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[Lady Fan]

dSource Exclusive: Donaire Camp updates + interview 10 days before Narvaez fight
Dennis 'D Source' Guillermo, Filipino Sports Examiner
October 12, 2011



Most of the hard work is done. Camp is tapering off, and in a few days, Nonito "The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr. will be off to the Big Apple for some fun.

Insider Notes from Donaire's Narvaez training camp: Straight from camp; straight from dSource.



Donaire is definitely ready to move up after Omar Narvaez. After checking in with Victor Conte last week, his muscle mass has definitely increased. Unlike other nutrition and conditioning coaches, Conte monitors Donaire's blood levels almost on a weekly basis.

This type of scientific approach to conditioning is still relatively unknown in the very "old school" world of boxing. Reason why a lot of "old school" boxing people have reservations with Conte's involvement with Donaire. Some do their research; some would rather speculate and open their mouth. It's a free country.

Straight from Skype, an innovation I, of all people, very seldom use, Donaire revealed to me that it would be more challenging for him to make weight this time around compared to the Montiel camp last Feb. Immediately I felt a pang of disappointment knowing a match-up with the winner of the Agbeko-Mares rematch and a unification of the 118 belts pretty much just went out the door.

Donaire has been training harder than ever too. In the same day, Wednesday last week in San Mateo, Donaire told me he did 15 rounds of mitts and did his grueling track training with Remi Korchemny (Click here to get a clue on how that looks).

Former world champion Morris East (youngest Pinoy champ in history) has been helping Donaire with his mitt work for this camp, stepping in for Jonathan Penalosa who had difficulties securing a working visa.

Donaire had sparred 12 rounds last week, and is tapering off with 10 and down to 8 this week, and is feeling great; says he's excited to get back to do what he does best inside the boxing ring.

The dynamic of having his fight in New York at the Madison Square Garden gives Donaire the goosebumps. Since beating Darchinyan in Connecticut back in 7/7/7, Donaire has yet to fight in the East Coast, and is looking forward to putting on a show for his fans from the Tri State who have been very supportive with his career.

dOthers:

Donaire is also taking his pink wardrobe seriously. Seriously? Seriously! Donaire will be wearing pink gloves, pink trunks, pink everything! All for breast cancer awareness. Donaire and his wife Rachel are passionate about the cause, and are going to actively promote awareness and give away things such as fliers, shirts, bracelets etc. (All I got to say is: I've been wearing "I Love Boobies" bracelets from "Save a Breast" for more than 2 years now, and I am not designing pink boxing boots)

There's also this search Donaire is doing, for the person to sing the Philippine National Anthem in New York. Interesting. Donaire is also interested in doing a benefit concert in the Philippines after the fight. Sometimes when we touch?

http://www.examiner.com/filipino-spo...-narvaez-fight

[Lady Fan]

BIRTHDAY BOY MERCITO GESTA AIMS TO CELEBRATE ON NOVEMBER 11 in LAS VEGAS
By Rich Mazon
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Oct 2011



Mercito Gesta turned 24 last Tuesday but the celebrations will have to wait for the undefeated Cebuano fighter. Right now, the 23-0 Gesta is in the center of training for his upcoming fight against tough Mexican lightweight Ricardo Dominguez. Gesta will co headline a November 11 Top Rank Live boxing card at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas at the eve of Pacquiao- Marquez III. A fight he is excited to be part of and at the same time a fight where he is eager to put on a show himself.

Gesta is fresh from a 10 round unanimous decision victory against Manuel Perez in Arizona last September 17. In it, he was criticized as being tentative and not being active enough to win what is supposed to be an easy fight for him. But Perez was not an easy fighter that night. He stalked Gesta all night which threw the Cebuano off. Gesta was put in a defensive mode in the early rounds but was able to assert himself on the second half of the fight after he got Perez's attention with his left hand. A performance even Gesta himself did not appreciate. "I was not really satisfied with my last fight," an apologetic Gesta told me over the phone. He said he really wanted to knock Perez out but Perez is a tough fighter with a good chin. He promises it'll be a different result on his upcoming fight. "This next fight on November 11 at Mandalay Bay, I will do my best to give a better performance," he stated.

