Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Closer with Cotto's Refusal

Yesterday, boxer Miguel Cotto told the Puerto Rican newspaper, Primera Hora, that he would not fight pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao at a weight below 145 pounds, a declaration that, if he sticks to it, seems to all but negate the possibility of the two men ever fighting each other.

Despite the public’s clamoring for Pacquiao to fight the returning Floyd Mayweather Jr. later this year, Bob Arum of Top Rank, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, has been pushing this potential Pac Man/Cotto matchup in the press since Manny disposed of Ricky Hatton in two brutal rounds earlier this month.

The weight issue, though, looks to be a major stumbling block. Where Manny’s team was willing to take a gamble at 147 pounds to face the aging Oscar De La Hoya, now it insists Pacquiao stay in the 140-pound zone, especially if he is going to step in there with a welterweight monster like Cotto. Clearly, they feel that with Manny’s star power growing by the day, they have the juice to dictate the terms to anyone who wants to face the Pac Man Express.

One of Pacquiao’s advisers, Michael Koncz, said as much recently to The Philippine Star: “It’s really up to Manny at what weight he’d like to fight Cotto, if at all ... Manny might want to bring it down to 142 ... This fight would mean more to Cotto than to Manny. If a limit of 142 is agreed, let Cotto struggle to make weight, not Manny.”

Now Cotto is on record that, superfight or no superfight, he won’t go lower than 145, and though some may think this is mere posturing for the eventual negotiation, I tend to think he’ll stick to that number. To my mind, Cotto is simply too big for Pacquiao to face at 147, and the fact that Freddie Roach among others is suddenly adamant that Manny is a 140-pounder now and won’t go above that to face Cotto or Shane Mosley only proves the point. Freddie knew in his heart that Manny’s speed would neutralize De La Hoya at 147, and he also knows that in a firefight with Cotto or Mosley at 47, though Pacquiao would still have a small advantage speed-wise, the disparity in size and strength would be greatly to his disadvantage.

So he thinks -- let them kill themselves to make 140 (or 142) and it will level the playing field. Maybe Mosley will end up taking that bait to get a crack at Pacquiao (although I doubt it -- 142 just does not seem doable to me for Sugar Shane) but I feel almost certain that Cotto will not. Fans who remember that Cotto rose to prominence at 140 may think this is a strange stance for him when so much potential money is at stake, but bear in mind that Cotto hasn’t fought at the junior welter limit since the summer of 2006, and even then he was struggling to make 140. Since that time, he has filled out to a sizable 147 and struggles to make that weight. There’s no question that taking it down to 142 would sap his strength considerably, and Oscar De La Hoya provided an ample blueprint for what happens these days if you deign to fight Pacquiao weight-drained and weak. At this point, you need all your mojo and then some to trade leather with Pacquiao.

The upshot is that it seems very doubtful that we are going to see Pacquiao/Cotto anytime soon, if ever. You might expect Cotto to give in on this point when the money’s actually on the table, but I think there are enough big fights looming for Cotto in his own weight class for him to take a pass on facing Manny in circumstances not to his liking.

And as far as Pacquiao goes, well, there’s definitely another big fight looming for him, a very, VERY big fight indeed, one that seems more inevitable with every passing day. If not Cotto, and if not Mosley, then who else might want to fight Pacquiao? And no, Bob Arum, I am not referring to Edwin Valero.

Source: http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/the_sporting_blog/entry/view/24455/manny_pacquiao-floyd_mayweather_closer_with_cottos_refusal

MAYWEATHER VS. MARQUEZ PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

May 18, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA at the LA Public Library
May 19, 200 9- New York City, NY at the Empire State Building

FLOYD MAYWEATHER
"July 18th you are going to see the best Floyd Mayweather, because I am truly back."

"My uncle Roger and I, we have a tremendous game plan, and I'm going to be more than ready for this fight. Training camp is going amazingly well. I am weighing in around 146 or 147 and I know I will be ready on July 18th."

"Marquez is a great Mexican warrior who is going to be in tremendous shape. He is a hell of a guy and he is a hell of a fighter."

"I like to hit, but I don't get hit. Marquez hits and gets hit. He seems used to it and still comes out on top 90 percent of the time."

"I expect a great fight. If Marquez is aggressive it could turn into a brawl and that is exactly the type of fight fans love to see."

"I want to be the best. They say to be the best you have to beat the best and Marquez is one of the best in this sport."

"I've got nothing but love for the Mexican fans; they are some of the most loyal fans in boxing. Mexican fans really know boxing inside and out."

"I can't wait for this fight, and I am really dedicating myself to be ready for it."

"Please continue to support boxing. July 18, make sure you tune in. It's going to be a hell of a fight. I'm not overlooking Juan Manuel Marquez, and I hope he's not overlooking me. He knows I've been off awhile so he might think I'm rusty, but I'm not. I'll be ready."


JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ

"I am preparing myself mentally and physically for this fight."

"When Golden Boy Promotions asked me do you want to fight Floyd? I said 'yes let's do it.' I don't like easy fights."

"I know that this fight very important for my career and for my life, and I am going to be fully prepared on July 18th."

"I have a tough fight with Floyd, I'm training right now and will go up to the mountains to build muscle for the fight. It isn't exactly my weight but that only means I'll have to eat more Tacos, Burritos and Carnitas."

"My fans here and all of my fans in Mexico will help me come out on top, the support they have showed today and at the fan rally yesterday has been amazing."

"Everyone knows I don't like to talk outside of the ring, I do all of my talking inside of the ring."


ROGER MAYWEATHER, Trainer of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

"I know what's going to happen, and I'm sure all of you know what's going to happen."

"Marquez is a good boxer, but in boxing it's about more than being good. Anyone can be good, but there are only a few out there that are great, and Floyd is a great boxer."

"The best boxers in the world come from where I'm from, the Midwest. Floyd is also from there so you know he's one of the best."

"It's going to be a great fight and I know that this guy over here [Floyd] is going to come out on top."


LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

"Now that Floyd is back, he has come back to take his crown. He is coming back to be the best out there and to be the best out there you have to beat a fighter like Marquez."

"Marquez fought two great fights against Pacquiao, and in the eyes of many beat him both times."

"As soon as tickets go on sale (this Friday), you need to get them because it is going to be a tremendous fight."

"Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has the greatest global impact of any fighter. In 2007 Floyd fought in the two biggest fights of the year."

"The reason Floyd is back is because he is in love with the sport; he's always been in love with it."

