UFC 121: Cain Velasquez Dethrones Brock Lesnar

   One big array of punches from Cain Velasquez is all he need to take down the "baddest man on the planet", UFC's heavyweight champ Brock Lesnar. And as the whole crowd of Anaheim, California explodes to joy of  Cain's victory, the former champ Lesnar leaves the Octagon, bruised and bloodied on UFC 121.

   Lesnar started and showed why he is the champ by barging right into Velasquez using his strength as his advantage. But on every Lesnar offense resulted into Velasquez's instant defense-offense combination of punches. As the two traded punches in the middle of the first, Lesnar had a bad left eye already. Velasquez had Lesnar with a big punch that sent down the champ. But Lesnar got up again. And with Velasquez sensing the end of Lesnar, he followed it up with a set of punches that sent Lesnar again. As the challenger pummeld the champ, the referee had enough and stopped it at 4:12 of the first round.

   With the win, Velasquez became the first Mexican heavyweight champ of the UFC.



(TheBloggerSays: Really good fight. I was really rooting for Cain to pull this one up. Good overall performance by Cain really paved the way for him. I think Lesnar just didn't expect this kind of opponent.)

Vitali Kiltschko Decisions Shannon Briggs

It was all business again for Ukranian WBC heavyweight champion Vitali Klitschko after he pummeled former champ Shannon Briggs in 12-rounds of one sided action at Hamburg, Germany. It was all Klitschko right from the opening bell. Briggs didn't had the chance to unleash a flurry and was bloodied and beaten down. The only chance he got was in the final seconds of the fight as he let it all what he had left in him.

With the win, Klitschko retained his WBC title and improved to 41-2, 38KOs while Briggs dropped to 51-6-1, 45 KOs.



(TheBloggerSays: Another big win for Vitali over a big name in their division. But obviously, Shannon is another heavyweight fighter who just came back. Absolutely an over the hill fighter. Boxing's glamour division really needs someone who can match the Vitali-Wladimir tandem. If only can Manny, Floyd and Juan Manuel can fight their way up there.)

Morales To Fight Again On December

   Former multi-division champion and Mexican legend Erik "El Terrible" Morales is really eager to get back on top as he is expected to return to the ring on December 18 against a yet to be determined opponent for the WBC Silver super lightweight title at the fighter's hometown, Tijuana, Mexico.

   This will be Morales's third fight since his return last March and a win against his opponent will make way for a title fight against the winner of Juan Manuel Marquez-Michael Katsidis bout.



(TheBloggerSays: Erik is really squeezing what's left on him. A true warrior indeed, with this kind of attitude, I think Erik will stay for a while.)

St-Pierre's Manila Visit

   Last week, UFC welterweight champion George St-Pierre visited Manila and he thought that it was just another visit to another country. And he was wrong. Fans crowded the Ninoy Aquino International Airport just before his arrival at 5 AM. From there on, it was all amazement for GSP as he roamed Manila. He stopped by ABS-CBN's top-rating Showtime to promote his activities. He also dropped by in a gym where his idol, boxing champ Manny Pacquiao trains. He even had some tips from Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach. The day after he went on a MMA clinic at SM Mall of Asia where thousands of Filipino MMA fans gather to see one of UFC best top fighters.

   GSP's next bout is against Josh Koscheck on UFC 124, December 14, 2010.



(TheBloggerSays: This is one big proof, that MMA or UFC is really the fastest growing sport anywhere.)

Jones Jr. Injured, Fight Postponed

   Former pound for pound king Roy Jones Jr. may take have to wait longer before his scheduled bout with Danny Santiago on October 7 due to an injury he suffered while training. A swollen hand while doing a sparring session that kept giving him pain forced Jones Jr. to take a rest for a while before coming back to training again, although the doctors said that the x-rays showed that there were no fractures on Jones Jr.'s hand.

   His camp also said that they will re-schedule the fight as soon as possible.



(TheBloggerSays: Jones Jr.'s bones are really getting brittle. Haha. He should hang his gloves after this. But he should take down Danny in a hard way to end his career with a bang!)

UFC 119: Mir Back In Winning Ways, Defeats Cro Cop

   After a loss suffered from Shane Carwin 6 months ago, heavyweight Frank Mir showed again his might knocking out Mirko Filipovic in the 4:02 of the 3rd round at main event of UFC 119 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

   Cro Cop,who replaced Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira due to injury, ducked while attacking but unaware if a Mir knee strike. That strike sent him down to the octagon's canvass and also ended the fight. Both fighters were criticized for lack of offensive attacks in the fight prior to the knock out.



(TheBloggerSays: I really liked the way Mir knocked Cro Cop. But that's it. The KO was the only thing in the fight. I almost fell asleep. I just wish Mir will go up again in the ranks.)

Knucklehead's Official Trailer

Out on theaters this fall in the US, WWE films' releases it's official trailer for Knucklehead. It stars WWE's The Big Show as a 35-year old giant and church orphan turned mix martial artist Walter Krunk who joins a former MMA champ turned promoter and a chaperone heading to a big MMA tournament in New Orleans.

(TheBloggerSays: I think this one will be a hit, finally, for the WWE films. After busting it out with Cena and Austin for their action flicks, this one really fits well and I think will do good for The Big Show.)

Klitschko Dominates Peter

   Proving to be one of most dominating heavyweights today, Wladimir Klistchko stopped Samuel Peter in their rematch, ten years in the making, via 10th round KO at Frankfurt, Germany.

   Klitschko, 55-3, 49 KOs, controlled the fight right from the opening bell, battered him all through out until dropping the Nigerian in 10th.



(TheBloggerSays: Who else now is left at the heavyweight division after this? Will Wladimir face David Haye or finally, his brother and also one of the top heavyweights, Vitali Klitschko.)

Morales KOs Limond

    For the second time after almost 3 years of retirement, former 3 division world champion and Mexican legend Erik "El Terrible" Morales won against Willie Limond of Scotland via 6th round KO at Monumental Plaza de Toros Mexicao in Mexico City.

   It also marked as Morales' second fight at welterweight division. With the win, Morales improved his record to 50-6 with 35 KOs.



(TheBloggerSays: With his age, I don't know how long Erik can stay at this shape. Great win for Erik.)

The Battle Of Combat Sports

   After last weeks "Boxing vs. MMA" bout between boxing champ James "Lights Out" Toney against UFC star Randy "The Natural" Couture live on UFC 118 PPV, many fans and sports athletes have been wondering on which combat sport is dominating the other, based on PPV sales, gate attendance and the winner between two fighters of different sport.

