MARGARITO WINS THE PACQUIAO LOTTO: BUT AT WHAT COST?

Why should Antonio get a shot at Manny Pacquiao? I think this fight hurts boxing, for many reasons. In fact I think this hurts boxing more than Manny not fighting Floyd. What happens if Antonio wins? He destroys a Floyd match up from ever happening. Plus he is legitimized as a respectable athlete if he wins. What ever happened to fighters fighting their way up to get a shot. He is not rated in the Ring's top ten at either 147, or 154. Everyone is talking about him being an 8 division champion, but that is ridiculous in, and of itself. They are fighting for a vacant belt. That would make him a paper champion because he never actually won the title from the real champion Sergio Martinez. Manny is just chasing belts, just like Roy Jones did. He wont agree to fight because of random drug tests, because he is above that. But he will fight a guy who already a disgraced cheater, COME ON. Antonio can't even get a boxing license in America because of loading his gloves. Doesn't anybody remember Luiz Resto, or for that matter Billy Collins Jr. ? They never got another chance to fight again. Why should a cheating punk, who endangered many fighters get a shot at Manny? I would love to chalk this one up to the evil Bob Arum solely, but I can't. I don't think this speaks well of Manny's character either. Why wouldn't he speak up and say wait a minute here I'm the champ I can fight someone better. A fight with Floyd for what ever reason won't happen. The next logical choice would be the best available competition. If he would have fought anyone else I wouldn't have questioned it. Lets pick a guy who is made to order, like Antonio. How stupid is that lets reward a cheating boxer who can't get a fight in America. The fight could be justified if he fought his way back and gained a little respect, but he didn't. Bob Arum wants to control all of the money. That is the biggest reason this fight is gonna happen. If Manny really wanted to be considered the best he would fight Paul Williams, Andre Berto, or Tim Bradley. I would even pay to see Alfredo Angulo, Kermit Cintron, or Saul Alvarez. They are all respected fighters who would give him a fight. I'm not here just trashing Manny, Antonio, or anyone else. I'm huge fans of all of them. Everyone is ducking Paul Williams including Manny, and Floyd. Paul Williams already beat, Sergio Martinez the Ring Champ of the division. Oh yea and he already defeated Antonio Margarito. He has been calling out Manny, and Floyd for years, only to fall on deaf ears. I'm interested to see who Floyd will fight if he fights this year. If its not someone in the pound for pound, or ranked at either 147, or 154, shame on him too. I'm a boxing purest, but this just tarnishes the sport as a whole. I just hope it is a good fight, and Manny can collect his WBC trinket. The only thing with character that will be at this fight is the Tecate beer.

PACQUIAO BREAKS THROUGH WITH PPV BUYS

Manny proves he is a crossover star by selling 700,000 pay-per-views, with relative unknown for an opponent. Only boxing fans know who Joshua Clottey is, but everyone knows who Manny Pacquiao is. The 700,000 PPV buys that Manny sold equals a total revenue of $35.3 million dollars. That total will be added on to the 51,000 people who walked through the gate in Dallas at Cowboys Stadium. He is a huge star and can generate a ton of people any time he steps in the ring. Just imagine how much money a Paquiao vs. Mayweather fight would have done, or will do. With break-through numbers like this he truly is the people's champ. If I got was that popular and could draw crowds like that I would probably want to run for office too. I just hope he doesn't win until he is done boxing.

Jim Lampley: BANG BANG BANG!

If there is one thing you cannot say about Jim Lampley its that he doesn't have passion for his job.  He is consistently providing some entertainment in the form of commentary. From bursting into tears after a fight, to totally disrespecting mixed martial arts, to his latest outburst of sound effects on Saturday. Lampley provided "Bang" sound effects to Manny Pacquiao punches during his fight with Joshua Clottey. Since the original video has been deleted from youtube by HBO, here is a little remix Lampley did with Ricky Martin to illustrate the hilarity.

