Have you seen the movie: “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” It’s the Tina Turner story. I was just thinking that it is time for a sequel. I really don’t care what really happened since. In my version, Ike Turner gets into an accident and has been turned into a cyborg. It’s sort of like Terminator, but with Ike. It is the Turnernator. I think that this movie has money written all over it and trust me people…I have a degree in marketing. Don’t you love it when people say: “It’s just a piece of paper,” when referring to a degree? My cousin always says that. “I’m not going to waste my time for a piece of paper. It’s only a piece of paper!” I’m going to have to start using that logic. When I get pulled over for speeding: “It’s only a piece of paper, officer.” When I get my mortgage bill: “It’s only a piece of paper, Mr. Bank Man.”
Do you know what a really weird occupation is? A dog breeder. My Aunt is a dog breeder and says that it is really good money, but I don’t know exactly what her role in the matter is. How do you set the mood for two dogs? She does it and I guess that she makes a good living doing it, but that has to be embarrassing. “What do you do?” “Well, I am a lawyer, and what do you do, Geno’s Aunt?” “I watch dogs do it all day long.” That isn’t exactly respectable, in my opinion, but it probably beats working at a factory. Did I ever tell you that I used to work for LEGO? Yep. I used to palletize eight hours a day, forty hours a week, and I absolutely hated it. I would rather be a dog breeder, then to work in an incredibly hot factory.
I got a visit from the meat fairy. I was at my other job, where I deal with truck drivers and chemical spills, and the occasional streaking intruder. Okay, I have yet to have some naked dude run through the plant that I work at, but it is possible. My buddy Steve was a security guard at an old age home…wow did he get a lot of play. Anyway, there was a naked guy demanding that Steve open the door. Steve actually called me and asked what he should do. He called me before he called the cops. There were only two things that he could have done: (a) Keep the door closed and call the police or (b) Let the naked guy in. Thankfully, he chose (a), and the cops arrested the man in the buff. Now, where was I? Oh yeah, meat fairy.
I was at work and was ready to order a grinder. Hey, I was working 16 hours and I deserved a dinner that wasn’t my normal fluffernutter. So, right as I pick up the phone to call, these two guys come in with four aluminum trays. There was a big party at the park next door and they had an incredible amount of leftovers. Now, usually, when they drop off food, we will get these crappy sandwiches, or muffins, but this time, there was T-bone steak, and buffalo chicken wings! They had baked potatoes too! I ate like a king. It was a fluke and it will probably never happen again, but I want to say thanks to that meat fairy, whoever you are. He could have easily thrown that food in the trash or gave it to some dogs. My Aunt would probably say: “Don’t give them steak…you’re ruining the mojo!”
Now, I have quite a few nominees for: “Geno Bambino’s Question of the Month,” but there is still time to be in the running for the autographed book: “The Great White Hopes” by Graeme Kent. I want to give it away because you, the RSR readers mean so much to me. So, get your questions in and let’s do this thing people!
Anyway, on to your questions…
FIGHTING STANCE
Hi Geno,
This is the first time to write an email to you and i like the way you comment emails. I’ve been reading your comments to various emails from fans, i could say that you are very objective. You tell people your thoughts without hesitation if it favors or contradicts an opinion from the fan.
Geno, I just observe this lately but I also noticed this with Lennox Lewis before. European fighters have different fighting stance to most fighters from the rest of the continents. I noticed that European fighters are easily hit with punches, there defense is not good and very awkward and easily cut on the eyebrow. To sum it all, I noticed that their fighting stance is very very awkward. Their one arm seems to protect them from uppercuts and the other hand is down on their side which i see a very weak defense for straights and hook shots. Also when they back off it seems difficult for them to do so.
I think that it’s the reason why most of the European fighters are not successful during championship fights with fighters other than that from Europe. Lewis may have won opponents from the US but I think it’s because of his size back then. Some examples of fights I saw was Hamed with Barrera, Cotto with Malignaggi. Hope to receive a reply from you soon. Thank you and more power.
Jorge
Jorge,
The European Style has been evolving over the years and has recently proven to be very affective in the boxing ring. There are still some flaws that I can see, such as the fact that they stand up a little to straight. I thought that Vitali Klitschko, although he was winning many of his fights with his size and feel for the game, stood way too straight up and was a sucker for a straight right hand. That is why I had picked Hasim Rahman to beat him and that is why that fight probably never happened. I don’t think that you can classify Naseem Hamed as a European-styled fighter. I don’t know what he is, but he was a dazzling performer that created a style of his own to beat many good fighters. Barrera was just too smart in there to fall into the traps that Hamed was trying to set.
