Saturday, December 5, 2009

Quick update! PACQUIAO-MAYWEATHER on for MARCH 13, 2009!

Alright let's get into it!

FLOYD MAYWEATHER JR. VS MANNY PACQUIAO IS ON FOR MARCH 13TH! YES IT'S OFFICIAL!

I'm curious to see what the pay split is but we probably won't find that out until they choose a venue which is looking more and more like MGM GRAND in Las Vegas. Dallas Stadium and the Super Dome in New Orleans were two of the others that Arum was considering. This fight is going to be the biggest fight in boxing as well as the biggest purse. I heard that it is an 80 million dollar purse so if they do 50-50 its 40 million per fighter. Ridiculous! This fight is going to take on a whole different magnitude. It's going to be all over the news and I think it will definitely beat out the De La Hoya-Mayweather pay-per view numbers from May 2007. We'll see what else is going to happen!

XthephenomX

Friday, December 4, 2009

Thursday, December 3, 2009

A little rough...

Hey guys it's been a few days since I last posted because it's been a pretty hectic week for me but tonight there will be a special edition VLOG Episode on YouTube where I'll talk about the the Jones and Hopkins fights that just passed as well as give my prediction on this weekends upcoming bout between Paul Williams and Sergio Martinez.

XthephenomX

Monday, November 30, 2009

Wright-Brewer called off

The Winky Wright vs. Grady Brewer fight has been called off. It had be scheduled to be in Puerto Rico on December 11, 2009. Check out BoxingScene for more information.

XthephenomX

Pacquiao-Mayweather may have to wait...

The biggest fight in boxing may be put on hold because of negotiation issues, who didn't think that was going to happen? It seems that Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants to fight Manny Pacquiao in May but Pacquiao doesn't want to wait until then, he wants the fight in March.

So the newest rumor is that Pacquiao is going to move up in weight to 154 pounds to fight Yuri Foreman for his new world title thus making Pacquiao the first boxer in history to win eight world titles in eight different weight classes. I think he's trying to beat Michael Phelps record.

With that fight happening, Mayweather would then go to England to fight Ricky Hatton's younger brother Matthew Hatton.

Obviously, this is a step down in competition for both fighters but both have them have only been fighting super fights. Maybe they both need this to shine a little more, although both fighters have no problems doing that against elite competition either after their dominating victories of Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Marquez. But this obviously looks better for Pacquiao because he would be winning another world title against someone who he should be able to beat semi-easily. For Mayweather, however, Matthew Hatton isn't the greatest fight based on the fact that he is not an elite fighter nor will he have drawing power in the U.S. so Mayweather will be taking a big dive in terms of how much money he makes.

When I heard of this news, I heard it from an interview with Bernard Hopkins on BoxingScene but he said that Mayweather would most likely fight Mosley, but I didn't believe it. Then I had heard Pacquaio's trainer Freddie Roach talking about this and I started believing.

We'll see what happens. Right now if this comes off, the biggest fight in boxing will take place at the end of 2010. I'd rather see the fight sooner.

XthephenomX

Sunday, November 29, 2009

What do I think of a Bute-Pavlik fight?


After Lucian Bute's impressive knockout of Librado Andrade in the fourth round last night, there has been speculation that HBO wants to push a Bute vs. Pavlik fight sometime in 2010. I think this is a very interesting fight. However, I say let the winner of Paul Williams and Sergio Martinez get a crack at Pavlik first. That being said, I think Williams will win this one. Then providing Pavlik gets by Williams have him fight Bute at a catchweight of 165.



However, I do think Bute would beat Pavlik. He is a slick boxer with power and he knows how to move around the ring. I'm sure he'll be able to stay away from Kelly's big right hand throughout the whole fight. With that being said, Bute takes this. But I do think it would shut up the Pavlik haters like myself if he went this route because at least he won't be ducking anyone. Whether he is or he isn't, it certainly looks like he's been ducking Paul Williams. So if Pavlik ends up fighting Williams and Bute, I have no right to challenge his decisions because he would be finally taking initiative and taking more dangerous fights.

XthephenomX

New VLOG Episode is up!

Check out the new VLOG Episode where I recap Lucian Bute's KO of Librado Andrade and give my prediction for the next two upcoming fight between Bernard Hopkins and Enrique Ornelas and Roy Jones Jr. and Danny Green.



Visit Bust'EmUp!

Next Highlight: Floyd Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao Promo

XthephenomX

Saturday, November 28, 2009

Bute-Andrade Prediction

In case you missed last week's episode of the VLOG, here it is again.

I disccus Kessler-Ward and how the fight went down as well as my prediction for the Bute-Andrade fight happening tonight!



Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Friday, November 27, 2009

Lightweight Showdown - Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz

Alright guys, the next video was supposed to be between Shane Mosley and Margarito, but I'm having some problems with the video so that'll hopefully be up in the future. Until then, I just made a Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Juan Diaz Highlight. You can watch it here or on the site.