   Today's sport stars like UFC Heavyweight champion Brock Lesnar, Bobby Lashley and Bob Sapp all became professional wrestlers first before trying out their skills in MMA.While Anderson Silva, Eric "Butterbean" Esch, Marcus Davis hanged up their gloves to pursue a MMA career. Other notable fighters like Vladimir Kozlov, Ken Shamrock, Sylvester Turkay and Daniel Puder are all trained MMA fighters who transitioned to WWE, a sports-entertainment wrestling brand. 

   With all people buzzing around and wondering, The Fighting Pride asked some sports analyst to take on topics varying from transitioning fighters to which brand is better than the another.

   Asked about why do fighters, despite being on the peak of their career, switched from boxing or pro-wrestling to MMA, one of Philippines' most-respected sport analyst Ed Tolentino said: "MMA offers an intriguing challenge  to anyone who is engaged in particular discipline. The offer of big bucks for short bouts is very tempting. In most cases, wrestlers and boxers who are already over-the-hill switch to MMA switch to salvage whatever remains in their careers. Rare is the case of Brock Lesnar. But note that he only joined MMA after he failed make it as a football player in NFL."

   In 2009, MMA's "UFC 100" PPV garnered the most PPV buys for the year while boxings "Fire Power: Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto" have the second most buys. That's why the fight fans are having thoughts, is the boxing losing it's fans to MMA world? "No. Die hard boxing fans as are loyal as they come." says Anthony George of Zutes Sports Show. "There seems to be more MMA gyms in the U.S. than boxing gyms.UFC is the biggest brand in all of combat sports and young guys are attracted to that. The trouble is, boxing is not attractive enough to young people." Archer added. Tolentino seems to agree with the boxing's rich stories by saying that: "Boxing has a lot of history behind it. However, they need to police it's ranks to keep MMA at a safe distance." 

   With Couture of MMA defeating Toney of boxing, some fans assumed that MMA is the one really dominating the world of combat sports. But Lesnar, a NCAA champion and former WWE wrestler himself, proved to be that even a man form another sport can become a MMA champ. How do really former boxers and wrestlers fare in MMA? "Nowadays, there is not just one discipline that will amke it in MMA, you have to be well rounded. Wrestlers do well in MMA because it allows most of them to pick-up the BJJ discipline a lot easier than folks with no wrestling base." says Archer. 

   And asked if Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., two of the boxing world's best fighters, do stand a chance in MMA, Tolentono said: "Yes. As long as you have legitimate martial arts background, you can excel. Pacquiao and Mayweather are legit boxers."

(TheBloggerSays: It's good to have Mr. Tolentino and Mr. Archer to have this conversation. I do really believe in what they say, and I respect it.. Thank you guys.)

Ricky Hatton: "I'm Done."

   Sixteen months after being knocked out in the second round by Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas, Nevada, Ricky Hatton officially announced in BBC Radio at Manchester that he may never come back to the boxing ring and fight again.

   "You can never say never. But if I was to put my last pound on it, i would say 'no, that's me done'" Hatton said. Hatton also said that he'll just concentrate on promoting other fighters. He added: "I announced that I was going to make a comeback. I came back off holiday and went into a training camp for three weeks, but it wasn't just the same."

   But Hatton himself hinted about his return. Hatton recently renewed his boxing license with Bristish Boxing Board of Control. Asked why, he answered "Just in case one day I do wake up and think 'come on, let's give it another go.'"



(TheBloggerSays: I thinks Ricky's retirement is made just too soon. There's still so much left in him. He can still have good match up and bouts with Juan Manuel Marquez or Amir Khan. Or even maybe Michael Katsidis.)



  

Roy Jones Jr. To Fight Next Month

   Former Pound for Pound King Roy Jones Jr. is scheduled to face former championship challenger Danny Santiago next month, October 7. The fight will take place probably on Jones' hometown, Pensacola, Florida. Further announcements about the bout will be made next week.



(TheBloggerSays: I wonder why these senior citizens of boxing (Hopkins, Jones Jr.) keep fighting. But for me, win or lose, they should be hanging up their gloves after their respective fights.)

Marquez To Fight Katsidis On November; Hopkins Vs. Pascal On December

   After a failed negotiation to fight Manny Pacquiao for the third time, Mexican warrior and champion Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez agreed to fight the Australian slugger Michael "The Great" Katsidis on November 27 at MGM Garden in Las Vegas, Nevada.

   The bout will be for Marquez's WBO lightweight belt.

   Another champion, Jean Pascal, is also scheduled to fight a boxing warrior, former champion Bernard "The Executioner" Hopkins. The bout will be on December 18. This will be Hopkins' second fight this year after defeating Roy Jones Jr. last April. This will be also Pascal's second fight this year after defeating Chad Dawson and successfully defended his WBC light heavy weight championship for the third time.



(TheBloggerSays: All-out war is what I am expecting for the Katsidis-Marquez bout. But Hopkins against Pascal? These promoters are really getting really bad for the sport. Why not Luciano Bute?)

Pacquiao Believes Margarito Knew About The Hand Wraps

   Multi-division champion Manny Pacquiao said that he believes that his next opponent, Antonio Margarito, do not knew anything about his illegal hand wraps, discovered in his dressing room before his fight with Shane Mosley in January of 2009.

   "I believe he knew. He's the one watching his hands wrapped and he doesn't know what's in there? he;s just making some alibi for some reason." the Filipino said during their kick-off presser for the November 13 bout. After the fight and the suspension, Margarito blamed and fired his then-trainer Javier Capetillo.

   Although he said that he had forgiven Margarito for his actions, Pacquiao also said that he wants someone to watch Margarito in his locker room wrapping his hands before the fight.



(TheBloggerSays: I believe and respect what Manny believes in. As a boxer like Margarito, he's the one aside from either the trainer or someone appointed to do the boxer's hand, who should know what's inside the wrap. Not the promoter. Right, Bob?)

Margarito Says He'll Beat Pacquiao, Calls De La Hoya Out

   "Margarito has the strength, the power, he's hungry to be the best and prove everybody wrong. He's the bigger man."

   Those were the words that came out from Antonio Margarito's trainer, Roberto Garcia during an interview with Dennis Guillermo of The Examiner for his fighter's bout against Manny Pacquiao. "I honestly see a very big chance of us pulling it out." he added. With his fighter already busy training and conditioning himself for their scheduled fight on Nov. 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Garcia is also busy watching Pacquiao tapes everyday to study the Filipino's boxing moves.

   Meanwhile, Margarito has expressed himself towards to another fighter, Golden Boy Promotions CEO Oscar De La Hoya during an interview in TV Azteca. "I don't know what he has against me, I really don't understand. what I do know is he had a big influence in California State Athletic Commission with everything he said against me. I am upset because he talked too much and said some nasty things and he has a shady past himself that most of us know about".

