Is Steve Wynn cutting off the ring for Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather bout? -- Las Vegas Sun

By John Katsilometes, Las Vegas Sun

Speculation surrounding major boxing events often is as reliable as former heavyweight flop Duane Bobick's chin. But for those interested in the latest chatter for the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather mega-bout being planned for Nov. 13, here's some fairly solid fodder to ponder:

• Steve Wynn's name is becoming more prominent on the list of famous figures who might be involved in the promotion and staging of this fight. In tracking the Las Vegas supply-demand environment as discussion of the fight percolates, no room reservations are being taken at Wynn and Encore for the dates of Nov. 12-13, leading to speculation (that word again) that Wynn and Encore might well be the host resort for the fight — which of course is still unsigned. MGM Resorts International properties also have planned for a massive influx of tourists that weekend, but has merely increased its room rates, not listed rooms as totally sold out.

• If Wynn (as a person and as a corporation) is indeed involved, of course, that dismisses MGM Resorts arenas MGM Grand and Mandalay Bay as live fight venues. The Thomas & Mack Center would be the most likely site if Wynn were to lend his company's name and resources behind the fight. As T&M and Sam Boyd Stadium Director Daren Libonati said Friday afternoon, "We are in the mix. We're prepared to handle the fight. We've always had a good relationship with Bob (Arum, head of Top Rank Inc.) and Steve Wynn, and however this unfolds we will embrace all of them."

• Oh, and don't rule out MGM Resorts yet, even with Wynn's apparent interest. The company still is said to be eager to bring the bout to MGM Grand, or even Mandalay Bay Events Center. Pacquiao is said to favor the amenities at Mandalay Bay and would prefer fighting there over the MGM Grand. For one, he finds the chapel there to his liking, as he regularly prays and prefers privacy for that. His fans flock to the hotel, too. But they flock everywhere to see Pacquiao.

• Remember the temporary facility across the Strip from Wynn and Encore on the site of the imploded Frontier? The 30,000-seat, outdoor venue that was the proposed site of Pacquiao-Mayweather in 2009, before talks unwound over a drug-testing dispute between the two camps? There is a rumor coming out of Wynn-Encore that the venue could well be constructed for this fight with at least partial backing from Wynn.

It would cost, at the very least, $4 million just to build the framework for this venue. Whether this is a huge sum depends on who's cutting the check. Wynn just finished off a $69 million project — Encore Beach Club, a grand venue for knockouts of an different variety.

Wall Street Journal focuses on 'Screen vs. Strip'

More from the arena front: In a story published today the Wall Street Journal has focused on the competition for major events between Cowboys Stadium and Las Vegas — casting it as The Screen vs. The Strip. A triage of noteworthy segments of that piece, written by WSJ's Jordan Hirsch:

• "Though Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman confidently told me that Cowboys Stadium is 'nothing to worry about,' he later declared that he is 'no great believer in competition' — a sure sign of insecurity from a man whose city's reputation as a gambling Mecca and fight capital of the world is predicated on it."

• "(Cowboys owner Jerry) Jones and his son Stephen, chief operating officer of the Cowboys, are usually careful to argue that they mean no harm to Vegas. 'We're interested in accommodation,' the younger Mr. Jones told me. 'We don't think [Dallas and Las Vegas] are mutually exclusive.' But when I put the question to him directly, he admitted that he's 'interested in bringing events to Dallas permanently.' Dallas Convention Center Chairman Phillip Jones (no relation) unabashedly agreed, expressing his hope that 'Dallas can take all these events from Vegas.'"

• "Robin Leach, longtime Vegas resident and host of the '90s show 'Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous,' cast the disparity in characteristically colorful terms. 'You may well have a larger stadium in Dallas thanks to Jerry, because everything is bigger in Texas,' he said to me. 'But Dallas rolls up the carpet and sidewalk at one in the morning, and we party 'till breakfast, when it's time for a Bloody Mary.'"

Cheadle: No more surfing "Ocean"

Don Cheadle, hosting his charity poker tournament "Ante Up for Africa" today at the Rio, said a reunion of the cast of the "Ocean's Eleven" film franchise is pretty unlikely.

"Everybody except for George (Clooney) has kids now," he said. "We've all kind of moved on. It would be hard to do that again. I think maybe 'Sons of Ocean' would work, though (laughs)."

Cheadle is also proud that "Iron Man 2" has, as expected, become a summer hit.

"In fact, I think it's one of the only hits of the summer, of you look at something that was supposed to be big that turned out big," said Cheadle, who plays Lt. Col. James "Rhodey" Rhodes in the film. "It was a lot of fun to see, and it was a lot of fun to make."

