Ceblogger's Sports Blog » Boxing

Edwin Valero Killed His Wife?

ceblogger — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 04:19:10 +0000

The Venezuelan boxing icon and “Champion in recess” of WBC Lightweight, Edwin Valero, is suspected of killing his wife, Jennifer Carolina Viera de Valero. His two children will now be without a mother.

But according to reports from Reuters, the attorney-general’s office said in a statement that Valero, 28, confessed to murdering Jennifer Carolina Viera de Valero, 24, overnight at the InterContinental hotel in Valencia. “Valero went down to a hotel reception and confessed to the employees that he had carried out the murder,” the statement added.

The statement also said Valero would be charged with the murder. Mrs. Valero died of stab wounds.

Edwin Valero is very dangerous in the ring. He is a brutal and tough fighter who knocked out all of his opponents. He also drew some fans to his corner because of his unblemished record of 27-0, all of them by knockout, and 19 of them were disposed of in the first round. (Hear that Floyd Mayweather Jr.). But he is also dangerous outside the ring. A few weeks ago, he was accused of battering his wife. He denied any wrongdoing, and his wife told authorities that the bruises she had were caused by an accident. Last year, he was also reported of battering his mother and sister. Who in his right mind would abuse women? Much more if it’s the wife, mother or sister. His mother cleared him. Albeit a temporary relief for Valero!

What a waste really! He was even groomed to fight against Manny Pacquiao and other big names in boxing in the near future. But that will not materialize anymore. No more big fights, no more shot at Manny or Mayweather. He will rot in jail for the murder, or in some psychiatric facilities. He’s not really in his right mind anymore.

Update:

After Edwin Valero killed his wife, he committed suicide by hanging himself using his own clothes at his jail cell.

Mayweather vs Mosley: Better than Pacquiao vs Clottey?

ceblogger — Sat, 17 Apr 2010 00:09:50 +0000

Mayweather vs Mosley fight at the MGM Grand this May 1, 2010 is fast approaching. We only have to count a few days, and then we will witness the realization of all the hypes behind this mega-encounter. Will it be better than the Pacquiao vs Clottey fight?

To begin with, the Pacquiao fight against Clottey was a dull one. One was firing punches, while the other hit cover. One was showing excellent footwork and boxing moves, the other just stood still. It wasn’t the match we hoped to see. After the final bell rang, 95% didn’t even want to hear the announcement. They already knew the result. There was no excitement either in telling the post-fight analysis. Some blame Clottey and some blame Arum. Why Arum? Because he was the one who put up Clottey for the fight.

So the pressure is on for Mayweather and Mosley to perform better. It’s less pressure actually. I wouldn’t be surprised if they exceed the Pacquiao fight on PPV. It’s a fight critics and fans would love to see. A large portion of the would-be viewers would like to witness loudmouth Floyd hit the canvass. This is the great Shane Mosley he is facing. And it’s a shame if the old guy will make the flamboyant Floyd retire for good. (see also Mayweather vs Mosley Preview and Result Prediction)

Mayweather is known to dance around before hitting his opponent. Some would like that. It could be entertaining too, especially if the opponent keep hitting blank and a puzzled look. Sugar Ray Leonard and Muhammad Ali popularized those moves. I saw some of their fights when I was a kid. Grownups who watched with me thought they’re fast because they kept on moving. But I find them boring.

Mayweather will dance and punch. Not dance and then run like a chicken. He already had plenty of critics who say that that his previous opponents were warriors past their prime. If he wins against Mosley, we can again quote that as an excuse. Even his claim of saving boxing from drug abuse is frowned by many. Who is he to say that? Mr. Xylocaine?

So, when Mayweather fought Marquez, I thought it was a mismatch. But I silently hoped for an upset. I found Marquez an aggressive fighter, someone who would like to slug it out toe for toe. Of course, the upset did not happen. Mayweather literally put on his weight on the ring. And we were all right to say that it was mismatch in the first place. It was even a surprise when the PPV numbers reached a million.

Shane Mosley, on the other hand, is a guy who can’t be taken for granted. Though some say that he is past his prime, his excellent boxing skills were evident when he punished Margarito. Ah, that was more than a year ago. But I promise he will not be a boring opponent. He can punch. He can defend. He can dance too.

I hope to watch the Mayweather vs Mosley fight via free online live video streaming. Video quality sucks though. Some people I know are willing to shell out P550 to watch the fight on the large screen cinema. But I hope the fight will not lack the quality I expect. Go, Shane!

