HustleBoss.com’s Chris Robinson speaks with trainer Miguel Diaz about the April 12 Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley rematch Diaz, who will be working as Pacquiao’s cut man once again, still isn’t impressed by Bradley.
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Updates from the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, Calif. as eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao hits the mitts with his trainer Freddie Roach ahead of his April 12 rematch on HBO pay per view vs. Tim Bradley from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Manny Pacquiao working out in Los Angeles (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)
By Chris Robinson
Later today, inside of the Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles, eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao will entertain the media ahead of his April 12 rematch with WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao vs. Bradley II will answer a lot of questions about each man and also hopefully put to rest any leftover controversy that came from Bradley’s hotly-disputed split-decision victory in their first match in June of 2012.
Catching up with Top Rank CEO Bob Arum recently, he seemed genuine with his enthusiasm towards his next pay per view showcase.
“I think both are extremely confident,” Arum said of Pacquiao and Bradley. “Both guys are talking about destroying the other guy. I think it’s going to be a very, very competitive, exciting fight.
“Freddie tells me how hard Manny is training and everything I hear from Palm Desert is that Bradley’s training equally as hard,” Arum added.
Asked if it is bittersweet to know that Pacquiao, 35, will likely soon be walking away from the game after so many years of excitement while collecting various accolades, Arum rolled with the punch.
“We all live in the twilight of our careers,” said Arum. “So am I in the twilight of my career. That’s part of teaching. Nothing in sports stays the same, whether you are an athlete or an owner or whatever. Time marches on.”
*** FOR A VISIT back in Pacquiao’s career in photos, check the thumbnails below…
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley facing off (Photo: Chris Farina – Top Rank)
By Chris Robinson
As seen with recent “Face Off” and “24/7” airings on HBO’s airwaves, the April 12 Manny Pacquiao vs. Timothy Bradley rematch is starting to pick up some serious buzz.
Insider predictions on the match have produced varying results and in the coming weeks we will look to give you more thoughts from the boxing world on boxing’s latest pay per view showcase.
A recent visit though the Mayweather Boxing Club saw trainer Jeff Mayweather share his thoughts on the fight.
Check below for Jeff’s take on Bradley’s improvement since his controversial split-decision over Pacquiao in their first fight, his reason for siding with Pacquiao in the rematch, and more.
Better and better…
“I think that it’s going to be a good fight. I think that Bradley has shown himself to become a much better fighter. In all honesty I thought he lost first fight big. But since then, he’s shown that he’s gotten better and better in each fight. Pacquiao has just been knocked out as well. I expect it to be a good fight. Probably a lot closer than it was last time.”
Favoring Pacquiao slightly…
“At this point, I guess I still got to learn towards Pacquiao. He won the fight too big to not get the decision. I still think Bradley is going to give a great performance but I won’t be surprised if he pulls off the upset.”
Performing on a high level…
“I guess the one thing is that he showed me he’s got heart, he’s got will, and determination. And don’t get me wrong, I like Bradley as a fighter. Because he always seems to find a way, no matter what type of adversity he’s going through, he someone finds a way to still perform on a high level. The fight with Provodnikov, in that fight he showed tremendous heart, tremendous will. That was another fight that was very, very close. Could have went either way I thought.”
Growing as a fighter…
“But the Marquez fight, he actually showed that he has grown into a fighter that isn’t not ready for big fights. He’s ready for the big stage and he realizes that it’s no longer about Manny Pacquiao. It’s no longer about Marquez. Those guys are past their prime and he believes in his heart that he’s the guy now. Mentally I think he’s a much better fighter.”
How close Pacquiao is to the fighter who stopped Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and Miguel Cotto in successive fights five years ago…
“To be honest, he’s not even close to that fighter anymore. It shows. When was the last time he knocked out anyone? It also seems like his killer instinct is gone. He’s not the same fighter.”
*** FOR A VISIT back in Pacquiao’s career in photos, check the thumbnails below…
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
HustleBoss.com’s Chris Robinson speaks with Top Rank CEO Bob Arum about the Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley rematch, his recent work with Miguel Cotto, and the challenge Cotto faces in Sergio Martinez on June 7.
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HustleBoss.com’s Chris Robinson speaks with trainer Joel Diaz about his fighter Tim Bradley’s training for his April 12 match vs. Manny Pacquiao. Diaz is ready for fellow trainer Freddie Roach’s mind games and ready for the fight.
