Sports Alchemist

First stop Alex Arthur after Joan Guzman vacated the WBO Junior lightweight belt Arthur escalated to a legitimate champion but when his strings of good luck went into a halt Alex blame everyone except himself. After winning a close decision against fellow Brit Steve Foster Jr. wherein he was down in the 11th round and started slow in the early rounds. He was outpointed and outsmarted and this time all scores went to the challenger in a unanimous decision win by Nicky Cook. He thinks he was robbed but many thought the decision was fair he was beaten fair and square. He should be criticized for taking his opponents lightly and he paid the prize dearly.
Amir Khan was a prized amateur fighter and people are closely monitoring all his success. Amir went on 19-0 in all his professional fights coming into last weekend where in he was challenged by Breidis Prescott an undefeated Columbian fighter who holds an 89% KO ratio who drop his 17 opponents in all his 19 fights as a professional. The question would be how well Amir fares a KO artist like Prescott. The answer took only 30 seconds in round one and Amir’s glassy chin makes him vulnerable for power punchers. I hope his not a Fernando Vargas in the making. Hope not.
Jorge Barrios was a different fighter against the tested Rocky Juares. Juares was his usual self throwing precise counters and nice footwork but he was outwork by the Argentinian in most of the rounds. When everyone thought Jorge will cruise his way to victory but Juares concentrated on body shots which paved way for Juarez hard shots to the head which scored a knockdown and with a serious cut on Barrios mouth the fight was stop giving Juarez a TKO win. Hats off to Juarez his composure was tremendous after he was behind in points. Maybe Juarez could move up to lightweight and test his wares against Valero or better yet challenged Sotto for the WBC superfeather weight title.
Michael Katsidis rely on his one punch knockout to win against talented Juan Diaz. But Diaz has very good defense and left the Australian flat footed at times. Juan would shower Michael with a barrage of punches and Michael never knew what hit him. Michael’s Arturo Gatti like attitude made him a moving target against Diaz pressure punches. In the end although I scored the fight to Juan 10-2 he barely escaped a split decision win against Katsidis.
All in all boxing this weekend was in super high. I would love to see those fights made every weekend with beer and some chips in my hands… but then again I wouldn’t like to have my beer belly going bigger from lightweight to a welterweight… I’m sure my wife would curse boxing forever…hehe

A lot of talented European and American NBA players are shifting their careers in Europe. With the dollar increasingly dropping and demand for high class quality players are soaring in Europe, European teams are recruiting a mass of talented above average players.
Josh Childress was the first player who decided to test his wares in Europe. Josh could get a potential 5$-10$ million deal in Atlanta but a 3 year 20$ million contract is far too lucrative for the high leaping forward. Stephon Marbury had already set his eyes in Italy after the 2009 season ends. Carlos Delfino, Juan Carlos Navaro and Jeri Welsh to name a few NBA players who will be playing in Europe this season but the most bizarre news was that Kobe is making himself open in playing for a European team in the near future. We all know Kobe who grew up in Italy is one of the most famous and sought after NBA player. The world loves Kobe and seeing him play overseas would give Kobe more leverage in his already outstanding NBA career. Why not… If an average high leaping player like Childress could earn as much Kobe could earn two or three times more than his maximum salary in the NBA if he plays in Europe where there is no salary caps.
It’s also more relaxing considering a lesser amount of games to be played unlike the 82 physically demanding season games in the NBA.
David Beckham made the transition to play in Los Angeles galaxy in the Major League Soccer rather than playing in Europe where the pressure is high and the risk of another injury setback could happen.
Kobe could do the same like David and earn a lot lot more…
But Kobe still has to clear up his critics. A championship ring could very well put an exclamation mark… a tough challenge to climb after just two games short in the finals championship. For sure the NBA won’t loose their prize player without a fight. If they loose Kobe we would expect an exodus of players follow through. After team USA grabs the no.1 spot back from European teams now NBA is in danger of loosing its grip on basketball’s no. one league. Maybe they will have to impose a much bigger salary cap or shorten the games… Though Kobe moving in Europe is still a distant possibility and European teams are waiting to get hold of him… in the end Kobe knew what matters most right now… Another Championship ring…
Europe can wait especially if you’re the league’s MVP.

