Ang Kalatas Volume V April 2015 Issue | Page 20

20 THE MESSAGE. BRINGING INTO FOCUS FILIPINO PRESENCE IN AUSTRALIA www.kalatas.com.au | Volume 5 Number 7 | APRIL 2015 SPORTS “Manny is a good fighter, but last time I checked I faced eight southpaws and won eight times, so I am not worried.” Ready to rumble, finally ... “I am very confident about this fight. I was more worried about my fights against de la Hoya, Margarito and Cotto, than I am with fighting Floyd.” AND boxing fans are ready to place their bets in a fight five years in the making. But whether it's the fight or the hype of the century, judgement date is set May 2 for the ultimate showdown between the pound-for-pound payper-view giants of boxing. Floyd Mayweather Jr. Age 38; 5 ft 8in, 1.73m; 47 wins, 26 KO, 0 loss From Michigan, USA; Stance: Orthodox Floyd's last five fights all lasted 12 rounds. He fought Marcos Maidana two times in 2014 and won both by unanimous decision. The last KO victory that he scored was against Victor Ortiz in 2011. LATEST ODD NEWS: There are reports that he will fight with a made-to-order mouthguard that costs as much as $25,000! What their former foes are saying ... It's really hard to pick who's gonna win. Famous boxers who had fought both Floyd and Manny in recent years share different opinions. IT is billed to be the biggest fight ever in terms of revenue with an expected gross of up to $400million. Mayweather gets the bigger purse at 60 per cent. The fight will be held on May 2 (May 3 in Australia) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It is one of the most hotly negotiated deals with both fighters and their respective camps ironing out issues ranging from drug testing, prize money, and even gloves. Titles at stake are the univied WBA (Super), WBC, WBO and 'The Ring' Welterweight titles. Pinoys around the world are expected to tune in when the fight goes on pay-per-view. The match is an anticipated national event in the Philippines that GMA7 has waived its exclusive TV airing rights for the fight. That means the other main TV channels will be showing the event. "GMA will be one withthe entire nation inp raying for the victory of Manny," said GMA chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon. For now, everyone is just itching to hear Michael Buffer's trademark: "Let's get ready to rumble!" Manny Pacquiao Age 37, 5 ft 6.9n, 1.69m; 57 wins, 38 KO, 5 losses, 2 draws From General Santos, Phils. (born Bukidnon); Stance: Southpaw Manny's last five fights were a mix of victories and losses. His last three were won by unanimous decisions. He lost by a knockout to Marquez in 2012; earlier that year he also lost by decision to Tim Bradley. LATEST ODD NEWS : It was reported that Manny had a 'deep dislike' for Floyd because of Floyd's record of domestic abuse. "Mayweather has the defensive resources, speed and counter-attacks to do a a lot of damage to Pacquiao ... But if he has the legs for 12 rounds, I really do feel that Pacquiao can do damage to Mayweather." "Both guys have slowed down a bit but both are still pretty quick. I would have to say they're even." "Although I like Manny personally, I am definitely going with Mayweather on this one. ... For the simple fact that I was seriously hurt with Pacman but was still able to avoid being knocked out..." JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ OSCAR DE LA HOYA Sugar SHANE MOSLEY Fought Pacquiao four times Lost by UD to Floyd Lost to Pacquiao on TKO Lost to Floyd by Split D Lost to Pacquiao by UD Lost to Floyd by UD