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July 27th, 2010 | by Felix Strunk
 “The fight’s gonna still happen. I’m pretty sure about that. It may not happen right away this year, but it’s going to happen,” commented Floyd Mayweather Sr., who assured fans that his son will eventually step into the ring for a mega-fight with Filipino icon Manny Pacquiao. The question then is why isn’t the fight happening on November 13? According to Mayweather Sr., the recent tax problems that Floyd had earlier this year were the motivating factor in his decision to forego fighting later this year.
“One thing for sure is Floyd is not scared of Pacquiao. That’s one thing for sure. Everybody needs to get that straight; that’s straight and to the point. Floyd is not scared of Pacquiao. That’s the last guy he’s scared of in boxing, but the whole thing is, man, the money Lil Floyd done made and the money he would get fighting Pacquiao, think about it,” Mayweather Sr. would explain as he stressed that fear of fighting has nothing to do with his son’s decision not to face Pacquiao on November 13.
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July 21st, 2010 | by Carl Guevara
 After a few days of silence following the July 16 deadline that Bob Arum gave to Team Mayweather, Mayweather Promotions CEO Leonard Ellerbe released an official statement denying that any negotiations had ever taken place. Not long after, the Mayweather family started to talk. Floyd Mayweather Sr. was featured in an exclusive On The Ropes Boxing podcast and, as expected, he gave us a number of entertaining and educational statements. The following are some lengthy excerpts from the interview. Afterwards, I’ll try to summarize the exact message that Mayweather Sr. was trying to relay.
- Question: Floyd, I’m sure you know, Bob Arum has come out in the press and he put a deadline on Manny Pacquiao versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. He said the deadline passed. What are your thoughts on the whole contract situation trying to make that fight happen?
Response: My problem is, Bob Arum don’t call no (explitive) shots. Bob Arum don’t call the shots. The fight can be made anytime they want the fight to be made. Little Floyd definitely ain’t scared of no Pacquiao. That’s the last thing in the world that little Floyd is scared of, a little Filipino midget. Definitely that’s not the case.
- Question: When Bob Arum was asked about the drug testing, he said, “I think the drug issue was resolved, I don’t want to go into further details.” Do you think that it was all the way solved? It wasn’t just a fourteen day deadline? Or do you think it was basically what the terms were last time?
Response: If it was me, I’m going to say about the whole situation. If it was me about the fourteen day thing, there shouldn’t even be a fourteen day thing. It should be a random thing. That’s what it should be. It should be random. I’m saying that I don’t know what Bob Arum’s got to say about this and how he’s calling on the shots. I don’t know how all that’s going down but I’m just telling you it should be a random thing because that way, there is all kinds of ways people could do things. So I would do a random test, that way you can get tested anytime, even the day of the fight. That’s what it should be and that little pint of blood ain’t going to hurt nobody.
- Question: So you think he’s afraid to fight your son?
Response: Yeah, he’s scared. The only thing they’re trying to do is to switch this around and make it look like it’s my son that’s scared. He ain’t the one that’s scared. I know who’s scared for real. They want to try and make it look like Floyd is scared, and he wants to do this, and make him take the test. No. You take the test. There ain’t nothing wrong with you taking the test. You take the test, but one thing about it, don’t ask for the same amount of money because you don’t deserve it. You don’t deserve it.
- Question: Now he said in the transcript after the deadline passed that he never directly spoke to the Mayweather camp, that he only spoke through Ross Greenberg of HBO and he spoke to Al Haymon. Do you think there was ever any real agreement in place?
Response: I definitely don’t think so. I don’t think so, not at all. My thing is, I think what this thing comes down to be is that my son don’t want to be paid like Pacquiao. He’s the big draw, not Pacquiao. He drew more numbers than Pacquiao and he wants to get paid like he’s supposed to be, not no 50-50. He wants to get paid like he’s supposed to get paid and I don’t blame him. I would be the same way. If you draw way more people, how in the world can they be paid the same? I’m pretty sure that’s what the whole deal is right there. Pacquiao claims he wants half, but it don’t go that way. He’s not the best fighter anyway. He knows he ain’t the best fighter and Bob Arum knows he ain’t the best fighter too. So why should you belittle yourself and take less money than you’re supposed to?
- Question: Now Floyd, taking things back to your son and his potential fight with Pacquiao. If you could speak to Pacquiao right now face to face, what would you say to him?
Response: I’d tell him he’s a faggot. You know what I’d tell him. Go stick your head up under your dress. That’s what I would tell him. I’m being real with you. I’d tell him he ain’t nothing but a sissy and a little girl. They got, as a matter of fact, I’ve seen a thing in one of these books. Hold on just a second. Hey Lloyd! Where’s that book at about all of those athletes? That book about all of the athletes? You know the one, it had Pacquiao in there and Kobe in there? Well, you know what, I’ll tell you just like the book says it. Hold on one second here. Here it is right here, here’s the book. It has nothing to do with no sissy. Just hold on just a second. I got something right here. I’m trying to find something right here. This is exactly what I would tell him. It’s in this book here. It’s “The Twenty Biggest Bitches in the Sport.” That’s what it says, “The Twenty Biggest Bitches in the Sport.” Guess who’s right here? Manny Pacquiao. It says “Biggest Bitches in the Sport” and that’s what he is, a bitch.