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Trainer Joel Diaz breaking down the Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley rematch (Photos: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com / Naoki Fukuda)
By Chris Robinson
Having been linked to WBO welterweight champion Tim Bradley dating back to his amateur days, trainer Joel Diaz has over ten years in the bank with one of the world’s best fighters.
Bradley will look for a third successful defense of his crown when he faces off with eight-division world titlist Manny Pacquiao on April 12 from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada in a huge rematch.
Bradley upset Pacquiao via a controversial split-decision nearly two years ago and Diaz insists that his fighter is better honed for the second encounter.
“No complaining; everything is going good,” Diaz told me recently. “Preparation is better than the first one. Tim could fight this weekend. Tim has been training really, really hard. He’s excited and most of all he wants to prove that he’s going to beat Manny Pacquiao no doubt.”
Diaz is anticipating more backlash once again following the rematch, and referenced Bradley’s October split-decision victory over Juan Manuel Marquez as a possible precursor to how he may operate vs. Pacquiao.
“Even if he beats Manny Pacquiao, regardless of how he beats him, [they] aren’t going to give credit, because there’s always a hypocrite who says ‘Manny Pacquiao is no longer the same after Marquez knocked him out,’” Diaz said.
“All we’re going to do is beat him the way we did to Marquez,” Diaz added. “Marquez, we were not in there to please anybody. We were just in there to take care of business and win.”
Bradley had a banner 2013 that started off with a gutsy victory over Ruslan Provodnikov in a wild brawl before he returned to outfox Marquez over twelve rounds.
Bradley seems to be hitting his stride as a prizefighter and Diaz insists he will be good to go next month.
“Our confidence level is so high,” Diaz explained. “After fighting Ruslan Provodnikov, who hits a lot harder than Manny Pacquiao, and [he] took his punches and finished the fight. And then fighting Juan Manuel Marquez, who knocked out Manny Pacquiao, and just cruised and beat him. The confidence level is high. We know what Manny Pacquiao brings to the table and we’re ready for it.”
*** FOR A VISIT back in Pacquiao’s career in photos, check the thumbnails below…
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
HustleBoss.com catches up with trainer Jeff Mayweather for more thoughts on the April 12 Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley matchup.
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Boxing analyst Larry Merchant breaks down Pacquiao-Bradley II (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com / Chris Farina – Top Rank)
By Chris Robinson
Despite being a slight favorite heading into his rematch with Timothy Bradley, there are some who seem skeptical whether or not Manny Pacquiao will be able to have enough success in the match.
Pacquiao faces off with Bradley on April 12 from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and will be looking for revenge over the Palm Springs native, who bested him via controversial split-decision in June of 2012.
Catching up with longtime boxing analyst Larry Merchant to discuss the fight, he seems to feel that Pacquiao has his work cut out for him.
“I think it’s a tough fight for [Pacquiao],” Merchant stated. “I think that he showed against Rios that he was able to fight a pure boxing style that we hadn’t seen before. He’s made various inventions and reinventions of himself. But I don’t think he’s going to outbox Bradley.
“I think the essence of the fight is [whether he can] stoke up the fire to get Bradley, who’s coming off a couple good wins after their first fight,” Merchant added. “But Manny’s impressive in the sense that he’s a veteran fighter who’s still going after it. He’s still not over satisfied but now he’s got to show that he can go back to an earlier version of himself to beat a guy like Bradley. I don’t think anybody’s too sure who’s going to win this fight.”
Merchant was asked what Freddie Roach might be thinking about the clash and Bradley in particular given he has already had a change to study him in action against his fighter.
“Freddie’s a realist and Freddie likes guys who go for it and I think he’s going to try to convince Manny that he’s got to revert to that great year he had when he stopped De La Hoya and Hatton and Cotto,” Merchant noted. “He hasn’t stopped anybody since but he’s got to be a positive force in the ring against a fighter like Bradley who has shown his versatility in his recent fights.
“Bradley is a tough matchup at this stage of Pacquiao’s great career,” Merchant said.
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
HustleBoss.com speaks with longtime boxing analyst Larry Merchant, as he shares his thoughts on the Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley II rematch on April 12 in Las Vegas.
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Shawn Porter speaking inside of the H.I.T. Factory Gym in Las Vegas, Nevada (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)
By Chris Robinson
When undefeated lightweight prospect Lydell Rhodes revealed to us last month that he had been chosen as a chief sparring partner for eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao ahead of his rematch with Tim Bradley, it was easy to spot his exuberance.
