WHO YOU LIKE?™ Manny Pacquiao vs Juan Manuel Marquez + Andre Ward vs Carl Froch + Bernard Hopkins vs Chad Dawson. Pre-fight coverage from Chelsea Pier, NYC. featuring the Bob Arum (Top Rank) and Jaime Motta (ESPN). “It was very sad for me to see a son talk to his father like Floyd Jr. did to Floyd Sr.” —Bob Arum

Juan Manuel Marquez has signed a contract to fight Manny Pacquaio on Nov. 12, the President of Top Rank Promotions Todd duBoef said.

The bout, which will be the third installment in an already highly-contested and controversial past, will be fought at a catch weight of 144 pounds at the likely location of the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

In 2004, Pacquaio and Marquez fought to a draw at 126 pounds, followed four years later by Pacman winning a controversial split decision against the Mexican native.

“I like the fight,” DuBoef told the Los Angeles Times. “How can you not after the first two fights? The thing I like best about this one is that fans are encouraged by it.”

“These guys have fought like gladiators over the course of their last 24 rounds together, and I believe we have another 12 more like that ahead of us.”

Although several fight night details remain undecided, such as the premium network the bout will air on, it is clear that Marquez is guaranteed $5 million and a percentage of pay-per-view sales.

As for the network, Top Rank CEO Bob Arum explained to The Times, that regardless of past television deals, the main focus is on promotion.

“We will evaluate whoever is providing the most assets in the publicizing and promotion of the event,” Arum said.

— Alex Neely

Newly crowned IBF light welterweight champion Zab Judah is wasting no time in sparking speculation over his first title defense, according to Main Events Promotion CEO Kathy Duva, adding that they are only interested in “the biggest money fight”.

“The goal now is big fights,” Duva said. “He’s a pay-per-view fighter and he should be in pay-per-view fights.”

With several of the top fighters at 140 pounds either scheduled to fight or involved in negotiations, Duva believes the consensus #1 lightweight (135-pounds), Juan Manuel Marquez, is the most exciting prospect.

“There a few big names out there and right now there aren’t a lot of big fights in boxing and that’s what it needs,” Duva said. “Marquez seems to be the only one available at the moment as a pay-per-view fighter so he would be a logical choice.”

Although Marquez (52-5, 38 KOs) promotional status is uncertain with Golden Boy, Duva explained that regardless of which promotion, Judah’s camp wants the fight.

“I think Marquez clearly has to sort out his promotional situation, but when he does we will be happy to offer the fight to whoever he decides he’d like us to offer it to,” Duva said. “Zab is the champion, if Marquez is available this summer that fits perfectly with our schedule.”

Judah (41-6, 28 KOs), who recently defeated Kaizer Mabuza by technical knockout in the seventh round, expressed the same fervor.

“I like the Marquez fight,” commented Judah. “I like what he is. I like what he’s going to bring to the table. That’s the kind of fight I’m looking for.”

— Alex Neely

Undefeated welterweight Floyd Mayweather Jr.’s trial regarding a misdemeanor battery charge has been postponed until April 25, after a judge agreed Thursday to delay the court date.

The misdemeanor occurred near Mayweather’s home, when the former WBC super welterweight champion poked a homeowner’s association security guard in the face during an altercation in November. The scuffle stemmed from an argument over parking tickets issued to vehicles in the private neighborhood.

With the 33-year old fighter absent from the hearing, Mayweather’s lawyers spoke on his behalf, denying any wrongdoing.

The case is unrelated to Mayweather’s felony domestic violence case, which if convicted on all accounts, could place him in prison for 34 years.

On March 10, Mayweather will face an evidence hearing on charges filed by girlfriend Josie Harris, who claims the fighter struck and threatened her, stole her telephone and proceeded to threaten two of their children last September.

Since 2006, “Money” (41-0, 25 Kos) has faced a veritable whose who in boxing, with victories over Zab Judah, Carlos Manuel Baldomir, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Juan Manuel Marquez. Most recently, Mayweather defeated Shane Mosley by unanimous decision at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nev. last May.

— Alex Neely

Floyd-Mayweather © Craig Mcdean

Manny Pacquiao Trainer Freddie Roach Preferred Juan Manuel Márquez Over Shane Mosley » There is no shortage of boxers who want to take down the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. • But if Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, had his way, the Filipino superstar would be taking on Mexican Juan Manuel Márquez. Instead, Pacquiao is scheduled to fight against Shane Mosley on May 7 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas… Wil Cruz, latino.foxnews.com

Promoters For Alexander-Bradley: Why Not Detroit? » The greater Detroit area, smack in the middle of one of the USA’s most economically depressed regions, is not usually high on the list of destinations for major sporting events these days. • Which is precisely why boxing promoters Gary Shaw and Don King insist that it is the most desirable venue for staging their Jan. 29 “Superfight” — a matchup of undefeated junior welterweight fighters Devon Alexander (21-0, 13 KOs) and Timothy Bradley (26-0, 11 KOs)… Bob Velin, www.usatoday.com

