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Mikey Garcia confident he can give Manny Pacquiao problems inside the ring
Four-division world champion Mikey Garcia is confident that he can give Filipino boxing star and eight-division world champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao problems inside the ring, if they do get matched up. Garcia has long been a name linked to Pacquiao as a possible opponent, and while the American top contender understands the magnitude of a possible Pacquiao versus Terence Crawford bout, he still would like to have the opportunity to share the ring with Pinoy boxing icon. Garcia is coming off a decision win over former world champion Jessie Vargas, bouncing back from his first and only career loss to IBF Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. back in March of 2019. The 32-year old sees a potential Pacquiao bout as a better matchup for him, given physical differences compared to Spence. "He doesn’t have the height and reach advantage like Errol, so I think that makes it a better fight for me,” Garcia told Fox Sports (via BoxingScene.com). “I know he’s going to engage and I know he’s going to fight hard. He’s a great fighter. He's a living legend, and I would love to add that to my resume.” Much like most fighters today, Garcia sees facing the legendary Pacquiao as a way to boost their legacy, apart from the challenge of course. “Fighting the great Manny Pacquiao would be tremendous for my legacy," said Garcia. At 41 years old, it’s hard to claim that Pacquiao is still in his peak, but what he did prove was that he was still one of the best in the world, as evidenced by his performances against Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman in 2019. Those two wins, especially the one against Thurman, has made Pacquiao a coveted bout for the welterweight division’s best. Garcia, who’s undoubtedly one of the division’s top contenders, believes that he can defeat Pacquiao, who’s the reigning WBA (Super) Welterweight World Champion. "If I'm capable of securing a victory over him and that definitely adds to what I want to accomplish with my legacy and those big triumphs. I’m excited if we can get that fight, that would be the best fight,” Garcia stated. “I know there are other opportunities for him, there's other options that you mentioned like Keith Thurman, maybe Errol Spence or Danny Garcia. I'm sure all of these are big fights for Manny, but I would love the opportunity as well. It's a great fight, the fanbase would love that. I have a lot of fans and he’s obviously the biggest draw,” Garcia added. While Pacquiao is among those seriously being discussed for Crawford’s return later this year, a bout against Garcia still isn’t out of the realm of possibility, and Garcia says that if he does get the fight, he won’t squander the opportunity to do something big. "So I think it would be a great fight. If I get that, I’m definitely taking care of business and I'm not gonna let this pass me by. I hope we secure that and look forward to it,” Garcia said, even comparing himself to a former Pacquiao rival in Juan Manuel Marquez. “I can fight really well. I feel that my boxing style can complicate things a lot for him similar to the way Marquez complicated things for Manny in all those fights." .....»»
Freddie Roach advises against Manny Pacquiao going up to 160-pounds for Golovkin bout
At 41 years of age, eight-division boxing world champion and reigning WBA (Super) Welterweight World Champion Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao has shown that he can still hang with the best in the world. Pacquiao is coming off a masterful victory over Adrien Broner and then handed the erstwhile-undefeated Keith Thurman his first career loss to capture the WBA’s primary welterweight crown. Now, the Filipino boxing legend continues to draw attention from potential opponents. Former long-time Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank Boxing has spoken about the possibility of a massive welterweight unification bout between Pacquiao and reigning WBO Welterweight World Champion Terence “Bud” Crawford, while WBC Welterweight World Champion Errol Spence Jr. has also been touted as a possible opponent. (READ ALSO: Manny Pacquiao has been on Terence Crawford’s radar since 2015) Long-time Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach has also weighed in on some potential future Pacquiao opponents. Speaking to Chris Mannix on his DAZN podcast, Roach mentioned the likes of Mikey Garcia and Robert Garcia as fights he likes for “Pacman”. "Mikey Garcia has called him out a couple of times, I think that’s a good fight for him, of course,” Roach said. "Robert called him out on one of your shows, that made me smile because I like that fight for Manny, I think it’s a great fight.” The biggest name - literally and figuratively -being thrown around as a possible Pacquiao opponent is that of reigning IBF and IBO Middleweight World Champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin. "The thing is Manny maybe might want to go a little higher and fight GGG or one of those guys who is supposed to be one of the best in the world today,” Roach shared. The hard-hitting Golovkin (40-1-1, 35 KO) has ruled the 160-pound division since capturing the WBA (Regular) Middleweight Championship in 2010. Golovkin went on to rack up 17 more wins and capture the WBO, WBC, and IBF titles to become, at one point, the undisputed middleweight champion of the world. Golovkin suffered his lone loss against Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in 2018. Since then, ‘GGG’ had reclaimed the IBF crown and captured the IBO crown. "There are always good fights out there. The one thing about Manny is he doesn’t want to beat anybody, he wants to beat the best out there. He wants to fight the top guys," Roach said. "Pacquiao still desires to be the best there is,” Roach added. A match-up with Golovkin would require Pacquiao to jump up to at over at least 154-pounds. The heaviest that Pacquiao has gone in his career is 144.6-pounds when he defeated Antonio Margarito for the WBC Super Welterweight World Championship back in 2010. Pacquiao has since remained at welterweight for the remainder of his career. "I would not advise him to go 160-pounds, that would be a little crazy. But putting him at 147 lbs was a risk at one time," Roach stated. A dream match against the much bigger Golovkin could bring Pacquiao his unparalleled ninth world title in as many weight divisions, but it’s not without its risks. Watch the full interview with roach HERE. .....»»