An Oklahoma native now living in Las Vegas, Rhodes is nimble on his feet and very sharp with his punches, making him a reasonable fit for sparring, though it should be noted that reports from Pacquiao’s camp have the Filipino star looking in top form with the fight a little over three weeks out.
IBF welterweight titlist Shawn Porter has sparred several rounds with Pacquiao over the past few years and he also had a few sessions with Rhodes last year in Las Vegas while getting ready for his match with Phil Lo Greco last May.
Having been in the trenches with each man, Porter isn’t surprised to hear that Rhodes has hung tough thus far.
“I’ve been in the ring with Lydell,” said Porter. “He actually gave me a little bit of trouble the few times I’ve been in the ring with him. He’s really awkward. He’s kind of wild and unorthodox. Which is what I think Manny needs.
“I think at times in all of his fights, Timothy gets a little unorthodox and tends to let loose,” Porter added. “That’s going to be a good look for Manny.”
When informed that Pacquiao has reportedly been looking solid in his training, Porter seemed to expect as much.
“It doesn’t surprise me at all,” Porter revealed. “Manny, he’s a veteran in this sport. Not only that, he’s still at the top of his game. I think many people count him out because of what’s happened in his last few fights, but I think as long as the old Manny shows up, I think he’ll win this fight.”
Presented by Top Rank, Pacquiao-Bradley II goes down on April 12 on HBO pay per view from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada, and has thus far been a fairly close bet according to oddsmakers at www.MyTopSportsbooks.com.
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
HustleBoss.com’s Chris Robinson speaks with IBF welterweight champion Shawn Porter (23-0-1, 14 KO’s) about the news that Lydell Rhodes has been sparring with Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines and in Los Angeles ahead of his rematch with Tim Bradley.
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HustleBoss.com and other media outlets speak with three-division world champion Miguel Cotto in Los Angeles, as he discusses the April 12 rematch between his former foe and stable mate Manny Pacquiao vs. Tim Bradley.
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HustleBoss.com’s Chris Robinson continues to speak with former WBA lightweight champion Brandon Rios (31-2-1, 23 KO’s) about the April 12 rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley, set for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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Brandon Rios speaking in Las Vegas, Nevada (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)
By Chris Robinson
Having caught up with Brandon Rios this past weekend in Las Vegas, it was nice to see the affable former champion in good spirits as he discussed several key aspects related to his career while touching on some current storylines in the sport.
Rios is coming off of a one-sided points loss to Manny Pacquiao this past November in Macau, China, and is eager to get back in the mix.
As for Pacquiao, the Filipino icon is now a month away from a big rematch with WBO welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, who he will meet inside of the MGM Grand on April 12.
Bradley edged Pacquiao via a highly-controversial split-decision in June of 2012 in a fight many had Manny winning convincingly.
Nearly two years later, Rios feels we may see a different version of Pacquiao come fight night.
“I thought the first time Pacquiao won,” Rios stated. “It was controversial. I think Pacquiao, I think he might be more aggressive; might go for a knockout this time. Because everybody thought he was going to knock him out the first time. I think it’s going to be probably a knockout. If not, probably a split-decision Pacquiao.”
Asked why he is favoring Pacquiao, Rios spoke with some definite conviction.
“Pacquiao’s one quick mother*cker,” said Rios. “He’s very fast and everything. It’s just his awkwardness. He throws punches from different angles. And sometimes that f*cks with your mind and once it f*cks your mind up, you lose your mind and you lose the fight. That’s what happened to me.
“I give Pacquiao a lot of credit.” Rios added. “I can say I lost to one of the best in the world.”
Turning his attention to Bradley, Rios instantly gave the Palm Springs fighter his just due for his wild brawl with Ruslan Provodnikov last year.
The excellent slugfest, won by Bradley via a narrow unanimous decision, left such an impression on Rios that he wonders if we’ll see a similar attack next month
“Bradley’s been showing that he’s more aggressive,” Rios explained. “He’s been coming out banging it out and everything, with the Provodnikov fight. That was a great fight. Bradley showed some heart and balls. You never know. He might do the same thing with Pacquiao.”
And despite initially favoring Pacquiao, Rios seemed to express how real Bradley’s chances also are.
“He showed a lot of heart in the Provodnikov fight,” Rios said. “He took a lot of punches and he stood up to those punches. He was f*cked up but he was still banging it out too. We’re going to see how it is. I don’t think that Pacquiao punches the same way like before.”
Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
HustleBoss.com continues to speak with former three-division world champion Shane Mosley about the upcoming April 12 rematch in Las Vegas between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley.