"No matter where he goes, fans are always coming up to him asking, 'When are you coming back?' Well, he's back now and is ready for this tremendous challenge."

"He has a lot to prove. There are always the naysayers out there who say he cant get back on top."

"He represents boxing to its fullest."


OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

"This fight will pit the best fighter from the United States against the best fighter from Mexico.

"Styles make fights and Marquez's style will beat Floyd's on July 18th. With the support of all his fans, Marquez will come out on top."

"I don't care what people say, Marquez beat Pacquiao. He got knocked down three times and came back to win every round after that."

"Mayweather has beaten everyone he has ever fought. He retired as the number one pound-for-pound fighter in the world and now he's returning to fight one of the best fighters in the world."

"Marquez has already been training in the mountains, and he is ready to go."

"This is truly a fight that the fans want to get behind. In my eyes, Mayweather is the best in the world, who is about to meet the number one Mexican fighter in the ring to duke it out and show who is truly number one."


RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

"Fight fans around the world have been waiting for this for a long time. Floyd said he is coming back to fight the best and Juan Manuel Marquez is the best."

"Juan is one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport today on July 18th he will be carrying the hopes and dreams of 160 million people on his back, the people of Mexico."

"Floyd Mayweather is the undefeated and undisputed pound-for-pound champion. He is the number one pay-per-view star. With 250 million dollars, that is a quarter of a billion dollars, in receipts from his last two fights, Floyd Mayweather is definitely a star.

"July 18 is going to be the biggest pay-per-view event of the year. It's called number one because everywhere you look you are surrounded by the best."

(To Floyd) "On behalf of the millions of fight fans around the world, thank you for coming back. You really bring energy to the sport of boxing."

"Even when he wasn't fighting he was a tremendous asset to the sport of boxing."

"Floyd talks the talk, but he does walk the walk as well? He has a huge group of people who love him and adore him and respect him for his accomplishments. Then he has the 'haters.' The people who cant wait to see him lose, but the good news is that both of those people will buy the pay-per-view."

"This really is the showdown between Number One and Numero Uno."


ROSS GREENBURG, President of HBO Sports

"Floyd Mayweather, the mouth that roared, is back and he is going into the lions den."

"I have seen Marquez in the ring and in rounds 6-12, you better watch out."

"Move over Paris Hilton and the Kardishians; Donald Trump, empty out the boardroom, and survivors get off the island because Money Mayweather is back on 24/7 and the first episode premiers June 27th."

"We will load you up again with 24/7's all access. We are always excited when Floyd Mayweather is part of the series. We are also excited to go down to Mexico to join Juan Manuel Marquez. All access 24 hrs a day, 7 days a week. Whatever it takes, we will be there."


MARK TAFFET, Senior Vice President of HBO Sports and HBO Pay-Per-View

"The year 2009 is shaping up to be a fantastic one for boxing. In January, we had a great fight in Margarito vs. Mosley. Then we had Marquez vs. Diaz, which was an impressive fight, and a few weeks back we had Pacquiao vs. Hatton."

"In Mayweather vs. Marquez, we have one guy that is returning to the ring while the other is more ready than ever. One that is representing the United States and the other that has Mexico on his back. One has had six world championships in five weight classes and the other has held five world championships in three weight divisions."

"Mayweather vs. Marquez is one of those events you will not want to miss."


BOB HALLORAN, Director of Sports, MGM MIRAGE

"Representing the MGM Family and having this fight at the historical MGM Grand Garden Arena, we are elated."

"We have now had a long association with Golden Boy Promotions, Richard Schaefer and Oscar de la Hoya and they keep making better and better fights."

"We've had both fighters fight at the arena a few times before and every time we did they had some great fights. I don't think there is any question that this will be a sellout."

# # #

Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place July 18th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.

The Mayweather vs. Marquez pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT, has a suggested retail price of $49.95, will be produced and distributed by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 71 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry. For Mayweather vs. Marquez fight week updates, log on to www.hbo.com.HBO Pay-Per-View® a division of Home Box Office, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO®, HBO PPV® and related programs, channels and services are the property of Home Box Office, Inc.

Source: http://philboxing.com/news/story-24547.html

Is Floyd Mayweather Jr. afraid of Pacquiao?

“If Mayweather wanted to prove he was the best all he had to do was wait one day to see who won Pacquiao-Hatton before signing to fight Marquez. You might as well rename him Fraud Mayweather, Jr."— Freddie Roach

Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a smart business man. Whether you love him or hate him, the man has created himself as a brand of his own. With all due respect, lil’ Floyd has definitely been careful with the chances he takes inside the boxing ring like a smart businessman when it comes to investing. No offense to all pro boxers out there, I’m sure they mean it when they say it’s their job and would fight anybody in the ring- up to a certain point. Sometimes though, things like ego, money, pride, personal vendettas and yes I said it, fear, gets in the way of a fight from happening.

In the curious case of Floyd Mayweather Jr. against Manny Pacquiao, what reason is there really behind Floyd’s recent tirades against Pacquiao and for him to claim that he does not need to fight Pacquiao? Businesswise, lil’ Floyd has always said he was about making money, and practically if he wanted to make the most money, dancing with Pacquiao is the biggest money-making fight there is out there for him. So why did Floyd go out of his way to sign and announce a fight against Pacquiao’s nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez on the same day Pacquiao fought Ricky Hatton?

Perhaps Pacquiao’s ascension as the sport’s #1 Pound for Pound best fighter in the world after he retired, hurt lil’ Floyd’s ego. As you can see on the video I posted below and others online on Youtube while he has been promoting his fight against Marquez, Floyd gets irritated every time the media asks him about Pacquiao. He is quick to point out Pacquiao’s knockout losses a long time ago back when Pacquiao fought as a skinny kid in Southeast Asia. Floyd has a point though. On paper, his unblemished resume does look glamorous. One thing Floyd forgot however is that this is boxing. A boxer’s record means nothing more than the competition he’s faced. And what Floyd fails to understand is that the Pacquiao today is a far different Pacquiao from the one that last lost via decision against Erik Morales. Or perhaps Floyd does understand that quite well and that’s why he opted to verbally convince people that he is still the best instead of just jumping in the ring against the smaller Filipino and let his hands do the talking.