Some European fighters do cut easier than most, and it has to be due to the climate of their homeland and the effect that it has on their skin. Also, the structure of the skull and all that figures into it… Lennox Lewis ruled the division because he was so great. He won the majority of his early fights on talent alone, and once Steward got his hands on him, he was nearly unbeatable. The two defeats on his record have been soundly avenged. Lewis did have the European style, but it was altered, and the best in Lewis was brought to the surface, and the results are obvious. Many think that he retired out of fear of Vitali, but I honestly thought that he was on his way to stopping “Dr. Iron Fist” before the cut ended the bout and caused all sorts of controversy. Lewis got out while the getting was good. He didn’t have the drive anymore and he has already proven himself.
Thanks for the props my friends and more power to you as well.
WEIGHT CLASSES
Hi, Geno”El Henyo” Mcgahee,
I’m a regular reader of your mailbag and I find it informative as well as entertaining. This is my first time to write you though. My question is: Can you please provide me a run down of all the weight classes with their corresponding nomenclature, e.g. middleweight- _____lbs, heavyweight- ____lbs. Thank you and God bless!
Nuj
Nuj,
Welcome to the RSR mailbag and I appreciate you as a reader. You want all of the weight classes…Okie dokie.
Strawweights: 105 pound limit.
Junior Flyweight: 108 pound limit.
Flyweight: 112 pound limit.
Super Flyweight: 115 pound limit.
Bantamweight: 118 pond limit.
Super Bantamweight; 122 pound limit.
Featherweight: 126 pound limit.
Super Featherweight: 130 pound limit.
Lightweight: 135 pound limit.
Super Lightweight: 140 pound limit.
Welterweight: 147 pound limit.
Super Welterweight: 154 pound limit.
Middleweight: 160 pound limit.
Super Middleweight: 168 pound limit.
Light Heavyweight: 175 pound limit.
Cruiserweight: 200 pound limit.
Heavyweight: unlimited.
Butterbean: Extremely unlimited.
As you can see, there are 17 weight classes. Isn’t that just fantastic?!!! If it weren’t for those ridiculous sanctioning bodies, we could probably eliminate many of the weight classes. There used to be only 8 weight classes and that’s when boxing was in its prime, but greed has taken over the world and boxing jumped at the opportunity to make more, but they have suffered from over-exposure when it comes to championships. The idiots that run the WBA have created “Super Champions,” for the unified champs, which now makes the non-super title available, and creates two guys with claim to the title in that division. It hurts the sport. Thanks to you as well, and I wish you as many blessings as possible too my friend.
NO NAME
Geno,
I’m a big big Pacquiao fan but I also didn’t want to pay $40 to watch the fight. I ended up doing it anyway, but it hurt. I agree that it would have made a whole lot more sense if it was $20 or a non-PPV fight on HBO.
Anonymous
Anonymous,
What is going on my secretive friend? I am also a Pacman fan, but I couldn’t shell out the 40 bucks. No name, huh? Do you have time for a story? You do? That’s just great! Well, my buddy Jeremy’s ex-girlfriend had this annoying mother that would sing all of the time, but she couldn’t carry a tune. Well, we left the house one day in his girlfriend’s car and Jeremy placed a cassette into the stereo (this was obviously prior to CDs…new fangled things). Well, the tape was of his ex’s mother singing: “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name.” Well, the horse probably couldn’t get a word out because she was such a heavy lady. His name was probably “squashed to death.” American Idol is really popular, especially in the opening episodes because of the bad singers, and this lady surely was one of those. Her horrible voice still echoes in my brain.
It would have been nice had HBO picked it up and ran with it, but Golden Boy Promotions wanted to milk this one for all it was worth and ran it on PPV with that 40 dollar price tag on it. I wonder if Oscar sits on his gold furniture, while watching his gold television, and says to himself: “I still haven’t made enough money,” and then places a fight like this on PPV. The fans that have supported this man get a kick in the grapes. Oscar, if you are reading this, you have my word that I will never and I repeat NEVER purchase one of your musical CD’s. That goes for you too David Hasselhoff!
COCK-A-DOODLE DOO
Hi Geno “The Cock” McGahee,
Como esta mi amigo? How is Cochwoods these days? LOL.. I would love to watch that film!
This is my second time to ask you a question. Thanks for answering my first! (It was about championship belts)
Now, my question is: who do you think are the top boxing judges, referees, managers, and promoters today?
Gracias se?or!
Kanx
Kanx,
What is going on my friend? Thanks for the new nickname and I will add it to my book of nicknames that the RSR readers have bestowed upon me. Hey, what’s going on amigo? How are the Cochwoods these days? Well, the Cochwoods Monster is still alive and well, and one day there will be a sequel to “Evil Awakening,” which just so happens to be available for purchase worldwide at www.xposse.com. We will ship it anywhere and at 10 dollars, how can anyone go wrong?
Hmm…I think that I answered a question very similar to this last week, but since I like you, I will do it again. I think that Jay Nady is very good for a referee, Teddy Atlas and Harold Lederman for judges, Oscar De La Hoya for promoter, and the manager has to be De La Hoya too. He managed to make himself a bundle of money in his bout with Mayorga…a BUNDLE! This guy brings the people in regardless of who he is fighting.