Follow John Katsilometes on Twitter at twitter.com/JohnnyKats.

Source: lasvegassun.com

Pacquiao willing to give Cotto a rematch -- Manila Bulletin

By NICK GIONGCO, Manila Bulletin

Manny Pacquiao is more than willing to give Miguel Cotto a chance to redeem himself following a brutal beating that he suffered against the Filipino late last year, Pacquiao’s adviser told the Puerto Rican press on Friday.

Canadian Mike Koncz told Carlos Gonzalez of Primera Hora that the pound-for-pound king has given the go-signal to meet Cotto for a second time in case negotiations for a megabuck matchup with Floyd Mayweather doesn’t prosper.

“I spoke with Manny in Philippines and he likes the idea of Cotto gunning for a revenge if the fight against Mayweather, Jr. doesn’t happen,” Koncz was quoted as saying.

Pacquiao had dealt Cotto a 12th round stoppage loss when they rumbled on November 13 in Las Vegas.

Koncz confirmed Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum’s ultimatum that Mayweather has been given two weeks to decide whether or not he will face Pacquiao for a fight being booked for Nov. 13 in Las Vegas since the fight proposal has been forwarded to the American’s camp for his approval.

“Mayweather has until July 15 to study the documents and sign them,” stressed Koncz, adding that, “Mayweather needs Manny more than Manny needs Mayweather.”

In the event a Pacquiao-Cotto takes place, Koncz said a catch weight would likely be in place. Cotto holds a version of the world super-welterweight (154 lbs) crown and Pacquiao will be aiming for his eight world title in as many weight classes against the Puerto Rican.

Koncz, who is in Puerto Rico to supervise the title crack of Bernabe Concepcion on July 10 against Juan Manuel Lopez said he doesn’t see any problem with Cotto agreeing to go down to 150 or 151 against Pacquiao.

Source: mb.com.ph

UFC 116: Battle of the best heavies -- ABS-CBN News

By Bev Llorente, ABS-CBN News

LAS VEGAS, Nevada - The battle for the upcoming Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight title is the talk of the town in Sin City as it is happening on a 4th of July weekend, another income drawing event for Las Vegas.

Reigning champ Brock Lesnar and Shane Carwin, 2 of the best and former national wrestling champions, will collide and strut off their real “combat” skills in the Octagon.

Thousands of UFC fans as well as a-list celebrities are expected to watch the fight live on Saturday at the MGM grand garden arena.

At the pre-fight press conference, the UFC championship belt is the main attraction.

“I take every fight in the UFC, UFC and the heavy weight division is full and bunch of heavy weights. I don’t care who you are fighting next, it’s gonna be a tough fight. I know that every fight that I’m gonna get into will have a tough opponent so I better be well prepared,” said Carwin.

“Shane is a stand up guy he is a tough heavy weight there is no slouches in the heavy weight division there really isn’t,” said Lesnar.

Carwin added that he may be the underdog for this fight but his undefeated record proves that he has determination and strength to go for a win.

Pacquiao fan

Meanwhile, Japanese Yoshihiro Akiyama, the only Asian fighter on the fight card, admires boxing superstar “Manny Pacquiao.”

“By watching Pacquiao, I gained a lot of courage…and I want to be like him. And also to show that an Asian fighter can also perform well in a world class stage,” said Akiyama.

Akiyama was supposed to fight Wanderlei Silva but due to a rib injury during training, Silva was replaced right away with Chris Leben.

Leben and Akiyama will slug it out as the co-main event of UFC 116.

UFC 116 will air live on Balls on Sunday 10:00 a.m. with a replay on Studio 23 at 10:00 p.m.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Manny Pacquiao: 'I Have Never Used Anabolic Steroids' -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

When seven-division champion Manny Pacquiao filed a lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages for defamation of character against Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his camp in late December, the WBO welterweight (147 pounds) titlist delivered a long statement defending himself against the Mayweather camp's alleged steroid use allegations.

"As I have stated before," Pacquiao said, in part, "I have never used anabolic steroids nor do I even know what they look like."

The suit also named Floyd Mayweather Sr., his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, as well as Richard Schaefer and Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and president, respectively, of Golden Boy Promotions, which handled Mayweather's part of the negotiations for a potential March 13 fight between the two.

"[The lawsuit is] based on their [defendant's] false and defamatory statements about Manny Pacquiao -- specifically their publicly stating that Pacquiao was taking steroids or other illegal drugs to enhance his performance -- knowing that there is absolutely no basis for any such assertions," Pacquiao's attorney stated at the time.