Mommy Dionisia, Mike Yamson 10 years nang magdyowa: Thank you, Lord!
SAMPUNG taon nang magkarelasyon ngayon ang nanay ni Manny Pacquiao na si Mommy Dionisia Pacquiao at ang boyfriend niyang si Mike Yamson. Yes, yes, yes mga ka-Marites! Ten years nang magdyowa ang dalawa at in fairness, going strong pa rin ang relasyon at mas lalo pa raw nagiging solid sa paglipas ng panahon. Twenty-seven years.....»»
Pacquiao, Sulaiman honor Filipino champs, eye PH-Mexico tiff
Invited by Manny Pacquiao to the Elorde-Pacquiao Boxing Awards, WBC president Mauricio Sulaiman announces that he will stage a dual meet involving the Philippines and Mexico.....»»
Blow-By-Blow Okada: Bacosa posts 3rd straight KO victory
Tall and rangy lightweight Eman Bacosa posted a third-round stoppage over Jan Clyde Langahin during a special presentation of Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow Sunday at the Okada Manila......»»
Bacosa headlines Blow-By-Blow boxing card at Okada
Crowd favorite Eman Bacosa headlines a special presentation of Manny Pacquiao Presents: Blow-By-Blow on Sunday at the Okada Manila......»»
POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine
If you’re a talented fighter nursing dreams of becoming a world champion, there is one guy you need to get in touch with. If you’re a promoter who has got a bevy of promising fighters but with no strong connections to the guys who matter in the world of big-time boxing, you have to meet the fellow who makes things happen. That dude is no other than Sean Gibbons, who heads MP Promotions and a sprinkling of other influential outfits in the United States that gives boxers from all over the opportunity they deserve. Having trouble with your boxer’s stagnant world rating? Call Sean Gibbons. Can’t seem to get the big breaks? Call Sean Gibbons. Being given the run-around by a scammer, give Sean Gibbons a call. You see, Gibbons is a do-it-all boxing man who is a big daddy to just about any major Filipino fighter. He has got a deep knowledge of the fight game since he used to fight during his heyday. But before you start conjuring up images of Gibbons battling it out with boxing’s marquee names, pinch yourself first. Gibbons never achieved greatness as a boxer. He was more of a pretender than a contender, having racked up a 14-7-3 win-loss-draw record with seven knockouts before finally calling it a day in 1996. He never even fought in Las Vegas and instead showcased his wares in obscurity, hopping into one small town and city after another. After spending his first five pro bouts in Oklahoma City, Gibbons brought his act elsewhere and in places he never knew existed: Hugo, Purcell, Waubeek. A year before he retired in 1995, Gibbons, now 56, even traveled to Germany and fought and lost by knockout to local boy Ruediger May. Two more bouts on American soil — the first in Des Moines, Iowa, and the second in Miles City, Montana — paved the way for one final stop in Denmark against Peter Madsen. Gibbons would lose that by stoppage again and decided that enough was enough. Pretty soon, Gibbons got himself doing odd jobs in boxing through a relative — uncle Pat O’ Grady — father to former world lightweight champion Sean O’Grady. “I got the boxing bug from him. I would set up the ring, help sell tickets and train fighters… I started from the bottom,” Gibbons, born in Long Beach, California, said, noting that the first fighter he trained was heavyweight Wimpy Halstead. Oftentimes, Gibbons “would jump in as one of the fighters in the card and I was able to travel the world.” He also got aligned with Top Rank and credits Hall of Fame Bruce Trampler and fight coordinator Pete Susens as his mentors and takes great pride in his close association with eight-division legend Manny Pacquiao. Gibbons actually came to the Pacquiao show rather late. But his seven-year stint working for Pacquiao was the most memorable, saying it doesn’t compare with the 35 other years of involvement with boxing. “Seven years I spent with him were better than the other 35 years,” Gibbons, who graduated from Simi Valley High, said. Gibbons revealed that after Australian banger Jeff Horn elbowed and butted and wrestled his way in carving out a controversial points win in Brisbane in July 2018, “Pacquiao had pretty much been left for dead by some people.” It was right at this time when Gibbons entered the scene as Pacquiao’s go-to-guy for meaningful fights while also providing other Filipino boxers the break they need to become successful. Gibbons didn’t disappoint and was instrumental in striking a deal for fights involving Adrien Broner and Keith Thurman that resulted in a “tremendous run.” The victory over Thurman would go down as an epic as it made Pacquiao the oldest to win a world welterweight crown in July 2019 in Las Vegas. Now that