Well, take care my friend.
MARQUEZ-PENALOSA
Geno,
What do you think will be the result when Gerry Penalosa fights Rafael Marquez?
singing duet Chihuahua
Hey, Singing Duet Chihuahua,
What is going on? Sweet nickname my friend. Anyway, I think that Rafael Marquez is one of the best in the game today and I would make him a favorite over the talented and rugged Gerry Penalosa. It’s a tough fight for sure, but there aren’t that many tougher than Marquez. So, in the end, I would pick Marquez by UD.
CHOLOLO IS A NICE HOMBRE
Hi there boss Geno,
Even with Chololo’s loss in his recent fight in Manila vs our own Pacman, he has endeared himself to Filipino fight fans who know little of him. What a gritty stand by Oscar and fine display of sportsmanship. Am sure he is still very capable of snatching crowns at 126-130 pds divs.
I hope Pacman will be pitted against the other elites at 126 or 130 to add variety to the table.
Could you share us some quick facts about Edwin Valero? I heard this guy has been knockin’ out guys en route to a 19-0 rec (18 of which made only the opening stanza?) Who known Filipino pug can be a good opponent for this guy and how do you see this bout if ever it materializes?….Last Q Geno, any idea of the buy numbers of the Pacquiao-Larios PPV?… Thanks for hearing and God bless
Boyaxski
Boyaxski,
Larios proved many people wrong when he went the distance. I knew that he was tough, but I really thought that he was going to be dispensed of quickly. He showed true grit and true class after the bout. Larios has a championship heart. I don’t know if he can turn that into more gold around his waist, but he didn’t hurt himself at all with this defeat. Pacman is all set to fight Morales again and that should be fun. If Pac makes it through, the sky will be the limit.
Edwin Valero is one of the most exciting fighters in the game. He brings the big punch and has destroyed his opposition. I have him on my people to watch list along with heavyweight David Rodriguez, who shares a similar record. Man, I wish that I had that kind of record, but the only way for me to do it is to face elderly people, I think, and that’s not nearly as impressive as KO’ing people your own age. Valero is going to make a big splash in this world and will hopefully bring some excitement back into the game.
I have heard that the numbers weren’t that good for the Pacman PPV in the states. I didn’t get any specifics, but I heard that the people involved were disappointed.
WORDS FROM MY GOOD FRIEND WINSTON
Geno,
I totally agreed to you that the recently concluded bout of Pac vs Larios was not worth to be priced at 40 bucks. It doesnt even have a good under card fights on it. And you are right that it was really a greed on the part of the promoters to have it priced that much. It also doesn’t worth to be sub tagged or called as a
“Thrilla in Manila II”. But instead it should be dubbed as “Gorilla in Manila I” A month ago, it was written in the newspapers here that this bout is worth watching by the whole boxing world. It was reportedthat the organizers were able to convinced Foreman and Frazer to be in attendance and to grace the occasion to commemorate the Thrilla in Manila I which was held in the early 70’s.
And it is said that there will be a live satellite feed on a wide screen from Ali to address the crowd before the Pac vs Larios bout. And some newspapers even said that Oscar De La Hoya will also come. But it turned out to be either a hearsay, hoax or even a promotional gimmick. Shame on those sportswriters who wrote it to spread those wrong information. They don’t even confirm it before they write it. They didn’t even bother to correct
the wrong write-ups or information that they wrote before the fight was held. Well, perhaps they are paid to create those lies to help up in marketing chores lol. I guessed those sportswriters who wrote that wrong information should stopwriting any sports column at all, but instead they should write in a show biz gossip column. What do you think?
Now, why do I say that the bout should be called as “Gorilla in Manila I?”. Your guessed is right as mine Geno. These big monkeys got lots of big bananas out of that greed (if you now what I mean).
It’s a good thing that Pacman won that fight. Hats off to Larios for putting a gallant and brave fight.
Gosh, boxing has so many governing bodies to this date. This is the only sport that are being abused for the purpose of greed. There are WBC, WBA, WBO, IBF, etc, etc. I wouldn’t be surprise if someday there will be GBO or GBA (Geno Boxing Organization or Geno Boxing Association, lol). How about that. Let’s confiscate all of those belts in every division, melt it, then mold it into one under your organization. That’s the way to unify it, lol.
I have so many questions to ask you Geno. But I’m afraid that I’m taking a lot of space to your column. I hope you are not getting tired of me and I hope you enjoy reading my comments like the first one. This is the second part of my never-ending novel. I’ll be right back.
