The Boxing News Report 06.26.09: Cotto-Pacquiao Negotiations, More
Posted by Ramon Aranda on 06.26.2009
Get updates on the possible Miguel Cotto vs. Manny Pacquiao fight along with some new signings by DiBella Entertainment, 'Mannywood', weekend fights and more in this week's Boxing News Report.
Ah, I bet you forgot about the good ol' BNR eh? Well never fear, the column's back after a little hiatus and will remain here every Friday with the exception of Fridays where we have a big roundtable fight preview so keep that in mind.
I won't bore you with additional commentary so let's just jump right into the news!
Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank
Cotto-Pacquiao Negotiations Could Be Complete in Two Weeks
Miguel Cotto spoke on Thursday about the negotiations for a fight between himself and Manny Pacquiao for November 14. "Negotiations will take anywhere from a week and a half to two weeks but we'll have to take into account what wait we'll fight at and what the purse will be," affirmed Cotto according to Primera Hora.
Shaun George vs. Chris Henry Has a Date and Venue
The light heavyweight battle between Shaun George and Chris Henry has finally been set for July 10. The fight will take place at The Arena in Philadelphia, PN and will be televised by ESPN2. This is a fantastic matchup between two talented 175-pounders and let's just hope we don't have to fumble around the channel guide to find it if there's another college baseball game or whatever the hell else is being televised beforehand. George made a name for himself when he brutalized former heavyweight title holder Chris Byrd when Byrd was coming down from heavy to 175 pounds. Meanwhile, Henry has been in with some tough competition such as Adrian Diaconu and Yusaf Mack. Matt Godfrey vs. Shawn Hawk will be the co-featured bout. Promoter Lou DiBella feels that this is a good fight for George who's working his way up towards a title shot.
Fans can nab tickets at the arena from $40-65.
Ndou to Face Ndou
No, that's not a typo – Philip Ndou (32-3, 31 KOs) will take on former IBF junior welterweight titlist Lovemore Ndou (46-11-1, 31 KOs) on Saturday, July 11 in South Africa. 2008 Olympian Demetrius Andrade (5-0, 4 KOs) who recently competed on ESPN2 Friday Night Fights will also be on the undercard in a 4-round bout. Let's just hope it's against someone who will allow him to grow as a fighter and not some tomato can to pad his record with.
In case you're wondering, no, Philip and Lovemore are not related. Would've made it more intriguing if they were though, don't you think? Hopefully someday, that headline will read "Klitschko to Face Klitschko".
Pacquiao Working with Rocky Balboa?
The Manilla Bulletin is reporting that Manny Pacquiao could very well land a role in an upcoming biopic directed by Sylvester Stallone. Earlier in the year it was reported that the two met about working together but nothing seemed to have come from that. Recently though, Pacquiao spoke on a televised appearance in the Philippines and confirmed that he's open to such projects.
Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger also confirmed that she has received an offer to be a part of the film. Hey, if Manny invades Hollywood, at least he can borrow the Dodgers' "Mannywood" signs!
Mahir Oral Says He's Ready for Arthur Abraham
Mahir Oral, who will be taking on King Arthur Abraham this Saturday in Germany for the IBF middleweight strap is feeling pretty confident of himself as he noted during his media workout this week. "I couldn't be better prepared", stated Mahir. "No matter how the fight will end there are no excuses at all. I am ready for twelve tough rounds and I am sure that if the fight goes the distance the winner can only be Mahir Oral. I will take Arthur's belt to Hamburg with me."
The fight will not be an easy task and you can find out how it turns out as Showtime will televise it
In Other News
- DiBella Entertainment has signed both Antwone Smith (16-1-1, 8 KOs) and Argenis Mendez (13-1-0, 8 KOs) to contracts.
- Fres Oquendo will now face Mark Brown for his June 26th return to the ring. He was previously scheduled to fight Gonzalo Omar Basile but he had issues getting into the U.S. from Argentina.
- Shane Mosley told Sports Chat from the Philippines that Manny Pacquiao could make $20 million to fight him instead of Cotto.
Weekend Fights
Friday
Daniel Jacobs vs. George Walton – ESPN2
Saturday
Mahir Oral vs. Arthur Abraham – Showtime (9 p.m. ET/PT)
Lopez vs. Lontchi: Latin Fury 9 – Top Rank PPV (9 p.m. ET / 6 p.m. PT)
Victor Ortiz vs Marcos Maidana – HBO (10 p.m. ET/PT)
Miguel Cotto spoke on Thursday about the negotiations for a fight between himself and Manny Pacquiao for November 14. "Negotiations will take anywhere from a week and a half to two weeks but we'll have to take into account what wait we'll fight at and what the purse will be," affirmed Cotto according to Primera Hora.
The Manilla Bulletin is reporting that Manny Pacquiao could very well land a role in an upcoming biopic directed by Sylvester Stallone. Earlier in the year it was reported that the two met about working together but nothing seemed to have come from that. Recently though, Pacquiao spoke on a televised appearance in the Philippines and confirmed that he's open to such projects.