Pacquiao has sailed into the sunset, Gibbons is dedicating his time and effort to the betterment of the other talents under MP Promotions, the Pacquiao-owned company that has majority of the country’s top ring talent under contract. And this is where Gibbons wields his expertise and proof of his savvy can be seen on Jerwin Ancajas, Pedro Taduran, Rene Cuarto, Mark Magsayo and current two-belt world super-bantamweight titleholder Marlon Tapales. Also under Gibbons’ care are Jonas Sultan, Vincent Astrolabio, Jade Bornea and Tokyo Olympics bronze medalist and Asian Games silver medalist Eumir Marcial. Though not every one of them managed to win a world title, Gibbons draws utmost satisfaction from the helping hand that he had extended to them. “The most satisfying thing is to change lives of the fighters and take fighters who wouldn’t normally get these opportunities.” Also, Gibbons points to Pacquiao as a reason why he was able to pull it off. “I had the name Manny Pacquiao promotions and Manny Pacquiao was behind me but the biggest, biggest key was Al Haymon and he took my word for guys like Jerwin Ancajas, Mark Magsayo, Jonas Sultan and many, many others.” And there is no stopping Gibbons from doing the same thing especially when his clients’ welfare is on the line. A few months ago, Gibbons earned the ire of a state commission and got slapped with a ban. Still, Gibbons swears it is his way of showing that he always got his clients’ back. So how does he want people to remember him? “I would like to be remembered as someone who gave his all, no regrets. Just you know, when I work with someone, I put all my heart and soul into it. I got suspended for five for screaming at referees but I would like to be remembered for a guy who always had his client, fighters and boxers’ back and that when we went at it, we gave it our all.” If you end up going to war, you’d certainly want somebody like Sean Gibbons right by your side. The post POUND-FOR-POUND — Good guy Gibbons gives Filipino boxers the chance to shine appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alcaraz’s ‘dream’ Wimbledon can signal changing of the guard
Alcaraz ended Djokovic's run of four successive Wimbledon titles with an epic 1-6, 7-6 (8/6), 6-1, 3-6, 6-4 victory in a final for the ages on Sunday. The 20-year-old wore down Djokovic over four hours and 42 minutes of unrelenting drama on Centre Court, clinching his first Wimbledon crown and the second major title of his career. After two decades of Djokovic, Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal dominating the sport, Alcaraz says his victory could be the start of a new era. "It's a dream. I'm 20. I didn't experience many moments like this. Making history like I did today, it's the happiest moment of my life," Alcaraz said. "Beating Novak at his best on this stage, making history, being the guy to beat him after 10 years unbeaten on this court is amazing for me. "It's great for the new generation to see me beating him and make them think they are capable of doing it as well. It's great for me, and the young players as well." When Djokovic won his first major at the Australian Open in 2008, Alcaraz was still three months shy of his fifth birthday. But with Federer retired and Nadal close to the end of his glittering career, Alcaraz has emerged as Djokovic's biggest challenger. Alcaraz, who won his maiden Grand Slam title at the US Open last year, has replaced the Serb at the top of the world rankings and his Wimbledon victory may hasten the emergence of a new generation to replace the "Big Three". "Beating Novak, winning Wimbledon is something I dreamed about since I start playing tennis," Alcaraz said. Djokovic was aiming for a record-equalling eighth Wimbledon title and could also have matched Margaret Court's all-time mark of 24 Grand Slam singles crowns. Instead, the 36-year-old leaves Wimbledon licking his wounds after beating over-powered by the relentless Alcaraz. In an ominous warning to Djokovic, Alcaraz said his All England Club win can provide a foundation for more success when they meet again. 