Pacquiao-Marquez III (11/12 HBO PPV) Preview

Manny "Pac Man" Pacquiao 53-3-2 (38 KO's)

Notable Wins: Shane Mosley (UD), Antonio Margarito (UD), Josh Clottey (UD), Miguel Cotto (TKO12), Ricky Hatton (KO2), Oscar De La Hoya (TKO8), David Diaz (TKO9), Juan Manuel Marquez (SD), Marco Antonio Barrera (UD), Jorge Solis (KO8), Erik Morales (KO, twice)

Notable Loss: Erik Morales (UD)


Notable Draw: Juan Manuel Marquez

Universally recognized as the #1 Pound for Pound fighter in the world
WBO Welterweight Champion of the World

Juan Manuel Marquez 53-5-1 (39 KO's)

Notable Wins: Michael Katsidis (TKO9), Juan Diaz (Twice, TKO9 & UD), Joel Casamayor (TKO11), Rocky Juarez (UD), Marco Antonio Barrera (UD), Orlando Salido (UD), Derrick Gainer (TD 7)


Notable Losses: Floyd Mayweather Jr. (UD), Manny Pacquiao (SD), Chris John (UD), Freddie Norwood (UD)


Notable Draw: Manny Pacquiao

Unified (WBA & WBO) Lightweight Champion of the World
Seeking to become 2nd Mexican 4-Division Champion




Finally, Manny Pacquiao and Juan Manuel Marquez do battle for the third time.

In the first bout, Pacquiao stormed to a quick lead after dropping Marquez three times in the opening round.  Marquez would regain his composure, find success via left hooks and straight right hands, but because of the opening round (rightfully scored by most judges 10-6, in favor of Pacquiao), the bout would end in a draw despite Marquez winning more rounds.

The second bout was just as controversial (and spectacular) as the first bout. Pacquiao scored the bout's only knockdown in the third round, which proved to be the difference maker as Manny Pacquiao won via split decision (115-112, 112-115, 114-113).

Pacquiao would go on to win titles in four weightclasses (Lightweight, Jr. Welterweight, Welterweight, Jr. Middleweight) and become arguably boxing's biggest star.  Juan Manuel Marquez has since unified Lightweight belts but always was very vocal that he wanted his trilogy bout with Pacquiao to avenge the two bout that he and many felt had won.

Marquez gets his long deserved shot at redemption this Saturday.

Prediction: Manny Pacquiao UD Juan Manuel Marquez (118-110, 10 rounds to 2)

I don't think this fight will be close.  The only reason I don't have Pacquiao winning by stoppage is because of sheer Mexican will. Ask any true boxing fan, that means a lot.

The first two bouts were at the Featherweight (126 lbs.) and Jr. Lightweight (130 lbs.) divisions. The third bout will be at a contracted weight of 144 lbs., a full two weightclasses above their last meeting.

The "Pac Man" that Juan Manuel Marquez will face this Saturday is a different version fighter that he has faced prior.  Pacquiao has since improved his head and feet movement, taking less hits and throwing more punches from all possible angles. Not to mention that his power has since translated with Pacquiao going up in weight, evident with his stoppage victory over Antonio Margarito as a Jr. Middleweight.

I see Pacquiao throwing and landing punches in bunches while a game Marquez, looking every bit of his 38 years of age, missing wildly with his counter left hooks.

Mayweather-Ortiz Preview

"Pretty Boy" Floyd "Money" Mayweather Jr.  41-0 (25 KO's)

Notable Wins: Shane Mosely (UD), Juan Manuel Marquez (UD), Ricky Hatton (TKO10), Oscar De La Hoya (SD12), Zab Judah (UD 12), Arturo Gatti (TKO6), Jose Luis Castillo (UD, twice), Diego Corrales (TKO10)

Notable Losses: None

6 Time World Champion in 5 different weight classes

Former Super Featherweight World Champion
Former Lightweight World Champion
Former Super Lightweight World Champion
Former Welterweight World Champion
Former Light Middleweight World Champion

"Vicious" Victor Ortiz 29-2-2 (22 KO's)

Notable Wins: Andre Berto (UD), Vivian Harris (KO3), Nate Campbell (UD10), Antonio Diaz (TKO7)

Notable Loss: Marcos Maidana (TKO6)

Notable Draw: Lamont Peterson

Current WBC Welterweight Champion






This Saturday, "Pretty Boy" Floyd Mayweather Jr., makes his highly anticipated return in the ring against WBC Welterweight Champion, "Vicious" Victor Ortiz.