  "I hope he takes off the fishnet, stop acting like a sissy and fight me. If you have something against me, then get in the ring and fight me." Margarito says towards De La Hoya. "I will knock Pacquiao out and show the world that I am back. this the fight of my life and Manny will be in for a tough night. I won't quit like De La Hoya did." he added.


(TheBloggerSays: There is no doubt about Antonio's conditioning. Training this early while Manny is not yet, he will surely get in his fighting form before the bout. But will that be enough? His fight against Roberto Garcia didn't convince me that he's really that good. But prior to his hand wrap controversy, he did. I just hope that we'll see the old Margarito back to give us a explosive showing.)

UFC 118: Randy Couture Forces James Toney To Submit!

   The difference between two athletes of two different sports proved to be very large as MMA's man and UFC legend Randy "The Natural" Couture made an easy work of the heavyweight champion of pro boxing James "Lights Out" Toney in UFC 118 at TD Garden, in Boston, Massachusetts.

   Couture wasted no time taking down Toney, who sported his natural boxing stance, and needed only no less than 30 seconds to finally ground the boxer. As Couture pummels the defenseless Toney, the boxer struggled to get out of trouble. It was only a matter of time until Couture forced Toney to submit via triangle choke at 3:19 of the very 1st round.

   In the main event, Frankie Edgar defended his title and bested out BJ Penn for the second time around.



(TheBloggerSays: James Toney really needed to reassert himself as well as his techniques if he wants to stay in the sport. For Randy, if he wants to end his MMA career right now and do Hollywood instead, this time's the perfect one.)

Bautista, Jaca Victorious

   Boos and dislikes resounded the full-packed Waterfront Hotel & Casino in Cebu City, Philippines as the crowd reacted to the result of Rey "Boom-Boom" Bautista winning over Alejandro Barrera via technical decision, 1:14 of the 4th round.

   A cut on the Mexican's eyelid forced the ringside doctor to halt the fight, caused by exchange of punches by both Bautista and Barrera.

   With the win, Bautista improved to 29-2 with 22KOs and now scheduled to fight at Dubai on Oct. 29.

   In the co-main event, Jimrex Jaca made an easy work of his opponent, Pipino Cuevas Jr in a  first round KO. A left uppercut by Jaca that connected perfectly ended the fight at 2:22.



(TheBloggerSays: With these win by two good boxers, it seems another ray of light is coming upon them. Boom-Boom,  was a young hot-prospect. Even Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya was impressed the way he trains back then. But now, with a big fight to an unnamed opponent yet, he must do more better than this  to fulfill what he has started and once again, be one of the Philippine boxing's big names. Same with Jaca too.)

Texas Grants Antonio Margarito A License

   Mexican Antonio Margarito needed only $20 and no six hour hearing is required like he had at California to ensure a license and that his super fight with Filipino Manny Pacquiao will go on. The Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation granted Margarito his license to fight within their grounds. The Pacquiao-Margarito bout, scheduled November 13, will take place at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.

   "I want to thank the state of Texas for granting me a boxing license which enables me to continue my passion for the sport of boxing in the United States. I have dedicated my life to giving the fans of the sport entertainment and excitement." Margarito said. He then added "On November 13, this great opportunity will ultimately be fulfilled when I battle Manny Pacquiao."




(TheBloggerSays: As I've said, Antonio doesn't deserved to be denied of a license. He's not a repeat offender, and with his passion for the sport, I don't think that he'll try to do the same offense. And with that, we'll have a fight on Nov. 13.)

Juan Manuel Marquez To Face Amir Khan On December?

   According to sources, Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez and British Amir Khan may face each other before the end of the year. Both under Golden Boy Promotions, the fight may fall on December 4, which the promotions has a reservation on cable network HBO PPV. Marquez  and his promotion team has ruled out a possible 3rd fight with Filipino Manny Pacquiao, who fights under Bob Arum's Top Rank Promotions and will possibly face Mexican Antonio Margarito on November.

   Freddie Roach also trains Khan, the same trainer who handles Manny Pacquiao. Marquez just came off his 2nd fight with American Juan Diaz.



(TheBloggerSays: I don't know if this fight will pull that many fans as much like Diaz and Marquez did in their two bouts. For me, I think Amir still has lot to prove on the boxing grounds. A Ricky Hatton, in my opinion, will be a much better fit for the young Amir.)

UFC 118: Randy Couture To James Toney "Let's Go!"

   "James or any other boxers, they think they're just gonna walk in there with just their boxing tools and be terribly effective, I'll show him mistake."

   Those were the words by UFC legend and former heavyweight champion Randy Couture regarding his opponent, boxer James Toney, scheduled on UFC 118 this August 28.

   The said heavyweight bout will be the co-main event along with Penn-Edgar lightweight fight.

   The whole UFC Couture interview below. Courtesy of UFC's official Youtube site.

(TheBloggerSays: I think this heavyweight bout will just be an attraction, for the fans of course. But surely will be entertaining. I wanna see if Toney will be able to counter all of Randy's kicks and take downs.)

Eric "Butterbean" Esch Q&A Interview

   Known as "King of the 4 Rounders" in boxing, Eric "Butterbean" Esch, now a MMA athlete, answered some questions thru his Facebook account exclusively for this blog. He talked about his coming MMA fight on Sept. 18 against Marius Pudzianowski and his future plans after the said bout.

Good day Mr. Esch! You've just turned 44 and you've knocked down and out so many guys all over the world via different types of combat sports, are you still planning to switch to another sport after doing MMA?

- Boxing maybe? Depends who.

Do you have a dream match or opponent for yourself?

-No. Just whatever comes my way at this age.

I learned that your two good sons are also fighters, do you train them yourself? 

-Yes, I do train them. And a few of other fighters that I know.

Now about your upcoming fight against Marius Pudzianowski, what can you say about the guy? I mean he's a strongman champion and looks like a human-hulk, do these credentials intimidate you?

-I think he's stupid. Being a strong man and fighting MMA is like apples and oranges. Intimidate ME? NOT AT ALL!! You'll see when I fight him, I WILL KNOCK HIM OUT!!!

After the fight, do you have immediate plans for the the future? Do you plan to fight one more guy?

-I will have another fight after. not sure who yet tho.

You worked with WWE twice, a staged and a shoot fight as well with Knoxville (Johnny) in Jackass. Which one do you enjoy more?

-Jackass!!!

Do you have any message for the fans on your next fight and future endeavors?

-I WILL KNOCK OUT Pudzianowski BY THE 2nd ROUND!! BET ON IT!!! I feel good and I will keep fighting until I feel it it time to retire. But not yet.




(TheBloggerSays: Mr. Esch is humble enough and great to give me this opportunity. I hope this will be the first of my many chats or interviews with big and great athletes like Mr Esch.)