Or is it because Floyd is truly, deep in his heart afraid of Pacquiao? I asked, simply because I am running out of reasons why Floyd does not want to fight Pacquiao. The money and the demand are there, and if his ego is hurting, a victory over Pacquiao would make him the undisputed king once again. Based on his track record as well of avoiding stiff competition such as Mosley, Cotto, Paul Williams and even Margarito before he got busted, is Floyd simply afraid that Pacquiao would finally crack that egg in his loss record? Well if he is, then he definitely is making an intelligent decision of strafing Pacquiao just as he would his opponents on the way to a unanimous decision win- just not a very courageous one.



Source: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-10947-Indianapolis-Fight-Sports-Examiner~y2009m5d20-Is-Floyd-Mayweather-Jr-afraid-of-Pacquiao

Good to have you back, Floyd

NEW YORK -- The retirement is over. Floyd Mayweather is back. The question is why?

Is it because he missed fighting? It's possible. Mayweather wasn't exactly a staple on the shuffleboard courts during his brief hiatus. He was working in the gym daily, usually at odd hours, and put in countless hours of road work. The fire in Mayweather never burned out; his body did. It's believed that in 2007 Mayweather's fragile frame was starting to fail him, particularly his brittle hands, which needed constant therapy. At a press conference at the Empire State Building on Tuesday, Mayweather acknowledged that his body needed to be "recharged" and that the 15-month layoff has him feeling fresh and eager to get back into the ring.

GALLERY: Athletes who just couldn't stay retired

But did he return because his ego couldn't stand being out of the spotlight? That's possible, too. On Tuesday, Mayweather went out of his way to point out that Manny Pacquiao, who assumed the title of the world's No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, has been knocked out twice in his career while Mayweather remained undefeated during his reign.

Mayweather praised Pacquiao several times during a 20-minute conversation with the assembled press, but each and every time he did, there was a subtle dig attached to it. Later, Mayweather informed members of his team that he would no longer give a magazine access unless it promised to put him on the cover.

Could Mayweather's return be about money? His advisor, Leonard Ellerbe, downplays any financial issues and points to the multi-million dollar house Mayweather purchased a few weeks ago as a sign of Floyd's financial buoyancy. "He's fine," said Ellerbe. "Money isn't an issue and it never will be."

But Mayweather reportedly owes the IRS as much as $6 million in back taxes, and last year his Las Vegas home was broken into and $7.1 million in jewelry was taken. Lump in a free-falling stock market and the fact that Nevada, where Mayweather owns several properties, has been called ground zero for home foreclosures by some financial analysts, and you can see how he might need the payday.

The answer to why Mayweather is back could be any one of those reasons. But none seem to really matter.

It doesn't matter if the sight of Pacquiao becoming a global star sent "Money May"scrounging for his gloves, or if it was the federal government nipping at his heels. All that matters is that he's back. A sport with Mayweather's quick wit and even quicker hands is far more watchable than one without it.

Go ahead, find someone who disagrees. Ask the scores of media who crammed themselves into elevators and made the ear-popping trip up to the 80th floor on Tuesday.

Ask Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer, Mayweather's former rival, who was practically giggling as he introduced boxing's returning star. Ask HBO execs Ross Greenburg, Kery Davis and Mark Taffet. Think they aren't happy Mayweather's back? Mayweather's two pay-per-view fights in 2007 (against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton) made more money than all of HBO's '08 and '09 events combined.

It doesn't sound like he's going anywhere anytime soon, either. "We have a hit list," said Ellerbe. "We know who the best fighters in the world are and we are going to knock them off, one by one."

At the top of that list has to be Pacquiao. Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto, too. When Mayweather retired there were questions as to how good he really was, if he was worthy of a spot on the all-time pound-for-pound list or if he was just a talented champion whose success was a product of well-produced reality shows and wins over aging (De La Hoya), undersized (Hatton) and inferior (Carlos Baldomir) opponents.

If Mayweather succeeds in wiping each name off that list, those questions will vanish. He can retire (again) as a true champion and probably the richest fighter who ever lived.

So welcome back, Floyd. We -- the fans, the media and the sport -- are glad to have you.

Source: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2009/writers/chris_mannix/05/20/mayweather/

HBO set to film 'Mayweather/Marquez 24/7'

HBO is shining the spotlight on Floyd Mayweather of Grand Rapids again in preparation for his upcoming fight.

The cable network has announced plans for another four-episode installment of its highly acclaimed "24/7" reality series, following Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico as both fighters get ready to slug it out in an HBO Pay-Per-View welterweight showdown July 18 at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas.

The premiere of "Mayweather/Marquez 24/7" is slated for Saturday, June 27, at 9:30 p.m.

The series continues with the second and third episodes on subsequent Saturdays -- July 4 at 9:45 p.m. and July 11 at 10 p.m. The finale is set for Friday, July 17, at 9:30 p.m. on the eve of the fight. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates and times on HBO, and will be available on HBO On Demand.

It is Mayweather's third "24/7" appearance.

He helped launch the Emmy Award-winning HBO series, which provides exclusive behind-the-scenes access to the participants, leading up to his victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2007. He had another starring role in it prior to defeating Ricky Hatton later in the same year.

Earlier this month, the undefeated Mayweather (39-0, 25 knockouts) emerged from a 16-month retirement to reclaim his title as the No. 1 pound-for-pound champion.

Source: http://www.mlive.com/mayweather/index.ssf/2009/05/hbo_set_to_film_mayweathermarq.html

MAYWEATHER: PACQUIAO'S A LOSER, I'M A WINNER

FLOYD Mayweather Jr set up the prospect of a mouthwatering 'clash of the titans' with Manny Pacquiao last night by claiming he has a far superior record to the Filipino.

The 32-year-old, who fights Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18, is confident he can put any ring rust to one side to defeat the Mexican in Las Vegas.

And the flamboyant American welterweight - known for winding up opponents - hinted he was already looking forward to a showdown with Pacquiao - who has taken his crown as the pound-for-pound king of boxing when he retired 18 months ago.

“I respect him [Manny Pacquiao] for what he does," said Mayweather.

"I respect him in the fight game, but I’ve never been beat,” he added in a clear reference to the three defeats on Pacquiao’s record.

“Nobody has the antidote for Floyd Mayweather.”

Meanwhile Marquez, the lightweight champion, said he expected 'Pretty Boy' to be back to his prime for the catch weight clash.

“I’m expecting the best Floyd Mayweather ever,” Marquez told a New York press conference.

“I’m putting in my mind that he never retired, so I’m expecting the best.”

Marquez added that he has been piling on muscle as he bids to get himself up to the fight weight of 143 pounds.

“I always prepare myself to win,” Marquez he said. “He’s not a machine, he’s a human being, and human beings can be beat.”