Three weeks after the Perez fight, Gesta is back in the gym last Monday for some light sparring. "We will do very light sparring because the cut that I suffered from my last fight has not completely healed yet," he told me. Gesta suffered a cut in his left eyebrow last time around as a result of a clashing of heads between the two fighters. He escaped the need for stitches as the cut was not deep enough to necessitate one. "In the meantime, we will do some strength and conditioning training as well as doing the punching bag." he added. Gesta started doing some road work two weeks after his last fight and he is looking forward to spending some quality time at the famous Wildcard Gym for this fight too. A routine he has done in his last couple of fights.

Gesta will be a facing a veteran of 43 fights in 26 year old Ricardo Dominguez. At only 26, Dominguez has accumulated a record of 34-7-2 with 21 KOs already. His losses were from the best of the lightweight divisions in the likes of Zahir Raheem, Brandon Rios and most recently to Humberto Soto and Miguel Vazquez in title fights. He is coming off two straight win after that loss to Vazquez in November 2010, the last one was a 3rd round TKO of previously unbeaten Angel Martinez in Mexico. Gesta is in for another test with Dominguez and he knows it. "I have been studying his tapes and familiarizing myself with his style so I could develop a counter for him." Gesta said. "My team is looking for a sparring partner that will be suited for my next opponent. He is taller than me, so that will be one of the factors in selecting my spar mates," he added.

Vince Parra, Gesta's trainer told me that he gave Mercito the day off last Tuesday for his birthday but he turned it down and went to the gym anyway. "Mercito is really focused on his upcoming fight and is really motivated to silence some critics on November 11," Parra said. A sentiment the boxer nicknamed "No Mercy" shares with his trainer. "This fight in Mandalay Bay, headlining the card the night before Manny Pacquiao's fight is huge for me and my boxing career. I am still an up and coming fighter, a prospect but I was already given the opportunity to headline a big promotion." Gesta stated. He is excited to show the large boxing and Filipino crowd who will be in Vegas for Pacquiao - Marquez III what he's capable of. He aims to spearhead the Philippine bandwagon of victories on fight week. "I will put in a better performance than last time; I will knock my opponent out," Gesta stated with excitement.

Mercito Gesta was tended a surprise birthday party by his friends and teammates last Wednesday night in San Diego. And as he blew those candles in his cake after a hearty dinner, everyone in the room knew beforehand what he is wishing for; to become a world champion. The road towards it will start in his first Las Vegas event less than a month from now. And as he cut his birthday cake for his well-wishers to partake of, he knows that the real celebration will have to wait till then.

[Lady Fan]

“HE'S BACK WITH A VENGEANCE” WEIGH-IN AND PRESSCON HIGHLIGHTS
By Rene Bonsubre, Jr.
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Oct 2011



Mandaue City – Marvin Sonsona of Gen. Santos City and Carlos Jacobo faced the Cebu sports media before they stepped on the scales during the official weigh-in and press conference held Friday at the brand new J Center.

Sonsona was evasive when asked about the twenty months he spent outside the ring. “I am happy for this opportunity, I am happy that I will be fighting again.”

Sportswriters still pressed about the rumors that they heard regarding his extra-curricular activites. He even received a scolding from Edward Ligas of Sunstar Super Balita and philboxing. Marvin was also questioned about his lovelife which got a roar from the crowd that gathered to watch the public event.

Philboxing editor Dong Secuya asked Sonsona about his conditioning and whether fans will see the same old Sonsona inside the ring after a long lay-off.

“I have new trainer and I have new moves. But my performance level will be the same.” Sonsona replied.

Jacobo for his part promised a good fight and when asked for his prediction, “I will you knock you out, Amigo!”

Jacobo and Sonsona got to know each other during the trip to Manila for the national presscon last Wednesday.