Photo Credit: espnmilwaukee.com

JuanMa-Marquez Showdown Postponed

   The much awaited showdown between WBO featherweight champ Juan Manuel Lopez of Puerto Rico and Rafael Marquez of Mexico scheduled on Sept. 18 will be postponed due to the injury the Mexican suffered during his training.

   "I am very disappointed but I know that these things happen on boxing. I hope the fight gets rescheduled soon an look forward to fighting Rafael Marquez" Lopez said, and Marquez also stated "I am very disappointed with what has happened to me. Everyone knows that's the fight I was waiting for. But I definitely won't be ready by Sept. 18. I don't know what will happen now. I came from the doctor and he told me not to fight. i'm sad for myself and the all of the Mexicans wanted to see us fight."

   The promoters, Top rank and Gary Shaw, are seemed to be pushing the bout 4 weeks from the original date.




(TheBloggerSays: Thank heavens that this fight will still go on. Boxing really needs fight like these nowadays.)

With Margarito Denied, Golden Boy Offers Dinamita

   After Antonio Margarito got denied for a license in California, Golden Boy Promotions Founder Oscar De La Hoya quickly offered their fighter Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez as a replacement foe for Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 13.

   "The case I want to make is that Marquez is right there, already licensed." De La Hoya said. "Manny Pacquiao wants to fight. The only one who does not want to fight is Bob Arum, and that's not fair. That is not fair to the public, and that is not fair to Manny Pacquiao. That is not fair to Marquez." he added.

   Marquez and Pacquiao fought to a controversial draw on 2004 then Filipino won a narrow split decision last March of 2008.



(TheBloggerSays: This will be of course, an entertaining match. This won't be what the fans always wanted to see, but won't be the least wanted. At least all issues will be settled.)

Margarito Denied; Fight With Pacquiao In Doubt

   Former world champ Antonio Margarito was denied by the California State Athletic Commission for his boxing license due to his illegal hand wraps he had in his hands before his fight with Shane Mosley last year. And due to this, his bout with Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 13 in US soil is now in doubt.

   His Nevada application also said to be depending on the California decision while the Texas commission is still unclear on their willingness to give Margarito a license to fight. However, these rulings and suspension do not apply outside the US soil. So the option for a Margarito-Pacquiao in Mexico or anywhere outside US is now a big candidate.

   Margarito's former trainer, Javier Capetillo, whom he blamed on the hand wrap issue, is also suspended.



(TheBloggerSays: It's such a shame that they didn't grant Antonio's license. He's not a repeat-offender. And the fighter of his stature, I think, should be forgiven.)

WWE SummerSlam Results

From Staples Center, Los Angeles, California.

Dark Match: 

Evan Bourne def. Zack Ryder

Televised Matches

Intercontinental Championship: Dolph Ziggler vs. Kofi Kingston (no contest)

WWE Divas Championship: Melina def. Alicia Fox

3-on-1 Handicap match: Big Show def. Straight Edge Society

WWE Championship: Randy Orton def. Sheamus (DQ)

World Heavyweight Championship: Kane def. Rey Mysterio

7-on-7 Elimination Tag team match: Team WWE def. Team Nexus

(TheBloggerSays: The WWE championship match disappointed me, while Team Nexus entertained me  as well as the live audience. I just wished that Bret Hart wrestled more. Also wishing that Kane will hold the title for much longer.)

Pascal Defeats Dawson

   Just when Chad Dawson realized that he had a fight to work on to, an accidental clash of heads occur that had him unable to continue and let WBC champ Jean Pascal go away with his IBO light heavyweight title at Bell Center, Montreal, Canada via unanimous technical decision.

   Pascal started to work early throwing punches to the body to the taller Dawson. He control much of the fight until he rocked Dawson in the 8th and continued the barrage of power punches in the 9th round. Dawson later showed a sign of fatigue as he went down by a bump by Pascal. The Canadian took advantage of Dawson's condition as he threw more body shots. Dawson emerges out of his corner on the 11th and shook Pascal with an uppercut but was unable to capitalize and kept Pascal busy defending himself as he poured punches all over. Then an accidental head butt came later that left a big cut over the eye of Dawson which makes him unable to continue according to the ring side doctor.

   The judges scored it 108-101 and 106-103 for the other two.


(TheBloggerSays: The fight really kept me in my seat. As I really wanted to see if Chad can sustain Jean's punches. There was no knock down happened. But it was a good fight and the live audience love it especially when Dawson seems to be on his way down. For Dawson, I think he's in shock that he's fighting a twenty-something for this fight. He fought fighters in late 30's in his last 4 fights (Antonio Tarver, Glen Johnson). So fighting a much skilled, faster and powerful boxer for the first time in two years seems like really different for him. As for Pascal, a fight with undefeated Lucian Bute in Canada would be a hit and would sell-out a stadium.)

Arreola Back At Win Column

   Heavyweight Chris Arreola (29-2, 25 KOs) got back into the win column with a one-sided twelve round unanimous decision over Manuel Quezada (29-6, 18 KOs) on Friday night at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario. Arreola, who came in five-and-a-half pounds heavier than he did in his loss to Tomasz Adamek in April, was too big and too strong for Quezada as he controlled the first eight rounds, then floored Quezada twice in round nine. Quezada rallied a bit in the next few rounds, but was dropped again in the twelfth. Scores were 117-108, 118-107, 118-107. After the fight Arreola said he injured both hands.

Source: http://www.fightnews.com/

RIP Lance Cade, 29

  World Wrestling Entertainment has confirmed the death of former superstar Lance Cade.

“World Wrestling Entertainment was informed Friday morning by Lance McNaught’s father that he has passed away of apparent heart failure. WWE extends its deepest condolences to the McNaught family.”

“Mr. McNaught was under contract from March 2003 to October 2008 and performed under the name “Lance Cade.” He returned to FCW, WWE’s developmental territory, in September 2009, and was released in April 2010.”

  Following the news that former WWE superstar Lance Cade was found dead this morning at the age of 29 due to apparent heart failure, several people from WWE and TNA have posted messages on Twitter regarding the news:

Jim Ross: “Multiple sources have reported that Lance Cade passed away a few hours ago of heart failure. Our condolences go out to his family & friends”

Shawn Michaels: “5min aft my morning tweet I got the call about Lance. No words will b good enuff. 1 of my boys is gone.”

Matt Hardy: “Was saddened to hear about the passing of Lance Cade today. My condolences & thoughts are with his family & children. It’s a sad situation.”

Christopher Daniels: “RIP Lance Cade.”

Mick Foley: “I am very sorry to hear about the passing of Lance Cade. Only 29 – I had no idea he was so young. My thoughts go out to his family.”