'I grew up a lot' -"Probably before today I didn't think I was ready to beat Djokovic in five sets in an epic match like this, to stay good physically and mentally against a legend like Djokovic," Alcaraz. "I will remember this moment in other Grand Slams and think I am ready to play five sets against him. It probably changed my mind a bit." Alcaraz's previous clash with Djokovic had ended in defeat in the French Open semi-finals in June, when the Spaniard fell apart after suffering stress-related cramping. Learning from that painful loss, he held his nerve superbly this time. "I am such a different player since the French Open. I grew up a lot. I took lessons from that match. I prepared a little bit differently mentally," he said. "I handled the nerves better than I did at the French Open. I fought until the last ball. It was a long match. The mental part allowed me to stay there for five sets. "If I had lost the second set probably I couldn't have got the trophy, I would probably have lost in straight sets. That gave me a lot of motivation." Djokovic's frustration at Alcaraz's stubborn resistance boiled over when he smashed his racquet against the net post after being broken in the final set. But the Serb had no complaints about the defeat and even labelled Alcaraz a combination of himself, Federer and Nadal. Asked about that glowing tribute, the ultra-confident Alcaraz said: "It's crazy that Novak say that. But I consider myself a really complete player. "I have the shots, the strength physically, the strength mentally. "Probably he's right. But I don't want to think about it. I'm the full Carlos Alcaraz, let's say." smg/dj © 1994-2023 Agence France-Presse The post Alcaraz’s ‘dream’ Wimbledon can signal changing of the guard appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
South Korea’s An cruises to Thailand Open final
Badminton women's singles world number two An Se-young sailed into the final of the Thailand Open on Saturday, comfortably upstaging Carolina Marin. The 21-year-old South Korean -- who won the All England Open as well as tournaments in India and Indonesia this year -- was electric on the court, claiming the semi-final in straight games 21-16, 21-12. An looked dangerous early in the first game with clever net work and lethal smashes, while Marin was sent diving across the court and struggled to hit winners. Marin, 29, tried to mount a comeback in the second but the Spaniard quickly ran out of steam. An has made the final of every tournament she has played in this year and said she was feeling confident heading into Sunday. "I will do my best to make a great match," she told reporters. World number six Marin, the Rio Olympic gold medallist, has faced a long road to recovery from a devastating knee injury that ruled her out of the Tokyo Olympics and denied her the chance to defend her title. A disappointed Marin said she had made too many mistakes and her opponent had controlled the shuttle and on-court drift better. An will meet world number five He Bingjiao in the final after the Chinese powerhouse beat Mia Blichfeldt from Denmark 21-13, 21-18. "In the first set, I played more boldly because I had the advantage of playing against the wind. After switching sides, Mia played with great precision," He told reporters. In the men's singles draw, Hong Kong's Lee Cheuk-yiu booked a finals berth after outpacing Frenchman Toma Junior Popov 21-14, 21-16 in 35 minutes. Meanwhile, the crowd went wild as local hope and world number five Kunlavut Vitidsarn came from one set down to beat India's Lakshya Sen in a cliffhanger 75-minute match. Vitidsarn triumphed 13-21, 21-17, 21-13. The post South Korea’s An cruises to Thailand Open final appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Anji Salvacion releases new single ‘Paraiso’
Anji Salvacion presented a glimpse of her pop singing prowess in her new single “Paraiso.” Produced by Exale and written by Annie Lux, “Paraiso” goes beyond the straightforward parameters of a love song and instead promotes self-esteem. “Self-confidence right now is very hard to achieve because everybody in this generation is competing with each other,” she said. “I just want to remind everyone that it’s not about competing against one another. It’s about going at your own pace. That’s what the song really means to me — embracing yourself, your body, your beauty, your skin, your everything, your personality. That’s what it’s all about,” Anji explained. In a media press conference, the Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 big winner further stressed that, “I like to explore and experiment with different sounds. I believe that ‘Paraiso’ is the perfect song to introduce the new me.” The song, Anji’s Tarsier Records debut single, displays her evolving musical style, vocal power and artistic development. “When I first heard the song, I felt excited because it’s really empowering. I really love the lyrics of the song,” she said. “It made me dance, but at the same time, it made me so nervous,” Anji continued. “The lyrics are so beautiful, even the beat. I don’t know if I’m going to deliver this well.” [caption id="attachment_123268" align="aligncenter" width="525"] ANJI Salvacion calls for self-love in her new song ‘Paraiso.’