The Hatton-Manny Pacquiao Fight: East Meets West
April 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Manny Pacquiao
There is no doubt that the Pacquiao-Hatton fight is one of the much talked-about bouts in the boxing arena this early part of 2009. It can be said that even without the series of promotional tours in different strategic places, this fight will surely get a big following, not only at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but also in pay-per-view.
By themselves, Manny Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton are two simple men. However, once they get inside the boxing ring, they have that kind of lure that attracts people from different walks of life and unites the world into one big boxing fan.
In their recent promotional appearances before their excited fans and the media, they were given such red carpet treatment that they deserve. It is a kind of special attention that even before they say anything, success is already evident.
Both boxers are supported by their countrymen. Filipinos, to whom Pacquiao dedicated his previous fights and victories, are still confident that he will set to record his 49th win by knockout. For many times, he has promised to give honor to his country through his fists, a promise that he was able to keep for many times already.
Hatton on the other hand also has the British people behind him. At 30, the British “hitman” is confident that his technical skills are still improving and will make him fit to face the Filipino southpaw. He even plans to have more fights within the year after defeating Pacquiao. This is to bring him back to the no. 1 position.
Predictions and speculations are thrown by both camps. The trainers do their own strategy of analyzing the given situations and the capacity of each of their wards. On the part of Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, he told Manny that he will be disappointed if the boxer cannot knock out Hatton in the third round. He further added that Manny is in the process of studying his opponent’s moves and how he could stop Hatton in round 3.
Hatton does not take all of these seriously. With Floyd Mayweather, Sr. as his trainer, he considers the “Battle of East and West” as just another fight of his life. Mayweather is also confident that with Hatton’s focus on the needed preparations, the British boxer will surely take the biggest step up in his life. According to the confident trainer, he has not seen this much kind of concentration on Ricky before.
Given the sad picture of the economy in the background, this event will temporarily divert the world’s attention from the gloomy situation to something on the lighter side of life. People will turn their attention to a different scene, one that is uplifting and inspiring, if only to take a breath from the strangling effect of the economic recession.
Tickets will sell and pay-per view will generate sales. The popularity of the two fighters is unstoppable. Whoever between them will succumb to the other’s strength and power, this fight will still make a history for both men. No doubt, this significant bout will surely make the “East meet West”.
The Hatton – Manny Pacquiao Fight: An Explosion to Remember
April 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Manny Pacquiao
What do you expect when two big boxing superstars clash? Did you say explosion? Yes, the Pacquiao-Hatton fight is sure to create such explosion that the world will experience – and remember.
Pacquiao, the so-called Filipino pound-for-pound is pitted against Hatton, the British hitman in the “Battle of the East and West”. The former is eyeing for his 37th KO, the latter his 33rd. Both of them are in their 30’s and confident that they got what it takes to stop the other. In this fight, people like to see something more than an exchange of power, but a real display of supremacy in this fight of the year.
Much is done by the organizers in order to stir people’s interest, not only among the Pinoys and Brits, but especially in the United States where this main event will take place. Once more, the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas will feel the pressure of two of the world’s best.
Upon defeating de la Hoya, many plus factors have been given to Pacquiao by the boxing world. This alone is enough to spark much expectation from the fans, and give them the confidence that undoubtedly the Filipino won’t find it difficult to stop Hatton.
Mayweather, Sr., the very excited coach of Ricky Hatton does not only expect his ward to knock out Pacquiao, but also for him to receive the “best trainer award”. In some instances, the trainer has emphasized his significant role in the boxing career of Hatton, although this claim was contradicted by Freddie Roach.
Hatton reacted against the importance given by people to Paquiao’s victory over de la Hoya. It is as if he does not believe that Pacquiao deserves such grand accolade. He also pointed out that de la Hoya himself is also one of the world’s best boxers and Pacquiao only got the chance of luck.
Both boxers have instantly heightened once more their international celebrity status. Whether it is in the UK or in the US where they have visited, the two have gathered large crowds of fans and even movie celebrities. Both were given the chance to talk to their fans and do interviews with the press.