Or visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Maskaev, we don't need you to fight the Klitschos

Former heavyweight champion Oleg Maskaev plans on making another heavyweight title run, and who's the boss at the end of this road? You guessed it, the Klitschos.

Maskaev is 40 years old and shouldn't be going for another run. He was mismanaged early in his career suffering his first loss in his seventh pro fight against the veteran Oliver McCall and has lost five more times in his career all by knockout. The biggest name he's beaten was against Hasim Rahmam and he had beaten him twice by KO. But Rahman isn't a huge name.

However, after seeing the reign of the Klitschos brothers, he's going to be another stepping stone to either Vitali or Wladamir. It'll be another knockout loss on his record and another beating he shouldn't have to take.

Hang 'em up Oleg.

XthephenomX

Tuesday, November 24, 2009

Miguel Cotto looking to make comeback in June

You heard it right. Cotto's looking to come back in June to fight most likely and Madison Square Garden around the time of the Puerto Rican Day parade. There were even some talks about Yankee Stadium but it's looking like it's going to be at MSG which is still fine too, Cotto's backyard.



Now the question is who does he fight after just losing the way he did to Manny Pacquiao? Well first off, we should get him with a new trainer. My number one pick would be Nacho Beristain but I also wouldn't mind if he went with Buddy Mcgirt or Ronnie Shields.

Now for an opponent. I think the best choice for him would be Luis Collazo. Collazo is a very good fighter who's been in there with top level competition including Andre Berto, Shane Mosley, and Ricky Hatton. He isn't a strong puncher which would be good for Cotto so he could build up his confidence and he is also a "name" if you will. Having a win against Collazo on your resume is very good because 2 out of the 4 losses were controversial. So he is a very good fighter and he gave Andre Berto a really tough time and in my opinion I thought Collazo beat Berto. But like I said, I think Collazo would be a good, but safe opponent for Cotto at this time in his career. He should have a few fights against fighters like Collazo before he takes a super fight again.

Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Monday, November 23, 2009

Heart and Pride - Miguel Cotto

My newest highlight video is now up. You can either check it out here on the blog or on the web site. If you have a youtube account and you can rate it for me that'd be great.



Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Andre Berto, shut up!

I'm sick and tired of hearing Andre Berto talk so much about his upcoming bout against "Sugar" Shane Mosley in January. The guy was never a big talker, now he makes it to the big time and he has stuff to say about Shane. Berto looked horrible in his performance against Luis Collazo almost a year ago and I actually thought he lost that fight. I thought Collazo got robbed. But he's bringing Shane's steroid allegations into the mix and yes it was Shane's wrongdoing but the past is the past. I'm pretty sure Berto went on to say he's going to beat Shane, steroids or not. Pretty classless thing to say from an up and coming rising star looking to make a fan base.

Meanwhile, if you look at Shane's last performance, he demolished Antonio Margarito which was a very impressive win after Margarito had just beaten and stopped Cotto although he probably had loaded gloves in that fight. So who has the more impressive resume? I mean Berto beat Steve Forbes, Luis Collazo, and Juan Urango in his last three fights and besides the Miguel Cotto loss, Shane stopped and KOed Fernando Vargas at 154, struck out Luis Collazo at Welterweight, KOed Ricardo Mayorga without a second to spare, and destroyed the iron chin of Antonio Margarito. You tell me.

Andre, you better back up all the talk because as far as I'm concerned, the only one in boxing who can really talk and back it up is Floyd Mayweather Jr. and let me tell you, you're no Floyd.

XthephenomX

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Maidana to fight Khan-Salita winner...

Marco Maidana knocked William Gomez out last night in Argentina. Maidana is best known for making Victor Ortiz quit a few months back. Now he is scheduled to face the winner of the Amir Khan vs Dimitri Salita fight scheduled for December 5. With that being said, I think Khan is going to walk through Salita and although I think that Khan's chin will be tested yet again against Maidana. Khan can stay away from Maidana's power, he shouldn't have a hard time winning the fight. But if Maidana connects, Khan could be in for a world of hurt as he was against Columbian puncher Breidis Prescott earlier in his career.

Take a look at the end of the fight between Marco Maidana and Victor Ortiz earlier in the year.



Visit the Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Bust'EmUp! VLOG Episode 3 is up

Check out what I have to say about the fight last night as well as my prediction for the Lucian Bute-Librado Andrade fight set to take place next week on HBO's Boxing After Dark!



Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

FIREPOWER - Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto Highlight by XthephenomX is up!

Check out the video everyone. It's finally up you can see it here or on the site at Bust'EmUp!

Please comment on it and let me know what you think!



XthephenomX

Andre Ward decisions Mikkel Kessler


The VLOG episode will be up later but just updating everyone that Andre Ward defeated Mikkel Kessler by technical decision in Oakland, California last night. Kessler was the favorite in the tournament but things might change now after Ward's performance.

XthephenomX

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto Replay on HBO tonight

If you missed the action packed fight last weekend you can see it tonight on HBO at 10PM ET/PT. Witness Manny Pacquiao score is seventh world title in a seven different weight classes as he captured Miguel Cotto's WBO welterweight title.

