RSR readers, how is it going? This is the second edition of the mailbag this week and there will be two more because you people want to be heard…or you want to hear me…either way, I will take it. I will take it anyway that I can get it, if you know what I’m saying… I just found out that Paulie Malignaggi had his nose and jaw broken in his bout with Miguel Cotto. That was a great fight and what a show of heart by Malignaggi! I am impressed and I don’t impress easily. Maybe that’s not entirely correct. I’m really impressed by Caramel Iced Latte. I have a one per day habit. I’m waiting for my wife to call that A&E show: Intervention, where they help people with addictions. I am addicted to coffee for sure. I wouldn’t prostitute myself like the heroin addicts sometimes do on the show, unless I become one of those upscale male escorts. They bring in the big bucks and I could buy ten lattes a day. That would be heavenly.
I rented a DVD this week and they had one of those anti-piracy ads. I wonder just how many people that take place in this piracy dress like pirates. It’s probably a small percentage…20% at most. The movie industry should realize that they are not losing money because of pirates. They are putting out a bad product. I wait for them to come out on DVD with the exception of a promising horror movie or Rocky 6. I will definitely be first in line to see Rocky Balboa, and I’ll even review it for your, the RSR readers. I might go see Superman Returns too. That looks fantastic! If I were Superman, I would wear looser clothing. Sure, you have to worry about wind resistance, but it’s better than leaving nothing to the imagination, right? It’s a bird, it’s a plane, it’s a sock. Do you understand?
Wow, how do I get better than that sock comment? I could, but then we wouldn’t be family friendly anymore. I don’t want anyone calling “Bad” Brad Berkwitt, the owner and boss of RSR with a phone call from an angry parent saying: “Geno is talking about private parts! I’ll see you and your private parts in court Mr. Berkwitt!” I don’t want to see anyone get into trouble, so I will keep it clean. Now that I’m a dad…15 month old son, I have to watch my language and I’m doing good, but I do have a “vent hour” where I use nothing, but profanities…you know, to get it out of my system. Unfortunately, vent hour takes place on Sundays. Why does church have to take place on a Sunday? My priest in not impressed with vent hour. You try to explain yourself using strictly profanity. It’s not easy.
Now fight fans…let’s get it on!
SANCHEZ AND GOMEZ
Geno,
How is the humping coming along? I hump a lot too and the women out here on the prairie love it. My question goes back to the old days of boxing. How would Wilfredo Gomez and Sal Sanchez do today against fighters like Pacquiao, Corrales, Castillo and PBF at lightweight? I know Sal and Wil for the most part were featherweights but I know they would have been able to move up to no higher than 135.
Billy Jack from the other side of tracks
Billy Jack,
Prairie women love it? You wouldn’t know what to do with it if it was thrown in your face. I’m sorry about that Billy, but I want the ladies out there to know that I’m not going to have you use my mailbag as a platform to degrade prairie women around the world with your filth. Oh you are lucky that I’m in a good mood. Trust me people, the ones that brag about it, get it the least. By the way, I am a total stud. Okay, boxing time…I’m pretty certain that nobody could beat Sal Sanchez. He was something else and it is too bad that he died. He recorded a win over the great Azumah Nelson and his only loss was a split decision. I would pick Sanchez to win against the smaller men for sure, but Corrales might be too much with that reach. Wilfredo Gomez was a huge puncher and would knock out most people, but the four that you have listed may be too much for him…so I go with the foursome that you have mentioned to record victories.
Billy, don’t take what I said to heart. Don’t get offended. It’s tough love, stud.
GENO BAMBINO, THE BOXER?
Hi Geno,
It’s me again. How are you my friend?
Reading RSR is already a necessity for me. Anyway, my question is: if you are to fight right now, who would you like to fight right now and why? I am not sure what weight you are classified.
Thanks my friend.
Dan
Dan,
Sadly, I am a heavyweight. I’m not a fat slob. I’m 212 pounds of sculpted muscle. That is 100% true except for the “sculpted muscle” part. At one time, I was 185 pounds, but marriage and the cooking of a good woman adds the pounds. Wait a minute! I’m the cook of the house and I am NOT a good woman!!! If I had to fight somebody…okay. This shouldn’t be difficult because I am the Backyard Boxing Champion, and that more than qualifies me to compete in a prizefight. So if I don’t train and stay at 212, I would take on Wladimir Klitschko because that’s where the money is…or perhaps if Tyson was looking for a really, really, really, really easy opponent, I could be it. How much did they pay McBride? I’ll do it for half of that, and Tyson fans, get ready to see the old “Iron Mike” plow through his opponent in ten seconds or so. If you feint at the stare down, is it a TKO? I only have a few demands before I sign for this fight. I want my own rap video, clothing line, and one boxing expert to predict that I will win the fight. I would save money on corner men too. Since I won’t make it back to the corner, I don’t need them. So, are you ready for your easiest challenge, Mike? Are you?