Winston
Winston,
What is going on my good friend? You’re just like me…can’t shut up, but I like that… I think that it was pretty crummy for the sportswriters to claim that there would be special guests and that wasn’t the case. What a let down! I want to talk about let downs, and even though this isn’t exactly boxing related, it is very important. When I graduated college, I was on the hunt for a “real” job, you know. So, I placed my r?sum? on line and sent it to countless places. Well, I get this call and this girl is telling me: “Geno, you are just what we are looking for. You have managerial experience (Roy Rogers), and you have a degree. You are the young blood that we need at our company.” Well, the job title was: “Financial Consultant,” and I was very excited. Hey, I was the young blood that they were looking for.
Well, I show up at this place and they take me into an office, and begin to interview me and it went fantastic. I have never had a better job interview. Well, before I could ask about pay, they led me to this large room that was filled with people, all sitting and facing a stage. That’s when it hit me. I was just done dry. They wanted $3,000 bucks from me to get my start up program and then I would just make a bundle of money. Pyramid scheme for sure, and I had none of it! The crowd was mostly elderly…this was the young blood that they were seeking? Is 80 years old considered young nowadays?!!! What the hell! So college kids and elderly, watch out for these scams. That is Geno Bambino’s Words of Wisdom for the Week.
The GBBF (Geno Bambino Boxing Federation) would be awesome! I like the way that you think Winston…I LIKE IT! I would love to step in and fix boxing and that is from the ground level up. You won’t believe just how many boxers get shafted in this game. All of this talk of a million dollar purse means nothing. You have to look at the bottom line and when you have shady promoters/managers along with many things that go on behind the scenes, the boxer usually doesn’t see much of it. It needs regulation because the scoundrels are running the show and the love of money is the root of all evil and there is a lot of evil in boxing. I hope that the GBBF does come to be because I want to see this sport cleaned up and the boxers that get their heads bashed in get the lion’s share of the purse.
Anyway, Winston keep on writing…and keep writing that never-ending novel. I will keep enjoying the movie: The Neverending Story. I freaking love that movie. I can’t wait for my son to get a little older to enjoy it. The 1980’s had some great movies like Flash Gordon, Swamp Thing, Dreamscape, and Enemy Mine. I think that I will call in sick for work and have a movie marathon this week at home. If my boss doesn’t like that, I will give him a never-ending kick in the grapes.
A TRUE GENTLEMAN
Geno,
most boxers after their fight and lost to another fighter has always have some excuses… except for one Larios. Accepting his defeat to a better man, takes a lot of courage. He really is a true gentleman.
Pas
Pas,
I couldn’t agree with you more. Gentleman for sure. For sure a gentleman…sorry, that’s all I got.
TALK TO ME NICO
Geno,
it was a good fight between pacman and chololo but the thing is that I think pacman didn’t show so much effort. In the first place it was very obvious that pacman will win the match. Larios is good but he lacks agility…. that is needed in being a boxer..
Nico
Nico,
It was a good fight between Pacman and Larios, despite the one-sided decision. Larios went in there to win, but he is not a defensive win and he does lack agility, but he makes up for it with grit and heart.
WHERE IS THE LOVE, THE LOVE, THE LOVE
Hi Geno!
What’s up? I hope everything’s doing well with you and your family.
Anyway, this is my third time to send an e-mail and I’m pretty damn sure that this isn’t my last one.
Now, on to my question: Why do Erik Morales and Marco Antonio Barrera hate each other so much? I understand the rivalry going on considering that they’re from different towns (rival towns in fact) in Mexico. But even great rivals can show respect.
With them, its just animosity and hatred all the time. You can’t call it a healthy rivalry. Can you enlighten me on this? Can you tell a little bit of history on how they started hating each other so much?
I hope to hear from you soon Geno. Thanks for answering my previous e-mails. I really appreciate the fact that you take the time to answer questions not only from PacFans like me but boxing fans in general.
Have a nice day and Godbless!
CARL
Carl,
Hmm…what’s up? Not much…you know, a little bit of this, a little bit of that. Everything is good with the family. My wife is not yelling at me nearly as much and my 16 month old son is running around and causing havoc. He’s a baby…that’s his job.
On a Mexican Television program, MAB called EM an “Indian,” which began the feud. Now, I believe that EM believed that Marco was referring to the Native American in the Village People and he just wasn’t a fan. When he sat back and listened to: “Macho Man,” it didn’t do anything for him, and perhaps he was upset that he was never offered a spot in the band. After all, there were no boxers. I could see Erik Morales singing: “YMCA” with the Village People. Perhaps that is something that he could look into after boxing is over: Village People tribute band.
Well, Erik Morales struck back and called Barrera a “homosexual,” but he didn’t use the politically correct word, which enraged Barrera and led to a punch being thrown at their press conference for their 2002 encounter. This was a war of the potty mouths, and quite frankly, there was no need for it. They could have used other words like: “poop head,” or maybe just maybe say, for instance if I were MAB, that Erik had “poop for brains.” No need be ignorant about it guys! Grow up!