The crowded lightweight division has once again in the limelight as 4 awaited box office matches coming up this second quarter of the year. We all remember the late Diego Corales and Luis Castillo battle. It has been one of the best fights and will be for ages. Though all 4 fights doesn’t ensure a duplicate of the Corales-Castillo match up but the hype and anticipation could very well keep boxing fans at guard.
Juan Diaz-Michael Katsidis
This fight would have been made when both boxers are still legitimate belt holders. Instead both fighters went on the wrong way and their undefeated record got scratch with Casamayor scoring an upset against Katsidis WBO interim belt and Nate Campbell grabs Juan’s WBA, WBO and IBF belts. Now both fighters are gonna slug it out for a must win situation. A loss could pummel them down to the star studded division and could clearly derail their career for a shot on another belt. The question would be can a pressure puncher like Juan Diaz emerges victorious against the heavy bombs of Michael Katsidis?
Juan Manuel Marquez-Joel Casamayor
Both are tactician in nature and both are on their mid 30s. Juan Manuel Marquez followed Manny Pacquiao up north to settle a third and final match against Pacman. But he had to do it the hard way and facing Joel Casamayor is not an easy mountain to climb. Casamayor at 37 still looks pretty impressive against the young Michael Katsidis. He has been a resident light weight contender and with Juan Manuel Marquez adding 5 lbs heavier we all saw how Manny made the transition from 130 to a legitimate 135lbs contender. Question would be how will the 35 year old Marquez fare with a heavier tactician in Casamayor?
Joan Guzman-Nate Campbell
Joan Guzman was a devastating boxer in the super bantamweight division but moving up as a super featherweight his power is ineffective against bigger guys like Jorge Barrios, Antonio Davis and Humberto Soto. Joan is a class act and his speed and defense make him a valuable fighter but he has to face a devastating pressure fighter in Nate Campbell. Nate is a natural heavier fighter than Joan and has good defense. This would be a good fight but either way I cant see this fight going into a full route… Nate always loves to fight an undefeated fighter and Joan should better be ready…
Manny Pacquiao-Oscar De La Hoya
Although both are fighting in the welterweight limit Manny is still the WBC light weight champion and win or loose against Oscar. Pacquiao will have to defend his title. Many considered this fight as a freak show but all I see is a potential fight of the year. Manny will be the heavy underdog on this fight. Will David slay the bigger Goliath? Or will Goliath clobbers the proud champion?

The matches will determine who will fight who and the better boxer will have to face the bigger fish of the division… It’s an elimination fight folks… May the best boxer wins.
Let the fights begin…

The battle has been set and the blood stained battle ground is ready and Michael Buffer holding the microphone with crowd so thick the air was covered with the smell of pop corn and sweat… Michael introduce the two keyed up combatants and shouted “Lets get ready to rumble!!!” and the crowd shouted and the world for a moment stop as everybody witness Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya battled it out for 12 grueling rounds…
Round 1:
Manny Pacquiao went to work trying to find his way along Oscar’s long reach… Manny frustrated Oscar as Oscar tried to slug it out with Manny. Haymakers come from different angles but Manny wisely used his speed to get away with Oscar’s power bombs.
Round 2:
Oscar went to his ever reliable jab and Manny was hit a couple of times as Manny tried to go inside. Oscar finally had a neutralizing arsenal for Manny’s aggression. Oscar connected a right straight on Manny’s head but Manny retaliated with a barrage of punches.
Round 3:
Manny was on fire as he slugs it out with Oscar and Oscar connected with a right uppercut which staggered Manny. Oscar went for the kill but was futile as Manny went on to the defensive trying to find his second wind.
Round 4:
Oscar chases Manny but Manny wisely evaded Oscar’s haymakers. Manny went side to side taking his time and Oscar connected again a right straight which made Manny lose his balance. Manny went down on the canvas but it was ruled a slip by the referee.
Round 5:
Manny tried to find a way to neutralize Oscar’s jab but Manny again got hit with a left-right hook combination. Blood oozes profusely from Manny’s nose which momentarily stops the fight the fight resumed after the doctor cleared Manny. Seeing his own blood Manny slugs it out with Oscar directly and this time Pacquiao was successful as he caught Oscar with a good left straight on Oscar’s Jaw. Oscar’s legs wobbled but was save by the bell.
Round 6
Manny got his second wind and continues to press Oscar. Oscar was already breathing in his mouth. As Oscar ducked Manny’s Left hook Pacquiao opened up a gash on Oscar’s head with a right uppercut. Blood was all over the ring and the crowd shouted louder than ever peppered with applause as banners and posters thrown to the air.
Round 7
Oscar caught Manny with a good left and Manny went down. This time the referee ruled it a knock down. Manny immediately went up and the fight resumed. Oscar breathing heavily went for the kill with haymakers. Manny was on the defensive end survives the round.
Round 8
Oscar again tried to take down Manny but Manny fought Oscar with barraged of power punches. Oscar got hit right on the jaw and Manny followed up with a left hook to the liver. Oscar went down on his knees and the referee started to count. The crowd went crazy as Oscar barely beating the mandatory count.
Round 9
It’s an even steven as both pugilists tried to survive the round. Oscar got hit again on the right side of the body and the referee stop the fight as he went to the ring physician to see Oscar’s gash and Manny’s blooded nose… blood was all over the shorts of both fighters. The doctor cleared both fighters and the fight resumed.
Round 10
Oscar is clearly spent and his hands were lower and are breathing heavily on his mouth. Pacquiao was the same fighter in round 1 still fresh but bloodied. Pacquiao was now clearly the aggressor. Oscar tried to find his way out with Manny’s barrage of punches but a big left to the liver again send Oscar to the canvass for the second time. The referee counted Oscar but was too weak to make the count.