NICKNAMES
Geno,
Geno “Give ’em Nightmares” McGahee! What do you think, Geno? Actually, my question: how did all this nicknaming come about anyway (nicknaming of great boxers that is)? Will sit back and enjoy your always entertaining response.
Out of Nowhere
Out of Nowhere,
Geno “Give ‘em Nightmares” McGahee is so intimidating. I LOVE IT. With a name like that, I could take over boxing. How hard could it be? The promoters had to be the ones behind it and the media too. Joe Louis got his nickname: “The Brown Bomber” from the media. I think that it helps promote the fighter. Look at Jeremy Williams…a relatively unremarkable heavyweight, but with the nickname: “Half Man, Half Amazing,” he is memorable. Half amazing? I would rather be completely amazing, but I’ll take half. What about “Dr. Steel Hammer?” That’s pretty lame…sounds like a super villain, doesn’t it? “I am Dr. Steel Hammer and I will defeat Spiderman with my…uh…steel hammer.” Kevin McBride has a pretty bad nickname: “The Clones Colossus.” I think that most of the time, the boxer himself, comes up with the nicknames, now that I think about it. They are definitely influenced by the media and promoters. “Hey, you would be taken more seriously is you had the nickname: “The White Buffalo,” I can picture somebody saying to Frans Botha.
Oh, I just thought of another bad nickname: Larry “The Legend” Donald. I want to give a shout out to the boxers that have great nicknames: “Bonecrusher” Smith, “Razor” Ruddock, Thomas “The Hitman” Hearns, and “Merciless” Ray Mercer.
ANNOYED RESPONSE
Geno,
Sorry I know I already sent in an email but then I read this from Ask Geno II, “Put him in there with Tarver, Johnson, Adamek, Winky Wright and Jermain Taylor and see how he does. What do you think of these fighter’s chances against him? I think they will all crush him. Calzaghe was over-protected like all European fighters. “
IS HE F@#KING JOKING?
Roy Jones was scared to leave the States. Lacy wasn’t one dimensional until he got his face punched in. Hatton took a huge gamble in not only fighting Tzuyu (Who PBitchF avoided) but also in coming to States to fight a bigger man in Collazo, and a talented dangerous fighter.
Don’t usually react to this kind of tripe – but this European protection thing is pure shite. Europeans are dominating the Heavyweight division! Apart from Brewster and Beck very few American boxers travel, and they didn’t do too well.
Who has Taylor fought: A Geriatric in the worst fight in years?
Don’t get me wrong it’s not the American boxer I have a problem with, just the ignorant knob head (you can edit here at your own discretion) who sent that in.
Incidentally I thought your response was on the money but its frustrating to have to listen to this nonsense over and over. Cheers!
Gerard from Belfast
Gerard,
You know, I’m with you man, for the most part. There have been some reservations from American fighters because of unfair treatment from European officials, but I’m sure that it goes both ways. I have issues with the officiating of Dave Parris, but then again, I have issues with many officials. It’s not an easy job and it’s easy to sit on the sidelines and point out mistakes, but it does seem to me that Parris gives preferential treatment to British fighters. I have heard that there have been gift decisions such as the Valuev-Donald call, but to say that and not acknowledge that there are gift decisions in the states is absurd.
The Europeans are running the heavyweight division without question and there may be some sour grapes out there from the states. Don’t worry though, nobody is going to shove their grapes in my mouth, especially if they are sour. Not on my watch! From the boxers that I have talked to, there is this concern that they will fall victim to foul play if they travel to Europe. Certain boxers have claimed that they were drugged or fell victim to bad officiating. Lamon Brewster didn’t seem to have an issue when he went over to face Krasniqi, but I’m not going to dismiss the claims.