Not long after Pacquiao's filing, the negotiations collapsed over an impasse involving drug testing protocol for both fighters.

Below is part of Manny Pacquiao's statement regarding blood testing:

"There seems to be concern from numerous members of the sports industry -- from writers to reporters, even other athletes, regarding why I am concerned with random blood testing. As I have stated before, I have never used anabolic steroids nor do I even know what they look like.

"I view using steroids, synthetic growth hormone, or any other illegal or banned substance as cheating. I would never cheat this sport that I love. I would never cheat the legacies of the great champions I have been blessed to challenge. I would never do anything to cheat such great champions as Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton, all of the Mexican warriors that I have been blessed to go into the ring and do battle with.

"My concern as a fighter is that there should be some limitations and agreements on how much blood they can take from someone prior to a fight. My other concern is how close to the actual fight itself can they take the blood. It is my opinion that taking blood from a person can weaken you. I do not want to be in a weakened state when I enter the ring against any fighter.

"My concern has never been with someone randomly checking me with regards to blood or urine. I volunteered immediately to have my urine tested anytime someone wanted to -- all the way up to the time I am walking into the ring. It was later brought to my attention and the attention of my staff that you can not test for synthetic growth hormone through urine; you could only detect synthetic growth hormone through blood tests.

"Before all of these blood-testing and demands from other people, I had never even heard of synthetic growth hormone. I have never seen it before nor have I ever used it. I take my training very serious. I train 30 rounds a day to be in the best shape during a fight so I can give the fans the best show I can. I eat very healthy -- like chicken and fish and a lot of rice.

"In order to make these new heavier weight classes, I have to eat more then I have ever eaten in my life. I actually have to eat five times a day and bigger meals than I have ever eaten before."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Adviser: Manny Pacquiao's Still Suing Floyd Mayweather -- FanHouse

By Lem Satterfield, FanHouse

"I think they're pushing Pacquiao too much -- even if he's got 'roids in his body. In my honest opinion, I believe that he's on some type of supplements. I don't think that he can beat Little Floyd with steroids in him or not. He don't have that kind of talent or that kind of skill -- whatever he has in him."

Floyd Mayweather Sr., whose son, Floyd Mayweather Jr., is an undefeated six-time champion over five weight classes, in Michigan's Grand Rapids Press Newspaper on Sept. 15.

"Steroids? Where in the hell did that come from? You know, these guys, they had to come up with a reason why they lost. They lost because [Floyd Sr.] sucks as a trainer and I had the better fighter. Well [chuckles], we have taken him a couple of times to be tested, and we haven't tested positive yet. I think he's wrong, but all Manny's on is white rice."

Manny Pacquiao's three-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach on Sept. 15, upon hearing from FanHouse of Floyd Mayweather Sr.'s accusations regarding his fighter's alleged use of steroids.


"Maybe all of them -- they're using the steroids, and not me. You know what? I don't even know what a steroid is. I've never done that."

Manny Pacquiao responding to implications -- which he first heard from FanHouse on Sept. 15 -- by Floyd Sr. that he might have used steroids.


In late December, seven-division champion Manny Pacquiao filed a lawsuit seeking compensatory and punitive damages for defamation of character naming six-time five-division titlist Floyd Mayweather. Jr., Floyd Mayweather Sr., his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather, as well as Richard Schaefer and Oscar De La Hoya, CEO and president, respectively, of Golden Boy Promotions, which handled Mayweather's affairs.

At the time of the filing, Pacquiao and Mayweather had been tentatively slated for March 13 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, having agreed on a 50-50 split of the revenue, as well as eight-ounce gloves and a clash at the welterweight (147 pounds) limit rather than a catch weight.

But Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank Promotions, said that the "filing of the lawsuit effectively terminates everything" that had been in place, effectively ending the negotiations. That led to subsequent victories by Pacquiao over Joshua Clottey on March 13 at The Dallas Cowboys Stadium, and Mayweather over Shane Mosley on May 1 at The MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

Potentially the most lucrative matchup in boxing history, the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout was expected to garner a career-best of nearly $40 million for each fighter. But negotiations became increasingly contentious since they began shortly after Pacquiao's 12th-round knockout of Miguel Cotto on Nov. 14.