Promoter Sammy Gello-ani had this to say about Sonsona, “He came back on his own. He paid for his own fare from Gensan to Cebu. Now it is up to him.”

“Promoter and matchmaker Sampson Lewkowicz said that there is a Mercedes Benz waiting for Sonsona in Las Vegas, if he trains hard and wins again. There will be big fights waiting for him.”

Vito Lazatin of AKTV/IBC said that they want to continue to support boxing and they plan to have fights nationwide on a monthly basis and big title fights on a quarterly basis.

Sonsona and Jacobo both tipped the scales at 123 lbs.



There are two undercard bouts that has the potential in stealing the show from the main event: Johnriel Casimero (111 lbs) , the former WBO interim lt.flyweight titlist, against TI Yamagata Sentillas (111 lbs) in a ten round non-title bout.

Jessie “The Terminator” Albaracin (121 lbs) of Davao will defend his WBO Oriental superbantamweight title against tough Marvin Tampus Singwangcha (122 lbs).

“Way daganay!” Albaracin vowed. ('No running.')

“Dili mag mahay ang manan-aw sa ilang bayad.” Tampus promised. ('The fans will not regret buying tickets.')
For the other undercards:

Reymalon Labao (134 lbs) vs late substitute Dante Paulino (141 ˝ lbs) – 8 rounds

Jayson Canoy (113 ˝ lbs) vs late substitute Erwin Pulvera (122 ˝ lbs) – 6 rounds

Weng Haya (130 lbs) vs Eman Labanza (131 lbs) – 8 rounds

Jerry Nardo (123 lbs) vs Ryan Illustrisimo (121 ľ lbs) – 6 rounds

Jessie Cris Rosales (130 ˝ lbs) vs Edison Serrano (132 lbs) – 4 rounds.

The boxers also had their routine pre-fight physical exam. The weigh-in was supervised by Rolando Mendoza of GAB-CEBU.

Fight time this Saturday October 15 at the Hoops dome in Lapulapu City is at 6 PM. Live telecast is on AKTV at 9 PM.


Tampus (L) and Albaracin.


Casimero (L) and Sentillas.

[Lady Fan]

Mexican boxing official strips jaro of his pacquiao shirt

MEXICAN BOXING OFFICIAL STRIPS JARO OF HIS PACQUIAO SHIRT
By Chito Yu Katangkatang
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Oct 2011



It’s amazing how Mexicans revere pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao. Recently today, boxing promoter and manager Aljoe Jaro narrated a funny but inspiring story of how Mexicans love Manny Pacquiao.

Aljoe Jaro was wearing his favorite Manny Pacquiao t-shirt while having lunch at the restaurant of the Hotel Los Cocos in Chetumal, Mexico when he noticed a Mexican couple staring at him as if they wanted to tell him something. Jaro was cordial and smiled back to the couple.

The couple then approached him and asked if they can join his table for a while. Jaro of course accommodated them. Speaking meager English, the husband said, I LOVE PACQUIAO. Jaro replied, ME TOO. The husband then started begging Jaro to give him his Pacquiao shirt because they don’t have one in Mexico and he wants to frame the shirt and display it in his office. Jaro asked where his office was. The husband said he is the Chairman of the Cancun Boxing Commission in Cancun, Mexico. The wife joined in begging Jaro for the shirt. Being flattered, and taking pity on the persistence of the couple, Aljoe Jaro stripped himself of his fave Pacman shirt and handed the same to the couple who were jumping for joy as if they won the lottery. The husband even posed for a picture as souvenir. They thanked Jaro dearly and explained that having a souvenir of Pacquiao is a big thing for them and that they are going to brag it to their friends.

After the incident, Jaro asked the people from Canelo Promotions who the guy was. He was astonished when they replied, “El Presidente del Cancun Comission Boxeo”. In the Philippines, nobody would mind so much about a Pacquiao shirt unless it’s personally autographed by Pacquiao. But in Mexico, it is a treasure of great value. Pacquiao is indeed the new face of boxing.