XthephenomX

Kessler-Ward prediction

The final matchup in the first bracket in the World Boxing Classic Super Six Tournament between Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward is about to take place in a few hours on Showtime in Oakland, California. To give you guys a quick recap, Arthur Abraham knocked out Jermaine Taylor in the 12th and final round in the first match, and Carl Froch decisioned Andre Dirrell, which in my opinion was a robbery, in the second match.

So if you didn't catch the last VLOG Episode it's right here below. I discuss the Pacquiao-Cotto fight and I also give my prediction for this fight. My prediction starts at the 6:48 mark if you want to just jump to that.



Visit Bust'EmUp! and check out the new highlight HITMAN - A Ricky Hatton Highlight on the main page.

XthephenomX

Pacman-Money super fight to happen in May?

Rumor is that this fight is going to possibly take place on May 1, 2010. No venue has been selected by there have been talks about having it in Cowboy Stadium in Texas or Yankee Stadium in New York. Paacquiao's promoter Bob Arum and Golden Boy Promotions CEO Richard Schaefer, currently representing Mayweather, are scheduled to have a meeting on Monday to discuss negotiations on the purses. Last I heard, Freddie Roach said a 50-50 split would be alright but you know Mayweather is not going to go for it.

So...I think since the magnitude of this fight is unbelievable and its really is going to be the biggest fight in boxing, possibly ever, they should do a winner take all purse. Loser goes home with nothing. Not only will this show how confident they are in their ability to be each other, but it would also make the fight so much more interesting, they'd really be fighting for millions of dollars. Plus it would make Floyd a little more aggressive possibly if he's losing the fight.

It's just a thought.

I think it would generally make the overall marketing of the fight that much stronger therefore bringing in even more money.

Just a thought though...I'm just a fan that wants this fight to happen.

Visit Bust'EmUp! and check out the HITMAN - A Ricky Hatton Highlight

XthephenomX

Friday, November 20, 2009

Hopkins vs. Haye in the future?


Rumor has that if Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins gets passed Enrique Ornelas and Roy Jones Jr., he is willing to step up two weight classes and challenge David Haye for his new heavyweight title. Roy Jones Jr. was the only man to win a middleweight and a heavyweight title in the history of boxing. Is Hopkins biting off more then he can chew though at 45 years old? Yes, but if anyone is able to do it, it would be the 45 year old Bernard Hopkins. The guy amazes me every time he fights because he is so clever. But it could be tainting his legacy because it could be his first knockout loss. However, this guy is such a physical specimen that maybe he'll actually look good, although on paper, it's less than likely to happen. Plus I think Haye is the best choice right now having been at cruiserweight for so long. At least Hopkins wouldn't be challenging the Klitscho brothers. Than that would be even more outrageous.

XthephenomX

Thursday, November 19, 2009

HITMAN - A Ricky Hatton Highlight is up!

Check out the newest video.
HITMAN - A Ricky Hatton Highlight by XthephenomX



Expect the new Pacquiao-Cotto Highlight to be up on Sunday with the newest VLOG Episode where I will recap the Andre Ward-Mikkel Kessler fight and talk about the Lucian Bute and Librado Andrade fight set for next weekend.

Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Pacman involved in a scandal

So apparently Manny Pacquiao's win over Miguel Cotto isn't the only news surfacing in the Philippines. According to an article on BoxingScene, Pacquiao might have been involved in a affair with the co-star in his film WAPAKMAN, Krista Ranillo. Apparently his wife Jinkee has already heard the news because she did not attend the fighter's after party and also took a separate flight back to the Philippines. Jinkee's family is very angry with Pacquiao and plan to boycott the film. When addressed with the situation Pacquiao replies with "no comment".



As far as I'm concerned, Pacquiao has just jumped into the rock star status that he was destined to live in. Every time that guy walks to the ring you can see he loves the attention. He's got a grin from ear to ear. But I do think it's finally catching up to him and its certainly not going to help his political run for office in the Philippines. But hopefully that will keep him more focused on boxing

In my opinion, yeah he may have made a mistake, everyone does, however, it doesn't take away from his accomplishments.

Click here to read the article.

Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Manny Pacquiao says he wants Mayweather!

Check out this video I found that was taken right after the Cotto fight last Saturday at Manny Pacquiao's victory party. Pacquiao tells a news reporter from a Los Angeles TV station that he wants to fight Floyd Mayweather Jr.



Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Quick Update on upcoming highlight videos...

Just letting everyone know that I'm going to be posting FIREPOWER - Pacquiao vs. Cotto Highlights after it is televised on HBO. I am currently working on a RIcky Hatton highlight that is going pretty well. So depending on when I finish that, that will be going up either before or after the other one I just mentioned. But like I said just giving everyone a head's up as to what is going on at Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Should Winky Wright be fighting "The Contender"?