Now, Joe Calzaghe and Ricky Hatton are great fighters. I love the fact that Hatton has come to the states to prove that he is the best or lose trying. He took on Luis Collazo, that wasn’t that well known by the boxing fans, but the die hard boxing fans and experts knew that it was going to be a very competitive match up. Hatton could have easily come over here and taken on a lesser opponent and got away with it. He instead took on a guy that would stylistically give him an incredibly tough fight. I have to give him props on that, regardless of what I think of his brawling and grappling style. As far as Joe Calzaghe. I am a big supporter. I picked him to beat Jeff Lacy and I would pick him to beat the majority of the fighters in and around his division. He really showed his greatness against Lacy, but he had shown it before. I was really impressed with his victory over Omar Sheika as well.
Jermain Taylor hasn’t fought many great opponents and many of his “good” wins were over much smaller men. His two wins over Bernard Hopkins were not fantastic fan-friendly fights for sure, but now that he’s facing Winky Wright, we will find out just how great Taylor is. I’m sure that the winner will be looking at Calzaghe as a potential opponent in the near future.
I will now edit the “Knob Head” comment. That was completely uncalled for and thoughtless. You should have called him a “knob job.” That’s what I would have called him. So, cheers to you my friend and keep hitting it in Belfast, if you know what I’m saying…
TRAGEDY
I was the one who wrote to you about JMM ducking Pacman etc. and when I saw it posted in the net, I was quite amused. You thought my name was salamat. Of course it was not. Salamat means “thank you” in Filipino. Well, it was my fault. I thought my name would appear there right after my question.
Anyway, thanks for that opinion you just shared.
For my next question, I just Limewired a video of Nigel Benn vs Gerald McClellan, and saw the entire fight. I felt a sense of pity and sadness for McCllelan. I don’t know, but I think that he should be included in the “what if” section of boxing. I think he was one of the most fearsome punchers in their time, and could have challenged RJJ and other prime time boxers then. Maybe, BHop or Trinidad if he went down from his weight division.
Now, Mr. Geno, what was your opinion of his career, and could-have-been career? And what ever happened to Benn’s boxing life after his victory in that fight? I think I’ve never heard of him. I remember reading that Headline when McClellan lost not only the fight but his career as well. It was really sad to say the apt simple description of what had occurred.
Again, thanks and hope you will be in the Philippines to watch the Pacman- Larios battle.
Ikyan
Ikyan
Gerald McClellan is definitely a sad story for sure. At his best, he was a devastating puncher that destroyed the great Julian Jackson and obliterated John Mugabi. His bout with Nigel Benn was an example of what boxing can be at its worst. I know that Nigel Benn must still be living with the pain of the event much like Emile Griffith has to after his tragic win over Kid Paret. I don’t know if you have seen: “Ring of Fire: The Emile Griffith Story.” It is really touching and to see him meet the son of Paret was a moving moment. Meeting Griffith was a great moment for me. He is truly a great guy and was a victim too of that horrible event.
McClellan and Benn were both big punchers and had huge hearts. When you get that combination in the ring against each other, anything can happen and the worst case scenario is always possible. Unfortunately, it happened. McClellan was on his way to very big things before this happened including a mega-bout with Roy Jones, JR. The condition of McClellan after his last bout really affected the career of RJJ. He was really shaken by what happened to his friend and began fighting less dangerous opponents and fighting very cautiously. He did not want to fight Nigel Benn, either because of concern for his own health, or because he thought that he would let the McClellan condition effect him and he may go out to hurt Benn.
With all of these invites, I will eventually have to make my way down to the Philippines for sure.
Salamat very much.
WEIGHTY ISSUE
Hey Geno!
What the hell where all this people thinking? The trainers, the promoter, WBC representative and Castillo himself, they are all to blame in my book.
They should have known better to blow the whistle soon as they found out Castillo was not making the weight over a month before the fight.
It seems clear as day to me that they had made plans to fix the weigh-in. They probably did not get to the officials and that caused everything to blow up in their faces. I have a bad feeling that something like this might occur come EM versus PACMAN III. It may have already happened in EM versus PACMAN II!
Primo
Primo,
Jose Luis Castillo should be ashamed of himself for not only screwing over everyone, but to imply that the fans have Diego Corrales to blame for the fight not proceeding. You have to believe that his team knew that he wasn’t going to make weight going into the fight and just assumed that they would give up some of the purse and the fight would go on. I really wish that they had a standby opponent for Corrales, but they assumed that lightning couldn’t strike twice, and Castillo would make weight.