While Marquez is building up to the weight, Mayweather must slim down after the time away.

He returns to a boxing world he no longer rules after Pacquiao demolished Ricky Hatton earlier this month, but Mayweather it is clear he is not ready to hand over his crown to anybody.

Indeed, he seems to be relishing a meeting with the Pacman should he win in Vegas.

Source: http://www.dailystar.co.uk/inthering/view/81415/Mayweather-Pacquiao-s-a-loser-I-m-a-winner-/

De La Hoya: “Perfect Opportunity to Beat Floyd”

Jerry Glick reporting: Way above the New York Midtown streets on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building a press conference was held on Tuesday to announce to the local media the return of Floyd Mayweather who will face Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Golden Boy in conjunction with Mayweather Promotions are promoting the fight and calling it “Number One/Numero Uno.” Oscar De La Hoya, the head at Golden Boy, picks his man, Marquez, to win.

“I like Marquez,” said the now retired Golden Boy. “I like Marquez because styles make fights. I just think that Marquez has the style to beat Mayweather because of his smarts, he faints, and he’s got a great trainer in Nacho. I think that the style that Marquez is going to present, it’s going to be an aggressive style but smart. It’s been a couple of years so this is the perfect opportunity to beat Floyd.”

Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer took the helm and told the media assembled that Mayweather is back in part to build Mayweather Promotions.

“Floyd has made a commitment not just to come back to the sport but to really focus on building up his promotional company as well,” Schaefer pointed out. “I will do whatever we can in our power to help you and continue to work with you to build up your promotion company.”

Schaefer added that Floyd will bring back the biggest of PPV fights. He pointed out how Mayweather has created 3.4 million buys in his two big fights with Hatton and De La Hoya garnering a quarter billion dollars. This, he says, makes Floyd a tremendous asset to boxing.

Marquez: “I’ve got to prepare myself mentally”

Juan Manuel Marquez, 50-4-1 (37), knows what he is confronted with; he said that it is going to be a tough fight and that he is building up his body, even training with big rocks to gain muscle.

“This is different,” said Marquez. “I’ve been working, 20, 25 days on strength training, building mass, strengthening my body to be prepared for this fight. I’m working out with rocks and boulders. I’m going up and working out in the mountains.”

“I’m working out physically so I can build muscle,” he added. “To build mass to able to compete at that weight, not just build muscle and be big, but do it in the right way to be affective.”

“I’ve got to prepare myself mentally because it’s a tough fight,” explained Marquez, “And it is in a division that I am not accustom to fighting in, the welterweight division.”

He sees his road to victory paved with skill, “Be smart, a lot of speed, and a lot of technique. I always prepare to win; mentally and physically, getting myself ready so I can win. He’s not a machine, he’s a human being and any human being can be beaten. “

Mayweather: “When you talk boxing, you’re talking Floyd Mayweather; I am boxing”

Floyd Mayweather was Floyd Mayweather; rather than talking about Marquez, he chose to talk about his favorite topic, Floyd Mayweather. He spent much of his time talking about how well he packs in the fans. That he is the “cash cow.” As true as that is, Marquez seemed to be no more than an afterthought to Mayweather. Yet somehow one must feel endeared to this strange character who is the latest in boxing’s long history of great, lovable, self engrossed, talkative super fighters.

Mayweather’s meanderings went from his grand accomplishments in boxing, and make no mistake, he is a very accomplished superstar boxer, to his parents’ foibles and how he was not born with as much as a plastic spoon in his mouth. He defended his dad’s skill as a trainer blaming Hatton for not following instructions.

Boxing is part and parcel to who this talented man-child is. Even at home, strategy is on his mind.

“I walk around my house practicing on different things that I know that fighters ain’t working on like the jab to the body; you see all fighters want to use it now. You see fighters want to roll their shoulders, I see it, but I’m not knocking them. I respect them because I laid the pattern.”

Mayweather sees Marquez as a defeated fighter before the bell.

“He’s a warrior but when I look at him I see a lot of scar tissue. So he’s offensive minded but he got to become more defensive minded. He’s a hell of a fighter and a true warrior and he’s a guy who’s been around the sport for a long time. I don’t have to bad mouth nobody like ‘I hate’m’ and all that. I’ve done that; but with my retirement I learned when I talked with my mother I learned that as easy as God gave it to you it could be taken away, so I’m thankful for what I got because anybody can be in my shoes but I’m one of the chosen ones, so I’m thankful for that.”

Mayweather on Bob Arum

Mayweather, 39-0 (25), has accused Bob Arum of matching former Mayweather victims against his fighters. Floyd believes that he has softened them up leading to them losing.

“I beat fighters mentally, and once I get them mentally, I beat them physically so they’re never the same. Once I beat DeMarcus Chop Chop Corley, look how many losses he had after that. Once I beat Zab Judah look what happened to his career. Look what happened to Manfredy, look what happened to Corrales, may he rest in peace.”

Mayweather on the layoff and being number one

Retirement was good, said Mayweather. It allowed him to recoup himself physically. He states that he wasn’t 100% against many of his biggest opponents including De La Hoya.

“To let my body rejuvenate and recoup because everybody I fought from Oscar De La Hoya on down I was never 100%; never. Right now my body is fine.”

Regardless that this fight is being called “Number one/Numero Uno, Floyd claims that it doesn’t really mean a heck of a lot to him.

“I don’t fight for bragging rights,” said Mayweather. “I earned that. If people want to say that Manny Pacquiao is number, at the box office Mayweather is number one. Credentials and stats don’t lie. I’ve never been knocked down or knocked out. We all been hit with a good shot but you saw me shake it off like a warrior. Like I said before, if Manny Pacquiao wants to be number one, let’m.”

Floyd then compared their careers from back in 1997, 98, and 99, when Floyd was a young upstart he asks where was Pacman back then. He pointed to the similarity in their ages as a reference for how the two careers have played out over the decade.

“Where was he at when I was dominating,” asked Floyd invoking the names of Jones and Hopkins. “Where was he at when I was a teenager dominating in this sport? Where was everybody?”

Mayweather Jr. on Mayweather Sr.

For a number of years Mayweather has had a love/hate relationship with his dad Floyd Sr. It appears that the love side is in force at the moment.
“You know sometimes you see my dad with the colorful suits and the rings on,” said Floyd. “You must realize my dad was incarcerated at one time. If you were incarcerated two years ago when My Space (was popular), if we were locked up we would still think its My Space, but now it’s Facebook. Things change.”