Winky Wright is scheduled to face Grady Brewer within the next few weeks. What does this fight do for him? Nothing. He just came off a lopsided loss to Paul "The Punisher" Williams. Williams will make anyone look bad in a fight, even if they win, although nobody has able to do that yet. But with that being said, I think Wright is on the downside of his career, but he could still fight some of the guys up there. Hell, put him against Pavlik, he was ducking Williams, let him face Wright then. But Grady Brewer? Come on. The guy's most notable win was on the Contender against Stevie Forbes. If Wright beats Brewer, where does that put him? Nowhere. If he loses, he takes another step down the ladder. Like I said, in my opinion, he should have been matched up with Pavlik. It kills two birds with one stone and it makes for a much more interesting fight that Pavlik-Espino and Wright Brewer.

Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Tuesday, November 17, 2009

Should Cotto fight Margarito?

That's the question. What do you guys think? Let me give you my opinion.

If you don't remember, Miguel Cotto took a severe beating from Antonio Margarito who was said to have used plaster of Paris in his gloves the night of the fight. That is the assumption. No one has ever seen Cott's face that beaten up and bloodied after a fight...until the Pacquao fight that is.


Margarito's suspension is about to be lifted and he is looking for the big fights, he's targeting Cotto.

I have two opinions...

1. Margarito should not get a rematch and should not even be allowed to box in any country for that matter. He was caught trying to use loaded gloves which leads us to the accusations of him using them previously. It's a form of man slaughter. He could have ended his opponent's lives, all for a win and money. Those two things aren't worth a person's life. So if you ask me I'd say no, as Cotto said, Margarito will not make another penny off of his name.

2. The opinion I have is that if you asked me before the Pacquiao fight I would say yes, Cotto should fight Margarito to avenge his loss. Putting my first opinion aside, I say this based on the fact that Cotto obviously believes that Margarito had something in his gloves when they fought last July. With that being the case, his confidence has grown, he sees there is a reason for why the fight went the way it did. And before the Pacquiao fight he probably thought he would never be in that situation again because that could only happen with loaded gloves. However, that's not the case as we saw on Saturday night against Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao delivered a vicious beating to the Puerto Rican that night and Cotto's face very much resembled his face when he fought Margarito. So after seeing this, I don't think Cotto would be prepared mentally after the Pacquiao fight to take on Margarito. He's tasted defeat twice, and the two times he did it was of similar beatings.

So those are my opinions. Nothing would make me happier though than to see Cotto break Margarito's jaw for the illegal hand wraps he probably used against him and others as well. In my opinion, I think he started using them for the Golden Johnson fight and on. After the Williams loss, Margarito had to come back big and what better way than a blitzkrieg of a knockout.

So the best thing I think Cotto should do is take some time off and get a new trainer.

XthephenomX

FIREPOWER - Pacquiao vs Cotto HL will be up this weekend...

Hey guys, I let a sneak peak of the video get out on youtube only for youtube to take it down. So I should be able to upload it after their telecast of the fight this Saturday. Just giving everyone a heads up.

XthephenomX

Monday, November 16, 2009

Pacquiao doesn't need to call Mayweather out

There's been a sudden commotion by Floyd Mayweather Jr. about Pacquiao not calling him out. His trainer Freddie Roach, and his promotor Bob Arum have been calling out Mayweather for Pacquiao before the Cotto fight even took place. Actually, before the fight was announced they were looking past Cotto towards a super fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. However, with all the talk, Pacquiao has not once said he has had interest in fighting his rival. He doesn't need to.

You never in boxing see the champion call out the mandatory challenger according to the ranking. But it doesn't matter, they still fight because it's mandatory. That challenger works up the ladder to get a shot at the title. Whether the fight is supposed to be close or a landslide it still happens. That's the case with this situation. Pacquiao-Mayweather is a fight that is going to have to happen. It just happens to be the biggest fight in boxing right now and possibly of all time.

Look at it this way: You have Mayweather, this untouchable boxer with cat-like reflexes, power, and the biggest mouth in boxing. As I said in the VLOG post yesterday, he is in my opinion the best pound for pound boxer and he is one of the top most talented boxers of all time. No one has been able to beat him. With that being said, everyone is always looking for a challenger that will be able to rise up and beat him.

Pacquiao on the other hand is someone that had started his career at 106lbs and has moved up all the way to 147lbs, the welterweight division. Most fighters you see do this become fat and out of shape. They generally move up because they can not maintain their weight. But here's the deal. Pacquiao not only moved up in weight and won seven world titles, a feat that no one has ever accomplished, but he also grew into his body and defeated three top level fighters in Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and now Miguel Cotto. Some might say that De La Hoya was drained, Ricky Hatton was overrated, but Miguel Cotto was a real solid welterweight. One of the top fighters in the division and he was not only hurt and stopped by Manny Pacquiao, but he was unable to hurt the Filipino ring icon and Cotto is a very heavy puncher.