Mayweather vs Mosley: Preview and Results Prediction

ceblogger — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 05:40:49 +0000

Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Sugar Shane Mosley this May 1, 2010 at the MGM Grand Arena! The planet’s two of the best boxers will collide and meet on the ring for the first time. One is the former pound-for-pound king and undefeated in 40 fights, while the other is a 3-division title holder and a veteran of 46 fights. This welterweight showdown is expected to be an explosion, considering the lofty status of these two fighters.

Mayweather vs Mosley: Fight Stats

Floyd Mayweather, 40 (25) – 0, Height: 5?8? Reach: 72?, 5-division title holder
Last 5 fights: 5 (1) -0 with notable wins over Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez

Shane Mosley, 46 (39) – 5, Height: 5?9? Reach: 74?, 3-division title holder
Last 5 fights: 4 (3) – 1, with wins over Antonio Margarito and Luis Collazo; lost to Miguel Cotto by Unanimous decision

Floyd Mayweather Jr. (40-0, 25 KOs)

Everyone believed that Floyd Mayweather Jr was the best boxer in the planet today until he retired in 2007. Then, Pacquiao emerged from nowhere to slay giants of the sports. Mayweather was dethroned as the pound-for-pound king. But until now, he still believes he’s the greatest. Mayweather’s dominance in the sport is highlighted in his notable wins against Gatti, Corrales, Chavez, De la Hoya and Hatton. He is known to be quick and has a great defense, particularly with his shoulder rolls.

He unretired in 2009 and faced the daring Juan Manuel Marquez. The overly matched Marquez was easily defeated, but lasted for 12 rounds. It was a lopsided victory, and Mayweather was criticized because he was 2 lbs over the limit at weigh-in. He was heavily fined, and the money went to Marquez’ pocket.

Mayweather was supposed to fight Manny Pacquiao last March 13, 2010 but talks broke down because of drug-testing issue. No one would give in to another. When Andre Berto pulled out from his scheduled fight with Shane Mosley because of the unfortunate earthquake that rocked his homeland Haiti, it opened the door for Mayweather to fight a worthy opponent other than Pacquiao. So far, Shane Mosley is the most dangerous among his opponents. Though many think that Mayweather dodged dangerous fighters, this one pick proved otherwise.

Sugar Shane Mosley (46-5, 39 KOs)

The 38 year old veteran fighter Shane Mosley was already counted out in his last fight against the much younger, yet bigger Antonio Margarito. He was 4-1 underdog when he unleashed his power and fury to demolish the erstwhile champ in the ninth round. His boxing career was resurrected, and his greatness was temporarily restored. He now carries the WBA Welterweight Super Champion belt.

Mosley had fought great battles. He lost twice to Vernon Forrest and twice too against Winky Wright. He also won his double battles against Oscar De La Hoya and Fernando Vargas. He is a 3-division title holder, and one of the few rare boxers to achieve that. His speed and power are his two main weapons. But age maybe his nemesis this time.

Mayweather vs Mosley Preview

Mosley will attack in the early rounds. His size will be his major advantage. He may not be as fast as the younger Mayweather, but he is still faster than the average boxers. He will attack the body, trying to break the defense of his opponent.

As most expected, Mayweather will dance around in the early rounds. He will parry the attacks of Mosley, while throwing jabs casually. He knows he has the speed advantage, but he cannot take Mosley’s power for granted.

Will there be a knockdown? Both fighter are sharp and calculate their attack well. They too are defense-conscious. I don’t expect a knockdown, but if there will be one, it will be Mayweather kissing the canvass.

Mayweather vs Mosley Results Prediction

Pacquiao picks Mosley to win over Mayweather. Roach believes Floyd will defeat Shane. Many boxing websites out there are also divided on their results predictions. What most are anticipating is a Mayweather vs Pacquiao fight. That will not happen in the near future if Mayweather loses, or if he will insist on his Olympic drug-testing style. But as for me, my prediction is that, Mosley fists will eventually catch Mayweather in the late rounds. His big power punches will deliver him points. Mosley will beat Mayweather by split decision. One judge will be distracted by one of the beautiful round girls and will see the fight differently. Ah, go get him, Shane!

Actual Results (Update)

Shane Mosley stunned Mayweather in round 2. The impact obviously rocked Mayweather but he stood his ground. It was all Mayweather show all the way, as he beat Mosley to a unanimous decision.