[/caption] She added: “‘Yung pag-record namin sobrang nakakatuwa siya because when I first heard the song it made me confident about myself. It made me love myself even more so I want everyone to love themselves even more. If you’re hearing this everyone, love yourself.” The singing star of Siargao disclosed having butterflies in her stomach on the first day of the recording session with Annie and Exale. Since she was used to only working with Rox Santos, head of ABS-CBN Music and Jonathan Manalo, creative director of ABS-CBN Music, she said that “I was really nervous because it was my first time to work with different people… but everyone in Tarsier was so chill and so welcoming, especially Miss Annie.” Anji competed in Idol Philippines’ first season in 2019 before signing up for Pinoy Big Brother. Then, she made her debut in the music industry by releasing three soundtracks, including “Buo,” “Keeps on Coming Back” and “Don’t Be Afraid.” The post Anji Salvacion releases new single ‘Paraiso’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU boosts semis bid
Games Wednesday: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (men’s) 12 p.m. — FEU vs Ateneo (women’s) 2 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (women’s) 4 p.m. — La Salle vs Adamson (men’s) Defending champion National University narrowed the Final Four race after a convincing win over Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament yesterday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Lady Bulldogs assured themselves of at least a playoff for a semis seat with their third straight win that put them in a three-way tie at the second spot together with idle University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University with an 8-3 win-loss record. Alyssa Solomon showed the way in NU’s win that gifted league-leading De La Salle University an automatic ticket to its 13th straight Final Four appearance while booting out Ateneo de Manila University (4-7) of contention. Solomon, the reigning Best Opposite Spiker, dropped 18 points, including 17 attacks. “I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game,” Solomon said as she and skipper Ces Robles faced the media after head coach Karl Dimaculangan declined to grant an interview for the third straight time. Season 84 Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Bella Belen got 14 points and accounted for 13 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 48 attack points while freshman Vange Alinsug chipped in with 12 markers, 12 digs and two excellent receptions. The Lady Tamaraws were pushed to the brink of elimination in the semis race as they slid to a 5-6 card but not after giving the Lady Bulldogs a scare in the third set. ‘I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game.’ FEU took a 23-21 lead on a Jovelyn Fernandez hit followed by a Solomon attack error. Back-to-back errors by the Lady Tamaraws tied the set at 23 before Belen and Robles sealed the sweep with consecutive attacks. Fernandez and Chenie Tagaod had seven markers each to lead the Morayta-based squad. The Lady Tamaraws still have an outside chance of making it to the semis if they win their last three games in the eliminations and pray that one from UST, Adamson and NU won’t reach nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four seat. FEU will face Ateneo, who missed the semis for the first time in 14 years, on Wednesday. In men’s play, three-peat-seeking and unbeaten Bulldogs grabbed a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage after beating the Tamaraws, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, for their 11th straight win. Buds Buddin led four other NU players in double figures with 24 points with all but one coming from attacks and had 22 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras and Kennry Malinis got 17 and 13 markers, respectively, while Obed Mukaba and Gerard Diao finished with 12 each for the Bulldogs’ 29th straight win overall since 2019. “It was a great game. Both teams gave their best, it’s just that we were able to exploit our advantage. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sustain our momentum in our next game,” NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. The Bulldogs’ win drew the team to just three more wins to complete an elimination sweep for an outright Finals berth. A sweep by NU will force a step-ladder semifinals. The post NU boosts semis bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NU boosts semis bid