If you are in for a number of years and come out and see cell phones you would be unfamiliar with them and it is that thinking that he believes the reason that his dad wears gold and wild suits; because that is what was in style when he left society for awhile and he is stuck in the past.

“That’s what happens when you are incarcerated,” said the son.

Mayweather on loyalty

He spoke to Don King and believes that he could have made much more money, but that his loyalty caused him to work with those who were there when he was down.

“What I could have got up front was more than any other fighter, one hundred million,” said Floyd. “But I stuck with people who where there when I needed them, not just financially, but in my rough times. That’s loyalty to Al Hayman and Leonard (Ellerbe). People I can talk to.”

PUNCHLINE

Bert Sugar, that cigar chomping boxing regular and historian had a few things to impart on this reporter during the press conference.

“Everyone is looking at this as a tune-up (for Mayweather), because Mayweather is a much more recognizable name.” said Sugar. “However, I got to tell you this ain’t no tune-up. Marquez might be in many people’s mind’s eye the best fighter out there including Pacquiao. Remember he fought him twice, and I thought he beat him twice, one draw and one split decision loss by one point. So what you have here is a legitimate fight for Mayweather.”

Source: http://www.secondsout.com/usa-boxing-news?ccs=229&cs=84727

Mayweather-Marquez: The Weight is Over

In anticipation of the July 18th clash between Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, many boxing fans and sports writers have become transfixed with the number 147. Of course 147 refers to boxing’s welterweight division where Mayweather reigned as lineal champion before retiring unexpectedly in 2008. Considered the best pound-for-pound fighter when active, Mayweather returns to face #2 ranked Juan Manuel Marquez; at stake is not simply a win or loss but a claim for the pound-for-pound title and perhaps a chance to face the current best fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao.

Though the boxing world is energized for Mayweather’s return the agreed upon weight of 143-144 has dominated the headlines. Throughout many online boxing communities which include websites, forums, and message boards, Marquez supporters have made their displeasure with the weight agreement heard. They argue that Marquez is too small for 144, he is too short, never fought above lightweight, unproven at welter, or that his power would be diminished at the higher weight.. In addition, boxing writers like Ring Magazine’s Michael Rosenthal has focused on the weight issue in the aptly titled article “Marquez's Disadvantages Are Increasing.” In the report he states that the fight will in fact be held at 147 however that could simply be a misinterpretation. His reasoning is that the fight will be held at welterweight which has a 147 lb. limit, however even if the fight were held at 143-144 it would still be considered a welterweight fight. The match was originally announced at a catchweight below 147 and that is where it likely will remain.

Source: http://www.eastsideboxing.com/news.php?p=19874&more=1

Could An Interim Fight Ruin Mayweather Jr Vs. Pacquaio?

Floyd Mayweather Jr. has returned.

The former Ring Magazine pound for pound champion has decided to end his “retirement” and fight Juan Manuel Marquez. Mayweather is the undefeated former pound for pound champion, and five division titleholder.

Marquez is the current Ring Magazine lightweight champion, and currently number two pound for pound. Some in boxing see this as a case of a good big guy against a good smaller guy.

While Marquez certainly has his work cut out for him on July 18th, a win by the Mexican warrior is certainly not out of the realm of possibility. Both fighters are past this fight to a proposed bigger matchup with Manny Pacquiao down the road.

For Mayweather, it will be the chance to reclaim the pound for pound spot he lost only due to his retirement and inactivity. For Marquez, it will be the opportunity to finally get a win over an opponent he has lost to twice.

For both fighters, a loss takes the luster off any matchup with Pacquiao later in the year. For Mayweather, this is seen as his version of a tuneup fight. It also perfectly fits his M.O. of finding the best non threat to fight.

Mayweather sees this as an “easy fight.” Looking at it from his point of view, he has valid points. Marquez would be moving up in weight, is 35, and just went life and death with Juan Diaz.

In the early rounds against Diaz, it seemed the bigger Diaz was able to muscle and hit Marquez with solid shots before Marquez’s accurate counter punching and ring I.Q. set in.

Mayweather is planning to use Marquez to get his timing and accuracy back down against a game, skilled, smaller opponent.

On Marquez’s end, this is a great opportunity. If he loses, he can blame it on the size difference, if he wins, he gets a third fight with Pacquaio. In addition, there is the layoff factor. If Mayweather’s rusty, Marquez can win rounds with his vast array of offense.

Mayweather is no pressure fighter like Diaz, and will not use his size to muscle Marquez. For Marquez to win, he will need to press the action, and not let Floyd lay back and pot shot him. If he can do this enough to win seven out of twelve rounds on two scorecards, we just may see the first loss on Mayweather’s record.

In the meanwhile, word of of Pacquiao’s camp is they are also looking for an interim fight. Names being throw in the hat have included Timothy Bradley, Miguel Cotto, and Shane Mosley.

Recently, it has come down to Cotto and Mosley. Cotto has a tough fight coming up on June 13th, against Joshua Clottey. Should he get past Clottey, a fight with Pacquaio would be a very intriguing fight, but it would have to be at welterweight to make sense.

Cotto struggled to get down to 140 his last few fights at that weight, and it showed in his performances. Freddie Roach wants to keep Pacquiao as close to 140 as possible, in order to protect his fighter. If the weight isn’t a dealbreaker, this would be a good fight, albeit one Manny should be able to win.

For all of Cotto’s body punching prowess, Manny has the speed and boxing ability to keep this fight at distance, where he could test Cotto’s chin. I used to think Cotto was too big for Pacquiao. That was before I saw Pacquiao almost decapitate Ricky Hatton, who was also supposed to be too big.

The other name is probably the most likely. Shane Mosley currently is left without an upcoming fight, and would make for a very fan friendly fight. The weight would be a big issue for this fight, as it is highly unlikely Shane could get down to 142 or so to make this fight happen.

At welterweight, this is must see tv. Shane always brings it, and Pacquiao has rarely disappointed. This would be a dangerous fight for Pacquaio, as Mosley would be the hardest puncher Manny has stepped into the ring with.

Mosley also has a solid chin, and has a great trainer in Nazim Richardson. Mosley’s style would be polar opposite to that of Mayweather Jr. What Mosley has dubbed “power boxing” would certainly result in a war which could result in a short night for either fighter.

A win by Mosley over Pacquiao would likely force a Mayweather fight or Cotto rematch. A win by Cotto over Pacquiao would likely land him a fight with Mayweather Jr. A win by Marquez or Mayweather Jr would land either the fight with Pacquiao later in the year.