Taz: “More deepest condolences to Lance Cade’s family. I got to know Lance slightly in WWE, He was a good guy with tons of potential…RIP. “

Matt Morgan: “Very sad to hear loss of Lance Cade! Great young performer,lance trained in ovw with alot us and had limitless potential! Our condolensces to Lance’s family. He had two beautiful daughters. RIP buddy. I hate that this keeps happening. “

Shannon Moore: “My thoughts and prayers go out to Lances family and kids. I have many great memories of lance and was fortunate to spend a great amount of time with him when we lived in Cinci for WWE. You will be missed!!!!”

Source: http://www.lordsofpain.net/






(The Blogger Says: Another big loss for the wrestling world. A talent that has never reached it's potential.)

Holyfield To Fight On Nov. 5

   47-year-old, four-time world heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield (43-10-2, 28 KOs) returns to the ring November 5th against veteran Sherman “Tank” Williams (34-11-2, 19 KOs) of the Bahamas. The bout will be for Holyfield’s newly acquired WBF title he won in his last bout which was an 8 round TKO of Francois Botha. Site of the fight will be the Joe Louis in Detroit, Michigan.




Source:  http://www.fightnews.com/

Lashley Open On Fighting Batista

   When news broke that former WWE superstar Batista was entering the world of Mixed Martial Arts and will be fighting for the Strikeforce MMA promotion later this year, speculation began immediately that we could see him fight against fellow WWE alum Bobby Lashley (5-0).

   Lashley was a part of Strikeforce’s media conference call this afternoon and commented on a possible showdown in the cage with Batista. Lashley said he’s open to fighting Batista if Strikeforce pushes the fight, but he’d rather focus on more experienced fighters in his quest for Heavyweight gold:

   “It’s not really the direction I want to move (in), but if it’s worth it and they really think he’s ready and Strikeforce wants me to fight him, I’ll take the fight. I’ve had a good game plan up to this point and I really want to move in the right direction. Dave’s just starting out. I’m looking to better myself and get better opponents each time. I’m not disrespecting Dave at all, but he’s new to the game. That’s definitely a fight for the fans, but not so much for my career.”

   Lashley’s next fight takes place later this month on August 21st against Chad Griggs at Strikeforce: Houston on Showtime.

Source: http://www.lordsofpain.net/

UFC 117: Silva Retains

    Losing nearly every round against challenger Chad Sonnen, UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva retained his title with a win by tapout in the fifth and final round. Controlling four of five rounds, Sonnen was on his way to victory when Silva sank in an armbar, forcing the tapout at 3:10 of the fifth.
In the co-main event, a lackluster fight, Jon Fitch defeated Thiago Alves by unanimous decision with scores of 30-37 x 3, opening the doors for a possible rematch with welterweight champ Georges St. Pierre.




   In other results: Clay Guida stopped Rafael Dos Anjos at 1:51 of round three by tapout;  former champ Matt Hughes won with a technical submission over Ricardo Almeida at 3:15 of round one; Junior Dos Santos won a unanimous decision over Roy Nelson, scores of 30-27 twice and 30-26; Rick Story TKO’d Dustin Hazelett at 1:15 of round two; Phil Davis won by unanimous decision over Rodney Wallace; Johnny Hendricks TKO’d Charlie Brenneman at :40 of round two; Tim Boetsch decisioned Todd Brown, scores of 29-28 x 3; Stefan Struve TKO’d Christian Morecraft at :22 of round one; and Dennis Hallman scored a unanimous decision over Ben Saunders, 29-28, 30-27 and 29-28. Stay tuned for a full report and gallery tomorrow.




Source: http://www.fightnews.com/

Cotto To Face Chavez Jr. Next?

   Top Rank is already planning the next move for Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. after his September 11th fight with Pavel Wolak. A world title shot against none other than Puerto Rican legend and current WBA super welterweight world champion Miguel Cotto looms on the horizon. That bout is penciled in for December 4th with Arlington, Texas and New York City being considered as possible fight locations.





Source: http://www.fightnews.com/

Mora vs. Mosley

After going the distance in a loss to Floyd Mayweather in May, “Sugar” Shane Mosley (46-6, 39 KOs) will return to the Staples Center in Los Angeles to face Sergio Mora (22-1-1, 6 KOs) September 18.

   If you’re one to believe in luck, tradition, or superstition, Mosley stands a great chance to get back into the win column. In two previous outings at Staples, the Pomona fighter logged two victories, defeating Oscar de la Hoya and Antonio Margarito. He’s also never been defeated in the state of California.

Source: http://www.fightnews.com/

Marquez Beats Diaz Again, Looks For Pacquiao

   In a rematch of their war from February 2009, WBA/WBO lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez (51-5-1, 37 KOs) again defeated former unified lightweight champion Juan Diaz (35-4, 17 KOs) on Saturday night at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. In another spirited give-and-take affair, Marquez had the upper hand almost from the get-go as he methodically battered Diaz, but couldn’t break him as the game Texan went the full twelve. Scores were 116-112, 118-110, 117-111 with Marquez taking a unanimous decision.

 “When he’s ready to knock on my door, I’m right here,” says lineal lightweight champion Juan Manual Marquez, of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. “There’s no hiding. No running. I’m waiting for him."

Source: http://www.fightnews.com/

PWI's Top 500 Wrestlers

Pro Wrestling Illustrated has published its list of the top 500 professional wrestlers each year since 1991 in an annual special edition magazine called the “PWI 500.” “The Phenomenal” AJ Styles earned the No. 1 Ranking for 2010, the first TNA wrestler to top the annual chart.

For more information on the annual “PWI 500″ and how you can order, visit www.pwi-online.com.

Here are the top 500 ranked professional wrestlers for 2010:

1. AJ Styles
2. John Cena
3. C.M. Punk
4. Randy Orton
5. Chris Jericho
6. Batista
7. Shinsuke Nakamura
8. The Undertaker
9. Kurt Angle
10. Sheamus
11. Triple-H
12. The Miz
13. Rey Mysterio Jr.
14. Takashi Sugiura
15. Rob Van Dam
16. Dr. Wagner Jr
17. The Big Show
18. Edge
19. Tyler Black
20. Jeff Hardy
21. Jack Swagger
22. Christian
23. Abyss
24. Ryota Hama
25. Austin Aries
26. Kofi Kingston
27. John Morrison
28. Desmond Wolfe
29. Ultimo Guerrero
30. Drew McIntyre
31. Samoa Joe
32. Davey Richards
33. Mr. Anderson
34. Ted DiBiase Jr.
35. Hirooki Goto
36. D’Angelo Dinero
37. Eddie Edwards
38. Matt Morgan
39. Hiroshi Tanahashi
40. Yoshihiro Takayama
41. Cody Rhodes
42. Mistico
43. James Storm
44. Daniel Bryan
45. Douglas Williams
46. Roderick Strong
47. Christopher Daniels
48. Mesias
49. Eric Young
50. Dolph Ziggler
51. Robert Roode
52. Naomichi Marufuji
53. Kevin Nash
54. Kevin Steen
55. R-Truth
56. Jeff Jarrett
57. Electroshock
58. Tyson Kidd
59. Montel Vontavious Porter
60. Sting
61. Adam Pearce
62. Jay Briscoe
63. Evan Bourne
64. Minoru Suzuki
65. Blue Demon Jr.
66. Matt Hardy
67. Rob Terry
68. Go Shiozaki
69. David Hart Smith
70. Satoshi Kojima
71. Hernandez
72. Cibernetico
73. Brother Devon
74. Chris Hero
75. Togi Makabe
76. Shelton Benjamin
77. Brother Ray
78. Yoshi Tatsu
79. Kane
80. Claudio Castagnoli
81. Volador Jr.
82. Takeshi Rikio
83. Dos Caras Jr.
84. JTG
85. Shad Gaspard
86. Mark Briscoe
87. Amazing Red
88. Alex Shelley
89. Mohammad Yone
90. Luke Gallows
91. La Sombra
92. Kazarian
93. Ezekiel Jackson
94. Carlito
95. Chris Sabin
96. Kenny King
97. Phil Shatter
98. BxB Hulk
99. Mark Henry
100. Heath Slater
101. Colt Cabana
102. Homicide
103. Jon Moxley
104. Averno
105. Yuji Nagata
106. Delirious
107. Magnus
108. Jerry Lynn
109. Wade Barrett
110. Naruki Doi
111. Mephisto
112. Steve Corino
113. Goldust
114. Joe Hennig
115. Masakatsu Funaki
116. Max Buck
117. Zach Ryder
118. El Generico
119. Jeremy Buck
120. Keiji Muto
121. Suwama
122. Karl Anderson
123. Rhett Titus
124. Shannon Moore
125. Primo Colon
126. William Regal
127. Yujiro
128. Erick Stevens
129. Brian Kendrick
130. The Great Khali
131. Tyson Dux
132. KENTA
133. Chessman
134. Jay Lethal
135. Orlando Jordan
136. Finlay
137. Toshiaki Kawada
138. Negro Casas
139. Rhino
140. Kensuke Sasaki
141. Justin Gabriel
142. Kenny Omega
143. Masato Tanaka
144. Paul London
145. Marco Corleone
146. Tetsuya Naito
147. Ray Gonzalez
148. La Parka
149. Joe Lider
150. Jimmy Jacobs
151. Kaz Hayashi
152. Naoya Ogawa
153. Mikal Judas
154. Trent Beretta
155. Vladimir Kozlov
156. Katsuhiko Nakajima
157. Silver King
158. CIMA
159. Caylen Croft
160. Paul Birchill
161. Chuck Taylor
162. Perro Aguayo Jr.
163. Scott Steiner
164. Brett DiBiase
165. Brent Albright
166. Extreme Tiger
167. Tajiri
168. Vance Archer
169. Sean Waltman
170. Shawn Daivari
171. Joey Ryan
172. Chris Masters
173. Tomko
174. Sami Callihan
175. Latin Lover
176. Alex Koslov
177. Chavo Guerrero
178. Sonjay Dutt
179. Felino
180. Tyler Reks
181. Jun Akiyama
182. Martin Stone
183. Pac
184. Kiyoshi
185. Manabu Nakanishi
186. Petey Williams
187. Shinjiro Otani
188. Atlantis
189. Austin Creed
190. Necro Butcher
191. Drake Brewer
192. Giant Bernard
193. Tommy Dreamer
194. Stevie Richards
195. Joe E. Legend
196. Bison Smith
197. Darren Young
198. Nicho El Millionario
199. Blue Panther
200. Jason Hades
201. Alex Riley
202. Kory Chavis
203. Arik Cannon
204. Cody Deaner
205. Jason Blade
206. Takeshi Morishima
207. David Otunga
208. Mr. Niebla
209. Kaval
210. Jack Evans
211. Jon Davis
212. Toru Yano
213. Osamu Nishimura
214. Mike Knox
215. Ryusuke Taguchi
216. Rasche Brown
217. Prince Devitt
218. Skip Sheffield
219. Ultimo Gladiator
220. Icarus
221. Shawn Spears
222. Mike Quackenbush
223. Jesse Neal
224. Teddy Hart
225. 2 Cold Scorpio
226. Gran Akuma
227. Yuko Miamoto
228. Tommaso Ciampa
229. Kohei Sato
230. Okada
231. Scott Lost
232. Hector Garza
233. Tiger Mask IV
234. Maasaki Mochizuki
235. Brodie Lee
236. Super Crazy
237. Billy Ken Kid
238. Percy Watson
239. Lince Dorado
240. Mascara Dorado
241. T.J. Cannon
242. Dragon Kid
243. Zorro
244. Ruckus
245. Drake Younger
246. Shocker
247. Raven
248. Oliver John
249. B-Boy
250. Kota Ibushi
251. El Hijo Del Santo
252. Eddie Kingston
253. N8 Mattson
254. Rocky Romero
255. Curt Hawkins
256. Cody Hawk
257. Masahiro Chono
258. B.J.
259. Jigsaw
260. Rey Bucanero
261. Koji Kanemoto
262. Johnny Devine
263. Bruce Maxwell
264. El Sensacional Carlitos
265. Akebono
266. Christopher Gray
267. Ryan Eagles
268. Sterling James Keenan
269. El Terrible
270. Ares
271. Michael Elgin
272. Sebastian Suave
273. Yamato
274. Texano Jr.
275. Tommy Taylor
276. Hallowicked
277. Vampiro
278. Mike Rollins
279. Metal Master
280. Josh Daniels
281. Dustin Cutler
282. Derek Wylde
283. Johnny Curtis
284. Nick Gage
285. Shadow Jackson
286. Brandon Cutler
287. Darrin Corbin
288. Jimmy Wang Yang
289. Quiet Storm
290. Tursas
291. Jules Uso
292. Ace Rockwell
293. Ryan Kruz
294. Pepper Parks
295. Konnan
296. Jimmy Uso
297. Sean Morley
298. Johnny Prime
299. Slam Master J
300. Glen Osbourne
301. Xtremo
302. Joey Mercury
303. Rory McAllister
304. Rob Eckos
305. Brandon Bonham
306. Mike Mondo
307. Robbie McAllister
308. Aden Chambers
309. Benjamin Boone
310. Harley Jackson
311. Prince Nana
312. Billy Bax
313. Shark Boy
314. Strongman
315. Jimmy Rave
316. Scorpio Sky
317. Jushin Liger
318. Shaun Tempers
319. Johnny Kashmere
320. Jackson Andrews
321. The Blue Meanie
322. Jimmy DeMarco
323. Dragon Rojo Jr.
324. Bo Rotundo
325. KC Kea
326. Spike Dudley
327. Dal Knox
328. Brandon Locke
329. Ron Zombie
330. Matt Cross
331. Duke Rotundo
332. Matt Walsh
333. La Mascara
334. Brad Attitude
335. Silas Young
336. TJ Perkins
337. Sangre Azteca
338. Glamour Boy Shane
339. Phil Atlas
340. Tim Donst
341. Egotistico Fantastico
342. Leo Kruger
343. Michael Tarver
344. Tommy Thunda
345. Kimo
346. Tito Colon
347. Trik Davis
348. Ryan McBride
349. J.D. Maverick
350. Santino Marella
351. Truitt Fields
352. The Sheik
353. Nicky Benz
354. L.A. Park
355. Gregory Helms
356. Frankie the Mobster
357. Sinn Bodhi
358. Hunico
359. Pat Buck
360. Mahoney
361. Jeremy Vain
362. Don Paysan
363. Johnny Gargano
364. Richie Steamboat
365. Caprice Coleman
366. Mason Ryan
367. Savio Vega
368. Charley Manson
369. Jonny Puma
370. Josh Alexander
371. T.J. Mack
372. Marshall Gambino
373. Chasyn Rance
374. Shane Haste
375. Bobby Dempsey
376. Matt Burns
377. Kirby Mack
378. Ryoji Sai
379. Danny Daniels
380. Derrick Bateman
381. Asylum
382. Kevin Grace
383. Lynx
384. Mike Tobin
385. Tank
386. Ultimo Dragon
387. Marion Fontaine
388. Zaquary Springate III
389. Matt Riviera
390. Chase Del Monte
391. Ricky Reyes
392. Kenzo Suzuki
393. Simon Sez
394. Vance Nevada
395. Joey Knight
396. Orion Bishop
397. Aero Star
398. John McChesney
399. Robin Knightwing
400. Bazooka Joe
401. Titan
402. Big E Langston
403. Damien Slater
404. Rudy Switchblade
405. Josef Von Schmidt
406. Matt Logan
407. Ricochet
408. Alex Price
409. Thumbtack Jack
410. Tyler Veritas
411. Mega
412. Scotty Mac
413. Eric Cooper
414. Kid Kash
415. Grizzly Redwood
416. Bryan Logan
417. Adam Cole
418. Nick Logan
419. Papadon
420. Breaker Morant
421. Vinny Dunn
422. Scott Zenzen
423. Bruiser Bennett
424. Steve O
425. Jake O’Reilly
426. Freak Nastty
427. Jimmy Cicero
428. Kamikaze
429. Bobby Shields
430. Hiram Tua
431. Eddie Taurus
432. Mikaze
433. Tony Stetson
434. Chris Rockwell
435. Slim J
436. Donny Marlow
437. Davey Deluxeo
438. Rudy Parker
439. Samuel Elias
440. Ernie Ballz
441. Joe Bravo
442. Robbie Gilmore
443. Ryan Sawyer
444. Wall Calrissian
445. Ananzi
446. Aaron Stevens
447. Mike Sydal
448. Alex Anthony
449. Colin Delaney
450. Cable Jones
451. Conrad Tanner
452. Wes Brisco
453. Titus O’Neil
454. Reiko DMF
455. Dan Eckos
456. Ron Falco
457. Handsome Johnny
458. Vince Beach
459. Corey Hollis
460. Tommy Mack
461. Bill Collier
462. Kwan Chang
463. Mozart Fontaine
464. Scott Chase
465. Barry Ryte
466. Crisifix
467. Don Vega
468. Steve Madison
469. Chris Black
470. Mike Posey
471. Kid America
472. Eli Cottonwood
473. Scott Wright
474. Crazzy Steve
475. J.T. Playa
476. Cameron Thomas
477. Prince Iaukea
478. Marc Mandrake
479. Ray Alexander
480. J.B. Trask
481. Rip Impact
482. Brian Millonas
483. A.J. Strokes
484. Phil Latio
485. Malachi
486. Chris Cooper
487. Primo Scordino
488. Barry Hardy
489. Hellcat
490. Shockwave the Robot
491. Robert Roma
492. Billy Gibbs
493. Steve Kruz
494. Mr. Ooh La La
495. Super Sweet
496. Brandon Thurston
497. Gabe Saint
498. Kliff Hanger
499. Peter B. Beautiful
500. Barry Wolf