Now the two are focused on their preparations for the May 2 (Las Vegas time) explosive event. There is no question about the intensity of their trainings. Both are studying each other’s fighting style and techniques, and assessing their own in order to match and outdo each other. From what they say, there is no admittance of defeat but of success.
Internet surveys favor Pacquiao by a knockout win. Boxing experts predict the same, although British sportswriters give the favor to their own “hero”. Even those boxers who lost against Hatton said that his ability is no match to Pacquiao’s.
After putting down nine Mexican fighters in a row, will Pacquiao be able to stop his first British opponent? On the other corner, after Hatton’s first defeat to Floyd Mayweather, Jr., will he be able to go back to the boxing sight through Manny?
The Ricky Hatton-Manny Pacquiao Fight: Clash Between Two Great Boxers
April 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Manny Pacquiao
When the match between Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao was sealed last January, there have been many speculations from both camps about who will win. Considering that both boxers have good track records, it is difficult to tell exactly who is the more powerful, or who has a greater chance of out powering the other.
If you follow the press releases taken from both camps, each has a good story to tell, harsh words to hurl at the other, and even plans to pursue after the much-awaited fight.
However, it you go down to a more personal level and listen to what each of the two boxing heroes have to say, you can get a better picture of how they really feel about themselves and about the other.
On one occasion Pacquiao admitted that he has to be prepared more for this fight than what he did prior to fighting Oscar de la Hoya. He considers Hatton as a great opponent and that he should not underestimate the Brit’s strength and power.
Speaking before his fans at the Trafford Center in Manchester, Pacquiao said that Hatton will surely give him more problems than De la Hoya did. Pacquiao has given special attention to his every fight, and he is man enough to say that this one against Hatton will need even more of his attention and self-confidence.
He looks at Hatton’s record of 1 loss in 45 fights and with 32 knockouts as great and something of value. Hatton has won titles in the light-welterweight and welterweight classes. With all of these, Pacquiao has to see to it that he has got what it should take to face a great British boxer.
On Hatton’s assessment of Pacquiao, he is not scared of Manny. Given the Filipino’s well-decorated career, Hatton takes it only as a challenge. According to the Manchester native, the May 2 fight will be “a fight between two nice men”.
However, he continued, the two nice men will just be challengers that are willing to do anything and put everything to win once they get inside the ring. He considers both of them as both aggressive, but Pacquiao is not someone who would cause him to worry about.
The MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada will be the deciding ground as to who between the two confident boxers will win the light-welterweight showdown. Great fights have been staged in this arena, but this May 2 fight will be different. It is because this will also be a match between two trainers, Pacquiao’s Freddie Roach and Hatton’s Mayweather, Sr.
In several instances, the two hurled biting words against each other, if only to prove that their wards are the best among the rest. The result of this much talked about fight will reveal which trainer did his best in order to win the title. It could be said that whether it is Hatton or Pacquiao who will win, the contention would be that the trainer of the winner is the “better one”.
The Next Manny Pacquiao Fight: Will it Be Pound for Pound or Real Strength?
April 8, 2009 by admin
Filed under Manny Pacquiao
“Get ready for some beating” for the next Manny Pacquiao fight. This statement from Floyd Mayweather Sr, Ricky Hatton’s trainer, surely put a message across to Freddie Roach and Manny Pacquiao – that they could expect a great fighter in Hatton.
Considering that Pacquiao moved up two weight divisions and easily beat Oscar dela Hoya in December, Hatton is also up to face a determined fighter who is considered the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. However, the trainer does not consider such circumstance as a reason to fear the Filipino boxer.
Mayweather has repeatedly claimed that the May 2 clash between the two boxing superstars will put Hatton back to no. 1 again. Such display of confidence might have sprung out of Hatton’s decision to change his fighting style, one that would combine strategies that he used to stop Kotsya Tszyu and Paul Malignaggi.
There is even a plan that after defeating Pacquiao on May 2, Hatton will try to do a match with Marquez. Such plan, if accomplished, will put back Hatton’s boxing career in the ring again, and will give him a big chance to win back the no. 1 spot.