Confused? So am I. Good thing this will all be sorted out in the ring, starting July 13th on HBO PPV.

Source: http://insidefights.com/2009/05/20/could-an-interim-fight-ruin-mayweather-jr-vs-pacquaio/

Mayweather family back together -- for now

In a story that I genuinely hope has a happy ending instead of the on-again, off-again stuff that has been reported for years now, it looks like all the Mayweather men (well, sans forgotten Jeff Mayweather) are back together.

T.K. Stewart reports that Floyd Sr., Roger and Floyd Jr. are working together on Floyd's July 18 fight against Juan Manuel Marquez.

The trio were together in a loose sense for Mayweather's 2007 fight with Oscar de la Hoya, if you'll recall. The elder Floyd was shown in camp on "24/7" leading up to the bout, but was not officially working for his son. He had recently been training Oscar, but refused to train him to fight his son. The next year, before the rematch was met with lukewarm anticipation and Jr. retired, Floyd Sr. was on board to train Oscar to take on his son in a second go-'round.

On the most recent "24/7," Big Floyd expressed his desire for the family to get back together, to "love each other" and let go of all the past beefs, whatever they may be. He spoke highly of his son, and Roger even made an appearance on the show, bringing a fighter in to spar with Ricky Hatton.

The Mayweathers are, in many ways, boxing royalty. Jr. is arguably still the best fighter in the world, and both Sr. and Roger are regarded as top trainers. Big Floyd says he and his son started working things out right after the Hatton fight, and have been working together some. It appears for now that Roger will remain in the lead trainer position.

But realistically, you can't not note that we're talking about three massive egos that have clashed very hard in the past. I really hope they work together, it turns out great (win or lose against Marquez), and everyone gets along and loves each other and one of boxing's "dysfunctional families" garners a new reputation. What are the odds, though?

Source: http://www.badlefthook.com/2009/5/20/880928/mayweather-family-back-together

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is favored to win over Juan Manuel Marquez

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is favored to win over Juan Manuel Marquez in their upcoming fight on July 18, 2009 to be held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Despite Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s 17-month hiatus as a retired boxer, many boxing fans believe that he can easily dispose of Juan Manuel Marquez when they clash on July 18, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada

Boxing fans have a good reason to believe that Mayweather is still capable of defending and preserving his unblemished boxing record as a professional boxer. Mayweather has a professional boxing record of 39 wins without any loss. 25 of his professional fights were won via KO.

Newsday.com reports:

Floyd Mayweather Jr. hit the Big Apple today to hype his return bout against lightweight champ Juan Manual Marquez.

“I’m expecting the best Floyd Mayweather ever,” Marquez said at today's news conference, on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building. “I’m putting in my mind that he never retired, so I’m expecting the best.”

The two will meet July 18 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. They’ll fight at a catch-weight of about 143 pounds, eight more than Marquez has ever fought and the lightest that Mayweather has been since 2005. Mayweather hasn’t fought since knocking out Ricky Hatton in December 2007. Since then, he has appeared on “Dancing with the Stars” and WrestleMania.

While Marquez is a considerable talent and a formidable opponent, Mayweather couldn't resist talking about Manny Pacquiao, the man who took his place as pound-for-pound champion.

“I respect him for what he does, I respect him in the fight game, but I’ve never been beat,” Mayweather said of Pacquiao, who’s lost three times. “Nobody has the antidote
for Floyd Mayweather.”



Physically, Mayweather has the edge over Juan Manuel Marquez. Marquez is a full inch shorter than Mayweather at 5’7” who stands at 5’8”. Mayweather is 32 years old while Marquez s 35. Their stance are both orthodox. Marquez is credited with a total of 55 fights, winning 50 with four losses and one draw.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is the son of Floyd, Sr. a former professional boxer who turned boxing trainer. Floyd Sr. is the trainer of popular British boxer Ricky Hatton, who recently lost to Manny Pacquiao via a second round KO last May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.Floyd, Jr. was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan on February 24, 1977.

Juan Manuel Marquez is a professional Mexican boxer. He was born in Mexico City on August 23, 1973. He is the current WBA, WBO Lightweight Champion.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/272826

Floyd Mayweather rings in new era in comeback fight with Marquez Read more: "Floyd Mayweather rings in new era in comeback fight with Marquez" - http

The hopes are high that Floyd Mayweather Jr. can bring boxing to new heights now that Oscar De La Hoya, the sport's previous box office king, has retired. Golden Boy Promotions demonstrated how high when they held a press conference on the 80th floor of the Empire State Building Tuesday to announce a match between Mayweather and Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on July 18.

Good thing Mayweather and Marquez, who both did a photo op on the Observation Deck on the 86th floor, aren't afraid of heights. And good thing for Golden Boy that Mayweather decided to end his retirement just a month after De La Hoya announced he was hanging up his gloves for a chair behind a desk and a seat at ringside on fight night.

With the economy still on shaky ground, boxing is being further marginalized, particularly when it comes to pay-per-view. The mega-fight between Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton in Las Vegas earlier this month did 850,000 hits, which is outstanding considering the financial times and the fact that neither participant is American (Hatton is from Britain and Pacquiao is Filipino).

The backers of Mayweather are counting on his having generated 3.4 million pay-per-view buys and a reported $250 million in gross revenue in his fights with De La Hoya and Hatton in 2007 to position him as the beacon in the darkness. Before he retired following his match against Hatton in December 2007, Mayweather had done a turn on ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" and had appeared in a "Wrestlemania." It was enough to put him in the homes of non-boxing fans. And he was the star of HBO's boxing reality show, "24-7," before his fights against De La Hoya and Hatton, which also gave him greater exposure.

"Floyd Mayweather has an unbelievable following," said Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "With Oscar being retired, that will bring Floyd to an even higher level. People are going to see him as that next pay-per-view star. Manny Pacquiao is a great, exciting fighter. But here in the United States I just don't think the general public really knows Manny Pacquiao. They know Floyd Mayweather."

Mayweather, who was No. 1 pound-for-pound when he retired, believes that he has the right stuff to become boxing's box-office king.

"You know they say that an African American could never be the biggest draw in boxing," Mayweather said. "Me and Mike Tyson are tops in (boxing) pay-per-view. I hold the record. I don't know any other athlete who has generated $250 million in one hour in two (events). It's truly impressive."

If he does say so himself.

