke of what he calls a "possibility" that Manny Pacquiao is taking steroids. The comment was made to David Mayo of the Grand Rapids Press. Mayweather's inclination comes as a result of noticing a trend of the Filipino fighter "twitching" more now than he ever has. Those looking to play devils advocate here have also pointed back to the fact that another prominent Freddie Roach fighter recently was caught using steroids - (James 'Lights Out' Toney). Roach is convinced that the only thing his charge is guilty of taking is "rice", and Pacquiao's statement on the issue is that it is a non-issue, for the simple fact that he "doesn't even know what that stuff is". Mayweather Snr. went on to say that he "thinks EVERY fighter should be tested more thoroughly", and that he "truly believes that Roach and company are pushing Pacquiao too much" in this pursuit for history and greatness. A loss to Cotto and that portion of his statement may be realized as a truth, but despite the muscular frame and the fact that Pacquiao has carried power up in weight like few others have been able to, I think we can all lay that type of speculation to rest. There is no greater impact to a fighter than a question of his credibility. Pacquiao and Roach have been very honorable and credible sources to this point. I'm not quite sure that I see this pursuit of happiness changing that.

Floyd Mayweather jr.: Mo' Money, Mo' Problems?

Fighter Floyd Mayweather returns to the ring this Saturday for the first time in 2 years. Speculation has run rampant about the reasons behind his return. Unconfirmed stories from various sources have began to surface about everything from him owing the IRS, to his having a vehicle repossessed. Critics have had a blast taking shots at the former P4P king without stopping to think two things. (1.) It makes no sense to blast Mayweather about returning ONLY because he's having money problems, for the simple fact that if he were to lose to Marquez, those same people WOULD NOT turn around and say that he lost because "he was only fighting for money and not motivated"; they're gonna say that his money issues are just another excuse. So which one is it? Taking shots at a guy you don't like just potentially takes away from what would be a solid effort from his opponent - Juan Manuel Marquez? (2.) The last time I checked, a man who finds his ability to support his family compromised who actually decides to get off of his 'duff' and go to work is something I thought we commended people for. Isn't it a bit funny how a person can be criticized for having money problems, and criticized even more for trying to go back to work and legally solve them? Face it, ladies and gents, yes, we hate practically everything Mayweather says when he grabs a microphone most times, but to find humor in him trying to feed his family (if that is the reason for his return) is a laughing matter in and of itself. We should all go look in the mirror and get in a good laugh, too, because if we feel that way, perhaps the real joke is on us! As journalist, it's best to be mindful of the fact that we all have bills to pay - just like these guys who sacrifice their lives in the ring; Which is why I refrain from tearing any fighters down. I wouldn't be writing now if I didn't have a family to feed. Does that mean someone is out there preparing an article about me too? (Think about it)

Pacquiao: "If We Fought Today, I Would Lose"

Manny Pacquiao has always been known as a very honest and humble man. That sentiment can only be realized more and more when listening to the unapologeticly honest statement rendered from the fighting Filipino a few days ago when he boldly said with integrity, "if we (he and Cotto) fought today, I would lose". A growing concern among many is that Pacquiao's outside distractions - shooting of a movie, commercials, and other activities - have put the Filipino behind the 8-ball in his quest to defeat Cotto. This was evidenced in what many spectators referred to as a very "round faced" Pacquiao who recently appeared at various press tour stops around the world to promote the fight. With approximately 8 weeks left to train for the fight, perhaps it's a great thing the fight "isn't today". The quest for Pacquiao to return to form gives him a mere 50 more (days) plus to do so. In the end, I think we can all be confident that he will, like he always has.

Mayweather jr. Ready To Reclaim P4P Status?

Saturday night marks the return of 'Prettyboy' Floyd Mayweather. It's been two long years, and a lot has changed since his unexpected departure. One of those things was a crowning of a new P4P king - Manny Pacquiao. In an era where belts mean less and less, it seems the only title worth pursuing is the mythical P4P title. Trouble is, until they actually fight and settle the score, it's hard to believe that the consensus will change from favoring Pacquiao in the matter to a notion favoring Mayweather. I guess we'll never know until the two actually square off and decide once and for all. Whether they get that opportunity to do so starts Saturday night in Las Vegas when Mayweather attempts to defeat a man that Pacquiao has struggled mightily with. And one way or the other, that possibility will end on the evening of November 14th, when Pacquiao faces his biggest challenge yet (literally) in Miguel Cotto. It will either end with Pacquiao solidifying his position in such a fight with Mayweather, or it will end as a result of him losing that fight to Miguel Cotto. In approximately 8 weeks we'll all find out.