If Joshua Clottey Wins

ceblogger — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 05:27:02 +0000

If Joshua Clottey wins, what will happen to Manny Pacquiao and boxing? We saw De la Hoya, Hatton, and Cotto crumbling down before Manny. We expected them to come and fight, even to pounce on the smaller Filipino fighter. But where were they? The awesome speed, the quicker than lightning punches, the solid fist, and the strong chin, were all for the boxing world to know, that Manny is the pound-for-pound king.

A lot of Filipinos will cringe at the thought of Manny losing to Clottey. If that happens, (God knows how many people are praying that it won’t happen), what will Pacquiao do next?

Before we’ll try to analyze what will happen to Pacquiao if he loses, let us consider the Ghanaian first. If he wins, he’ll be rich. He should be thankful to Mannny for the opportunity, just like the chance Ledwaba and Barrera’s teams did to Manny a few years ago. He can buy a Porsche if he wants. Manny has his. He can go to Ghana in a chartered plane. God knows what money can buy for Clottey!

If Clottey wins, he will become famous. This is not to undermine Clottey’s current status as a boxer. But a win will definitely send fear to any other boxer in the world. “The Pacman Slayer”, he will now be called. If Mayweather wins in that other side of the boxing world against Mosley, then Clottey will have another chance for a mega-fight. His win will be his ticket for a much better purse.

The WBO Welterweight champion’s belt is at stake too. But whatever glitter and value a belt ha in the past, it won’t really matter anymore today – that unless you have 7 or 8 belts of different weights, or a unified belt of WBO, IBF, WBC, WBA or whatever three-letter organization out there.

If Clottey wins, boxing will be back to normal. There will be no more wunderkind, or weight aberration. No more of the small guy beating the big guy. Mayweather will no longer turn yellow everytime he hears the name Pacquiao uttered. He will no longer ask to revise the drug testing method.

If Clottey wins, the Pacman fans will be quieted. At least for a few heartbeats, before they’ll come back roaring for a rematch: Pacquiao vs Clottey – Part 2.

Pacquiao vs Clottey Online Video Streaming

ceblogger — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:23:36 +0000

I am sure there will be available online video streaming of the Pacquiao vs Clottey fight. One has to go to an online search engine and type “Pacquiao vs Clottey live streaming”. Then you will be shown plenty of sites that when you click them, leads to another, then to another useless site. Of course there are legit sites out there. One just has to be wise in finding them.

But as for me, I will be somewhere, perhaps in a cinema, or in some free viewing venues sponsored by some politicos running for City Mayor. It’s election campaigning time here in the Philippines folks, and I’m sure there will be plenty of free viewing venues. I will cheer with the rest of the crowd that if you are a lost Clottey fan, you should shut up, or you’d get a black eye.

I could also be in a place where there is available food and free-flowing drinks, like that 5-star hotel where we watched Manny batter De la Hoya. Ah, I have to shell out some bucks here!

As I stated in my Pacquiao vs Clottey results predictions post, Manny will KO Clottey in 6. I prefer that it will last the middle rounds. I hate that Hatton fight. It was so quick that we fight fans don’t even have the time to blink and think. I also don’t want to make it last till the last round. Or when judges will still have the time to think and rethink, and consider the bidders. I certainly want a KO. And I want to see it when it happens.

If you my friend, will like to view the Pacquiao vs Clottey fight via online video streaming, make sure you have a fast and reliable internet connection. I’ll probably put a link here if I find one.

poster credit: Top Rank

Tiger Woods’ Statement Leaked

ceblogger — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:30:53 +0000

Tiger Woods is scheduled to issue a press statement on Friday, February 19, 2010. Is he going to say sorry, or is he going to just talk about golf? This is the first time in months that he will be publicly saying something.

A radio station is reported to have obtained a leaked copy of Tiger Wood’s statement. It says:

“Directly to the point there is no one to blame but me for the mess I have put my wife and family through. I accept total and complete responsibility. My wife and I have been trying to work things out but sadly things have not worked out. Again all the blame is upon me. We have decided to live apart with me having mutually agreed upon times when I can be with our children. I know that the world wants all the details of what transpired in our marriage but that is between my wife and I and will remain that way. I have to get on my life and that means playing golf again. I have contacted The Masters and have informed them that my plan is to resume The Masters and they have said that they would welcome me with open arms. For that I am most grateful for I deserve nothing. Finally I want to thank all my fans around the world for standing by me when I let you down horribly. I failed all of you about as badly as a person can. I apologize to everyone of you. I promise all of you that you will see a new Tiger Woods, a better Tiger Woods and I will not let you down. Now I’d like , by the grace of God and with His help, to get
back to what I do best and that is playing golf. See you all at The Masters. God
Bless you all. Tiger Woods”

Should we believe this Tiger Woods leaked statement to be true? When Tiger had an accident in November, he said the crash was a private matter, and he intended to keep it that way.