Erik Morales will make weight. He is a professional. If he can’t, he will not proceed with the bout, I don’t believe. I think that he really wants this bout and will not jeopardize it.
MAGIC MAN
Geno,
Was Tarver weak from losing weight?
Is it possible that Tarver had to lose weight in order to defend his title against Hopkins that caused him to lose this bout due to a lack of stamina?
John Graves
John,
Without question, Tarver had to lose weight. I have heard rumors that he was 218 pounds during the filming of Rocky 6 and losing 43 pounds in such a short period of time has to be draining. Now, did the weight loss affect him to the point to where it was responsible for him losing the fight? I don’t think so. Hopkins was just too skilled for Tarver and the “Magic Man” was exposed. He beat a shot Roy Jones, JR., and struggled very much with Glen Johnson, a man that Hopkins had knocked out. I have said it before that Tarver is a good champion…not a great one and he would not fill the gap that RJJ had left.
ROCKY
Geno,
Man, what happen to that fight?? For me, Rocky Juarez was robbed! I didn’t know that the official announcement can be changed later after they announced the result! I believed Rocky won that fight.
I’m not an expert so I’m asking you sir: what do you think happened in that fight? Do you think MAB deserved to win the fight or not? MAB’s face was bombarded with power punch. Rocky’s face is as clean as when he entered the ring!
Nebukadnezzar
Nebukadnezzar,
I thought that MAB eked out the victory based on his experience, Rocky’s refusal to press the issue and being content with going the distance and putting up a good fight. I think that Juarez could have knocked out MAB had he pressed the fight, and perhaps it will happen in the rematch. There have been other situations where the same thing happened and the scorecards were calculated incorrectly and regardless of what the announcer says, the cards are the cards, and that rules.
MAB really was able to BS Juarez and kept him away with his reputation and occasional bursts of aggression. If Rocky pressed, the young man would beat the old man, but he was in awe, I think. At the end of the fight, MAB definitely looked like the loser, but I thought that the decision was fine and that the mess up on the cards was a simple mistake that happens from time to time. There was no conspiracy here…unlike that moon landing. That was a hoax!!! Everyone is in on it. Have you seen Buzz Aldrin punch out Bart Sibrel? Sibrel has created a moon hoax documentary and ambushed Aldrin with a film crew and called the former astronaut a “liar” and a “coward.” Well, Buzz didn’t take it and punched out the much younger Sibrel. It was pretty funny, but it goes to show that there are some nuts out there that truly believe that we did not land on the moon. I’m a conspiracy buff myself, but I know that most of it is nonsense. It would be nice if there was a Yeti, but unfortunately it does not exist…or does it?
THE PAC SACK
Geno,
I always read you mailbag man but this is my first time to email you, and I have fun reading your mailbag and I’m your fan bro. You answer all of the questions even if others ask the question already, you pleased all.
What do you think Bobby Pacquiao vs Kevin Kelley? What do you think about this bout this coming Saturday? Bobby is not tested yet, but I think he has a chance beating Kelley, but Kelley is more experience of the two.
Rai
Rai,
Hey brother. Welcome to the RSR Mailbag. I am glad that you enjoy my bag and I will continue to bring it every week and answer every question. I thought that Bobby Pacquiao’s performance was another sign that he is improving. He has been really impressive in his last few bouts and he is fighting his way out of his brother’s shadow. He isn’t a superstar like his brother, but his good sportsmanship and work ethic has to count for something. Kelley was a spent force, but he still had ring savvy and experience, which can be a lot to overcome. Well, Bobby did win impressively and he has to be congratulated for a great win.
Geno,
Hi, good day! Thank you very much for posting my comments. I am very happy because I don’t expect that I will read my comments this morning in your column. Actually, I always like to read your column and every morning I am waiting to read something new, and this morning I was surprised that you really posted my comments… Thank you very much and more power to your RSR Ask Geno column.
Thirdoffclara
Thirdoffclara,
You spent the time to ask me a question…so, you deserved a response. There are very few comments that I won’t post and reply to, and I cannot stand sending an email and being ignored. So, never be surprised people. Ask Geno is where it’s at, and I believe that if you ignore your readers, you are an idiot. Without the readers, your work is nowhere. Our entire team at RSR will always answer emails to the readers good or bad.
Geno,
Hello Geno, good day to you this is my first time writing to you, and I find your column very very good.