Furthermore, Mayweather Sr. said that Pacquiao is not likely to bear the tremendous power and strength of his boxer. He aptly describes Hatton as the fighter that has real strength, and that Manny was tailor-made for his British opponent.
Of course, Freddie Roach would not just close his mouth as if he need not comment on Mayweather’s harsh words. Throwing back some punches, the Hall of Fame Trainer still insisted that Pacquiao will knock out Hatton some time in the later rounds. Roach belittled Mayweather for claiming that he (Mayweather) was the best trainer.
He went on by saying that Mayweather has never trained his own son Floyd Mayweather, Jr. On being the trainer of Oscar dela Hoya, Roach said that the boxer has already won four world titles before Mayweather became his trainer. In other words, Roach would like to say that the trainer claims achievements that are not really his own, or, to be blunt, he has never achieved anything.
As a morale booster to each of their wards, their belittling words hurled at each other’s camp serve as encouragement. On one occasion Pacquiao was man enough to admit that he expects a lot of problems from Hatton, much more than what he expected from Golden Boy dela Hoya. As a proof, the Filipino legendary boxer is back in thick training, more than what he has done before in his previous fights.
On the other hand, Hatton knows that Manny does not fit into his bullying fighting style that has become his trademark. To equalize Pacquiao’s tremendous speed, he will rely on his hand speed and punching power. One problem though is the issue that since Hatton is used to his old style, it would be difficult for him to stop Manny who is very much aware of his “weakness”.
For sure, boxing aficionados will enjoy this great fight between two of the world’s no. 1 boxers in their own right. Whether this fight will favor Hatton or Pacquiao, every punch will be a piece of victory for the boxing world.
The Heat is On For the Pacquiao-Hatton Match
April 7, 2009 by admin
Filed under Manny Pacquiao, Pinoy Pride
The heat of the Pacquiao-Hatton fight that is slated on May 2 this year is causing an intensifying fever in different parts of the world. The two world-renowned boxers will visit Hollywood in order to promote their much talked-about match, after their UK stint. For sure the temperature will continue to rise as they set foot in the US, especially because their light welterweight showdown will be in Las Vegas, Nevada right in the world famous MGM Grand Garden Arena.
It can be recalled that there have been lots of negotiations done by both camps before the much-anticipated fight was finally sealed last January. The British boxer Hatton, optimistic as he is, wants to have two more fights after Pacquiao, which openly shows his confidence that he would win this fight against the 30 year old “People’s Champ” from General Santos City, Philippines.
In their US promo tour, the two boxing icons will be accompanied each by their respective trainers, Freddie Roach and Floyd Mayweather, Sr. They are expected to hold media conferences and also to have some time with their fans. There have already been some other promo tours that were conducted in some other parts of the UK.
Pacquiao is now doing his best to face Hatton who said that he would change his fighting style just for Pacquiao. In an earlier statement, Hatton admitted that he cannot use his bullying style so he would further enhance his hand speed and punching power. He used this style to win his IBF title against Kotsya Tszyu in 2005. However, he needs to do more than that in order to beat a lightning-fast fighter that is Manny Pacquiao.
After Pacquiao, Hatton hopes to fight against two top rank boxers including Marquez who is now no. 2 in the list of the world’s pound-for-pound bests. If this plan of beating the two boxers will come true, he would have a chance to have a rematch with his favorite Floyd Mayweather, Jr. (if the latter finally decides to return from hiatus).
It could be remembered that Mayweather, Jr. beat him in the 10th round of the 2007 fight, the first lose on Hatton’s part, which nearly cost him his boxing career. Ricky would not let the same thing happen again.
On the other hand, Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, said he sees a great fight between the two in the first half, but he is confident that Manny will rule over Hatton in the later rounds. There is even a big possibility that Pacquiao will knock him out at some point.
In addition, Roach said that Hatton’s old style is hard to discard just like that. Even if he changes his style, Hatton would only need a hit to get him out of his composure so that he will revert back to his old style of fighting. Once this is established, Manny could surely finish him off. This is much easier said than done, because as you see, each camp is doing its best not only to put up a good fight, but of course to win the world title.