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Shane Mosley speaking inside of the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas (Photo: Chris Robinson – www.HustleBoss.com)
By Chris Robinson
During a recent swing through the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, I caught up with former three-division world champion Shane Mosley and touched on a variety of subjects both in and out of the sport of boxing.
As the dialogue rolled on, Mosley gave his breakdown of the forthcoming rematch between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley.
Bradley will look for a third successful defense of his WBO welterweight championship on April 12 when he faces Pacquiao in a much-needed second encounter from the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Mosley has some definite insight into the match, having spent twelve rounds in the ring with Pacquiao during his unanimous decision loss to the Filipino icon in May of 2011.
Bradley won a controversial split-decision over Pacquiao nearly two years ago yet Mosley feels the backlash following the match was a little overblown.
“It’s going to be a very interesting fight,” Mosley stated. “I thought that Timothy Bradley did a great job the first time when they fought. I was like the others that felt that Manny Pacquiao pulled it out by a little bit, but I didn’t think the margin was as big as everybody thought it was. Everybody said that Manny Pacquiao blew Bradley out and that wasn’t the case.”
Mosley feels that Bradley is riding a high following his unanimous decision over Juan Manuel Marquez this past October and seems unsure whether the 35-year old Pacquiao can bring his prime form into the ring with him.
“This time it might be a little different because Bradley has something to prove and maybe Manny’s not the same Manny that fought him the first time,” Mosley explained. “Bradley could win this convincingly [this] time, as he beat Marquez. It could a great fight and for some reason I think that Bradley has the edge.”
I asked Mosley what it is about Bradley that sticks with him the most.
“Bradley always shows me that he has mental toughness,” Mosley said. “He’s very strong mentally and he has strength and will to win at all costs. Even when he’s knocked out and he’s done, he’s going to fight until the bitter end and that’s what I admire about Timothy Bradley. He will fight until the end. Almost to death.
“People should realize and recognize that he is a real fighter,” Mosley added of the Palm Springs native. “He needs to be recognized as one of the best.”
Pacquiao saw his world turned upside down when he was knocked out cold by Juan Manuel Marquez in December of 2012. Eleven months later he would return with a solid points victory over Brandon Rios and Mosley isn’t 100% sure whether his calculated approach will carry over into the Bradley rematch.
“He’s still the same,” Mosley stated. “He still moves good. He still has good speed, pretty good punching power, but he didn’t show me at the end of the fight the killer instinct that he showed back in the day. I don’t know what that means. I don’t know if that’s just because of Rios or maybe he will fight Bradley a little different. I don’t know. That’s what we’re going to see when the fight happens.”
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Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
HustleBoss.com continues to speak with former three-division world champion Shane Mosley about the upcoming April 12 rematch in Las Vegas between Manny Pacquiao and Tim Bradley.
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Lydell Rhodes, Manny Pacquiao and company in General Santos City, Philippines (Photo: Facebook.com)
By Chris Robinson
Having spent the past few weeks tucked away in the city of General Santos City in the Philippines, budding lightweight prospect Lydell Rhodes admittedly has had an eye-opening trip.
Rhodes is serving as Manny Pacquiao’s chief sparring partner ahead of the eight-division champion’s April 12 rematch with Tim Bradley and has been enjoying his time both in and out of the PacMan Wild Card Gym.
Rhodes took some time to get some exclusive footage for HustleBoss.com recently when he interviewed Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach about the early days in camp thus far.
“Right now you’re the sole survivor and you’re doing really well,” Roach said, giving credit for Rhodes’ early work with Pacquiao.
“Timing and distance is coming along,” Roach added while continuing to assess his 35-year old charge.
Roach was asked what exactly he plans to do to take away the confidence of Bradley, as the Palm Springs native’s belief in his abilities is as high as ever following his solid victory over Juan Manuel Marquez in October.
“We can talk and bullsh*t, but at the end of the day it’s about who’s the best conditioned fighter the night of the fight,” Roach replied sharply. “Bradley is a workhorse; I know he trains hard. But you know what? My guy works hard also.
“We’ll be in better shape than him and that’s why we’ll win the fight,” said Roach.
FOR MORE BOXING updates please check out recent exclusives from HustleBoss.com below…
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Chris Robinson can be reached at Trimond@aol.com
HustleBoss.com correspondent and lightweight prospect Lydell Rhodes (19-0, 9 KO’s) speaks with boxing trainer Freddie Roach in General Santos City, Philippines, as he gives updates on the training camp of eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao ahead of his April 12 rematch with Tim Bradley at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
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