Beyond being the best fighter in the sport, Mayweather has the kind of brashness that gets under some people's skin. People will tune in to see him win or lose.

"He has the kind of personality that evokes emotions," said Schaefer. "Both groups will buy the pay-per-view. That's why he can't lose. That's what makes him "Money Mayweather."

Boxing truly does make for strange bedfellows. When they were promoting their fight in 2007, Mayweather crawled under De La Hoya's skin so bad that De La Hoya needed a shot from his dermatologist to get rid of the itch. Now that they can both make money together, the irritation has gone away.

"At first we really didn't like each other, but me and Oscar we're coming around," Mayweather said. "I think Oscar is a hell of a businessman. I think Richard Schaefer is a great business guy. The whole staff at Golden Boy is tremendous. But I have a great team around me too, with (advisers) Al Haymon and Leonard Ellerbe. When you put those two teams together it's a dynamic duo."

Schaefer said they will create the same kind of events for Mayweather as they did for De La Hoya, who owned Las Vegas in May (Cinco de Mayo) and September (the other Mexican Independence Day). He can foresee Mayweather in future big money matches with Pacquiao, Shane Mosley and Miguel Cotto.

"He's going to be stepping into Oscar's shoes," Schaefer said.

Read more: "Floyd Mayweather rings in new era in comeback fight with Marquez" - http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2009/05/20/2009-05-20_floyd_rins_in_new_era_.html#ixzz0GBfZzqMs&A

Source: http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/more_sports/2009/05/20/2009-05-20_floyd_rins_in_new_era_.html

Hatton got it wrong - Mayweather Jr

Floyd Mayweather Jr says Ricky Hatton got beat by P4P king Manny Pacquiao because he did not stick to his game plan.
Filipino superstar Pacquiao picked off Hatton inside two rounds when the pair met recently in Las Vegas to cement his status as the current number one in boxing.

Mayweather Jr, who inflicted a first career defeat on Hatton in December 2007, makes his eagerly-awaited comeback against Juan Manuel Marquez on July 18 and is determined to reclaim his throne.

The American ring icon says he was not surprised by Pacquiao's dismantling of Hatton and accused the Manchester hero of getting his tactics wrong.

He said: "Pacquiao went out there and did what he had to do. Ricky Hatton didn't stick to the game plan, and any fighter can get caught cold in the first couple of rounds. So things happened but we move on."

He added: "I don't fight for bragging rights, I did that early in my career. This is now a whole new era of fighters. I'm just here to continue to do what I do and that's to be the best."

Source:

Manny Pacquiao Awaits Winner of Mayweather-Marquez Fight

Popular boxer Manny Pacquiao is ready to face the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez fight scheduled for July 18 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Pacquiao is fresh from his second round KO over Ricky Hatton of England last May 2, 2009
Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao is taking it easy in the comfort of his home country after beating popular British boxer Ricky Hatton last May 2, 2009 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Nevada.

The popular Filipino boxer is busy with his new business ventures outside the ring as he awaits the winner of the Mayweather-Marquez match which will take place at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada on July 18, 2009.

Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao is all business--not only in the ring.

Pacquiao has formed a company that will undertake a major mixed-use real estate project in his hometown, General Santos City.

Called Manny Pacquiao Heights Development Corp., the newly established firm recently approached the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for guidance on how to go about its first development, which it plans to transform into an economic zone.

Executives of the newly-formed Pacquiao company said that they will look into the medical tourism, housing and related investment opportunities in General Santos City.



In the meantime, Bob Arum, President of Top Rank Promotions and Manny Pacquiao’s favorite promoter said in related report by Philstar.com: ‘if Manny Pacquiao takes on Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden in New York City, it will be a sure box office hit and estimated at least 80,000 pay-per-view buys from Puerto Rico to deliver incremental income of $4 million’.

Cotto, however, must turn back Joshua Clottey in the first defense of his WBO welterweight title on June 13 to arrange the appointment with Pacquiao. It will be Cotto’s sixth appearance at the Garden where he has beaten Muhammad Abdullaev, Paul Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Sugar Shane Mosley and Michael Jennings.

Arum has mentioned at least five possible opponents of Pacquiao for his next fight which could take place in the US before the end of the year. These popular boxers include Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Shane Mosley, Juan Manuel Marquez, Edwin Valero and Miguel Cotto.

A Pacquiao-Mayweather match will be a real boxing blockbuster as both of them are known crowd drawers. Staging the fight though could be a tough job for the promoters because of the huge prize money that the two most popular boxers may demand and how they will share the prize money including the pay-per-view revenues that the fight will generate.

Bob Arum knows that a Pacquiao-Mayweather match is difficult to stage and that could be the reason why he is pushing a Pacquiao-Cotto match as both fighters are under his own Top Rank Promotions.

Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/272799

Mayweather must halt Juan Ma to match Pacquiao's Greatest Hits

Manny Pacquaio has had two “statement” fights in succession. By putting first Oscar De La Hoya through a meatgrinder and then quickly pulverizing Ricky Hatton, Pacman punctuated his statements with exclamation points.

Now, as he goes into the ring July 18 as a prohibitive 4-1 betting favorite over small lightweight Juan Manuel Marquez, how can unbeaten and former Pound For Pound Ring King Floyd Mayweather make his own got to pay attention to this statement?

By doing something which does not come naturally to the slick and evasive boxer, that’s what.

Mayweather is programmed like a thermostat always set at 55 degrees. He is programmed to win rounds by using his tremendous hand and foot speed. Many fighters mouth the platitude but PBF is truly a guy who doesn’t go “looking for the knockout.”

The American fighter who has been eclipsed in his absence by the Pinoy Idol can only get the world to sit up and take notice if he can stop or otherwise knock the Mexican ringmaster out.

Winning a unanimous decision, even if by six or seven points on all three scorecards, won’t be enough to bring back some of the Mayweather Magic that was erased during his short retirement.

Mayweather needs to provide a thrill or two. Mayweather needs to put Juan Ma on his back not necessarily the four times that Pacman did (including three in an opening round) in two bouts but he must show he can hurt this guy.

I take the position that we should ignore all the blather from both sides because, probably next spring, we will see the inevitable Mayweather-Pacquiao mega bout.

Aha, there’s something symbolic of how Packy has used PBF’s time away from the ring to burnish his shining star.

If it was before the demolitions of Oscar and Ricky, I am sure I’d have written that in reverse and called it the Pacquiao-Mayweather mega bout.