The Rocking Pinoy Pride: Arnel Pineda
September 19, 2008 by admin
Filed under Arnel Pineda, Pinoy Pride
Rocking Pinoy pride Arnel Pineda has made practically his whole life all about music. He has been a professional musician for twenty-five years and has traveled to different countries to perform with different bands. He may not have risen to the pinnacle of his career in the Philippines and become a certified rockstar in his own country but Pineda enjoyed a stable career in music. But despite having been successful in his musical career in the Philippines and in Asia, nothing could have prepared him for the amazing ride he has been on the last several months after he signed up to become the front man of the legendary band Journey. Pineda’s story seems like a fairy tale of some sorts. It is a story that tells the power of the internet and how dreams do come true.
Videos of Pineda performing with his band The Zoo were uploaded on the popular video-sharing website You Tube by Noel Gomez in February 2007. The band did cover songs by popular bands such as Led Zeppelin, Air Supply, Aerosmith and Journey. By June of the same year Neal Schon, a member of the band Journey, contacted Noel Gomez to get the contact details of Arnel Pineda. When Arnel received an email from Schon asking the former to audition for the role of lead singer of the band, Arnel dismissed the email as a hoax. The singer just couldn’t believe that it was really the popular guitarist who had sent him an email. It took a lot of proding from Noel Gomez before Arnel decided to reply to Schon’s email. In August 2007, Arnel Pineda flew to the United States to audition for the band. That was the beginning of Pineda’s amazing journey. In December 2007, the band had made an official announcement on Arnel Pineda being the band’s new vocalist. Journey fans were both thrilled and skeptical that Arnel Pineda could match what Steve Perry brought to the band as vocalist.
Journey feat. Arnel Pineda Revelation CD & DVD
The band released the album “Revelations” on June 3, 2008 with Arnel Pineda as vocalist. The album landed on the no. 5 in the Billboard Top 200 album charts the same week it was released. The US version of Revelations contain eleven Journey classics, eleven new songs,and a DVD of the Journey’s March 2008 Las Vegas concert. The album was released exclusively in Wal-Mart in the United States. With the performance of the band’s album with Pineda as vocalist, it seems that Journey fans were not disappointed- the album remains in the top 20 of the Billboard Top 200. While only time can tell is Pineda will last as vocalist of the rock band, his band mates have nothing but positive words to say about the singer.
Arnel Pineda was born in Sampaloc, Manila Philippines on September 5, 1967. The 41-year old singer has been part of a band since he was fifteen years old. He started out as a singer with the band Ijos band. Twenty-five years later and Arnel is still rocking Pinoy pride.
Pinoy Pride Fairy Tale – Celine Dion’s Heartwarming Introduction of Charice at the Madison
September 17, 2008 by admin
Filed under Charice Pempengco, Pinoy Pride
“There is something very special that I would like to speak to you about.”
This is how Celine Dion started her introduction of Pinoy Pride Charice Pempengco during her “Taking Chances” World tour leg at the Madison Square Garden in New York. The crowd broke in cheers as if they have been anticipating what Celine Dion was going to talk about. She continues, “A few weeks ago, I received a call from my dear friend, Oprah. She actually told me about an incredible young singer.” The crowd broke to a wilder cheer. Obviously, they know.
A VOICE THAT CAN LITERALLY BLOW THE ROOF OF MADISON SQUARE GARDEN
“If you watched Oprah, you know all about her. This young thing’s name is Charice.” More wild cheers from the jampacked Madison Square Garden. “She’s 16 years old and she’s from the Philippines. Let me tell you, she has a voice that can literally blow the roof of Madison Square Garden.” More cheers.
Celine Dion went on to share what she knew about Charice’s personal life (her and her mom’s travails). Celine appeared holding back her emotion at this stage. The crowd was silent.
“…You know, through prayers, dreams, and God-given talent, and a firm voice, Charice entered and won every singing contest in her native country.” The crowd was cheering again. “Eventually noticed by such influentiable people…you know…Oprah and Oprah vowed to take care of her needs and that David Foster joined her. You know I had the chance to see Charice perform one nice song at Oprah last week.”