Now, if you don’t mind, let me try to analyze and summarize his statements as simple as possible:
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July 17th, 2010 | by Felix Strunk
 “I mean, right now, I understand Floyd’s position, or I believe his position regarding Roger. I mean, we all know, we live in Las Vegas, you and I, we know this serious issue regarding Roger and I can understand Floyd delaying any plans for a future fight until there’s a resolution of the Roger situation. So, you know, once you understand that, how can you jump on the guy and start, you know, saying the same things as the last time,” stated promoter Bob Arum as he explained his belief as to why Floyd Mayweather is reluctant to accept their terms for a November 13 showdown with Manny Pacquiao. On serveral occassions, Arum, sounding surprisingly sympathetic, told the media and fans listening in to have some understanding for some of the current issues that Mayweather is dealing with, namely the upcoming assault case trial for his uncle and trainer, Roger Mayweather.
“I am sure, I am sure, without knowing, I am sure that there is a very, very good reason that Floyd Mayweather has for not committing to a fight at this time. I really and truly believe that. Now I’m speculating. One of the reasons could be the uncertainty regarding Roger Mayweather,” Arum explained as he theorized why Mayweather may have declined to respond by the deadline. Although he’s unsure of the actual reason for a lack of response, Arum is sympathetic to Mayweather an believes fans should be too.
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July 16th, 2010 | by Felix Strunk
 According to reports, Manny Pacquiao may have already dropped his defamation lawsuit against Floyd Mayweather. In a recent interview, world-class trainer Jeff Mayweather revealed that although fans are still waiting on tonight’s deadline, there won’t be a response from his nephew, Floyd Mayweather, as to whether or not he will accept terms to face Manny Pacquiao on November 13. While the news may be a disappointment to some, it should come as no surprise as Mayweather has seemed reluctant to face tough challenges throughout the years. However, the shocking news is that, according to Jeff, Pacquiao will no longer be moving forward with the defamation lawsuit that he filed in December of last year for accusations that he might be using performance-enhancing drugs.
Speaking to FightHype’s Percy Crawford, Jeff Mayweather informed him that the lawsuit was dropped. When asked why, Mayweather replied, “Well Percy, not only that, but the other thing is, realistically, he knows he didn’t have a fucking case. You can’t sue everybody because they said something; Floyd ain’t the only fucking person that said that. Paulie Malignaggi said it way before Floyd did and fucking Kermit Cintron said it way before Floyd did. And then you have other people that said it.”
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July 14th, 2010 | by Elaine Simmons
Manny Pacquiao, the world-class boxer from the Philippines, began his life as the son of a very poor family. He hailed from General Santos City and grew up selling bread on the streets. That is where he earned his toughness and relentlessness. As a kid, Manny boxed in the streets to earn extra money. He was the same Manny we see now; he was as tough as nails, even though he fought opponents larger than him. That is where he gained his reputation as being one tough cookie. Many also noticed the speed and power of his left hand. To this day, that is what makes him the most exciting boxers of this generation.
Although he has gained the worlds respect, and boxing has brought him fame and fortune, his mother, who is also now a celebrity in the Philippines, does not agree with Manny fighting. Aling Dionisia, as she is famously called, is a very religious person and wished that Manny had joined priesthood. But maybe Manny knew something that his mother did not know; that one day, he would soon be destined for greatness.
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July 13th, 2010 | by Felix Strunk
 Are there any better fights out there for Manny Pacquiao other than a showdown with undefeated Floyd Mayweather? Freddie Roach seems to think so. In a recent interview, Pacquiao’s world-class trainer revealed that although he would prefer to take on the challenge of being the first to defeat Mayweather, there are a number of other fights that would be much more entertaining for the fans. “You know, there are fights out there that are actually better than the Mayweather fight because they are more exciting,” Roach explained. “Mayweather, he’ll run from Manny and run and run and run. He’s doing that before he gets in the ring.”
It’s a valid point that Roach brings up. As the old saying goes, styles make fights and it’s no secret that, as good as he may be, Mayweather has yet to provide the type of scintillating performances that Pacquiao produces time and time again. “Everyone in the world wants the Mayweather fight, including myself and Manny,” Roach would tell Gabriel Montoya of Maxboxing.com, “But the thing is I’m not going to lose sleep anymore. Whoever they put in front of us I’m happy with as long as it’s a legitimate opponent.”