Games Wednesday: (Mall of Asia Arena) 10 a.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (men’s) 12:00 p.m. -- FEU vs Ateneo (women’s) 2 p.m. -- La Salle vs Adamson (women’s) 4 p.m. -- La Salle vs Adamson (men’s) Defending champion National University narrowed the Final Four race after a convincing win over Far Eastern University, 25-21, 25-14, 25-23, in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines Season 85 women’s volleyball tournament on Sunday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City. The Lady Bulldogs assured themselves of at least a playoff for a semis seat with their third straight win that put them in a three-way tie at the second spot together with idle University of Santo Tomas and Adamson University with an 8-3 win-loss record. Alyssa Solomon showed the way in NU’s win that gifted league-leading De La Salle University an automatic ticket to its 13th straight Final Four appearance while booting out Ateneo de Manila University (4-7) of contention. Solomon, the reigning Best Opposite Spiker, dropped 18 points, including 17 attacks. “I’m happy with the result and, at the same time, we still have a lot to improve on. We should never be tired of learning. We also need to be confident every game,” Solomon said as she and skipper Ces Robles faced the media after head coach Karl Dimaculangan declined to grant an interview for the third straight time. Season 84 Most Valuable Player and Rookie of the Year Bella Belen got 14 points and accounted for 13 of the Lady Bulldogs’ 48 attack points while freshman Vange Alinsug chipped in with 12 markers, 12 digs and two excellent receptions. The Lady Tamaraws were pushed to the brink of elimination in the semis race as they slid to a 5-6 card but not after giving the Lady Bulldogs a scare in the third set. FEU took a 23-21 lead on a Jovelyn Fernandez hit followed by a Solomon attack error. Back-to-back errors by the Lady Tamaraws tied the set at 23 before Belen and Robles sealed the sweep with consecutive attacks. Fernandez and Chenie Tagaod had seven markers each to lead the Morayta-based squad. The Lady Tamaraws still have an outside chance of making it to the semis if they win their last three games in the eliminations and pray that one from UST, Adamson and NU won’t reach nine wins to force a playoff for the last Final Four seat. FEU will face Ateneo, who missed the semis for the first time in 14 years, on Wednesday. In men’s play, three-peat-seeking and unbeaten Bulldogs grabbed a Final Four twice-to-beat advantage after beating the Tamaraws, 28-26, 25-21, 26-28, 25-23, for their 11th straight win. Buds Buddin led four other NU players in double figures with 24 points with all but one coming from attacks and had 22 excellent receptions. Nico Almendras and Kennry Malinis got 17 and 13 markers, respectively, while Obed Mukaba and Gerard Diao finished with 12 each for the Bulldogs’ 29th straight win overall since 2019. "It was a great game. Both teams gave their best, it’s just that we were able to exploit our advantage. Hopefully, we’ll be able to sustain our momentum in our next game," NU head coach Dante Alinsunurin said. The Bulldogs’ win drew the team to just three more wins to complete an elimination sweep for an outright Finals berth. A sweep by NU will force a step-ladder semifinals. The post NU boosts semis bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gesta Sr. explains why his son, Gesta Jr., will beat Garcia in upcoming bout in Arizona
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Mercito Gesta Sr., the father of San Diego-based Cebuano boxer Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta Jr., is confident his son will hand Ryan “King Ry” Garcia’s first defeat in the Jan. 28, 2023 bout in Phoenix, Arizona. Gesta Sr. told CDN Digital that they had already figured out long ago how to […] The post Gesta Sr. explains why his son, Gesta Jr., will beat Garcia in upcoming bout in Arizona appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Confident Malixi eyes 3rd LPGT crown at Riviera
Malixi nipped multi-titled Princess Superal by one in this year’s kickoff leg at Luisita last March after closing out the 2021 LPGT season with a runway victory at Midlands last December. She skipped the next six LPGT events to campaign in the US junior and amateur championships then returned and beat Chihiro Ikeda by 13 strokes at Valley last month......»»
Waminal: I’ll beat favorite Apolinar for OPBF silver feather belt in Kumbati 10 fight
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Jess Rhey “Wanman Waminal” Waminal is confident enough that he will walk away wearing the Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver featherweight title on his waist come July 3, 2021. The 26-year-old Impasug-ong, Bukidnon native is scheduled to fight his former stablemate Penitente “Thunder” Apolinar, who is now fighting under […] The post Waminal: I’ll beat favorite Apolinar for OPBF silver feather belt in Kumbati 10 fight appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Do-or-die fight for Paradero
Unbeaten Robert Paradero yesterday admitted it will be tough to beat former WBO champion Vic Saludar but he’s confident of getting the job done in their 12-round fight for the vacant WBA minimumweight crown in Biñan on Feb. 20 because losing isn’t an option in this chance of a lifetime......»»