So those are the two stories. Pacquiao is not only that challenger, but he is also a pretty favorite to give Mayweather his first loss, and as you can see, Mayweather is very intrigued by this fight. He's always showing his disinterest towards fighting of fighters, however, this time he wants Pacquiao to call him out because he sees that Pacquiao is doing to him what he has done to all the other fighters that have tried to make a fight with him.

It doesn't matter though. It's a fight that everyone wants to see, both fighters need each other in my opinion, so it's a fight that needs to happen regardless of if they want to fight each other. They're not friends, they're two of the sports top competitors of possibly all time. Make it happen Arum.

Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Mayweather wants Pacquiao!

According to an article on BoxingScene that Floyd Mayweather says he's ready to fight the "one-dimensional" fighter as he calls him, Manny Pacquiao. I don't think Manny is anywhere near one dimensional in the sense that he creates so many different angles and punches from every which direction, however, I will say Manny is a bit reckless because of he always likes a fight. With that being said reckless isn't such a great trait against a sharpshooter like Mayweather.


Floyd goes on to say that it's a no-win situation for him though. He explains that if Manny Pacquiao beat Floyd Mayweather the world is going to be shocked, but if he beats Manny Pacquiao, critics will say that he was supposed to beat Manny Pacquiao, he's Floyd Mayweather. He feels the fact that Manny has been beaten before and even knocked out on two occasions will decrease the value of his win. But if someone beats Floyd, he's undefeated, no one has ever been able to do it.

I disagree.

I think Pacquiao is on a level right now where most people cannot see ANYBODY beating him. I for one was not caught up in the whole Pacquiao hype against Cotto, but after seeing that fight and not only seeing him prove me wrong, but dominating and stopping one of the top welterweights is something that really put me in my place.

Do I think he could beat Mayweather? Will see when that fight comes around. But I do know that it is definitely a step in the right direction towards making perhaps the biggest super fight in boxing history.

Click here to read the article.

Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Sunday, November 15, 2009

Interesting article on rebuilding Miguel Cotto


Just found this article on BoxingScene about rebuilding Miguel Cotto. It talks about getting a new trainer as well as what match ups he should be looking for. It's an interesting read. Let me know what you think.



Click the link below to read the article.

Cotto's Rebuilding Needs a New Trainer, The Right Fights

Visit Bust'EmUp! and join the forum.

To join click here and go to register. IT'S FREE!

XthephenomX

New VLOG Episode!

The new episode is up. Hear what I have to say about the fight last night between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto as well as my prediction for the next match in the Super Six Tournament between Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward.



Visit Bust'EmUp! for previous episode as well as other build up videos and highlights.

XthephenomX

Saturday, November 14, 2009

I'll put my foot in my mouth...

Disappointing night for me and my fellow Puerto Rican fans out there as Manny Pacquiao dominated Miguel Cotto to a 12th round stoppage. He has won world titles in seven different weight classes and is the first fighter to have ever accomplished such a feat. I was completely surprised especially at how the fight really unfolded. Cotto started off the fight well with his jab and won the first round, but once Pacquiao got going there was no stopping him. He threw one combination after another and Cotto couldn't react to the blinding speed. After being knocked down twice and taking a beating, it was surprising to see Miguel going into the 12th round. Seeing there was no reason to let the fight continue, referee Kenny Bayless stepped in and stopped the fight after Cotto ate a few more punches. Pacquiao was relentless and really put on the best performance of his career in my opinion. I'll talk more about it tomorrow in the VLOG post as well as my thoughts for next week's upcoming bout in the Super Six Tournament between Mikkel Kessler and Andre Ward.

Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

New Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto Final Pre-Fight Teaser!

Check out the video here or visit the site! This is the final Build Up video before tonight's main event between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. Check it out and leave some comments.




Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Friday, November 13, 2009

Weigh ins: Pacquiao-144, Cotto-145


The fight is just one day away! Both fights made weight tonight for their upcoming bout tomorrow and six-time world champion Manny Pacquiao weighed in at 144lbs and three time world champion and current WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto weighed in at the catch weight of 145lbs. Both fighters seem to look extremely healthy and in shape and should provide for an instant classic tomorrow night on HBO PPV at the MGM Grand Arena in Las, Vegas.



Photo - Courtesy of Chris Farina/Top Rank
BoxingScene

Visit Bust'EmUp! and watch the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto Pre Fight Build Up to get ready for the fight tomorrow.

A second and final build up video will be out sometime tomorrow so be sure to check back.

XthephenomX

Thursday, November 12, 2009

Arturo "Thunder" Gatti, My Idol

Well I figured since I couldn't post the Pacquiao-Cotto video up I would post this video up on the site and write something about the boxer that has had the most influence on me.

Arturo Gatti was the guy that got me into boxing. I first saw his fight with Mickey Ward a little after it happened and I was told by a friend that it was a ridiculous fight to watch. I wasn't really a boxing fan back then and I only knew some of the big names at the time like De La Hoya, Tyson, etc. So I looked all over for the fight and I finally found it online. When I watched it I was immediately taken back by it. The fans cheering, the blood running, the adrenaline pumping, I wanted to be in that scenario. I wanted fans to cheer for me just as they did those two warriors.