I’m happy that people love the game like I do and that is why I do this mailbag. You people have a right to be heard and that is why I am here. I am also here to rant and rave and do a little bit of rambling. Thank you people for sticking with me. Blessings and the best to you too my friend.
BUT GENO, WHAT IF HE’S CHUBBY?
Geno,
The danger with the PAC vs Morales III is that Morales may opt to pay the penalty to fight the PAC at 132 or even 133 lbs to get his revenge. What would happen if this scenario happens? Thanks & more power.
Ben
Ben,
It will be up to Pacman, really. They will offer him some money to proceed with the bout should Morales come in heavy, but I don’t think that lightning will strike twice…at least I hope not. Jose Luis Castillo boned us good a few months back when he came into the bout chubbed up. Do you like that term: “Chubbed up?” I just invented it. So, if he comes in over the limit, expect the fight to either proceed, which is my guess when some money changes hands or it will be canceled. More power to you my friend.
SOME MORE OF THE PACMAN
Geno,
yeah it really won’t happen about pac and mab because they push a third fight with morales and mab is scared of the pac the last time he fought last may. mab is not a threat to the super featherweight anymore…he can be easily torn apart by PACMAN and even Rocky Juarez can have the same fate as the MAB might experience with the PAC…they are just waiting for the PAC to lose his chance of becoming the world champ…hello what if the PAC loses to EM then there will be no way for him to go back and redeem the glory he once have…you out there are selfish in this world anything can happen
Jonathan
Jonathan,
You worry too much. I remember when my cousin Scott entered himself into the naked pogo stick cross country championship of the world and many thought that he was crazy for doing it, when he could have easily stayed home and won a pie-eating contest. Well, needless to say, he won the naked pogo stick cross country championship. Hmm…now that I think about it…he was the only participant. I think that he may have made up that championship merely to use a pogo stick naked, which is not a good idea people. I’m going to use medical terms here, so it doesn’t get edited out by my good friend and CEO/Publisher of the best boxing website in the entire world, RSR, “Bad” Brad Berkwitt. Scott’s grapes were turned into applesauce. I think that a doctor would use those terms, right? Fantastic…this just in! I just phoned a doctor and he said the following: “Geno is correct. Those are terms that we doctors often use. Geno is one smart dude.” (Note: Not actual quote) Okay, I had my fun. Next question.
PAC MAN POWER
Hi Geno,
As a Pacquiao fan, but a boxing fan first and foremost, I have a few comments I wanted to get your opinion on.
First off, I think Manny has shown dramatic improvement from fight to fight, but especially in this last bout w/ Larios. He now has power in both fists and his defense is also much improved. I would like to see him go to the body more and finish guys off at the first opportunity.
Next, his seems to have conquered the best of Mexico, so why not have him fight an American, African, European or Russian fighter? I think it would be good for Manny to face a different boxing style and make him a better overall boxer.
Lastly, I think the Philippines could be a wonderful venue for future Pacquiao fights, esp if it were to be picked up by HBO or Showtime. The under card on Pacquiao-Larios showcased the future boxing talent of the Philippines.
Your thoughts?
Keep up the great work!!!
AA
AA,
What is going on my friend? I think that you’re right about fighting different styles, but the styles that many Mexicans bring to the ring…the aggressive and body punching attack and the never-say-die attitude brings in the fans. Boxing is a money sport and they know that they are going to get a bigger purse should Manny fight a Mexican fighter. Boxing is huge in Mexico and has a rich tradition and the name of the game is to get people in the seats and not necessarily to make the best possible match.
I think that the Philippines has proven itself as a great venue for boxing and why not cover it and push the fighters? There is more than just the Pacman brothers, and hopefully there will be a card from there featured on HBO or Showtime. I think that it is a very good idea.
A VARIETY OF QUESTIONS
First, do you have any idea how much PPVs the PAC-CHOLOLO got in the US?
Second, were you able to catch the under cards on the PAC-LARIOS bout? What can you say about the fights? Do you agree with the respective decisions?
Third, and the last, would you agree with me if i say, there are more disadvantages than advantages in PAC fighting in the Philippines? i would rather him fight in the US…
all the best pal
ironwood
Ironwood,
What is going on my friend? I have heard the sales in the U.S. weren’t the best, but you can blame the lack of promotion and the high rental price for that one. Unfortunately, I did not catch the under card bouts. I was able to see the main event, but I didn’t hear of any controversy from any of the decisions.
I would say that there is a lot of pressure on Manny fighting in the Philippines because he is the national hero and he has to be concerned about letting his fans down and they are right there with him when he fights at home. He may be able to focus better in the states where the pressure isn’t as much. So, you are probably correct.
Right back at you pal!
COMMENTS ABOUT THE PACSTER
Geno,
Thank you for writing about our Pacman, the Pacfans appreciate that so much more power to you and keep on punching man.