Tim Bradley Won’t Let Flu Slow Him For Devon Alexander » FanHouse spoke to 27-year-old WBO junior welterweight (140 pounds) king Tim Bradley in this Q&A as he prepares for an HBO televised, Jan. 29 clash opposite 23-year-old southpaw WBC titlist Devon Alexander that is slated for the Pontiac Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich. • Nicknamed, “The Desert Storm,” Bradley (26-0, 11 knockouts) told FanHouse that he will not allow a recent bout with the flu interfere with his training for Alexander (21-0, 13 KOs), who is called, “The Great.”… Lem Satterfield, boxing.fanhouse.com

Marquez In Vegas Or Mosley At Staples? Tough Call For Boxing Fans On Sept. 18 » Shane Mosley’s return from his Floyd Mayweather Jr. loss — in which he’ll square off against fellow Southern Californian Sergio Mora on Sept. 18 at Staples Center — would be a natural stop for L.A. boxing fans. • But there’s likely a better fight across the Mojave Desert in Las Vegas that same night: the world featherweight title bout airing on Showtime pitting unbeaten champion Juan Manuel Lopez against Rafael Marquez at MGM Grand Garden Arena. The pair appeared in L.A. Tuesday at the downtown Biltmore hotel… Lance Pugmire, latimesblogs.latimes.com

Mayweather Ensures Pacquiao Negotiations Descend Into Farce » Floyd Mayweather is a bully, one neatly wrapped in a cut 5-foot-8, 147-pound package. Like most bullies, Mayweather is intimidating. He sends promoters, managers and networks cowering in the corner with the mere threat of withholding his services. He holds the boxing world hostage by saying he will take his gloves and go home unless the fight isn’t when he wants, where he wants and at what weight he wants. He perpetuates a lie — like the one about his advisor, Al Haymon, not being involved in negotiations with Manny Pacquiao — because he is confident in the fact that no one in the industry will stand up to him… Chris Mannix, sportsillustrated.cnn.com

Juan Manuel Marquez: Mayweather Better Than Pacquiao » Manny Pacquiao is good. Floyd Mayweather Jr. is better… Brett Okamoto, www.lasvegassun.com

Five Key X-Factors Hang Over Floyd Mayweather As Clock Ticks On Comeback Fight » As Floyd Mayweather’s comeback bout against Juan Manuel Marquez hits its 30-day countdown, here are the five most important things to watch… David Mayo, www.mlive.com

“Baby Bull” Diaz Prepared For War » It’s an all-too-familiar story, really. • A young boxer goes from prodigy to prospect, from prospect to contender, from contender to champion. • When his career is over, however, whether or not he has fulfilled his aspirations in the ring, he often ends up going somewhere else: From paycheck to paycheck. Or worse, penniless and out on the street. • Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz is not going out like that… Patrick Gutierrez, insidefights.com

Instant Replay OK’d For Boxing, MMA • NAC Approves Using Technology To Confirm Calls » The Nevada Athletic Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to institute instant replay on a limited basis for boxing and mixed martial arts events… STEVE CARP, www.lvrj.com

By Lamar Clark

Call me a hater, because I wish I owned and published The Ring magazine, but can anyone explain to me why Floyd “Money” Mayweather is placed behind Juan Manuel Marquez on the August 2009 cover?

You may think I’m petty for even noticing the placement, but I’ve worked in the publishing industry for over 10 years, and the mission has always been to sell as many magazines on the newsstand as possible. You do that by placing a recognizable star to lead (left to right) on your cover.

Mayweather may not be the self proclaimed ‘Pay-Per-View Cash-Cow’ he boast about in his infamous ESPN interview with Brian Kenny, but there’s no denying his worldwide popularity. He’s not the ‘PPV King’, but I’m sure he can sell more magazines on the newsstand than Juan, a glimmer next Floyd’s star power.

“The Bible of Boxing” was purchased in 2007 by Sports and Entertainment Publications, a company under the umbrella of Golden Boy Enterprises, Oscar De La Hoya’s holding company whose assets include Golden Boy Promotions who promotes Juan Manuel Marquez. The August cover is a total flip-flip in presentation from the original HBO/Golden Boy promotional poster (see above.) Why the switch-a-roo? Has the boss’s influence rubbed off or did The Ring’s editorial team simply like this set up better? Remember the mission…

De La Hoya said he understood the skepticism that would come when he purchased The Ring, “We’ll have no say over the editorial content of the magazine. We’re promoters who are going to be fair to everyone. That’s the responsibility we carry. I’m sure we’re going to read the magazine one-day and we will be criticized. Our fighters won’t be on the cover every month. You’ll be seeing Top Rank fighters on the cover.”

We all know and understand why Floyd was placed in the forefront of this boxing promotion. But why is he placed in the background on The Ring?

Part 1 »