PACQUIAO DOMINATES IN DALLAS

Manny Pacquiao W 12 Joshua Clottey SCORES: 119-109, 119-109, 120-108

Manny Pacquio dominated legit welterweight Joshua Clottey in front of a crowd of 51, 000 at Dallas Cowboy Stadium. From the 1st round you could see the speed, and power difference was in Manny's favor. Manny could not get much passed Clottey's guard in the first half of the fight, so he peppered his body. Manny out worked his bigger foe in every round to get the unanimous decision. He couldn't land his power or hurt Clottey because of his turtle shell style defense. So the champion did the next best thing, he upped his output and punches per round to bank every round. What amazed me was the patience he exhibited when he couldn't get passed Clottey's guard early. Clottey looked scared of Manny's power and wouldn't open up and take the chances he needed to win. Clottey had some early success when he countered Manny, as evident in the mouse he produced under Manny's eye. Those moments of Clottey throwing punches, let alone being effective were few and far between. It looked like Clottey was afraid and went into survival mode for the majority of the fight, so he wouldn't get caught and get hurt.Even Joshua's trainer couldn't will him to throw more punches. He tried to and was begging his fighter to engage his opponent. Trainer Lenny DeJesus said to his fighter "Your losing every damn round". It was to no avail though because Clottey want no part of the Philippine machine. Every round was the same Manny on the attack throwing punches, and Joshua covering up for his life. The only round you could have given the challenger was probably the 12Th. In the final round Joshua threw more punches then he had in previous rounds and landed a good upper cut that stumbled the champion, but that only lasted for a second. Every time Clottey looked like he wanted to engage and landed some punches, Manny fought back even harder to take the rounds. Even though Manny was awesome and was totally dominant, it looked like he had trouble with defensive styles like Clottey's. If he were in there against a quicker, more accurate, counter-puncher that wasn't afraid to throw back, he may have some trouble. If someone used his aggressiveness against him, and had more courage maybe we could see a good, or even competitive fight. Manny Pacquiao is a natural born star, and that was evident by the shear number of fans that showed up to watch him fight. They were chanting Manny's name before, during and after the fight. Every time they showed him on the giant 60 yard screen before he came out they erupted cheers. Both men respected and liked each other, after each round the touched gloves and hugged before the last round. I personally think fighters should be business like during the fight and only touch gloves before the 1st bell. As far as hugging they should save it for after the fight because this is the hurt business. Clottey had this to say of his superior opponent after the fight,
" He has speed". He also offered up an explanation for not throwing as many punches as he should of, "He was waiting for me to open to counter me. I realized that I couldn't land my power punches on him, because he was so fast. In the sport of boxing you don't just win a title you have to earn it by taking it from your opponent. We know styles make fights and Joshua Clottey was made to order for Pac-Man. You have to be busy and take advantage of Manny's aggressiveness if you want any shot at winning, and Joshua obviously did not do that. HBO commentator Max Kellermen asked the question that everyone wants to know, " Do you want to fight Floyd Mayweather if he wins his may fight against Shane Mosley?". The answer came quick from the pound-for-pound king. "I want the fight, because the people want to see the fight. But it's up to Floyd if he wants to fight me. It's not a problem for me to fight him; we're ready to fight at any time. But I don't think he's ready to fight. Someday we'll be ready to fight. Mayweather should win against Mosley but if not, maybe Mosley and I will fight." That wont be an easy task because Mosley is a great fighter and could beat anyone in the world as well. The reason people are in love with Manny is because he fights not only for himself but also for the people. His aggressive style is very fun to watch and he always brings the fight to his opponent. He dedicated the fight to the fans that came to watch him, and to those who were watching him on TV, truly making him the people's champion.