In June of 2009, Victor Ortiz quit in the ring against Marcos Maidana. He was ridiculed quickly after the bout by nearly everyone in the sport of boxing -- fans, fighters, media. Many questioned if the Golden Boy protege had the "heart" to win a world title.  Three stoppage victories and a move up to the welterweight division later, Ortiz garnered his biggest victory unanimous decision over Andre Berto in this past April. In the 2011 Fight of the Year candidate, both men tasted the canvas twice, but it proved to be Ortiz' night, beating the champion to earn his first World Title, and most importantly, destroying the demons that followed after the Maidana bout.

Floyd Mayweather returns after a 16-month layoff not against a journeyman, but against a credible champion that is younger and stronger.  Say what you want to say against Floyd, but there is no denying that Mayweather is the one taking all the risk in this bout.  No matter of the outcome this weekend, Ortiz will still be a relevant Welterweight.  Floyd, on the other hand, could lose any potential mega-fight (notably the Pacquiao bout) with a loss.

In Mayweather's last bout against a southpaw -- Zab Judah in '06 -- he had early trouble, but weathered the storm and cruised to a UD.  Vic's only chance to beat Floyd is in the early rounds and Ortiz will need to do something that no one has been able to since Floyd laced up boxing gloves -- stop him.  I see Ortiz in the early rounds trying to impose his will on Floyd, pressuring and trying to land huge, looping overhand lefts. And trying to time Floyd when he comes in with a right hook.

Emphasis on trying.

I like Victor Ortiz, but I feel that Mayweather is in a different class and the kid is in-over-his-head with this bout.

Prediction: "Pretty Boy" controls every second of every round and fulfills his promise that the fight doesn't go the distance.

Mayweather TKO6 Ortiz

Why the stripping of Timothy Bradley's WBC Super Lightweight title is an example of the biggest problem with boxing..

Note: There are many alphabet titles in boxing.  However, there are only four that are recognized by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) as major championships: World Boxing Association (WBA), World Boxing Council (WBC), World Boxing Organization (WBO), and the International Boxing Federation (IBF).  Any other alphabet combination is considered a minor belt.

On Wednesday, the WBC elected to strip Timothy Bradley (pictured above) of their 140 lbs version of the world title for no apparent reason.  Then, the Mexican-based WBC sanctioned the upcoming bout between Mexico's Erik Morales and  Lucas Matthysse (both of whom are coming off losses to Marcos Maidana and Devon Alexander, respectively) for the newly vacant Super Lightweight title.  It is also important to note, in obvious proof of the WBC's Mexican bias, if Morales wins, he would become the first Mexican fighter to win world titles in four different weight classes.

Stripping the rightful champion and basically handing it to a lesser deserving fighter is example to what is lacking in the sport: Integrity.

College Football Preseason Rankings

RK TEAM RECORD PTS PVS
1 Oklahoma (42) 0-0 1454 6
2 Alabama (13) 0-0 1414 11
3 Oregon (2) 0-0 1309 3
4 LSU (2) 0-0 1296 8
5 Florida State 0-0 1116 16
6 Stanford 0-0 1101 4
7 Boise State 0-0 1065 7
8 Oklahoma State 0-0 933 10
9 Texas A&M 0-0 885 21
10 Wisconsin 0-0 829 8
11 Nebraska 0-0 814 19
12 South Carolina 0-0 779 22
13 Virginia Tech 0-0 767 15
14 Arkansas 0-0 750 12
15 TCU 0-0 687 2
16 Ohio State 0-0 631 5
17 Michigan State 0-0 536 14
18 Notre Dame 0-0 440 NR
19 Auburn 0-0 329 1
20 Mississippi State 0-0 301 17
21 Missouri 0-0 266 18
22 Georgia 0-0 260 NR
23 Florida 0-0 240 NR
24 Texas 0-0 162 NR
25 Penn State 0-0 161 NR
Others receiving votes: Arizona State 158, West Virginia 149, Utah 50, Miami (FL) 49, Iowa 41, Northwestern 30, Arizona 28, UCF 22, Michigan 19, Air Force 15, North Carolina 14, Houston 13, South Florida 9, Hawaii 8, Clemson 7, Tennessee 7, Southern Miss 6, Brigham Young 5, North Carolina State 4, NORTHERNIL 4, Oregon State 4, Pittsburgh 3, Washington 3, Nevada 1, Georgia Tech 1,

Eagles Looking To Soar

The Nation Football League is back and the people who have been waiting are in store, cause the Eagles are back. And please no Rick Ross remix. But the Eagles are back, with all this free agent signings, it seems like Philly is stacked. Sorry I couldn't help it. But Philly is in the hunt for the Superbowl, and right now it seems like they are in the drivers seat. When you look on paper, as did Nnamdi, you see a team Andy Reid is going to mold into a winner. Built on the legs of Vick and the defensive signings of Nnamdi and Jenkins, if you're a Eagles fan you've got to love the hype.