Manny was ecstatic as the crowd applauded him. Manny hug Oscar and thanked him for the opportunity… The crowd cheered the two warriors and was clearly the fight of the year… without a doubt.

Breaking News Oscar agreed to fight Manny come December 6 as stated in the news. After a 10 day negotiation halted when Manny opposed the 70-30 revenue split… Manny wanted 40 percent of the lions share but Oscar insists on its initial offer which is the same revenue percentage Oscar gave to Floyd Mayweather Jr. that rake Millions of dollars in pay per view buys.
Oscar needed a big time exit and with “Money” Mayweather out of the picture there’s no one in the sport who is a perfect income generating partner but Manny.
Oscar doesn’t want to fight a game Antonio Margarito who could beat him severely or with the contender fighter Sergio Mora who still has a match against sturdy Vernon Forrest or the Punisher Paul Williams who could clearly dominate him. Although all are good match-ups but nothing will ever surpass the suppose megafight against Pacman. It’s a box office fight and will gather millions of pay per view buys. Until now the Delahoya-Pacquiao fight is a hot item and everybody is talking about it. The hype the excitement the thrill all boils down to boxing’s Golden boy and the pound per pound king.
Oscar granted Manny’s additional 5 percent to the 70-30 split and so far it looks pretty bright but then again it’s still not a signed and sealed deal so anything can happen.
Oscar is eyeing for revenge for all the Mexican fighters who have fallen in the hands of Manny and Manny is eyeing for immortality as he moves 2 weight classes up and make history. Many sees this as an overrated hype mismatch but Oscar is past his prime and this would be an interesting fight with Manny’s speed against Oscar’s power.
This is history in the making folks… This is Manny’s golden opportunity after this fight he would be top of the food chain and if Oscar wins he will avenge the so called mexicutioner. Business wise or any other way this bout should be done… Win or loose both pugilists’ ends up with millions on their pockets and their legacy intact as well as their names carved down in boxing’s great history. This fight will happen…this should happen…so will someone give them a pen…

There’s no team up to now who could replicate the famous Michigan Wolverines Fab Five… We all remember how the brash talking stereotype fab five who dominated each and every game and made collegiate basketball a breath of fresh air with their baggy shorts and first-class talent.
Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Ray Jackson and Jimmy King are all freshmen who stormed NCAA with a Beatles like charisma. The most watched college basketball team in NCAA history and the controversial one.
They never won any championships… And the team was covered with hullabaloos with game fixing and money laundering issues. The blue collared chips fab five players played basketball like their own playground and their breath taking talents made them an instant celebrity.
We all remember the famous Webber timeout with zero timeout left in the game. Webber was slapped with a technical foul and causes their championship game against North Carolina. Webber decided to enter the NBA draft amidst the talks and continued a long and multi million dollar NBA career. Webber was indicted with accepting an illicit loans while still in highschool and gave a period to the controversial most renowned recruiting class program of Michigan State. So what happened to the once mighty Fab Five?
Chris Webber- move on to the NBA and had a long 15 year career he started his career in Golden state and became the rookie of the year in 1993 he played on teams such as Washington Bullets, Philadelphia Sixers, Detroit Pistons and Sacramento Kings after a brief retirement due to injuries Webber tried to play again as a Golden State warrior but at age 35 his legs gave in and call it quits.
Jalen Rose – went on to his junior year before being drafted in the NBA. His career highlight would have been guarding Michael Jordan in two Eastern Finals conference in the NBA. He ended his career in Phoenix and became a courtside commentator for ESPN and TNT.
Juwan Howard- Joined Jalen Rose as a junior before turning pro. Juwan is currently playing at present but his playing minutes gradually decreases each year. Juwan is a good post up player and have taken his team all the way to the playoffs as a Washington Bullets playing together with Rasheed Wallace and Mark Price. Juwan’s career is derailed with injuries and a retirement is eminent coming to next season.
Ray Jackson- The only member of the Fab Five who didn’t make it to the NBA. A journeyman who found himself cut from every roster from the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons. Played in the CBA and is now retired and runs a moving company.
Jimmy King- Like Ray, Jimmy played in the CBA and fortunately for Jimmy he was able to play in the NBA with limited minutes as a Raptor in 1995 and traded to the Denver Nuggets before trying his luck in the CBA for Quad City thunder and was named MVP in 1998. Jimmy is now working as a financial advisor in Wall street.