EMOTIONAL CELINE DION
Celine Dion, as she mentioned she does not usually stop a song, continued by saying, “I’m having a little difficulty (to talk) right now because I…. I met Charice, and I’m so emotional and somewhat searching, looking for my words, trying to control my emotion.” At this stage, Celine Dion received some encouraging cheers from the crowd. She turned and exclaimed, “Where are you, sweetheart?” amid the wild cheers. Pointing to Charice Pempengco’s direction (who was seated beside her mom among the crowd), she said, “There she is! C’mon down sweetie!”
Amid the cheers, Celine Dion introduced the little girl from the Philippines.
NERVOUS CHARICE
Celine Dion was doting on Charice, “First of all, let me tell you, you look spectacular. You look so beautiful.” All Charice could do was to mutter an almost inaudible “Thank you.” Celine turned towards Charice’s mom among the crowd saying, “Mom, are you okay? You look beautiful holding on to your chair.”
Charice was indeed looking like a little girl looking overwhelmingly at her idol who is standing right in front of her. When asked by Celine how she felt, she meekly whispered, “I’m nervous.”
Celine went on to reassure Charice and gave her some advice. She said, “Think about all the people you see in front of you are your brothers and sisters. You’re singing in your living room..” The crown broke into approving cheers and claps.
Buy / Download Album Charice by “Charice Pempengco”
The two divas, one great diva and one diva-in-the-making proceeded to sing “Because You Loved Me.” It was a spectacular sight nobody, who was present at the Madison Square Garden that night, could ever forget. After that night, no one could ever forget the Pinoy Pride Charice Pempengco–the barrio lass from the Philippines who have conquered the hearts of many music lovers.
Charice Pempengco a Pinoy Pride Shows Everybody Can Be a Winner
September 15, 2008 by admin
Filed under Charice Pempengco, Pinoy Pride
Charice Pempengco the latest addition to Pinoy pride phenom has been the buzz in Youtube and internationally distributed talk shows. We can say that Charice Pempengco, from the Little Big Star finalist to an international diva has definitely made a mark on the world. But just like any successful performer, everything is not served on a silver platter.
Most of the singers now have started with competitions within their towns. In which, every time Charice participates in these types of competitions, she never manages to come out as the winner. This trend has been consistent even until the time she joined the Little Big Star. But she was called back as a wild card contestant in which when the finals came, she managed to get 3rd place.
But in this situation, it is easy to get publicity. And believe it or not, it’s right at our finger tips. With the help of False Voice, he gave Charice’ ambition a friendly push it needed to get noticed. Thanks to YouTube, Star King from South Korea and Ten Songs Production in Sweden saw some of her performances and decided to contact her.
Would you believe that they thought that her singing was fake? Interestingly enough, it is hard to believe that a big voice would come out of a very small frame. But the people in Star King were in for a surprise when they heard her rendition of the Dream Girls song “And I’m Telling You”. While in Sweden, they called her up to record seven songs.
With this, Charice has found her way into the American music scene which she got the attention of Ellen De Generes, Oprah Winfrey, and Grammy winner David Foster. Also, she appeared on E! ‘s The Daily Ten tagging her as “A Star is Born” and “ A Queen is Born”.
Her latest appearance is at Celine Dion’s concert at the Madison Square Garden in New York.
Pinoy Pride Charice Pempengco Conquering the World Now
September 15, 2008 by admin
Filed under Charice Pempengco, Pinoy Pride
It is said that one should conquer the country before the world. Apparently Charice, the Pinoy pride she may not have won one of the prestigious talent shows in the Philippines but she definitely had won the world through the World Wide Web thanks to his pseudo-guardian angel, which goes by the name False Voice.
Everyone knows Charice Pempengco from Little Big Star at ABS-CBN. She had few mic-throwing antics on the side but it is undeniable that she can definitely sing. It was a bit surprising that she only came in 3rd place from the competition, but it was a huge surprise when we saw her Star King appearance in South Korea on YouTube.