Lady Gaga, car horns trumpet Biden’s grand campaign finale
PITTSBURGH (AFP) – Honking horns, huge American flags, and pop superstar Lady Gaga: on the eve of the presidential election, Joe Biden brought an air of spectacle to workers’ stronghold Pittsburgh as he capped a campaign largely curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. US singer Lady Gaga performs prior to Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden speaking during a Drive-In Rally at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on November 2, 2020. (Photo by JIM WATSON / AFP) “The power’s in your hands, Pennsylvania!” the Democratic White House nominee thundered late Monday to several hundred supporters gathered for a drive-in rally in what has become the pivotal state in Biden’s battle against President Donald Trump. “It’s time to stand up and take back our democracy,” the 77-year-old added, prompting a crescendo of car horns outside the stadium that is home to the Pittsburgh Steelers American football team. In the biting November cold, Biden took up the clarion call of a campaign that he launched 18 months ago: “This is a battle for the soul of America,” he said. “We have to win this.” Lady Gaga, clad in a white sweatshirt with “Joe” printed on the front, listened and applauded from her stage. Minutes earlier she had peeled off her gloves and sat down at a white piano to give a short but inspired musical warmup to the Biden headliner. “Gloves off because it’s a fight — a fight for what you believe in,” she said before launching into her hit “Shallow.” The 34-year-old Grammy winner called on the audience to vote for Biden because “we needed somebody that was going to bring us all together for this moment, for this very important moment.” “No matter who wins tomorrow, we’re going to have to do this together. Tomorrow’s got to be peaceful,” she added somberly, in an allusion to the tensions that have swelled in the United States ahead of the poll. The singer, who once lived in Pennsylvania, has been in this position before. In 2016, she helped close out the campaign of Democrat Hillary Clinton, who lost in a shocker to Trump. ‘End of Trump era?’ Dancing in the parking lot was Jamie Scafuri, a 26-year-old hairdresser, who came with friends invited by someone who works for the campaign. “We’re hoping that it’s the end of the Trump era,” Scafuri told AFP. “We’re hopeful. That’s why we’re here.” These drive-in rallies have become a staple of the Democrat’s mostly low-key campaign, which has scrupulously adhered to social distancing and mask-wearing guidelines to guard against the coronavirus, which has already killed more than 230,000 Americans. But despite efforts to put on a show at least partly resembling concert-infused mega-rallies that have traditionally marked the end of a campaign, the cars parked at distance, sparse spectators and few journalists allowed to enter makes it clear: the pandemic has upset the face of American politics in 2020. “Stay close to your cars!” urged an announcer as fans rushed forward for the arrival of Lady Gaga, in scenes far removed from the massive Trump rallies that often bring thousands of supporters packed together, very often without wearing masks. But here, Biden’s supporters understand the constraints. “I feel safe being here around our car with masks on, but it’s a great opportunity to celebrate life for sure,” Scafuri said. Biden is “a pro-science, pro-healthcare candidate, so it makes sense that he would want to protect his constituents,” added Scafuri’s friend Katie Soulen, 32, who owns the salon where they work. Trump ‘don’t care’ about us Biden is coming full circle with his campaign. The former vice president launched his White House candidacy — his third, following disastrous bids in 1988 and 2008 — in April 2019 in this blue-collar city. Even then, in the cradle of the American steel industry now remaking itself as a tech hub, Biden predicted that a victory against the Republican president would “happen here,” in Pennsylvania. Biden has a slight lead in the pivotal state, which Trump won by less than a percentage point in 2016. But the polls have tightened in recent days, and after the brash billionaire’s shock victory four years ago, some Democrats are nervous. But Bob Wilson, born and raised “right where we stand” in Pittsburgh, is confident that Trump will be defeated. “No, we’re gonna crush him… We’re gonna beat him in every state,” the 68-year-old retired truck driver, now a union official, said as he waited for Biden in the large parking lot at Heinz Field, named after the giant food processing company founded here in the 19th century. Trump is “not qualified” and “don’t care about nobody but himself,” he added......»»
Roach says MP will have easier time beating McGregor
By JONAS TERRADO There’s no doubt in Freddie Roach’s mind that Manny Pacquiao will handily beat Conor McGregor if plans for a megabuck boxing match between the two fighters push through. Roach is so confident that facing McGregor would be an easier one compared to Pacquiao’s brutal beating of Ricky Hatton in […].....»»