The Michigan’s Fab five will be always remembered. But with all the hype and expectations they are just short lived. They never won any championships and neither one of them won any NBA ring. Only 3 out of the five had a career in the NBA but most of them made a career after basketball. Maybe the team was bound for greatness and maybe greatness comes in different ways… Remembering the fab five….

It takes 36 years before Mark Spitz Olympic record has been broken. A young 23 year old Michael Phelps captured his 8th gold medal in a dramatic fashion. A jubilant Phelps raised his arms in the air and the loud cheers echoed around the arena yes Michael is now safe to say the greatest Olympian in sports history.
Diagnosed as having an Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder at an early age he made swimming as an outlet for his energy. He made the Sydney Summer Olympics in 2000 and became the youngest American male swimmer for the last 68 years at age 15.
He could have made the $1million bonus from Speedo if he had won 8 golds in the 2004 Athens Olympics but he failed. Michael had to endure such fate in order to feel the fruition of his success.
The previous record of 7 Olympic medals by Spitz in 1972 made Mark an instant celebrity but also to his early retirement at age 22. There was a lot of pressure surrounding him and at that time it was best for him to retire although he tried coming back in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics at age 41 but he failed to get the qualifying time at the Olympics trial. Michael Phelps in the 2004 Athens Olympics knew his time will come winning 6 gold medals and 2 bronze was a definite sign of things to come.
Phelps won his 8th gold in the Beijing Olympics which started at 8th of August 2008. Truly 8 was a magical number and Michael Phelps broke records and won gold medals and became the be-medaled Olympian of all time.
Now Phelps has an estimated $5 million endorsements not to mention the 1$million bonus from Speedo.
After serving 18 months in probation for driving under influence of alcohol Phelps said he let his self and his family down… his people and his country… but after winning his 8th gold medal he doesn’t need to apologized anymore his people and his country were so proud to call them their own. I’m honored to witness Phelps greatest performance a once in a lifetime feat by the greatest Olympian ever.