Source: http://www.lordsofpain.net/

Marquez-Diaz Head To Head

When: Saturday, July 31

Where: Las Vegas 

TV: HBO Pay-per-view, 6 p.m. PT / 9 pm. ET

Weight: Lightweight (135 pounds)

Title(s) at stake: Marquez’s RING magazine championship (and WBA and WBO titles)

Also on the card: Daniel Jacobs vs. Dmitry Pirog, 12 rounds, for vacant WBO middleweight title; Robert Guerrero vs. Joel Casamayor, 10 rounds, junior welterweights; Sakio Bika vs. Jean Paul Mendy, 12 rounds, super middleweights; Jorge Linares vs. Rocky Juarez, 10 rounds, lightweights.


MARQUEZ

The essentials

Age: 36
Height / Reach: 5-7 (170cm) / 67 (170cm)
Hometown: Mexico City, Mexico
Turned pro: 1993
Record: 50-5-1 (37 knockouts)
Trainer: Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain
The Ring rating: Lightweight world champion


Titles: IBF featherweight (2003-05; was stripped of title); WBA featherweight (2003-05; was stripped of title); WBO interim featherweight (2006; vacated to move up in weight); WBC super featherweight (2007-08; lost title to Manny Pacquiao); THE RING world lightweight title (2008-present).


Biggest victories: Marco Antonio Barrera, March 17, 2007, UD 12 (to win WBC super featherweight title); Joel Casamayor, Sept. 13, 2008, TKO 11 (to win THE RING world lightweight title); Juan Diaz, Feb. 28, 2009, TKO 9.


Worst losses / draw: Freddy Norwood, Sept. 11, 1999, UD 12 (for Norwood’s WBA featherweight title); Manny Pacquiao, May 8, 2004, draw 12; Chris John, March 4, 2006, UD 12 (for John’s WBA featherweight title); Pacquiao, March 15, 2008, SD 12 (lost junior lightweight title); Floyd Mayweather Jr., Sept. 19, 2009, UD 12.