Nick Thomas

PACQUIAO AND CLOTTEY PROVE BOXING WILL NEVER DIE

Manny Paquiao and Joshua Clottey have almost sold out Cowboys Stadium, and there are still 4 more days until the fight. They have already sold somewhere around a staggering 41,000 tickets for the event. This is what happens when you put boxing's pound for pound champion against a bigger man. Only hardcore boxing fans know who Clottey, and he is relatively unknown to the mainstream public. This fight will do huge PPV numbers and the sick thing is the Mayweather vs. Mosley fight will do even better. Imagine what the numbers will be if Mayweather can beat Mosley, or even if Mosley wins, WOW. It is funny to me how certain members of the media have been claiming boxing is dead. What are they thinking now? The people for that side of the pointless argument will say "well this is the last big fight" but they have been saying that for years. Boxing will always thrive in America because it has a rich history, and is ingrained in it and it people. Look how many generations of people who have boxing in there blood. So common is the story of the immigrant grandfather who passed it down to his family. Wait until there is an American heavyweight champion again, if you want to see a serge in boxing in America. It is so deep in American culture many presidents have met and palled around with boxing greatest champions. From Eisenhower, and Marciano, to President Obama saluting Muhammad Ali, and many more. All of the exciting fights in mma are the stand up ones with the knockout. Americans crave two men standing toe to toe, and knockouts. The signing of James Toney in the UFC is only to garner some publicity for the sport. Why else would they sign a 41 year old boxing champion who is way, way past his prime and has real no mma skills? I'll tell you, it is the same reason why they signed Kimbo Slice. It is because they know whether people love or hate James Toney or the idea of a boxer in the cage they will watch, because he still has a punchers chance. What I am saying is boxing is far from dead, and really was never close to death. There is room for both boxing and mma because Americans love when the fist meets the face. Who is laughing at Jerry Jones, and Bob Arum now for staging a prize fight in a huge boxing arena? No one!

BRIAN VILORIA "THE HAWAIIAN PUNCH"

Brian Viloria is defending his IBF Jr Flyweight title in the Philippines in front of the fans he loves. At only 108 pounds the Hawaiian born fighter commands a lot of attention in the Philippines with his Philippino heritage. The Philippine people love their fighters (see Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire) and Brain Viloria is no different. I can only imagine the emotion Brain is feeling fighting in the country of his heritage. Brian is The Ring's number one ranked Jr Featherweight in the world. Since his losses to Omar Nino Romero, and Edgar Sosa he has won 7 straight matches. The biggest win in that streak coming over Ulises Solis by an 11TH round KO to capture the IBF Jr Flyweight Title. If Viloria can beat Carlos Tamara he can set up a unification bout with the WBO and recognized champion of the division Ivan Calderon. It would be an exciting fight and it would bring much needed attention to the division as well. He has 15 KOs in his 26 wins putting him at about a 50% KO rating but he hit harder then his record shows. Too many times small fighters like Brain are looked over in America and that is a shame. If you can watch this fight but are sceptical because of the weight watch it any way. Fighters at smaller weight classes fight at such a brisk pace it is amazing to watch.

Brian Viloria (26-2, 15 KOs) VS Carlos Tamara (20-4, 14 KOs)
WEIGHT CLASS: Jr Flyweight 108 lbs
BELTS: IBF Jr Flyweight title
WHERE: Cuneta Astrodome, Pasy City, Metro Minila, Philippines


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

DUMB OUT BOXING AWARDS

FIGHT OF YEAR
Paul Williams w 12 Sergio Martinez 119-110, 115-113, 114-114
Juan Urango TKO 11 Randall Bailey TIME 1:51

ROUND OF THE YEAR
Manny Pacquiao VS Miguel Cotto RD 3

KNOCKOUT OF THE YEAR
Manny Pacquiao KO 2 Ricky Hatton
Randall Bailey KO 4 Francisco Figueroa TIME 1:46
Arthur Abraham KO 12 Jermain Taylor TIME 2:54
Alfredo Angulo KO 3 Harry Joe Yorgey TIME 1:03
Brain Viloria KO 11 Ulises Solis TIME 2:56
Shane Mosley TKO 9 Antonio Margarito TIME 0:43

FIGHTER OF THE YEAR
Manny Pacquiao
Floyd Mayweather Jr
Paul Williams
Klitschko Brothers

WORST DECISION OF THE YEAR OF THE YEAR
Juan Diaz W 12 Paulie Malignaggi 118-110, 115-113, 116-112
Ali Funeka D Joan Guzman 114-114, 116-112, 114-114

UPSET OF THE YEAR
Shane Mosley TKO 9 Antonio Margarito TIME 0:43
Kermit Cintron W 12 Alfredo Angulo 112-116, 112-116, 112-116
Danny Green TKO 1 Roy Jones Jr. TIME 2:02
Andre Ward W 11 Mikkel Kessler 97-93, 98-92, 98-92
Juan Manuel Marquez drinks own urine

COMEBACK OF THE YEAR
Shane Mosley
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Vitali Klitschko
Paulie Malignaggi

MOST OVER HYPED
David Haye
Victor Ortiz

MOST PROTECTED
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.