But now Pacman deserves and gets top billing just like he did recently when he warbled a few of his tunes in the Conga Room in Los Angeles. Dig that boss chapeau Packy is rocking, very Rat Packish I would say. On second thought, more Kid Rockish really.

Yes, he did stop Hatton in 10 rounds but then you have to reach back on Mayweather’s resume to his back to back TKO 6 victories over lesser lights Arturo Gatti and Sharmba Mitchell to find PBF stoppages.

Juan Ma only has four losses and one draw on the debit side of his 50-4-1 (37 KOs) glittering resume.

Southpaw Freddie Norwood outpointed him and lefty Pacquiao battled to a draw and a split decision victory. In a crazy bit of business, JMM also went all the way to Indonesia to lose to tough guy Chris John. His first loss goes back to his pro debut in 1993, a DQ 1, so that can be ignored.

It’s hard to imagine the Mayweather who went the full 12 rounds in beating Zab Judah and Carlos Baldomir, neither of whom have the counterpunching skills and deep-seated resolve of Marquez, beating Pacman’s archrival within the limit.

I know another thing and that, despite how one-sided this bout may become, Marquez will never quit trying.

There’s a glow around Pacquiao based on two stellar results and only a Mayweather shocker, a KO or TKO over Marquez, can dim it.

If Floyd can’t turn out Juan Ma’s lights, the party at Pacquiao World will roll on.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/examiner/x-5699-NY-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m5d19-Mayweather-must-halt-Juan-Ma-to-match-Pacquiaos-Greatest-Hits

Juan Manuel Marquez: “Floyd’s size is no problem for me!”

Ron Gabriel caught up with Juan Manuel Marquez at his L.A. press conference and got 'El Dinamita's' thoughts on his upcoming fight with Floyd Mayweather!

J.M. Marquez: I have good boxing skills and speed. And you know that I know how to fight! Those are my advantages against Mayweather. The size is not a problem for me. I have worked very hard at putting on muscle and I will be prepared. Words are not important right now, action in the fight on July 18 is. After I beat Mayweather, everyone knows I want to fight Pacquiao again. I fought him twice and I won both fights!

Juan Manuel Marquez:

Thank you very much! Mexicans have always been loyal to me I thank them for the support. They never stop supporting ‘La Raza!’

I’m very happy with their support and I will put all my heart and effort into giving them the kind of good showing they deserve.

I would like to thank Golden Boy for the opportunities. I want to dedicate this fight as always to all my countrymen.

It will be a very difficult fight but I know I have the guts, the heart, and the will to win and I dedicate this fight to ‘La Raza’ and to my family and to God.

We know it will be a very difficult fight but we will put everything on the line and after this victory we want the Filipino! (Manny Pacquiao)

I have good boxing skills and speed. And you know that I know how to fight! Those are my advantages against Mayweather.

The size is not a problem for me. I have worked very hard at putting on muscle and I will be prepared. Words are not important right now, action in the fight on July 18 is.

After I beat Mayweather, everyone knows I want to fight Pacquiao again. I fought him twice and I won both fights!

Source: http://fightfan.com/2009/05/juan-manuel-marquez-floyds-size-is-no-problem-for-me/

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Juan Manuel Marquez, on July 18, 2009

MAYWEATHER VS MARQUEZ: PROMO/COUNTDOWN

Mayweather vs Marquez (battle for kingship 2 / juan's pursuit for glory

Floyd Mayweather Jr vs Juan Manuel Marquez - Official Update

LAS VEGAS – The boxing world received two gifts this week, not only the announcement that six-time world champion in five weight divisions Floyd “Money” Mayweather has returned to the sport, but also that he was immediately putting his undefeated record on the line when he faces the dangerous and highly touted five-time world champion in three weight divisions Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez in MAYWEATHER vs. MARQUEZ “Number One/Numero Uno” on Saturday, July 18 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be broadcast live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT. Mayweather’s return and the fight were announced today at a press conference at MGM Grand.

“That’s right. I’m back and you can all get ready for another chapter of the Mayweather experience!” said Mayweather. “I told my CEO Leonard Ellerbe from the start that I wanted to come back fighting the best fighters out there and Juan Manuel Marquez is one of the best in boxing today.”

“To be considered the best in the world, you have to fight the best, and I have made it clear even when Mayweather was away from the sport that he was the only man I really wanted to fight,” said Marquez. “I’m happy that he’s come out of retirement and accepted my challenge. Unfortunately for him, he might be sorry he came back at all.”

The summer showdown between Mayweather (39-0, 25 KO’s) and Marquez (50-4-1, 37 KO’s) will be promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions.

“Mayweather Promotions is proud to announce the return of Floyd Mayweather after a much needed rest,” said Ellerbe. “But he is coming back with a vengeance and clearly Marquez is a significant challenge for his return. It is going to be an extremely competitive and exciting fight.”

“Floyd Mayweather is back and Juan Manuel Marquez is ready to fight,” said Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer. “Mayweather is clearly making a statement by accepting this challenge to fight the dangerous Marquez in his first fight back. Having seen Floyd perform live in his two previous fights, I know a big challenge brings out the best him. Boxing is in for a great night on July 18th.”

“Floyd Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel Marquez has the potential to be one of boxing’s all-time great fights,” said Oscar De La Hoya, President of Golden Boy Promotions. “Not only are they two boxers destined for the Hall of Fame and two of the greatest technicians of this era, but they also both have a warrior’s spirit that comes out when they get tested. I know that they’ll push each other to the limit when they step into the ring July 18th.”

“MGM Grand is thrilled to host Floyd Mayweather’s return to the ring and welcome back the great Juan Manuel Marquez,” said Richard Sturm, President of Sports and Entertainment for MGM MIRAGE. “We anticipate this to be one of the hottest fights of the year and look forward to the exciting night of boxing these two champions will deliver to the MGM Grand Garden Arena.”

“Floyd Mayweather is a special athlete and it ' s heartening to see him return in such a big fight against an accomplished opponent in Juan Manuel Marquez,” said Ross Greenburg, President of HBO Sports. “Boxing fans will be intrigued by this mid-summer match-up.”

For these two future Hall of Famers, all that really matters is what happens when the bell rings on Saturday, July 18 and with Mayweather’s return to the ring in a quest to reclaim his pound-for-pound title by taking on Marquez, a man looking to add once again to his amazing legacy, this is a true mega-fight which will determine who is the premier boxer of this era.

Information on ticket availability will be made available shortly.

Source: http://www.doghouseboxing.com/Chee/Chee050409.htm