DIAZ

The essentials

Age: 26
Height / reach: 5-6 (168cm) / 67 (170cm)
Stance: Orthodox
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Nickname: Baby Bull
Turned pro: 2000
Record: 35-3 (17 knockouts)
Trainer: Ronnie Shields 
The Ring rating: None

Titles: WBA lightweight (2004-08; lost it to Nate Campbell); WBO lightweight (2007-08; lost it to Campbell); IBF lightweight (2007-08; lost it to Campbell).


Biggest victories: Acelino Freitas, April 28, 2007, RTD 8 (for Freitas’s WBO lightweight title); Julio Diaz, Oct. 13, 2007, TKO 9 (for Diaz’s IBF lightweight title); Michael Katsidis, Sept. 6, 2008, SD 12; Paullie Malignaggi, Aug. 22, 2009, UD 12.


Losses: Nate Campbell, March 8, 2008, SD 12 (for his WBA, WBO, and IBF lightweight titles); Juan Manuel Marquez, Feb. 28, 2009, TKO 9; Paulie Malignaggi, Dec. 12, 2009, UD 12.

HEAD-TO-HEAD


Skills: No disrespect to Diaz but apart from Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Ivan Calderon there are no better pure boxers in the sport right now who can execute as well as Marquez does. Even at 36, the Mexico City veteran is a textbook technician-counter puncher whose timing and accuracy make his combination punching a thing of beauty and brutality. Diaz, who exhibits a quick educated jab and decent lateral movement when he wants to, is an underrated boxer but he still takes a backseat to Marquez.


Edge: Marquez


Power: Neither fighter is defined by his power. Marquez is known as a technician. Diaz is a pressure fighter. However, the older man’s superior technique -- the proper leverage he gets on his punches and the correct manner in which he turns his shots over -- translates into superior power, especially when he puts his punches together. Marquez, a natural featherweight, was the first (and only) fighter to stop Joel Casamayor and Diaz, and he did so because of his excellent punching form. Diaz has scored some impressive stoppages too (Acelino Freitas and Julio Diaz stand out), but he did so with volume and pressure. He forced both vets to quit on their stool. He didn’t drop them or score clean knockouts. 


Edge: Marquez


Speed and athletic ability: Because of his pudgy appearance, Diaz is often written off as a mediocre athlete, a boxer who has excelled because of his work ethic. However, while he is a classic overachiever, he’s also a deceptively quick and agile fighter. His early title defenses against then-undefeated Jose Cotto (27-0) and ultra-rugged Fernando Angulo were not the result of relentless pressure, but rather fast combinations and nimble footwork backed by hair-trigger reflexes. Marquez has a better-looking physique but he’s not faster or necessarily more explosive than Diaz. 


Edge: Diaz


Defense: Diaz can be a defensive-minded boxer who stays on the outside of his opponent’s reach when he puts his mind to it as his split-decision over Michael Katsidis proved, however, his heart and youthful aggression often get the better of his common sense as his losses to Nate Campbell and Marquez illustrate. Marquez is not that hard to find with punches but he edges Diaz in this category because of his superior form and his ability to remain poised and stay within his gameplan. 


Edge: Marquez

Experience: Diaz has tremendous pro seasoning for a 26-year-old fighter but just about everyone save for Mayweather, Manny Pacquiao, Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley have to defer Marquez, a veteran of 56 pro bouts who has been world-class since 1997, in the experience department. Despite being blatantly avoided for much of his career, Marquez has faced 11 titleholders/champs. Diaz, who has faced seven titleholders, is no slouch but he’s not in Marquez’s league. 


Edge: Marquez


Chin: Marquez has been down (four times versus Pacquiao, once against Freddy Norwood, and once against Mayweather) but he’s never been stopped in more than 50 pro bouts. Diaz has been down against lesser fighters (much lesser), including Ubaldo Hernandez and Eleazar Contreras Jr. ‘Nuff said.


Edge: Marquez


Conditioning: Both fighters lead Spartan lifestyles, enjoy training hard in the gym and are extremely dedicated to the sport. Diaz has gone the 12-round distance eight times without stamina issues. Marquez has fought the 12-round distance 12 times in his hall-of-fame career and has never faded in the late rounds. 


Edge: Even


Wear and tear: The common thought is that Diaz is on the downside of his career because he’s 2-3 in his last five bouts. Some say his aggressive, full-tilt style has helped lead to early burnout, and these observers might be correct. However, that doesn’t mean that Diaz has more wear and tear than Marquez, a 17-year vet. Apart from his losses to Campbel and Marquez, Diaz hasn’t absorbed many beatings in his 10-year career. Marquez has been in some grueling contests late in his career, including his victory over Diaz. Because of the dramatic ending, many fans forget about the punishment the vet took over the first half of the bout. The hotly contested 24 rounds he went with Pacquiao, plus his bloody shootouts with the lesser-known likes of Terdsak Kokietgym (AKA Terdsak Jandaeng) and Jimrex Jaca, have to have taken a toll on his 36-year-old body. His recent welterweight venture with Mayweather didn’t do his body any favors, either. 


Edge: Diaz


Corner: Marquez’s longtime coach Nacho Beristain has been called Mexico’s greatest active trainer and is respected as one of the best in the world. His resume, which includes tenures with a dozen renown former titleholders, merits that distinction. However, Diaz’s trainer Ronnie Shields has trained and worked the corners of just as many notable fighters, many of whom are in the hall of fame (or will be). And Shields, who is quite a few years younger than Beristain, appears to be coming into his own as a trainer, while the veteran coach may have seen better days.


Edge: Even


Outcome: Both fighters will begin this rematch with the respect that was earned in their thrilling first bout. It won’t start fast but it won’t take long for it to heat up. Diaz will work behind his jab more consistently in this fight than he did last February and his lateral movement will limit their exchanges and Marquez’s ability to counter punch him, but by the middle rounds of the bout the veteran champion will begin to cut the ring off and land right hands over Diaz’s jab. The moment Diaz is rocked by one of Marquez’s well-timed right-hand bombs the boxing match will end and the fight will begin. As he did in the early rounds of the first bout, Diaz will find that he’s able to push Marquez back on his heels and land left hooks when he charges forward. Marquez will absorb punishment but he’ll keep his composure and fire back with uppercuts from both hands and hooks of his own. The two lightweights will trade power shots through the late rounds of the bout, but Marquez will land the harder and more accurate punches.


Prediction: Marquez by close unanimous decision.








Source: http://www.ringtv.com/














(The Blogger Says: I'm rooting for Juan Manuel. He's one of my favorites. Though he came from a loss and been out off action for almost a year, I know that his experience will be enough. And he's a very smart fighter. I now he learned a lot from their first fight. For me, it will be a lopsided win for Juan Manuel.)