Pacquiao focus shifts back to Foreman, March 20 targeted
by Scott Christ on Dec 31, 2009 3:19 AM EST
in Boxing News Analysis
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With it looking more and more likely that the March 13 fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is going to fall through (at least on that date), the Pacquiao camp has seemingly shifted their focus back to 154-pound titlist Yuri Foreman rather than 140-pound contender Paulie Malignaggi. March 20 is the target date for this fight, as Mayweather apparently will keep the March 13 date at the MGM Grand.
Recently, it seemed as though Malignaggi would be the replacement for Mayweather, after a career-boosting win over Juan Diaz on December 12 and a great, profile-raising year overall in 2009. Malignaggi and promoter Lou DiBella both seemed totally open to the idea, with Malignaggi even trying to drum up early interest by saying he doesn't respect Pacquiao.
Primera Hora reports that Foreman's manager Murray Wilson says it's all but a done deal, but then we've heard a lot about "done deals" involving Pacquiao lately. From Wilson:
"We've reached an agreement to face Pacquiao. Originally we wanted the fight on March 13, but Mayweather has the date booked with the MGM Grand. So we're looking at March 20. We still have to square some things, but we definitely won't have blood tests required of either fighter."
He also believes Foreman has a real shot:
"It will be a tough fight. I believe that Manny is entering unknown territory. It won't be easy against a man who will rise up to 160 pounds on fight night."
The reasons this is happening (if it happens) should be obvious enough. Pacquiao would be looking to get a title in an eighth weight class, and it also keeps all the money in Top Rank's pockets. They don't have to deal with Golden Boy or DiBella or anyone on this fight.
If this really happens, is HBO going to foot the bill for Pacquiao-Foreman and Mayweather-whoever? Two PPV events in two straight weeks? Do they REALLY want to test the public's willingness to pay $120 over two straight weeks for a couple of copout fights? Would YOU pay for both shows?
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I could not want to see this fight less. Foreman-Santos was a real snoozer, with Foreman being less than impressive. This whole situation is bogus.
I actually thought Yuri was pretty impressive against Santos (who was, well, fat), but I don’t like his chances to serve as much more than a punching bag for Pacquiao.
(When the Foreman fans descend, don’t take it too seriously.)
Bad Left Hook
"If bulls**t was poetry, Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini's name would be Shakespeare." -- Dennis Rappaport
by Scott Christ on Dec 31, 2009 3:35 AM EST up reply actions
ugh...
TERRIBLE… HBO needs to tell both these guys if you don’t wanna fight each other then you need to fight top-notch competition. Pac- u wanna go up to 54 fine but fight Martinez.. May-U wanna stay at 47 no Hatton take the Berto-Molsey winner or Williams. PERIOD. I hope HBO does not waste network money on these 2 garbage fights or run a PPV cuz it’s true nonsense.
May-U wanna stay at 47 no Hatton take the Berto-Molsey winner or Williams. PERIOD.
Mayweather is going to fight March 13 with or without Manny and neither Berto nor Mosley could be ready to go against Floyd by then since they fight January 30. And I think it’s unlikely we ever see Paul Williams fight at 147 again.
Bad Left Hook
"If bulls**t was poetry, Ray 'Boom Boom' Mancini's name would be Shakespeare." -- Dennis Rappaport
by Scott Christ on Dec 31, 2009 4:31 AM EST up reply actions
It would be nice to see Mosley vs Mayweather
if the Manny vs Mayweather fight doesn’t happen. Then we get Manny vs Mayweather in September? That would be a great 2010.
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
If the fight does happen
Pac COULD have some legitimate problems with Foreman. There’s a reason Pac hasn’t faced someone with his style who weighs more than 126. Frankly, I could see Pacquiao just not reaching the much longer Foreman most of the night in a real stinker.
Bad Left Hook - The SB Nation boxing blog
"Baseball is played on the field, not on a calculator."
No way will I order Manny vs Foreman
regarding Mayweather, it all depends on who he ends up fighting.
"I guess I can’t do anything if you’re just irrational, but to point it out and move on."
- fundamentallysound
I would bet Mayweather will look down in weight for an opponent…probably call out Nate Campbell. I wouldn’t order Pac-Foreman if for no other reason than out of protest of this fight falling through.
Ditto
"Honey i forgot to duck" - Jack Dempsey
by Drunken cutman on Dec 31, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
If they aren't fighting each other
Then I hope the movie theatre and the tecate gimmicks are coming back. If it’s mayweather v paulie, I could see that outselling pacquiao v foreman and more dick waving happening. This sucks. I can think of no better term
by cardscott5 on Dec 31, 2009 1:23 PM EST via mobile reply actions
FFFFFFFOOOOORRRREEEEEMMMMMAAAAAANNNNNNN
"Honey i forgot to duck" - Jack Dempsey
by Drunken cutman on Dec 31, 2009 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
KKKKKKOOOOSSSHHHHEEEEERRRRR...
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
anybody?
Boxing writer: "Iran, what are you going to do when you retire?"
Iran Barkley: "Rob your house"
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