“Although I understand there is curiosity, the many false, unfounded and malicious rumors that are currently circulating about my family and me are irresponsible,” he said. “The only person responsible for the accident is me. My wife, Elin, acted courageously when she saw I was hurt and in trouble. She was the first person to help me. Any other assertion is absolutely false.”

I certainly agree about the responsibility or irresponsibility Tiger was talking about. But it’s sad to hear a couple break up because of extra marital affairs. And it’s hard to fathom that it’s a favorite sports icon on the guilty side of the affair.

Possible Opponents of Floyd Mayweather Jr in 2010

ceblogger — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 10:23:30 +0000

Who are the possible opponents of Floyd Mayweather Jr. this 2010 now that the megafight between him and Manny Pacquiao is in limbo? March 13 is still booked for the Mayweather. But who’s he going to rumble? A WWE wrestler perhaps?

Kidding aside, there are still a few boxers out there worthy to face the former pound for pound king. Let us try to examine who are these boxers who can make him sweat, yet earn possible millions.

Shane Mosley – This boxer who broke down Antonio Margarito is extremely dangerous. But he has a fight against Andre Berto on January 30 so March 13 is just too close. But who knows? If there is still no opponent on that date, and Mosley easily thumping down Berto on the first round, it could still be possible, isn’t it? Mosley would also want that, for the money and recognition he deserves.

It is also possible that Floyd will duck him like he ducked every dangerous fighter around.

Paul Williams – At 6’1”, he is huge against Floyd. This two-time WBO welterweight champion is truly a worthy opponent. 37 wins, 1 loss and 27 knockouts is not a bad record for a feared fighter. The wikipedia even labeled him as the “most avoided fighter in the world”.

Williams fought twice in 2009, winning both. The March 13 schedule would fit him right unless Mayweather avoids him too.

Paul Malignaggi – 27 wins, 3 losses and only 5 KOs. Despite being the former IBF Junior Welterweight champion, I think he is too weak to match up with a fighter like Mayweather. Is he a draw? Probably yes because he’s also an actor and his name is linked with some computer games. Paulie’s latest win is a rematch against Juan Diaz last December 12. So March 13 is plausible for him.

Miguel Cotto – Even though that he’s almost forgotten after being ripped by Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto is one fighter that can raise hell against Mayweather. Let’s admit it. The two have never met before. Perhaps they never will.

Matthew Hatton – Ah, the surname is familiar! Yes, it is Ricky Hatton’s brother. But is Mayweather’s camp serious on this?

Now to you fellow boxing fan, since Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight is off, who do you think is Mayweather’s possible opponent this March 2010?

Pacquiao vs Mayweather: Fight is Off

ceblogger — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 12:05:53 +0000

The Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight is off as of this writing. This was announced by Bob Arum, Top Rank’s boss, and as reported by many news sites. It could have been the fight of the decade between two excellent fighters. What a waste!

The mediation didn’t work. Federal judge Daniel Weinstein spent hours talking to both Pacquiao and Mayweather camps. Pacquiao would have agreed to a 24 days before the fight blood test, though initially, Mayweather wants the random testing to happen any day, any time before the fight.

Who is the coward?

Some say that Pacquiao is a coward as he won’t take the test. “It’s a simple blood test” they insist. But Pacquiao says that he’ll lose power if blood is drawn from him a few days before the fight. To those of us who’ve undergone blood tests and even blood donations, we know the effect. It could really weaken us.

Some say that Mayweather is a coward because he tries to duck fighters who have the ability to beat him. He avoided Margarito, Mosley and Cotto. Now he’s avoiding Pacquiao while doing verbal circus along the way. Why can’t he shut up and just fight?

Cleverness or cowardice?

As I read some articles, someone suggests that the drug idea is a clever tactic of the Mayweathers to mentally hurt the Filipino ring idol. Pacquiao could lose credibility and focus. The damage could have long term effect – before and after the fight. Maybe, Floyd Mayweather would rather have the label “coward” or even “cheater” than that 1 loss on his record.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, should pursue the case against Mayweather’s camp. They started the war. Now give them a dose of their own medicine.