Raffy
Raffy,
Thank you for the kind words and I want to give a shout out to all the Pacfans in the Philippines and in Canada that come to my mailbag and read RSR. Thank you very much to every RSR reader worldwide. You are all the bomb. I am currently applauding and jumping up and down, and chasing my cousin Scott because he’s on that damn pogo stick again!
GENO IN CONTROL
Geno,
If you happen to be Pacman’s manager, which fights would you plan and what direction would you set for him to achieve the peak of success and greatness that he is potentially capable of achieving?
Max Nimrod
Max,
If I were Pac’s manager, I would get Morales out of the way, and make sure that Manny is 100% focused. Also, if Morales comes in overweight, the bout would be off, period. After a win over Erik, I would move him up to Lightweight to challenge Juan Diaz or Acelino Freitas for a title. I would avoid Diego Corrales at this point. I think that, if managed correctly, Pacman can remain undefeated for the rest of his career…if he doesn’t fight on too long. The money match is with PBF, and I would talk to them and say: 133 pounds and the purse split right down the middle, or no fight. At that weight, Manny has a chance, and win or lose, he maintains his reputation. Most will think that he’s going to lose and if he does, nobody will lose respect for him and he will still be considered one of the best that just lost to a bigger man. If he wins, he is HUGE around the world…even more so than he is now.
Erik’s weight problems and a plethora of nonsensical questions
In his upcoming bout with the Pacman on Nov 18, can Erik actually make the weight and still remain durable?
In his first bout with the Pacman, I feel that Manny lost because he was fighting with his limited vision, blinded with blood from the accidental headbutt. All that Morales has to do is dance away to Pacman’s blind side and fire combinations.
Do you also believe that Pacman’s “Winning”-brand gloves lessened the impact of his punches? Manny reportedly prefers the thinner “Cleto Reyes” brand because it makes his punches much more devastating. Brian Viloria similarly reports that the Cleto Reyes has a tendency to wear out in the middle area much easier, leaving the knuckles relatively thin. Can the choice of boxing gloves actually give a strong advantage to a boxer?
In their second bout, Pacman was able to dominate Morales because of his superb right hand. Wearing his favorite Cleto Reyes gloves, Manny was able to punish Erik with crunching body punches (particularly during the 4th to 6th rounds). Did you see the replay of that bout, and have you noticed those body punches that Erik absorbed? Manny disclosed to a reporter that he felt Erik’s ribs crack during those rounds. Have you noticed them too while watching the replay?
Erik’s struggle to make the weight has left his body famished and less muscular. With less muscle mass to protect his body, it’s easy to predict that Erik will again be vulnerable even if he manages to make the weight. Is this possible again come November 18?
I enjoy your reading your mailbag Geno, and I’m so glad you get to answer them, not me 🙂
More power always! Geno, you’re the man! And I’m one stupid fan thumping away like a monkey on the loose whenever I see a pound-for-pound boxer fight on tv, wee hee hee
Floyd Robinson
Floyd,
How are you doing my friend? What is up dude! I think that the entire issue with the gloves is legit. If you are not as comfortable in a certain brand of gloves, it could affect your game and make the fight tough for you mentally. Those body shots were the key to defeating Morales, and would have put him out in the first fight had Manny applied the pressure to the body. He hurt him in the first round of their first fight with a body shot and forgot about it for the next eleven rounds.
Can Erik be durable after making weight… He is a professional and if he trains correctly and starts camp at the proper time, he’ll do it. I hope that nobody underestimates this great fighter. He is not coming to lose people. He is coming for redemption. Pac better be on his game.
Thanks for the mailbag props dude! I’m the man? That is so @#$#@$@#$ cool!
HISTORY LESSON
Those of us of a certain age will no doubt remember the Pac-Man phenomenon of the 1980s. For those who don’t it centred around a small yellow semi-circle, who didn’t even have eyes, careering around eating up all before him and scoring points while being chased by four ghosts. In his own little way that little yellow semi-cicle with a voracious appetite, for all his simplicity, changed the world. The reason he did so was that people from all walks of life, age groups and genders could appreciate his enthusiasm. His 2006 incarnation also careers around a squared circle eating up all before him while millions look on in awe. His name is Manny ‘Pac-Man’ Pacquiao and it was business as usual this past weekend as he gobbled up the brave but ultimately outgunned Mexican Oscar Larios over 12 rounds in Quezon City.
Pacquiao dominated the rugged Larios over 12 rounds in is native Philippines to stretch his pro record to 43-3-2. He has lost just once now in almost seven years and is the only fighter to have knocked down all three Mexican modern greats Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales and Juan Manuel Marquez. Frighteningly, at 27 he may not yet have reached his peak. What is certain is the fact that he is the most popular Filipino to have ever walked the earth. He has the ability to turn the normally heaving capital city of Manila into a virtual ghost town just by getting into a ring.