Something stood out about Gatti though. I mean you could say they were both the toughest son of a bitches you're ever going to see get in the ring that's for sure. But something about Gatti's style just made me jump out of my seat every time he threw a combination. That on top of the fact that he could fire punches back just as quickly as he was taking them was something to really behold. I started fighting like him and training like him. I always pushed myself to the limit because I know that's what he did every fight. And I still do that, it is something that will stick with me for the rest of my life and it will be conducted in whatever I do.



From then on I followed the rest of Arturo's career. I saw him win the title against Gianluca Branco and defend it two times successfully until he ran into Floyd Mayweather Jr. I was probably the only person to think he could win against Mayweather, maybe I was just blinded because he was my hero but I really thought he could pull it off. Unfortunately it was a completely one sided fight and Mayweather put a beating on Gatti. Gatti's heart still shined though as he showed no quit in between the 6th and 7th round though when they stopped the fight. He was actually biting down on his mouth piece, asking to go one more round. If that doesn't show heart I don't know what does.



He then moved up to welterweight to fight for a welterweight title against an undefeated fighter named Thomas Damgaard from Denmark. I remember the day too, it was January 28, 2006. That night I was fighting for a Kickboxing title in New Jersey and Gatti was just moving up to welterweight. I didn't even want to go to the fight that night because I wanted to watch Arturo. But it was so cool for me because I felt like I was fighting on the same card as my idol. So i decided to tape it and after I won I rushed home to watch it. I figured it was going to be our night to shine. And it was. Gatti would knock him out late in the 11th round. We both won titles that night.

Gatti then went on to lose his next fight for a welterweight title against Carlos Baldomir and then lost to Alfonso Gomez in his final fight. Both fights he lost by knockout and it was hard for me to watch. But in each one of these fights, he stood on his back foot and swung for the fences until he was put down. The man never showed any quit, and that's what drew me towards him and towards boxing as a whole.

On July 11, 2009, Artuo Gatti was found dead in his condo in Brazil. Apparently he was strangled by what some say was a purse strap while he was totally intoxicated. Immediately his wife of a year was accused because all of the clues pointed at her. But later on, the Brazilian authorities called it a suicide. A second autopsy is being conducted in Canada, his hometown. I'm not going to get into a whole discussion about this because I don't want to talk about this, but I know he wouldn't kill himself and so do the people that were close to him. The fact that his will was changed 2 weeks prior to his murder to give his wife everything should provide a little idea as to what really happened.

Gatti was never the greatest boxer, but he is someone that always put fans in the seats and gave them their moneys worth. He always came to fight no matter what the odds. I want you all to realize that fighters like this don't just come and go. Someone like this only comes around once and a while and very rarely have the impact like Gatti did. Gatti was known to have saved boxing when it was in the dumps. If I could be like him to even the smallest percentage, I would be satisfied. Nothing was better than watching a Gatti fight because you knew you were going to see a fight. If you can get your hands on some of his fights take advantage.



Here is a tribute video that I created after his death...



RIP Champ, thank you for having such an impact in my life

XthephenomX

Notice:Pacquiao vs. Cotto Final Pre-Fight Build Up Postponed

You heard it right. I was under the assumption that the final episode of 24/7 would be on tonight but it's actually on tomorrow night at 9:30PM. Therefore, I won't have enough material to finish the video so what I am going to do is try and put it up early in the morning on Saturday. Sorry for the inconvenience!

Bust'EmUp

XthephenomX

Evangelista speaks!

Just caught up on an article on Boxing Scene that was able to get Evangelista Cotto's prediction for the fight this weekend between his nephew and Manny Pacquiao. According to the article, he feels that his nephew will stop Pacquiao under 8 rounds based on the fact that he is too strong for Manny and he is a smart fighter.

Evangelista was last heard for throwing a cinderblock threw Miguel's new Jaguar after they had a falling out. Apparently Miguel wanted to break camp to train in Tampa, Florida before the Clottey fight but Evangelista wanted nothing of it. Words were exchanged and then blows.

We haven't heard about Evangelista since that last incident besides knowing that he was pressing charges against his nephew. But it is nice to hear his prediction although it may sound biased because it is his nephew and he did train him for many years. He could have said that Cotto will lose because Evangelista is no longer his trainer. But Evangelista was sincere in this interview even paying respect to Cotto's new trainer Joe Santiago and defending him against Freddie Roach's claims of Santiago being inexperienced.

Click here to read the article

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XthephenomX

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton Highlight is up and running!

The Manny Pacquiao vs. Ricky Hatton Highlight from a few months ago has just been posted on Bust'EmUp! The video is one of my older videos but its still an exciting video because it was such a good knockout by the Pacman. Show your friends this video so they can see what Miguel Cotto is up against this weekend. It's a pretty devastating knockout over an overrated fighter in my opinion but it still makes for a good highlight video. You can either go there to watch it or view it right here. Let me know what you guys think and join the forum so we can talk boxing!