Now, it seems that Pacquiao and Mayweather have reached an agreement in principle to put Pacquiao's WBO welterweight (147 pounds) belt on the line against Mayweather on Nov. 13, likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but with consideration for The Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

No documents have been signed, so the deal is not complete. And although concessions were made during the new negotiations since the first time around, Pacquiao's lawsuit still is in place, according to his adviser, Michael Koncz.

"The court case is not part of this negotiations. There was irreparable harm done to Manny's image, so we're going ahead with that," said Koncz. "As far as the fight and the court case, one is not contingent on the other."

Now, it seems that Pacquiao and Mayweather have reached an agreement in principle to put his Pacquiao's WBO welterweight (147 pounds) belt on the line against Mayweather on Nov. 13, likely at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, but with consideration for The Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

No documents have been signed, so the deal is not complete. And although concessions were made during the new negotiations since the first time around, Pacquiao's lawsuit still is in place, according to his adviser, Michael Koncz.

"The court case is not part of this negotiations. There was irreparable harm done to Manny's image, so we're going ahead with that," said Koncz. "As far as the fight and the court case, one is not contingent on the other."

Koncz said that that the closing documents are in the hands of the Mayweather camp and would not elaborate on specific details of the negotiations.

The documents, however, reportedly include an agreement between Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions on Mayweather's demand for a random drug testing protocol and a tentative agreement on a 50-50 split of the purse.

Koncz said that Mayweather's camp has two weeks -- "whether it's July 13, or, July 15, it doesn't matter" -- to sign and return the documents indicating their acceptance of the terms.

If not, Pacquiao would go ahead with plans to face either Cotto, the newly-crowned WBA junior middleweight (154 pounds) champ, Miguel Cotto, or former welterweight king, Antonio Margarito.

As far as the lawsuit, Pacquiao has commissioned senior attorney Daniel Petrocelli, whose Los Angeles-based O'Melveny and Myers law firm has taken on the case. Petrocelli is the same man who gained a wrongful death civil conviction against O.J. Simpson in 1997.

"[The lawsuit is] based on their [defendant's] false and defamatory statements about Manny Pacquiao -- specifically their publicly stating that Pacquiao was taking steroids or other illegal drugs to enhance his performance -- knowing that there is absolutely no basis for any such assertions," Petrocelli said of told FanHouse on Dec. 30.


Floyd Mayweather Sr.: Manny Pacquiao on supplements, steroids

Floyd Mayweather Sr.: Manny Pacquiao on supplements, steroids

"These guys have no right saying what they're saying. It's knowingly false, highly injurious," said Petrocelli. "Manny has an absolutely unblemished reputation, and accomplished extraordinary achievements through hard work and preparation. He can't sit by and allow people to accuse him of cheating because they can't beat him in the ring."

Koncz said that the case "still is in the discovery phase," meaning an attorney from Petrocelli's office has begun to ask questions.

"Oscar De La Hoya has been deposed, and Richard Schaefer has also provided a deposition," said Koncz. "We're still in discovery, and there are a lot of technical motions being done."

Koncz called it "a very foolish question" to ask if Pacquiao's reputation has been affected because of the steroid accusations, pointing out that the Felipino superstar has felt the need to defend himself, publicly, on a number of occasions.

"The publicity that we have received in the media worldwide has been damaging. If Manny and I didn't think that there was damage being done, we wouldn't be filing a suit," said Koncz. "And Manny wouldn't be spending days and hours and all of this money on attorney's fees that we have been spending. The point is, they made allegations that they have no right to make."

Koncz said, for example, that Pacquiao has numerous times, had to publicly validate his amended request not to have blood drawn any closer than within 14 days of the fight -- all because of the steroid accusations.

"I would never cheat God, I would never cheat myself and I would never cheat my country and my fans," Pacquiao told FanHouse in late December, adding that, "the truth is taking blood out of my body does not seem natural to me."

Pacquiao, whose career began at 106 pounds, attributes his ability to carry his power from lower to higher weight classes to the fact that "I eat foods that build muscle," and, "I work out hard."

"Mentally, I feel it will weaken me if blood is taken from me just days before the fight," said Pacquiao. "That does not make sense to me why anyone would do that."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Bernabe Concepcion hits Puerto Rico, veteran cut man Miguel Diaz expected to land next Wednesday -- Examiner

By Chris Robinson, Examiner.com

Bernabe Concepcion was a man on a mission earlier this week during his training at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California. With a July 10th bout with Juan Manuel Lopez right around the corner the Rizal, Philippines fighter worked rigorously during his Monday afternoon session at the packed facility and appears to be leaving no room for error heading into the biggest bout of his career.