Like his hero Muhammad Ali, Pacquiao’s popularity transcends the sport. Unlike Ali however, Pacquiao had to fight his way out of extreme poverty before his fists allowed him the collective heart of a nation. The legend goes that Manny ran away from the rice fields at the age of 12 because his mother didn’t want him to box. It proved to be an inspired decision. After a limited amateur career Pacquiao turned pro at 16 and weighed just 106lbs in his first fight. The early stages of his pro career were wholly unremarkable. He won three of his first four fights on points against poor opposition and was knocked out by the unheralded Rustico Torrecampo in just his 12th fight.
He regrouped though and won his next 12 (many in spectacular fashion) to land a WBC flyweight title tilt.
Pacquiao stopped Chatchai Sasakul in eight in Thailand to win his first world title, but after just one defence lost that belt in the same country to Medgoen Singsurat. ‘Pac-Man’ moved up to super-bantamweight soon after, and his career went into overdrive. He overwhelmed top men such as Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, Jorge Eliecer Julio and Fahprakorb Rakkiatgym in world title fights at 8st 10lbs, before a crushing win over Emmanuel Lucero landed him a fight with Barrera.
Pacquiao was a 5/1 outsider to beat the ‘Baby Faced Assassin’, but defied the Las Vegas odds-men with a display of chilling ferocity. Barrera was totally overwhelmed in Texas and stopped after 11 rounds of fistic mayhem. It was brutal. And the Philippines’ best kept secret was now well and truly out. In his next fight he drew with Marquez (after dropping JMM three times in the first round) but in March 2005 he suffered a points defeat to Morales. He avenged that loss in January of this year with a splendid 10-round stoppage win over ‘El Terrible’, and is regarded now as the finest little man in the game.
Pacquiao’s style is all his own. The way he bounces around defiantly during fights is far more Bruce Lee than Ali, but it’s certainly effective.
He is a bundle of energy who pours forward relentlessly, darting in with wave after wave of two-fisted attacks. He’s not afraid to take a shot to land his own, and as he showed against Barrera he is no respecter of reputation.
This is why his is loved in his homeland and by fight fans everywhere. Like his 2D namesake a generation ago he is the hottest thing in the business right now, and that famed voracious appetite shows no signs of abating
NANZ
Nanz,
I didn’t see a question in there, but thanks for the history lesson. Next class: Gym. Get ready for some squat thrust action!
COME ON MARCO
Geno,
I am Rolando Seblos, one of the fans of idol Manny Pacman and that is why I submitted this my comments, is no longer how does the fight between pacman and barrera previously deciding have a part 2 coz i know pacman can defeated to the featherweight king barrera. It much better to watch their most excellent fight. coz barrera is long time was not make a remach for Manny. Why won’t MAB’s camp prove to the world that he is the featherweight king?
Rolando Seblos
Rolando,
I am Geno McGahee, the man that writes this mailbag, and that is why I am answering right now. I think that MAB needs to pack it in, win or lose to Juarez. What’s the point? What is the @#$##$#@ point in taking another beating from Pacman. What is the point in facing Rocky Juarez? I will give you a hint: $$$$$! They are going to run this guy into the ground and bleed him for all he is worth. MAB needs to retire before he gets hurt. If he beats Juarez, he will probably be pushed into a Pacman rematch and then carried out.
ALL I NEED IS A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS…
Geno Rambobino,
What’s up my man from out of nowhere? Your stuff has me CTFU all the time and the best part is you know your boxing. Can you tell me some info on each of these fighters who I always enjoyed from years gone by?
Greg Page
Gerrie Coetzee
Alfredo Escalera
Danny “Little Red” Lopez
Jake
Jake,
Thank you very much for the new nickname “Rambobino.” It rocks! I have elected to take another route with your question this week. This week has been such a big week for emails, and I appreciate that, that I had to call upon my good friends at RSR. I flashed that RSR light in the sky to call upon them and handed out some of the names that you asked about. I said: “My fellow writers. I need your help. My good friend Jake has this wonderful question and my hands may be too tired to finish the job.” The fantastic four that agreed to take on this mission looked at me and said in unison: “Bambino, we are here for you brother.” They sat me down at RSR Headquarters and manned the stations, each one answering part of your question.
Greg Page by RSR Feature Writer, Brian Wilbur
Greg Page, as far as his talent and accomplishments, fits right in with the muddle of heavyweight contenders in the 1980’s. He won an alphabet soup belt whatever that is worth (but really, what heavyweight contender didn’t in the 1980’s?). The only true champion at the time was Larry Holmes of course. Page beat some pretty good fighters like Jimmy Young, Gerrie Coetzee, and Quick Tillis. He was probably the best 1980’s heavyweight to not get a crack at Larry Holmes.