Here’s the question: Is there any possibility that Larios will pull an upset over Pacman? Another: Is Larios a big puncher or a good boxer?
Thanks and God Bless!!
Eljay
Elijay,
Thanks for the props! There is a chance that Larios can pull an upset, but he is a big underdog, in my estimation. He is not a big puncher. He is not a good boxer. What he is is a strong and courageous fighter that will give his all and if he makes it beyond the early rounds and the Pacman isn’t in the great shape that he’s always in, perhaps he can apply enough pressure to stop him, or win enough rounds to eke out a decision, but I can’t see it happening. I think that Pacquiao’s power will be too much for the Larios chin.
Geno,
Who do you think will win? Pac or Larios because Larios is way ahead of training and sparred with Japanese champions, and he is also well prepared…What can you say about it?
Glenn Michael
Glenn,
Pacman by 3rd round knockout as far as my prediction, but I have been told that Larios is in the best shape of his life and is doing very well in sparring sessions. The problem is translating sparring to an actual bout. Gerry Cooney looked like a million bucks in sparring sessions before getting knocked out by George Foreman in two rounds. Larios will not only have to be prepared, but Pacman has to come into the bout unfocused and ill prepared. On ability alone, this is an easy one.
Geno,
First of all, your site makes this boxing world go round and more power to you!
I’ve just watched the fight between Bobby Pacquiao and Kevin Kelley and to be honest with you, once again these commentators make me sick simply because they don’t give credit to Bobby’s big win against Kelley and they even insist that it’s because of a low blow but luckily even the flushing flash admits it that the shot to his rib cage was the main reason why he fell down.
I don’t know if you have seen the fight but Bobby is a kind of fighter that can give and take big shots just like when Kelley caught Bobby with a right hook and I thought that he can’t be matched up with Kelley’s punching power, but he showed it in the fourth round where these two guys were exchanging powerful shots.
I don’t understand as to why they(boxing experts as they call themselves)always make it as an excuse for a veteran fighter why they lost the fight is because of too many wars and too many fights. If this the case, we should put an age bracket or a quota of fights wherein a boxer can’t fight anymore because of this “too many fights, too many wars” mentality.
These people were a big disgrace to the sport of boxing. I really want to know your opinion regarding this matter. If a boxer thinks that he had too many fights they should retire and stop crying over spilled milk.
Atong
Atong,
How are you doing my friend? I did see the Bobby Pacquaio bout and I was really impressed. I thought that he was going to win, but I thought that it wasn’t going to be so one-sided. It’s a testament to the skill of the Pac. I think that the comments about the condition of Kevin Kelley did take away from the win somewhat, but “The Flushing Flash” was so well known and televised throughout his career that people actually get upset when he loses at this point in his career and will dismiss it because he’s not at his best. Kelley has won seven of his last eight going into this one, five of them by the way of KO against reasonable opposition. His only two losses in the past six years have been against Marco Antonio Barrera and Erik Morales. He wasn’t his best, but he wasn’t a zombie in there, waiting for a punch to land so he can fall down.
I think that certain fighters do go on for too long and perhaps it is discussed too much and takes away from the victor’s win, but as a fan, you develop a relationship with the fighter. For instance, you are a die-hard Pacman fan. I am also a fan of the Pacman. If Manny should go on for too long, and begin to lose to fighters that, at one time, didn’t belong in the ring with him, you and I will probably be saying that the man in the ring isn’t the real Pacman and years ago, he would have destroyed this guy. It’s the circle of life. It’s like the Lion King…you know what I’m saying? Mufasa had to move on and a new king had to be crowned, but we still loved that old lion. That was a pretty good movie, come to think of it. Scar was the man…I mean lion.
So, don’t take it personally. Fighters age as we all do and we, as fans, attempt to hold onto these warriors and maintain what they once were. You get upset when they get beaten badly, as I did with Mike Tyson. Tyson brought me into the sport and watching him getting clubbed to death by Kevin McBride and Danny Williams stinks. Did they win? Yes. Did they beat a prime Tyson? No. That’s the same thing with Kevin Kelley. That was not a prime Kelley in there, but he wasn’t completely shot either. It was a good win for Bobby no matter what way you cut it.
Hi Geno,
Your: “Future of Manny Pacquiao” article was a very interesting read. I am a big fan of the Pacman and of your columns as well.