Concepcion’s older brother Bernard noted that he and Concepcion, along with other members of the team, would be hitting Puerto Rico on the first of the month and PR Best Boxing’s Jose Perez was on hand for the group’s arrival. The seemingly mild mannered Concepcion hasn’t had much to say in the way of trash talk heading into the fight, a sign of his professionalism, and he seems to be as likeable of a dark horse as you can find.

One man who will have a close view of the Concepcion-Lopez bout is veteran Miguel Diaz, who will be in the Filipino’s corner as a cut man. Diaz began working with Freddie Roach in late 2008 in the absence of Joe Chavez and has linked up with the Massachusetts trainer on and off ever since. This month alone Diaz made pit stops in New York and San Antonio, Texas to assist Wild Card fighters Vanes Martirosyan and Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in their winning efforts against Joe Greene and John Duddy.

Speaking from Barry’s Boxing on the East side of Las Vegas, Diaz told the Examiner that he will be landing on the island next Wednesday and noted that the Lopez-Concepcion affair has all the makings of a dandy. Diaz is no stranger to Puerto Rico, having worked numerous training camps with Miguel Cotto in San Juan, and it will be business as usual for the affable Argentinean when he arrives.

Source: examiner.com

Mayweather-Pacquiao: Talks are back at a familiar crossroads -- 15Rounds

By Norm Frauenheim, 15Rounds.com

A reported agreement on terms for Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. should be reason for optimism. Maybe, the biggest fight in years will finally happen. But skepticism is the only reasonable reaction. We’ve been here before, haven’t we? We’re back at the scene of an old accident, waiting on Mayweather all over again. I’d prefer to wait on a root canal.

Mayweather is as unpredictable as he is elusive. Annoying, too, but give him this: He says – ad nauseam –that he is the face of boxing, that everything happens because of him. Few can argue with him on that one right now. In resurrected talks of negotiations that blew apart more than six months ago, Mayweather has the last say, yea or nay.

“It’s up to him,’’ Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum told Yahoo Wednesday.

Safe to say, Arum won’t leave it up to Mayweather for long. He’ll give it a couple of weeks. The Top Rank promoter says he will wait until mid-July for an answer from Mayweather. No reply presumably means Arum will turn to Plan B or C, Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto for a Pacquiao bout scheduled for Nov. 13.

But nobody knows how — or even if — Mayweather will respond. Mayweather’s representatives, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer and Leonard Ellerbe, have honored an initial agreement not to comment. If Mayweather-Pacquiao is going to happen in November, however, it’s time to take off the gag.

Mayweather must enjoy the power of being granted the last word. But it is double-edged with potential enough to destroy Mayweather’s attempts to spin himself into a less profane, more media-friendly personality before and after his brilliant victory over Shane Mosley in May.

In renewed talks however, it looks as if there is a reversal of roles. There was no deal six months ago because of a sudden, deal-breaking demand from Mayweather for random, Olympic-style drug-testing. Pacquiao said no, a refusal that then aroused speculation about whether he was in fact a user of banned substances despite a clean record of tests sanctioned by regulatory agencies, including the Nevada State Athletic Commission.

According to Arum, the drug issue has been resolved. Arum didn’t provide any specifics, but the assumption is that Pacquiao has agreed to some sort of random blood-testing under protocol set down by the Nevada commission, which appeared to consider possible methods and timetables during discussions last month with sports-medicine experts, physicians and the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

If Pacquiao has agreed to drug testing, Mayweather has lost the high ground he had occupied amid repeated boasts that he was only try to clean up boxing. Drug testing is no longer the issue. But that doesn’t mean that Mayweather won’t find another one.

If he does, Mayweather will have to face renewed accusations that he just doesn’t want to fight Pacquiao.

Arum is right:

It is up to Mayweather.

Is it ever.

From this corner, it looks as if Mayweather’s only wiggle room is a delay until next year. In interviews with Yahoo and Filipino media, Arum seemed to prepare himself for Pacquiao-Mayweather at a later date.

He has to look only at Mayweather’’s recent record. The unbeaten welterweight has fought only four times over the last four years – twice in 2007 with victories over Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, not once in 2008, once in 2009 with a lopsided decision over Juan Manuel Marquez and once this year against Mosley.

Even if Mayweather’s career is down to only one a fight year, it appears as if there is only one fight for him. It looks as if he can’t say no to Pacquiao. Then again, Mayweather has already shown that he can say just about everything and sometimes nothing at all. It’s impossible to know what he will do. The only thing anybody knows for certain is that he will make you wait.

Source: 15rounds.com