Who is the real crowd drawer?

Both are, undeniably, crowd drawers. But at this point in time, Pacquiao has the edge. Everyone wants him to defeat every fighter within his weight range. That includes Yuri Foreman and Mayweather. (The latter, is more of the talk than the act). Actually, a lot of fight fans would just like to see Mayweather eat his words while crawling on the canvass. As for me, I’d like him to be put to sleep right on the first minute of the first round. Too bad the Pacquiao – Mayweather fight is off!

Update:
It’s Pacquiao vs Clottey on March 13 and Mayweather vs Mosley on May 1, 2010. My picks are Pacquiao and Mosley.

Pacquiao vs Mayweather: Go or No Go?

ceblogger — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 05:56:04 +0000

Pacquiao vs Mayweather seems to be headed as the fight of the century right after the Filipino pugilist repulsed Miguel Cotto. Though not everyone was convinced, a lot are calling out “Pacquiao vs Mayweather”. Contracts were drawn immediately and there were plenty of announcements from both sides.

Is it really a go?

Who in their right mind would refuse millions? Much more if it’s 20 or more millions. Some people would even be willing to literally die for it. Then why is Floyd Jr.’s camp asking too many demands? And why is Pacquiao rejecting such petty blood test before a fight? Arum can be the tough guy or just the diplomatic moneymaker. (Ah that wicked smile of his!) Shaefer and his GBP can play their ploy. The media can join the circus too and make up stories whatever they want.

Mind play, psy-war, pre-fight hype, whatever you call them, fight fans deserve the fight of these two great fighters. We don’t actually want their millions. That’s for them. We just want to see them fight on the ring. Period.

March 13, 2010 is supposed to be the fight date for these titans. Now Arum’s planning for contingencies should Pacquiao make good of his threat to pullout against Mayweather. Who’s the best now? Surely it’s not Floyd. It’s Manny, the seven weight division Champion and current pound for pound boxer.

Should they fight?

As I said earlier, we fight fans deserves the best. Fight now or fight later. There should be no stopping for the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight. May Manny crush Floyd and break his lips and ribcage. That would be sweet!

Update: It’s Pacquiao vs Clottey and Mayweather vs Mosley. The Pacquiao vs Maweather we’re all expecting will take a back seat for now.

Pacquiao vs Cotto: The Aftermath

ceblogger — Sat, 28 Nov 2009 17:23:21 +0000

It wasn’t a draw as I predicted. It wasn’t an early knockout either. The fight went on to the twelfth round only to be stopped by the referee when the Champ (now ex) from Puerto Rico was seen bruised and brutally manhandled. The ‘bigger and stronger’ Cotto was now reduced to a mere victim of the whirlwind from the Philippines.

Pacquiao vs Cotto

We saw Cotto drawing the first blood by staggering Pacquiao within the first 15 seconds of the fight. It roused the audience into ohs like “Oh no! Could this be the end of the road for Manny?” But that was just it. In the next few rounds we saw Cotto down on the canvass. We saw him absorb Manny’s fists right on his face. He rocked Manny a few times. But it was like a mockery. “Come on Miguel! Show us your left hook.”

The latter rounds were not on Cotto’s side. His wife even left as it was really an awful sight. The punishment is too much and not deserving for such a great fighter like Miguel Cotto. His believers were shocked. I was shocked too.

There was no excuse from Miguel nor from anybody on his camp. He simply lost to the best boxer in the world today. He understood it. The twelfth round was only for survival’s sake. Call Manny the best. The pound-for-pound king if you like. Mayweather Jr. must be crying right now and regretting that he quit boxing two years ago. He’s no longer the best in the eyes of many.

But wait. The aftermath of Pacquiao vs Cotto thriller actually resurrected the career of Floyd Mayweather Jr. His lopsided fight with Juan Manuel Marquez was nothing even if they boasted 1M PPV buys. Yet this arrogant fighter is so annoying that people are actually taking the bait. And they actually want to see him beaten with lips busted and eyes swollen.

Pacquiao vs Mayweather is now the talk of the town, city, nation and worldwide. Whatever happened to Cotto after the fight is no longer the concern of anyone. Maybe he should consider retirement like De la Hoya and Hatton. All eyes are now on the Pacquiao and Mayweather. Who is the real pound-for-pound king? Or to put it simply, the fans just want to see Manny Pacquiao whip the ass of Floyd Mayweather Jr. No predictions needed here.