Adamson s player development is priceless gift for coach Franz
Last year, Adamson University fell short of the Final Four for the first time under coach Franz Pumaren. Still, the multi-titled mentor's stint in San Marcelino remains a triumph as he had led them to three playoff berths in a row in his first three seasons there. Also, the Soaring Falcons had claimed their first-ever second-seed and twice-to-beat advantage under coach Franz. Even more than his overall 31-25 record, though, Pumaren is proudest about how they have discovered and then developed their players. "First of all, for me, my definition of college coach is you know how to develop players, you know how to bring the best out of the player," he shared to fellow coaches Charles Tiu, Paolo Layug, and Anton Altamirano in his appearance on Coaches Unfiltered. The brilliant tactician then went on to point out how Jerrick Ahanmisi, Adamson's longtime top gun, was actually a reject, in essence, of other schools and squads. "He tried out for several schools, but they didn't get him probably because he was not ready to play college here," he said. "Yung iba, they want yung ready na. But with Jerrick, when we saw him, he's still a project, but when he started practicing with us, we were able to develop him. The rest is history." The rest, indeed, is history as the 6-foot-1 sharpshooter has one Mythical selection as well as a whole lot of scoring outbursts to his name. Now, he enters his fifth and final year as, still, one of the best guards in all of college. "These are the priceless gifts they can give me," Coach Franz said. "We were able to recruit players who were maybe under the radar, players who weren't highly recruited, but we were able to develop them." After Ahanmisi, you need not look far to find another one of the Soaring Falcons' proud products of player development. "Who would recognize Jerom Lastimosa?" Pumaren mused, talking about their starting and rising point guard hailing from Dumaguete. He then continued, "He came from the province, a small school, but now, probably I can consider him in the top three, top four point guards this coming UAAP." With that, for next year, Adamson has a brand new project in its hands - a brand new project coming from uncharted territory for them. "We were able to get a player from Ateneo, the captain ball. Joaquin Jaymalin, 6-2 and I'm expecting him to grow an inch or two," their shot-caller said. He then continued, "He's been under the radar, but one thing's for sure, he can shoot. I think he's a welcome addition on our part and I'm confident we can develop him to be a better all-around player." --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @riegogogo......»»
Wong feels responsible for Ateneo s failure to advance to the UAAP S80 Finals
Deanna Wong felt that Ateneo de Manila University's failure to advance to the UAAP Season 80 women’s volleyball Finals was on her. Given the huge responsibility to lead the Lady Eagles as starting setter after veteran Jia Morado decided to forego her final year, Wong admitted that she faced heavy pressure and self-doubt. “I think it was me thinking of kung kaya ko ba ‘to?” shared Wong on Volleyball DNA. Ateneo was coming off six straight championship appearances, including winning back-to-back titles, heading into Season 80. Expectations were high for the Lady Eagles that year despite Morado calling it quits after Ateneo’s runner-up finish the season before. The Lady Eagles had veterans Maddie Madayag, Bea De Leon, Kat Tolentino and Jho Maraguinot under coach Tai Bundit. Ateneo was one of the favorites to advance to the Finals. Fulfilling the role left by Ateneo ace setters before her, according to the Cebuana playmaker, was too big of a responsibility especially for a third year player who saw limited action the year before. It didn’t help that during her sophomore year, Wong played as a reliever in both libero and setter positions. “Sina Ate Jem (Ferrer), sina Ate Jia they are really great setters and for me it’s just, I came from the province I don’t know anything. Ganito, ganyan. Hindi ako medyo ginagamit ni Coach Tai dati. Pressured? Yeah, I think it was a little pressure,” said Wong. Ateneo had a disappointing start, losing their first two games, and the Lady Eagles were obviously still adjusting to a different setter going through the elimination round. That was when Wong felt the pressure the most. “Pero sa isip ko lang kung kaya ko bang dalhin ang team? Kung kaya ko bang gawin ang ginawa nina Ate Jia na umabot sa Finals? I think that was the point na kaya di kami umabot ng Finals kasi ganoon ang inisip ko,” said Wong. Ateneo managed to advance to the Final Four, but for the first time in three years, the Lady Eagles were at a disadvantage after landing in third spot for a collision course with twice-to-beat Far Eastern University. The Katipunan-based squad ended its season early. “Disappointed din sa self ko kasi I wasn’t able to lead the team as I should have kasi ang dami kong iniisip eh,” said Wong, who won tghe Best Setter honors that season. “Iniisip ko kung ano ang sinasabi ng mga tao, ng alumni, ng mga fans.” A good talk with Morado, according to Wong, made her realize that she needed not to compare herself to other Ateneo setters. She had to play her game. “As what ate Jia keep on telling me talaga iba kami eh. We’re different people. Like don’t compare myself to her daw. Kasi iba ang kakayanan ko and iba ang kaya kong gawin. Just be myself daw most especially talaga be confident. Kasi I really lack confidence on myself,” she said. Wong redeemed herself the following season. “Nu’ng fourth year it was more of the team na pino-focus ko. I just did what I was supposed to do lang nu’ng fourth year. So di ko na masyado pinapansin ang mga sinasasabi ng ibang tao,” said Wong. Playing with confidence, Wong steered Ateneo back into the Finals and eventually back into throne as the Lady Eagles defeated University of Sto. Tomas in three games to claim the Season 81 title and the team’s third overall championship. Wong skipped the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic-cancelled Season 82. She remains undecided for a last tour of duty for Ateneo next year. But if ever Wong decides to return, the Lady Eagles could be looking at a bright future ahead. --- Follow this writer on Twitter, @fromtheriles.....»»