Do you want it be a Superbowl champ, or a Paper champ?

With all this hype most fans of other teams, the haters, are calling them the Miami Heat of the NFL. The all hype team. But these Eagles have something to prove. Nnamdi signed there for a reason, and call him the Lebron James of the NFL, but business is business. They play to win the game, you can hate on that, but you will respect it when they win.

Nnamdi are you ready to be the hunted?

Now with the signing of Jenkins this brings fear in the NFC, yes Packers fans I'm talking to you. The Eagles are more then likely going to move Samuels, but if they were to keep him... Where are you really passing the ball? Paper Champs, Preseason Hype Team, Stacked whatever you call them, teams will fear them and play hard to beat them. And what's impressive about these signings is; the Eagles aren't known to spend money like this. The standard salary cap where all teams must spend $120 million does take effect until the 2012-13 season. You'd have to be living under a rock not to see the Eagles are looking to soar...

Still here what's next?

I got you're back Vick, for three or four games.

 

Randy Moss a Career to Remember

Randy Moss started out on a rough controversial path to College and then on to Notre Dame. When Moss was a senior in HS he was sentenced to 30 days in jail for fighting a white student after his Moss friend was called racial slurs. After his guilty plea Moss dream school, Notre Dame revoked his scholarship. After serving his 30 days he enrolled at Florida State University (after sitting out a year due to NCAA rules). Early into his freshman year Moss tested positive for Marijuana was released from the Seminoles program, and was put back in jail for 60 days on a parole violation. Moss later enrolled with the Marshall Thundering Herd, but did not lose a year of eligibility because it was a Division-AA


Moss finished as the best WR in Marshall history, and
also set NCAAA records for receiving


Moss played 2 seasons at Marshall University (Red shirt-Sophomore) and in 28 career games recorded; 174 receptions, 3,529 receiving yards, and 54 Receiving TD's. In his final year at Marshall he won the Fred Biletnikoff Award fr Nations Best WR, and was a finalist for the Heisman trophy. Moss then entered the NFL Draft, and scouts believed he would go in the Top 10-15 picks, but many teams had concerns about his character issues, and problems with the law. Moss grew up as a Cowboys fans and was hoping they would select him with their 1st round pick. The Cowboys passed on Moss because of his off the field issues, having already dealt with Michael Irvins antics before. Moss eventually was selected 21st overall by the Minnesota Vikings, where he would start immediately and play with QB Randall Cunningham.

Moss had an instant impact on the NFL as a rookie due to his great hands, tremendous leaping ability, and blazing speed. He set a rookie record with 17 Touchdown receptions to go along with 1,313 total yards, for 3rd in the NFL. Moss helped the Vikings set a record for most points in a season (556 points) and the No.1 seed in the NFC after finishing 15-1 on the year. Moss went on to make the Pro Bowl in his 1st year, and also won the Offensive Rookie of the Year award. The Vikings were knocked off by the Falcons in the NFC Championship, falling just short of a Super Bowl trip. Moss went on to play 6 more seasons with the Vikings. In his 6 seasons in Minnesota Moss had; 554 Reception's, 90 Touchdowns, and 9,142 Receiving yards. He was selected to 5 Pro Bowls, and was voted as an All-Pro WR 4 times.

After the 2004 season Moss was traded to the Oakland Raiders for the 7th overall pick in the 2005 Draft (Troy Williamson) and two 7th round selections. The Raiders were looking for a Big Play WR to give their offense a explosive weapon, which would hopefully lead them to the playoffs. Unfortunately things did not go well in Oakland. Moss struggled with hamstring injuries for much of his time there, and even when he was on the field, he often took plays off and didn't show the heart, that Al Davis was looking for. After 2 seasons of little production ( 11 TD's, 1,558 Receiving yards, and 102 receptions) Moss was out casted in Oakland, and traded to the New England Patriots for a 4th round selection (John Bowie). Moss was looking for a fresh start in New England, but expectations were not high.