BIGGEST EVENT
Super Six Classic Boxing Tournament
Pacquiao VS. Cotto
The Return of Pretty Boy Floyd
Oscar De La Hoya retires

BEST BOXING MOVIE OR DOCUMENTARY
TYSON
ASSAULT IN THE RING
TRUE STORIES THE THRILLER IN MANILA


Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

MANNY PACQUIAO VS. FLOYD MAYWEATHER

ESPN is reporting that this super fight is close to happening and Pretty boy has agreed to terms. The fight could happen on March 13, or May 1 either way it's cool with Floyd. Hopefully this is true and the fight goes down and we can see who the real pound for pound is. This fight could spur other big fights being made involving Shame Mosley, and Paul Williams. With both fighters fighting soon the would be in line to fight the winner or each other. Any way you cut it this is good for boxing as a sport and its fans.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

PACQUIAO TKO 12 COTTO

Manny Paquiao does it again and this time against Miguel Cotto, a strong powerful welterweight that can punch. Manny's speed and ability to land hard punches from strange angles won him the fight in front of the sell out crowd of 16,200. 7 titles in 7 weight classes is amazing and not easy to do even in a time when you have so many different belts out there. The first 4 rounds were very competitive and the fight could have gone either way. It wasn't until Cotto was hurt by a knockdown that Manny began to flash his blazing speed. The problems that Cotto had with Manny's speed was only compounded by his in and out rhythm. A bunch of fighters have had speed and power but not many can land hard punches from either hand from odd angles. His superior footwork allow him to get into great punching position and that is just what he did last night against Miguel. The ref stopped the fight in the last round or Manny would have put Cotto on his back. Cotto proved not to be a shot fighter but a gallant warrior that endured a vicious beating only after he fought with everything he had. This win sets up the possible mega fight with Floyd Mayweather. That fight if it is made will be the biggest pay-per-view fight in boxing history and will command a huge payday.

Nick Thomas deathwish72@gmail.com

MANNY PACQUIAO AND MIGUEL COTTO

This fight is what boxing is all about, two great fighters willing to put their legacies on the line. It also posses the great question who wins a good big man or a great little man? This is a great match up with many variables that makes this a very intriguing fight. When I first heard of this fight I immediately thought it was a dangerous fight for the widely recognized pound for pound Manny Pacquiao to take. This is because he has never fought anyone as big or strong as Miguel Cotto. Miguel Cotto is fundamentally a strong boxer that has power and is not afraid to throw to the body. If Cotto can put in the body work early and impose his size and will on the smaller, quicker he can have success. In order for this to happen he has to make Manny fight his fight and he has to make it a war. If he does that he can knock out the pound for pound champ in the mid to late rounds. Having said that I don't think it will happen because of Pacquiao's movement and speed. I don't think Cotto is any less a man because of the vicious beating that he took from Margarito like many have implied. If he loses to Manny it wont be because of Margarito it will be because he got beat by a better man. Manny's speed and movement will give Miguel some problems and that will win him the fight. Manny has a more experienced corner in Freddy Roach and when the fight goes deep and he needs help he will have it. I'm sick of writing so just turn in and watch the fight. Either way the fight goes the winners will be boxing fans every where.

Dumb-Out Radio Volume One

DumbOut Radio Episode 1 by dumb-out

Dumb-Out.net radio episode one includes topics such as Fedor's Strikeforce debut, David Haye's fight with the giant, our picks for the Manny Pacquiao/Miguel Cotto fight, and more. Check out the first installment of our bi-weekly radio show and enjoy!

PacMan and JM Marquez get down 03/15

After a nice first part of the year in boxing, we are treated to yet another highly anticipated bout between Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao. The two fought to a draw in 2004, and fans having been itching for a rematch ever since. The fight will air on HBO this Saturday 03/15/2008.