MMA According to Bob Arum: From Skinned-Head To Skinheads?!?!

Bob Arum recently went on a tirade which outlined his deepest thoughts about the sport of MMA. Listening to the harsh sentiments of Bob, there's little question in the minds of some that something more personal is brewing within. While some may find a way to justify the things he said, certainly that choice of words wasn't what one would expect from someone of his caliber. Not only did he say MMA was "a bunch of skinhead white guys", but he also went out on a limb and said competitors in the sport are like "homosexuals rolling around on the floor". Some pretty strong words for a man who many greatly respect. Truth is, MMA fighters train as hard, or harder than boxers, so I don't find much validity there. But what I will do is concede the point to him that the fundamental skill of boxing is one that better suits my personal taste. With the sport of MMA being fairly new and still somewhat undeveloped, (in comparison to boxing), it'll be intriguing to see how the future of the sport unfolds. Either way it goes, I think we can all rest assured that contrary to Arum's beliefs, I'm sure it will contain more than 'skin heads', and I'm definitely sure we WON'T be seeing any homosexual divisions pop up.

Manny Pacquiao - A 'Superhero'

Pacquiao recently finished recording what will be known in the Philippines as "Wapakman", which is a superhero film where he flies and characterizes himself in a way like that of spider-man. Two decades ago, the fighting Filipino was merely selling donuts and cigarettes on street corners trying to help his Mother make ends meet. Fast forward a few years, and with a lot of hardwork and dedication, his estimated earning has put him on par with some of the top athletes in the world. As of now, we have no idea what his future will look like inside the ring, but considering his accomplishments to date, win, lose, or draw, he'll always be a superhero. Which is pretty 'fly' in and of itself. (Pun intended).

Don't Ask Freddie (Roach), He Simply "Doesn't Care"....(But Should He?)

Trainer to Manny Pacquiao was recently quoted as saying that he "simply doesn't care" who will win the Mayweather/Marquez fights because "they're both counterpunchers and will put you to sleep". If the past is any indication, that could bode true, but let Roger Mayweather tell it, fight fans shouldn't be surprised to see his nephew Floyd Jr. come out and "bumrush" Marquez, setting a vicious tone from the very start. Many have taken note of the fact Mayweather has gone down in weight from 147lbs to 144lbs, but has gotten bigger in size, as evidenced by the bulging biceps displayed on HBO's 24/7. Half of Mayweather's career, fight fans have criticized him for not being aggressive enough. It would be awfully interesting if this two year hiatus helped refresh his hands enough to make him comfy enough to convert to being a slugger. He was already one of the most talented guys in the sport. I can't imagine an rough edge as well. If he and Pacquiao do square off that would make quite a spectacle. I know with business lying ahead, Roach's attention is elsewhere, and if I were him, I probably wouldn't care yet, but oh yeah....I'd care...and I'd definitely be looking to see if this new 'change' takes effect. The rest of us definitely will.

James Toney - Slim, Trim, With A Future That's.....Dim?

Famed middleweight turned heavyweight James Toney recently returned back to the ring for the first in a while after a very tumultuous recent history in the sport which has seen him balloon in weight, get busted for steroids usage, and fail to make a splash all while doing it. Few can argue that Toney is arguably one of the best fighters of recent times in the sport, and has actually won fights on poor conditioning, based purely on ring intellect. How he stacks amongst today's heavyweights remains to be seen, but weighing in at a slim and trim 217lbs, which is the lowest we've seen him at in YEARS has to be something to consider, as a 90% James Toney can still be effective enough to face and soundly defeat much of today's competition. It'll be interesting to see what he does, but somehow, I get the feeling that I'll be one of the only ones watching.

Source: http://www.8countnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1920/2009-09-16.html