Now in New England Moss was on a mission to prove he was just as good as when he was a rookie, and that Al Davis was wrong. All he did was end up setting a new NFL Record for Receiving Touchdowns with 23, and help lead the Patriots to a 16-0 record. The Patriots seemed destined heading into the playoffs to go 19-0 and break the Dolphins previous undefeated record. They made it all the way to the Super Bowl before being upset by the New York Giants, and falling short of perfection. Moss was almost non existent during the playoffs, which many believe was one of the reasons the Patriots didn't beat the Giants. In his next 2 full seasons with the Patriots Moss recorded 24 Touchdowns, 152 Receptions, and 2,272 Receiving yards. It would end up being Moss last productive year in the NFL. In 2011, his poor play came back, and he started to take plays off again. In a Monday Night Game against the Dolphins Moss had a easy TD bounce off his hands, and he ended up not catching a single pass the entire game.

2 days later he ended up returning to the Minnesota Vikings, in hopes he would connect with future Hall of Fame QB Brett Favre. The return to Minnesota was a failure, after a crushing loss in his return to Galette Stadium, Moss criticized the Vikings coaching staff for their poor play calling in the game, and finished off the Press Conference saying he loved the Patriots, then walking off. He was cut shortly after by the Vikings and signed by the Titans to finish the season. He spent 8 games with the Titans, but only started in 4 games, and did not record a single touchdown. It left many to wonder if this was the last we would ever see of Moss, and if he had lost any love for the game he once had.

After reports by his agent that Moss was in the best shape of his life, and ready to prove himself again, in hopes of rejoining the Patriots. Moss shocked the NFL world and retired from the NFL after 13 incredible, memorable years. He finished with 954 Receptions, 14, 158 Receiving yards (2nd All-Time), and 153 TD's (2nd All-Time). He was selected to 7 Pro Bowls, was voted All-Pro 5 times, and won Offensive Rookie of the Year, and was also a member of the 2000's All-Decade Team. As he retires he enters a shroud of questions of where does he rank among the all time greats, and is he 1st Ballot Hall of Fame worthy.

Despite all the off the field issues, and frequent occurrences where he would take plays off, he was still one of the best WR's this game has ever seen. His amazing leaping ability, matched with his blazing speed, and great hands, made him the most feared WR of his time. He may not be the best WR of All-Time, because that designation will always go to Jerry Rice, but Moss was one of the best ever. He is worthy of a 1st Bllot HOF spot, and in my mind he is the 2nd best WR of all time. Here is to you Randy Moss for a great 13 years, for all the mistakes you made, and routes you took off, you still managed to be one of the greatest ever, and that is worthy of a HOF spot to me.

From: My sports blog 247 Sports Zone

 

 

NBA Finals Corner

NBA Final Corner…

Who would have thought that the NBA finals would have been this exciting without the East and West Champions from last year. The top teams were knocked out in the second round of the championships. I wonder would the Miami Heat and the Dallas Mavericks be in the finals if the best teams in the WEST and EAST were healthy and playing at their best. Never the less the finals have been an interesting one with close games coming down to the wire and keeping the series tied. One would only think that the Heat will come back with a win in Miami Sunday, June 12. But if they do not, what will that say about the dream team consisting of Chris Bosh, Lebron James and Dwayne Wade. No one thought that they would have got this far their first year together. Season started out rocky for the team with James and Wade each not wanting to take the lead role and passing the ball when they should be taking shots.

As we move in this series we see the problem that James cannot seem to pull through at the end of the game. Like everyone has said, it seems that he checks out at the end of the game. Could it be that he is no Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan? If he does not win this year with the help that he clearly did not have with Cleveland, then it is only safe to say that it may just be him. He may not be ready to take that lead role of carrying a team to reach the RING! James has been under ten points for the pass five games. Thursday night was his first triple double of the series. Where has this guy been? Yet the Heat still lost the game. James has not been that crutch player that the Heat needs him to be. Falling short with much needed baskets.

I can see the Mavs pulling away from this series with a win and Jason Kidd and Dirk Nowitzki getting a ring finally. They just seem to be the better team. Miami cannot hold off the threes that Jason Terry, Josh Barea and Nowitzki are providing. Tyson Chandler is stepping up to be the big man they need in the paint. Both teams want it bad but Dallas seem to be the team that can come up from behind and fight until the end. Four out of the last five games, Dallas has been behind until the third quarter and they have come back to putting pressure on the Heat.

It will be interesting to see if James can be the player that so many think of him as. Lets see if he can shut Skip Bayless up. By the looks though he is proving Bayless right. James has to prove himself and perform in the clutch for the next two games!