Click here to register! It's FREE!



XthephenomX

Diaz-Malignaggi finally set straight

Juan "The Baby Bull" Diaz will face Paulie "The Magic Man" Malignaggi on equal terms in Chicago, Illinois at the UIC Pavilion on December 12, 2009. After the robbery that took place in Houston, Texas, Juan's hometown, I think it's only fair for there to be a rematch. In my opinion the fight should take place at Madison Square Garden, it'd only be fair. The first fight was an absolute disgrace to boxing. Paulie had called it before hand that he wasn't going to win in a hometown decision for Diaz. He had everything against him: 138lb catch weight, 18ft ring, and the hometown venue for Diaz. Even the judges were from Texas! It's absolutely ridiculous how man aspects of that fight were set against Paulie and he still won the fight in my opinion. Hell if you didn't think he won watch the fight again. Judge Gale Van Hoy had a huge wide margin for Juan DIaz and in reality it was much closer than he scored it and in fact, Paulie won! His excuse was that even though Paulie outlanded Juan clearly with his jab, he says that jabs aren't really a big part of scoring because they're not power punches. Since do jabs not count! What did you think, Paulie was going to out slug him? Of course not, Paulie was going to have to outbox him. But to say that the amount of jabs landed doesn't affect your judging on a is absolutely absurd and shows how inexperienced you are and that you shouldn't be a judge in the sport of boxing or anything for that matter.



Visit the site Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Floyd finally loses!

Only this is outside the boxing ring! In a article delivered by the Sweet Science, Floyd Mayweather battles with emcee R.A. Rugged Man. He put Mayweather in his place every time.




Mayweather, known for his perfect record and pound for pound status, flaunts everything that he has accomplished. Even wins over the likes of Carlos Baldomir, as R.A. puts it:

"Oh man, Baldomir with eleven losses? How about this: why didn’t you fight Margarito when you were offered eight million dollars?”

And the guy who compared himself favorably to Sugar Ray Robinson begins hemming and hawing, arguing with a man he doesn’t know in an attempt to justify himself. He begins lying."

The argument went back and forth with R.A. stating very valid points and countering everything Mayweather has to say. With that being said, I don't understand how you compare yourself to one of the greatest if not the greatest fight Sugar Ray Robinson when the man is known for fighting anyone, anywhere. It didn't matter if it was Joe Schmo, if someone called out the champ and said he could beat him, Sugar Ray would laces up his gloves and take it to him in the ring. Floyd doesn't do that and the Margarito fight is a classic example.

Although I'm not a Margarito fan anymore, at the time I did want to see him fight Mayweather. Floyd turns down 8 Million Dollars to fight who, Baldomir...? The big pay day Floyd got was when he fought Oscar De La Hoya and he's not realizing that he was teaming up with the biggest cash cow in the business when he got that pay day. So why did he pass up on the fight with Margarito? 8 Million dollars is a lot of money, even for "Money May".

I guess what I'm trying to say is that Floyd should put up. He is an incredibly talented fighter and I think he can beat pretty much anyone out there especially with his demolition of Juan Manuel Marquez in his comeback fight, however, anything can happen in a fight and people want to see what will happen. It's nice to see someone outside of the boxing community bring up these points and if they're speaking up obviously Floyd should take a look and think about fighting the Mosleys, the Cottos, the Pacquiaos.

R.A. Rugged Man 1 Floyd Mayweather 0

Click here to read the article.

Check out Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Who do you think will win? Manny Pacquiao or Miguel Cotto?

With the fight just mere days away, I want to know who you think will win, the Pacman from the Philippines or the Boriqua Bomber from Puerto Rico. Vote in the poll to the right and let me know who you think will win. Comment and I'll be sure to right back and give you my assessment of the fight as well.





Also visit Bust'EmUp!

A final promo video for the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto fight will be up on Friday.

XthephenomX

Monday, November 9, 2009

Sick Pic!

Just was on ESPN looking at some news and this picture was on their ESPN Boxing Homepage from the Chad Dawson-Glenn Johnson fight that happened this weekend on HBO. Dawson won a unanimous decision over Johnson to retain his title.



This is probably the only good thing that came out of the fight. Johnson looks like one of the Immortals from the movie 300.



Visit the site Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Pavlik to fight the Contender's Miguel Espino...DISGRACE


I just got word that Youngstown, Ohio's own Kelly "The Ghost" Pavlik is set to fight Miguel Espino of the Contender reality series. Pavlik was set to face Paul "The Punisher" Williams a number of times at the middleweight limit, however, the fight was constantly postponed due to injuries from Pavlik. The latest injury was from a staph infection Pavlik had suffered from.


Apparently, Kelly is ready to go now and it's not against the opponent he's supposed to be fighting. Is Kelly ducking Paul Williams? I think so. I wouldn't blame him seeing as Paul Williams is probably one of the most avoided boxers in boxing.