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July 12th, 2010 | by Andre Zurbrug
 On July 16, former Contender star Ishe Smith will step into the ring to face fast-rising undefeated middleweight contender Fernando Guerrero in what very well could be his final chance to get his career back on track. “I’m very confident for this fight. I’m very confident of what I see from myself in the gym. Sparring with Mayweather has really rejuvenated me and put my dedication and focus back into the sport I love,” Smith would comment in a recent interview with FightHype’s Percy Crawford, realizing the importance of this fight and the impact it will have on the remainder of his career. Having worked as a chief sparring partner for Floyd Mayweather, Smith believes that the time he spent in Floyd’s camp for the Shane Mosley bout opened his eyes to what it will take to rejuvenate his career.
“For a long time, I had got frustrated with the sport because I wasn’t able to get the fights, like you mentioned earlier, and I had a bunch of fights falling out. This is how I feed my kids, so I had got really frustrated with it for awhile,” Smith reflected, as he candidly spoke about his frutrations with the sport. “When I went and sparred with Floyd, it rejuvenated me and took me up a level and I thank God that we got to put some work in. He was a very gracious guy and he appreciated me being in camp and I definitely appreciated him because it revived me as a person.”
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July 3rd, 2010 | by Gary Reynolds
 “I have not written because I am told that despite Arum’s talk that all the points are agreed to and they are awaiting Floyd’s approval only that in fact all points are not agreed to,” remarked ESPN boxing analyst Dan Rafael as he shared his thoughts on the current status of negotiations between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. Answering questions from fans during an online chat, Rafael sounded somewhat skeptical about the limited information that Top Rank promoter Bob Arum has been revealing to certain media outlets. “When the deal is actually done (or not done) rest assured I will write,” Rafael continued.
Although it’s unclear as to who may have actually told Rafael that all points have yet to be agreed to, one can probably assume that it was someone affiliated with Golden Boy Promotions, who’s been handling negotiations on behalf of Mayweather. More specifically, one might guess that it was Richard Schaefer, particularly since Rafael recently spoke with the Golden Boy CEO regarding the news of Shane Mosley’s September 18 return to the ring against Sergio Mora, a story that Rafael revealed just one day prior. When asked why Arum might use the media to give out false information, Rafael responded, “Because that’s what Bob wants to put out there, whether it’s true or not.” He later continued, “I take everything Bob says with a grain of salt. I think he’s trying to put the pressure on the Mayweather camp.”
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July 3rd, 2010 | by Felix Strunk
 “I think Pacquiao has a good chance because he throws punches from everywhere and he’s not going to be scared of Floyd,” remarked former undisputed jr. middleweight Winky Wright as he shared his thoughts on a potential showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather. According to Wright, the key to defeating a defensive wizard like Mayweather is to take the fight right to him, something that Pacquiao excels at. In fact, in Wright’s opinion, that’s the very same reason why Shane Mosley wasn’t able to capitalize on the right hand he landed in the second round of his bout with Mayweather. “Everyone has wanted to see Floyd in a good fight and Shane came out in the first two rounds and tried to give that. It seemed like when he hurt Floyd, he got scared,” Wright explained in a recent interview with FightHype’s own Percy Crawford. “Floyd just took it to him and dominated him after that. After that, it wasn’t even a fight.”
Still a technical boxer at heart, however, Wright still favors Mayweather should he ever finally step into the ring with Pacquiao. “It would be a good fight, but I like Floyd because he’s a great boxer and I think he would outsmart Pacquiao,” he continued. That being said, he’s not confident of his pick and believes Pacquiao style will create a classic fight that just might see him walk away with the victory. “Like I said, you never know though because Pacquiao throws a lot of punches and gives a lot of movement. Hopefully we can get that fight,” he added.
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June 12th, 2010 | by Andre Zurbrug
 WBO Jr. Flyweight champion Ivan Calderon (30-0-1, 6 KOs) recently spoke to ESPN Sportscaster Brian Kenny about his upcoming title defense against Jesus Iribe (16-6-5, 10 KOs) this Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York, New York. “It feels good being back in my house. I used to live in the Bronx and second time being back in the Bronx and New York, fighting again,” stated a confident Calderon, who’s looking forward to the challenge of his opponent. “It’s a Mexican fighter. It’s a strong fighter, always coming at front. Don’t throw too much punches, but every time the round finish, he likes to finish throwing a lot of punches,” Calderon added, breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of Iribe.
One of the top technical boxers in the sport, Calderon lacks the recognition he deserves largely because he’s fighting in the lower weight classes, which rarely ever get any exposure. Although he’s keenly aware that a lot of fans are more interested in watching those fighters who are more willing to throw caution to the wind as they strive for a knockout, Calderon doesn’t feel the need to change his more technical style to suit the fans. “Maybe, you know, a lot of people like to see knockouts. I’m more like a boxer and don’t get hit, but I believe every time I keep on beating people that say they gonna knock me out, my name keep on growing up,” he continued. “I believe I don’t gotta do nothing; just keep on doing the same thing I’m doing. Keep on winning.”
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