Just a quick question, assuming that the Pacman is able to win both of his next fights and win a rematch with MAB, wouldn’t it be better for MP if he can be the unified champion in the super featherweight division first before making plans of moving up to the featherweight division?
I feel that in doing this, he would at least make his place in Boxing history and in case he decides to move up in weight class and doesn’t do good, he can still have the Super featherweight fighters to defend against?
A bout with Corrales would be a sure blockbuster, guaranteed excitement from round 1!
More power to your column! Thanks for keeping things real!
God Bless!
Sneaky Devil
Sneaky Devil,
Thank you. I am glad that you enjoyed the article. It got quite a response. Okay, if the Pacman beats Larios, EM, and goes on to beat MAB, which are all likely, I don’t think that it’s necessary to win all of the titles. The titles are becoming meaningless, unfortunately so. It’s the match ups that the people want to see and the sanctioning bodies are not doing the sport any favors by having “Super Champions,” along with their regular champs. What’s next, super duper champions? Then, eventually, everyone will have a title belt. You and I will receive a belt in the mail and we will be super-dee-duper champions as Barney would say. Do you have young children? I have a 15-month old son and he freaking loves Barney…that big purple dinosaur. He sings songs and dances around and teaches kids how to make cookies and things of that nature. My son loves him and the Wiggles and Elmo. If you people see the movie: “Elmo in Grouchland,” avoid it! Kids are addicted to it for some reason. My son wants to watch it 24-7. My buddy’s kid is the same way. If you want to keep your sanity, don’t purchase this movie. I bought it for five bucks and have paid for it ever since. I feel like I’m living in the movie: “The Ring” because once your kid watches this movie, you are forced to watch it infinitely.
A bout with Corrales would be crazy and the first round would tell the tale. If Pacman can land and get the respect of Diego, we’ve got a fight on our hands. If not, it won’t be pretty.
Geno,
I always love reading your articles specially when you dealt those people who considered you a yankee racist. But I always see you as a balanced boxing commentator that we Filipinos love when you write things about our hero, Manny Pacquiao.
Your analysis on Pacman moving up to Lightweight division to face the likes of Diego Corrales and Acelino Freitas was simply amazing because we have the same analysis. I wish to see him fight Freitas than Morales III or Barrera II, but never with Diego Corrales this early. Though I’m afraid that when Pacman will face Corrales he will be beaten, but that match would be exciting. Pacman has to prove himself first winning against Freitas and at least two more wins against best Lightweights would be a best demarcation line that he’s ready for Corrales.
I believe that if ever Pacman will face Corrales in the future, he will be the underdog. But Pacman has been to many situations being an underdog only to turn the table around to his favor. In facing Corrales, who knows he will surprise the skeptics. I remember when he faced Chatchai Sasakul for the WBC Flyweight title, many people didn’t believe that he could dethrone the champ – but he did. He was a virtually unknown in the US when he fought Lehlohonolo Ledwaba for the IBF Super Bantamweight title after just a 2 week notice prior to the fight. Ringside commentators that time then couldn’t even pronounce his surname right. Some sports writers wrote that Pacman wouldn’t last 10 rounds against Ledwaba, but it was Ledwaba who kissed the canvass on the 6th. Before his fight against Barrera, one sports writer wrote about Pacman as a pretender and couldn’t last 5 rounds with MAB, but the result was otherwise.
If Pacman will face Corrales in the future, I think Corrales can beat him. But I don’t discount Pacman’s chances of staging an upset over Corrales because he has proven that in the past. If that will happen, Maybe Pacman would be the greatest Asian boxer of all time.
Thanks and more power…Mabuhay ka!
Poloy
Poloy,
People are now pretty weary about calling me a racist yank because of my reply: “Yank this.” I will not sit back and allow people to be unreasonable and call me a racist because they are not smart enough to come up with a legitimate argument. It’s a cop out, really. I put out my opinion and not everyone is going to agree with it and sometimes I’m wrong, but I never base anything on race or location. To read my work and conclude that I’m racist is unbelievable to me, but people will do it because, between you and I, they are not that smart.
I do think that the Pacman may be too small to challenge Corrales, but you stated your case well. Not too many people picked him to defeat MAB. I was in the minority that said that Barrera might not be smart to stand in front of Pacman. I was shocked though when I saw the great MAB beaten into submission. Now, I can’t see a scenario that Pacman can beat Corrales, but I’m sure that many felt the same about MAB, so who knows? Perhaps Manny will continue to surprise us, but I cannot go against “Chico.” He is a monster.