By the late 80’s Page was not the fighter he once was, whether it was due to lack of dedication or physical decline I do not know. He is a glaring example of boxers who fight on for too long. The guy fought on until 2001; well into his 40’s! You can’t really knock the guy for not hanging them up though because he was competitive even at his advanced age and 15 years removed from his prime. He went the distance with Monte Barrett, knocked out Tim Witherspoon and Terence Lewis.
Page never quit boxing on his own terms, he was forced to give up the sport because of tragedy. He was knocked out by Dale Crowe in 2001 and suffered a stroke. He is now paralyzed and confined to a wheelchair. It is easy to point fingers at the commission for letting someone so old fight and for not having the proper medical staffing to care for Page when he needed help. In reality, Page is one of the many examples of how dangerous this sport is, especially if you do not get out when it is your time.
Gerrie Coetzee by RSR Writer, Roger T. Tubajiki
I think Gerrie Coetzee was one of the best heavyweight boxers South Africa ever produced. He was very strong, fast and determined in many of his fights, which earned him high profile bouts and honor to become the first African to win the world Heavyweight title. He had an impressive career and shocked the world with his first round knockout over former Heavyweight Champion Leon Spinks. I think, he was a true warrior and is a great figure in boxing history.
Alfredo Escalera by RSR Writer, Kenneth Henderson
“El Salsero” appears to be “Living La Vida Loca” on his Puerto Rican farm after having a group of bullies do the “Macarena” on his face a couple months ago while attending some boxing in San Juan. Luckily, there were no reports of injury to the eccentric Puerto Rican boxer.
Seriously, I think it is good for a person to express themselves. Alfredo has done that throughout his life with his style, or lack there of, in clothing. Although far from being an effective trendsetter with his no-socked tuxedo, his style in the ring proved far more promising. As with most pugilists who have waged as many battles as Escalera has, there will be highs and lows throughout their thirteen year career. A loss, however, does not always represent a low as is reflected in his bloody rivalry with Alexis Aguello. The first meeting of these two gladiators was dubbed “The Bloody Battle of Bayamon” (sounds Civil Warish, huh?) and ranks number thirty-one on the list of 100 Greatest Fights of all time. Their second encounter ranks as number 68, so there was no slacking in this war-Escalera did lose both of them via 13th round stoppage though.
Not only did Alfredo hold his WBC Junior Lightweight title for 2 ? years and ten title defenses, but he made history during that title reign– as one of two Puerto Rican superstars in the same division to hold a world title simultaneously.
I believe that anytime a sporting “super hero” can blend back into the mainstream of society and remain relatively incident free, it is a true testament to their character and persona as well as a blessing to the sport they love and represent. From all accounts I am aware of, Alfredo “El Salsero” Escalera is truly a class act and a boxing superstar.
Danny “Little Red” Lopez by RSR Feature Writer, Jason Tremble
Danny “Little Red” Lopez, (42-6, 39 KO’s) was a very popular Featherweight Champion in the mid 70’s. He was a foster child who got shuffled from home to home until he found serenity in boxing. Starting his pro career in 1971, he quickly ran up wins and knockouts for the next two years, until he met hall of famer Bobby Chacon in a non title bout and was knocked out in the ninth round. He ventured forward, had a couple more losses against some journeymen, then got back on his quest for a championship belt. Lopez was the first man to give Sean O’Grady his first professional loss, which led Lopez toward a fight for the WBC Featherweight Title. He won the belt when defending champion Jose Torres retired on his stool at the start of the seventh round. Lopez would go on to make eight defenses of his title, seven of which he won by knockout, the other by disqualification. In June 1979, in his seventh defense, he stopped Mike Ayala in the 15th round which made The RING magazine’s Fight of the Year. Lopez was finally dethroned by the late, great Salvador Sanchez, who scored a 13th round TKO in February 1980. Four months later, Lopez hung up the gloves, presumably for good, after being stopped by Sanchez in the 14th round of their rematch. He had one comeback fight in 1992, losing by a third round knockout and then hung up the gloves for good. He now lives in San Bernardino County, California. Working in construction, he lays pipe and digs ditches, which keeps him today in great shape. He has three children – who are all adults now. He and his wife Bonnie are now proud grandparents. He has obviously made a mark in the history books of boxing and deserves to be enshrined in the IBHOF.
Okay people that is it for this week. I want to thank the RSR Fantastic Four for their input and help on this matter. They are the bomb, aren’t they people? If you didn’t see your question or comment in this week’s bag, I assure you that it will be addressed next week. Don’t forget to check out www.xposse.com and you may even want to purchase the best DVD in the world, “Evil Awakening.” We ship worldwide and for ten bucks, you cannot go wrong! I stand by this product of mine and I promise you that you will love it!
Don’t forget to get your questions in for the “Geno Bambino Question of the Month.” You could win an autographed copy of: “The Great White Hopes” by Graeme Kent, and that book is great. So, until next humpty-hump, stay cool and digging my sack!