Alright so you don't want to fight someone? Sure you're gonna get smack for it but instead of fighting a big name you're going to fight a guy who fought opponents with a collective record 69-48-4 in his past three fights. He hasn't fought any major opposition and he doesn't present any major threats to Pavlik either. Pavlik should rush through Espino, but if he doesn't whose going to want to see him fight against "The Punisher".

I feel if you're going to fight someone and you've been training to fight them even after the date is postponed several times because of YOUR injuries, wouldn't you still want to fight them? You've been training for a big boxer for a while now and now you're going to fight a guy that gives up four inches to you and is more of banger than a boxer? PLUS you're going to cut your payday? Talk about being insecure.

I have been very upset with Pavlik and his trainer Jack Loew since the Hopkins fight. The pre-fight hype they gave to that fight was a combination of arrogance and ignorance. Neither Pavlik nor Loew were cocky during the times Pavlik captured and defended the Middleweight Title against Jermain Taylor back in 2007. Now all of a sudden, they're were going to be the first to knockout a legend of the sport, Bernard Hopkins. They were talking about how they were going to fight dirty and you even see Pavlik try to roughhouse in the fight by "trying" to hit Bernard with a couple of low blows. In my opinion, the fight went ot exactly as I thought with Hopkins dissecting Pavlik and I really feel Pavlik needed that in his career. But now will all of the ons and offs of his fights, I have to say, Kelly Pavlik is not in my stable of fighters that I NEED to see fight anymore. Sure he was exciting to watch and he had a Cinderella-esque story, but he ruined his reputation for me and if he's going to be fighting guys like Miguel Espino, he's not getting my dollar. This is a disgrace. Fight "The Punisher".

XthephenomX

Miguel Cotto Retire!? Get out of here!


Just ran into a post on BoxingScene written by Mark Vester in the article Miguel Cotto Should Retire if He Loses, Says Pintor where Mexican legend Lupe Pintor says the Miguel Cotto should retire if he loses this Saturday in his upcoming bout this weekend with Manny Pacquiao.

Are you serious!? He is basing his assumption off of the fight that Cotto had with Margarito in July 2008. Yes Cotto did take a beating and it could've been from plastered gloves but to say that if Cotto loses to the current Pound for Pound Champion he should retire is a little bit much. Although I'm a strong supporter of Miguel Cotto and I have expressed my feelings towards how the fight is going to play out, Pacquiao is still amazing. Pacquiao will beat anyone under 147 in impressive fashion with the exception of Juan Manuel Marquez perhaps. Pacquiao is still one of the best out there, if not number one then he's right up there with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

So with that being said, if he loses to Manny Pacquiao I don't think that's enough to say that he should hang up the gloves. Obviously the man shouldn't stay in boxing forever but right now I don't think he would be doing himself harm. Maybe if he loses his next three fights then you should consider, but not this one. With that being said, he's not losing.

Sunday, November 8, 2009

New Forum!













I'm proud to bring to you Bust'EmUp!'s new Boxing Forum. There are a number of different topics you can talk about there, boxing and non-boxing included. All you have to do is register for free and be apart of the Bust'EmUp! Boxing Forum Network.
Click here to sign up now!



XthephenomX

First VLOG Episode Is Up and Running!

GO check out the first VLOG Episode from Bust'EmUp! and see what I have to say about the Haye-Valuev fight, Dawson-Johnson, and my prediction on the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto fight next weekend.

XthephenomX

Saturday, November 7, 2009

A Quick Update and Recap of Tonight's Fights...

Well here's my first actual post guys. I guess I'll start off by saying that I've posted the new Pacquiao-Cotto FirePower Build Up on the main page of the web site. It is also here as well.


Just quick if you all didn't know, David Haye beat Nikolai Valuev to capture the WBA Heavyweight Title by unanimous decision. I watched some of the fight, to be honest it wasn't very entertaining but you're not going to get much entertainment fighting a giant like Valuev because no one for the most part will stand there and trade with him. So the only way to beat him is by moving around and scoring those pot shots and racking up points in the judges eyes which David Haye did well. I'll discuss this more in my VLOG post tomorrow but congratulations to David Haye and hopefully he'll have an impact on the Heavyweight Division.

"Bad" Chad Dawson decisioned Glenn Johnson once again by unanimous decision. This was another not so entertaining fight although it did have some moments, but not many. Dawson improves to 29-0 while Johnson falls to 49-13-2.


That's about it for tonight. Tune in for my first VLOG where I'll recap this night and talk about the Super Fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.

And here's a quick peak at the new forum I'm putting up. Click Here Sign up now and start chatting!

Visit Bust'EmUp!

XthephenomX

Welcome to Bust'EmUp! Boxing Blog

Hey everyone! Welcome to the next blog spot for Bust'EmUp!. I'm Anthony Karperis but my user name is XthephenomX. You can contact me through a few different things:

AIM: slippindajab
E-Mail: akarpe1@pride.hofstra.edu

Visit the site at www.BustEmUp.zzl.org

XthephenomX