Kevin Ferguson otherwise known as Kimbo Slice is a product of the new age internet technology. He was a Youtube hit with all his underground Mixed Martial arts fights. Edwin Valero a virtually unknown boxer who made a living destroying his opponents by a perfect KO record was discovered mainly on Youtube since he was banned from America because of his accident which damaged a minor part of his brain. Edwin fights more overseas and with his 18 first round KOs everybody was intrigued about his power and a lot of times being matched up against pound per pound fighters among boxing fanatics. Ricky Rubio was only 14 years old when he played pro basketball he was considered a child phenom with all his passing skills and fancy dribbling he was a hit in every youtube addicts. The 6’4” young point guard made some NBA scouts booked themselves to Spain to see the so called Pete Maravich reborn. His maturity is way beyond his years. He is not only a talented ball player but he knows pretty well how to play the game. Pistol Pete is not the fastest player or the most talented player in his years in the NBA but what made him great was the understanding of the game the fundamentals are there spicing up with great passes and fancy dribbling and Ricky is not far fetched from the great Maravich and the kid is still improving each and every game.
Now Ricky has the chance to prove himself in the ongoing Beijing Olympics where billions of people are eagerly watching. The internet born Ricky will now be known all throughout the world and a chance to play against the best of the world is not only a privileged but also an honor for young Ricky. The Overtime come from behind win against the hometown China was the highlight of Ricky’s Olympic debut. He made the crucial passes, steals and the maturity to handle China’s pressure no wonder Jose Calderon stayed more minutes in the bench.
But after their devastating loss against the mighty USA, Ricky Rubio look ordinary as Jason Kid, Chris Paul and Deron Williams take turns in guarding Ricky. Maybe he was just in awe with banging against Kobe or the NBA stars but beyond his maturity at 17 years old Ricky is still a kid.
Kimbo Slice had a hard time against unheralded Thompson in his primetime debut in live television. Edwin Valero with all his record has fought with unknown fighters and up to now he is still the hype untested fighter and booking a big name in boxing is still clueless.
Ricky Rubio with all his hyped and talent was proven human after all.
Ricky will be a household name in the near future and there is no rush in putting him in the rugged terrain of the NBA. He needs the exposure in the Olympics but he also needs the experience to ripen up in a physically demanding 82 games in the NBA. There’s no rush let the kid grow and find his place. Kimbo, Valero and Ricky are products of the internet and its not a guarantee that they will come out a legend. We won’t know our limitations if we are not tested. But so far all of them passed with flying colors.
Lastly the words to live-by by the great Simple plan…”I’m all alone tonight, nobody cares tonight, cause I’m just a kid tonight..Im just a Kid!”

When push comes to shove Manny refused to be an easy prey and Oscar finally had his match. Manny Pacquiao refused to fight in Oscar’s term the 70-30 split in revenue was all Oscar can offer to Manny but Manny feels he deserve more than that. Floyd Mayweather fought Oscar in a 70-30 revenue split but Floyd is not Manny. People don’t pay to watch Floyd fights they watch to see Floyd gets clobbered. First of all Manny has to move two weight divisions up a quite startling feat considering he started at the 106lbs. division and with only one fight as a lightweight Manny is not only risking his career but he is also risking his life. Oscar past his prime may be too slow for Manny but Oscar has been through a lot of notable wars in the past and made experienced as his ally against Pacman. One punch could make a difference and Manny is not spared for that. When you are in the ring anything can happen.
Oscar knows pretty well that a fight with Manny can cultivate high pay per view buys and earn muchx2 more than fighting against Mora or Margarito. Mora has to fight Vernon forest in a rematch this Sept. and Margarito could very well make his retirement in a bad note.
Manny just wanted a fair share on the millions both fighters could earn a 60-40 split may not be so bad. He just wanted a much bigger slice on the cake but Oscar won’t budge.
The Golden boy of boxing has turned himself from a boxer to a businessman.
I think Manny did the right thing. Oscar has been dictating everybody he fights with his terms but Manny made it strong about his conviction. The risk is too great for Manny and with all the money both could earn Pacquiao let his mind dictate his heart after all its his life on the line.
Oscar made a name by fighting the best in boxing. Manny is much more like Oscar and with a crowded lightweight division all Manny’s got to do is clean it up.
There won’t be any Oscar next year and Manny has still two or three years to go and he doesn’t have to worry about cashing in because it’s gonna be his time and will be fighting this time in his terms.

I remember one episode of the Ultimate fighter reality show wherein a fighter has to drain 20 pounds in order to make the weight limit in just two days. The result was a disappointment because when he went from 190 to 175 a 5lb overweight in the weight limit he just gives up. He would have made 170 but he just simply quit.

The recent buzz among Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya was the fight was stalled because of the recent conflict of the 70-30 revenue split. Oscar initially made the deal at 80-20 but decided to give in as well as fighting in the 150lb weight limit. Oscar has to fight at a welter weight at 147lbs. and have to agree on fighting using an 8ounce gloves.
He has give-in on two demands to Pacquiao and a 70-30 take it or leave it is all what Oscar wants. Manny wanted a 60-40 deal but Oscar was firm in his decision. There won’t be any Dec.6 showdown with both pugilists if neither one of them gives-in.
Manny would have earned an estimate of 15-20$ million a purse he can get by fighting 4 to 5 times with different opponents. He would have made history and win or loose his legacy will be intact. Freddie Roach would not insist in fighting De La Hoya if he doesn’t see Manny winning the fight.

The fighter in the Ultimate reality fighter show and Manny has a common denominator… Opportunity comes only once… We would never know if it happens again. Maybe Oscar and Manny’s fight is bound to happen or maybe both of them call it quits and move on.
Shit happens.