I would like to see a bout with Acelino Freitas. That would be a great fight for Pac and one that he would win…to get his feet wet in the higher weight classes.
Mabuhay Ka to you as well!
Geno,
Geno Good day to you. I think Manny should not comment at this time regarding the suit filed against his Filipino handlers. Media people will only blow it out of proportion and in the end Manny will be caught in between and his training will be affected.
Dan
Dan,
Without question, the media makes mountains out of molehills. They want readers and will stretch the truth to get as many people buying their publication as possible. The juicier, the better and that is why there is so much sensationalistic press out there. The majority of people are attracted to stories with unhappy endings and everyone’s dirty laundry hanging out for all to see. I bought my house a year ago and I was recently tearing apart the basement and I found a bunch of newspapers from the mid-sixties. The majority of the stories were happy ones. There was one concerning a barbershop that was celebrating their two year anniversary. There was so little negativity in the newspapers, but now, all you have is dead body here, dead body there, shootings and robberies and it makes you think. Have things really gotten that bad, or is the media making things seem worse because carnage sells? I don’t know, but I do not worry when I walk the streets. Beside, I’m tough. I’m really tough. I could compete in the UFC, I’m so tough. Remember people, I am trying to convince the world that I’m tough and the best way to do it is with repetition and false testimonials: “Geno is tough. I saw him beat up 12 guys that knew martial arts. He looks indestructible!” —UFC Star that wishes to remain nameless. (Note: That was a false testimonial.)
Geno,
Pacquiao’s future belongs to Golden Boy Productions. It will be better for Pacman to drop his promotion company and just let Golden Boy handle his affairs for a fee. Less headache, more focus, better offers. Pacquiao’s promo company is only good for Asian boxing and is still in its infancy learning the ropes of big time international boxing.
Ton
Ton,
Golden Boy Promotions is doing very well, even though they seem to be pushing everything that they create onto PPV. It’s ridiculous, but considering their standing in the sport, it might be a good idea for Pacman.
Geno,
Your analysis with Pacman are all true and accurate…with his great punching power and boxing style will bring him to greatness ! But Pacman must put himself to proper and strict self discipline. We all knew that stardom and money could put anybody down… if he failed to choose the right people to his team and right decision to his life and living ! He must be keen to decide on any crucial matter he can head his brighter future!
Great boxing future is with his own hands! And we fans always wish them greatness in this boxing world…
Hubs
Hubs,
What’s going on man? Concentration is the key and money and stardom can definitely cause some trouble, especially when you go from rags to riches. Many fighters have lost because the hunger was gone. That’s the good thing about Riddick Bowe…always hungry.
Hey Geno,
This is the best mailbag…congrats!!! This is the first time that I’ve written to a mailbag. Usually I just read them. But when I read your mailbags, I kind of wanted to write one too for the reasons that you’re accepting any comments and your pretty intelligent too.
I wonder why other columnists banned those who say negative things when in fact it only means that they are effective on some issues as a columnist. I’m sure your mailbag is quite full knowing that you have a lot of fans. More power!
What are your predictions on the upcoming bouts of the Pacman. Thanks and once again, more power to your column.
Rey_Emman
Rey,
Best mailbag? Thanks for noticing. “Pretty Intelligent.” I will take it! Some would say: “Sort of intelligent,” or “More or less intelligent,” but you went with “Pretty Intelligent,” and for that I say thank you. Some columnists shouldn’t own a computer and certainly should not be writing. I support other writers from other sites upon occasion because there are some darn good writers out there and I have a lot of respect for their work, and then there are these morons that can’t write and don’t know the sport and don’t respect the sport and the fans, and I have no respect for them. As for my predictions: Manny defeats Larios by 3rd round TKO, and EM by 7th round TKO.
Okay, two down, and two to go. The support that you people are showing for my mailbag is truly appreciated. Keep it up! I want to encourage everyone that is reading this right now to check out our message board! You can win free prizes. This isn’t like one of those “Free X Box 360” pop ups that you always see. This is free boxing related items that will make your neighbors jealous. They’ll say: “There goes Bob (if your name is Bob)…he’s got that autographed glove and he didn’t even have to pay for shipping!” So get with it and sign up. I’ll talk to you tomorrow my friends.