Buy / Download Album Charice by “Charice Pempengco”
Her infamous rendition of “And I’m Telling You” from the Dream Girls soundtrack left the show’s hosts and audience at awe with the girl’s powerful voice. After which, she was also graced with a duet with Kyu Hyun singing “A Whole New World”.
This appearance definitely opened a lot of doors as a start of her singing career. From Sweden, US, and London, all have wanted to hear the girl’s amazing voice in person. Even Ellen De Generes and Oprah Winfrey.
Ellen De Generes was very impressed when Charice sang her first song on the show “And I’m Telling You” and she got a standing ovation with her rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love you”. When she appeared on the Oprah Winfrey show, not only the crowd was astonished with her performance, she left them applauding non-stop with her Houston song. She also appeared in the Paul O’Grady show in London.
In David Foster’s concert at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, he himself cannot contain his excitement at the girl’s talent with all he can say is “Wow, wow, wow” whenever he’s asked about what he thinks of Charice’s singing.
Of course, Charise Pempengco will never forget her country, the Philippines, as to this is the place where it all began. She has settled to be a Kapamilya and the one in a million “Pinoy Pride”.
Manny Pacquiao Fight Advantageous to Dela Hoya or Maybe Not
September 12, 2008 by admin
Filed under Manny Pacquiao
Boxing purists and fans are so convinced Oscar De la Hoya is taking the easy way out by matching up with the Pinoy Pride and Champ Manny Pacquiao instead of Antonio Margarito. No one can blame them. At a height of 5’10”, rated at the super welterweight class, with an obvious reach advantage, Golden Boy literally towers above the new lightweight champion, Manny Pacquiao.
After a Technical Knockout win over Arturo Gatti in 2001 in the super welterweight class, De la Hoya never fought below 154 lbs. He even went as far as 160 pounds (middleweight class) against Felix Sturm in 2004.
Pacquiao, on the other hand, just recently moved up to lightweight (135 lbs.) against David Diaz June this year. He stands 5’6”.
The howl of protest is reaching an embarrassing level. Insiders remain unfazed.
Bob Arum says the Manny Pacquiao vs De la Hoya bout will rank among the all-time greats in boxing history. He said that the December match at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas will be mentioned in the same breath with the 1970’s Ali-Frazier trilogy or the 1980’s historic bouts of Sugar Ray Leonard with Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns.
Arum further points out that he believes the Mexican Destroyer has more than genuine chances of defeating the Golden Boy.
While Pacquiao has to jump two weight classes to meet De la Hoya to reach the 147 mark, this is not his first time to come up the ring on such weight. He fought and decimated Barrera in October last year with all the 144 pounds of solid muscle (he weighed in at 130 lbs.)
The Golden Boy, on the other hand, has to burn a lot of body mass as he has to jump down two weight classes to satisfy the 147 lbs. maximum demanded by the Pacquiao camp. The last time he weighed lowest (welterweight) was in 2000.
He has to really starve and work himself out to shrink, or else he pays the Pacquiao camp $3 million dollars per excess pound over 147 lbs. To further worsen the deal for De la Hoya, Freddie Roach threatens not to let Manny Pacquiao get in the ring if he arrives overweight on fight night.
And the Pacquiao camp wants the weigh-in to be done on the day before the fight.
Ain’t the Golden Boy in a tight fix?
The toll this pound-shedding punishment is reaching masochistic dimensions we could just not begin to imagine how the 35-year old Oscar de la Hoya is going to take this. A weigh-in three days before the fight would make it a bit easier but the Filipino camp is threatening to withdraw the fight if they insist on it. Freddie Roach says, if De la Hoya comes up the ring at 150 lbs. he will stop Pacquiao from getting in. Three pounds is a lot of difference in this fight.
Oscar de la Hoya has, at best, been a part-time boxer. He is now more of a businessman than a ring warrior. Height and weight difference or not, the 35 year-old Super welterweight is going to face a 29 year-old boxing phenomenon that is at the prime of his game.