[Lady Fan]

Pacquiao Sparring Partner Pays for Cockiness, Goes Home Bloodied and Aching
By Winchell Campos
PhilBoxing.com
Fri, 14 Oct 2011



LOS ANGELES--Hastings Bwalya had all the great credentials and hype as he was highly recommended by cutman Miguel Diaz to back up sparring chores for Manny Pacquiao.

The African had an unbeaten slate--seven wins and five knockouts to his credit--and a big mouth to back it up. He taunted Pacquiao to start off their getting-to-know-you introduction right on opening bell. He chuckled and egged on Pacquiao to mix it up.

Reputedly a tough sparring partner to Floyd Mayweather in his last training camp against Sugar Shane Mosley, Bwalya talked his way to get the goat of Pacquiao, who greatly obliged. Showing impeccable footwork and a blinding hand speed, Pacquiao showed Bwalya a thing or two about humility and compassion, instead of exchanging in a heated war of words.

In the second round, Pacquiao showed the former Zambia Olympian accurate punching and power combinations as he cornered his opponent with crisp body blows and a devastating uppercut that eventually bloodied his opponent's nose and mouth.

"Are you ok?" asked Pacquiao, as he relented on finishing off his cocky sparring partner with more punishing blows. After being trapped helplessly in the ropes, Bwalya was sent to his corner so that he could wipe off his messed up face and finished the round. Blood and vaseline was flowing out of Bwalya's nose as Pacquiao let him survive the round.

Pacquiao is in the middle of his preparations for a third fight against his nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico on Nov. 12 at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. He has vowed to end all doubt about the outcome of his last two previous encounters as both came close and controversial. The first fight ended in a draw while the second was a split decision.

It was also three years ago when Pacquiao last fought in the lower weight classes of super featherweight before invading the ranks of lightweights, light welterweights, welterweights and light middleweight to become the only man who has won titles in eight weight divisions.

Pacquiao then sparred for another four rounds with regular sparring partner Ray Beltran, who made a good account of himself. Beltran gave Pacquiao a workout minus the thrash-talking, as both boxers showed respect for each other.

Bwalya returned back to action for rounds seven and eight. Still boisterous and boastful and not one who learns his lesson easily, Bwalya chuckled and taunted, even as Pacquiao smiled. In another burst of speed and agility, the Fighting Congressman from Sarangani just wove his magic, hit his hapless opponent at will and moved in and out of counter-punches that landed a mile away.

Roach and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez were equally impressed with Pacquiao's improvements as they have not seen Pacquiao as focused as in previous training camps. Asked if Bwalya would be sent back packing home on Saturday, Roach said he'll give the African another chance to prove himself.

"One more day," said Roach, who has been Pacquiao's trainer for over a decade now, starting in 2001 when Pacquiao first teamed up with him and faced a seemingly unbeatable Lehlo Ledwaba of South Africa.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum was equally impressed with the show of firepower from Pacquiao. Also watching the action was world champion Amir Khan and Juan Manuel Lopez along with several select media personalities and TV crews from HBO's 24/7 series.

"Masaya ako dahil maganda ang ikinikilos ni brad kaya sana, tuluy-tuloy na itong magandang simula," said Fernandez.


Photo: Pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao (R) throws a left to African Hastings Bwalya during sparring Thursday at the Wildcard Gym in Los Angeles. The cocky Bwalya went home bloodied and aching.



Photos by Ping Nepomuceno.

[Lady Fan]

Can sonsona silence the sceptics tonight?

CAN SONSONA SILENCE THE SCEPTICS TONIGHT?
PhilBoxing.com
15 Oct 2011



Team Jacobo drew some attention inside a local pharmacy here in Cebu City Tuesday night. Together with fellow boxing scribe Carlos Costa and the ever-ready cornerman for Latino fighters, Mike Lopez, we accompanied Carlos Jacobo and his trainer Miguel Angel Meza Salazar, who wanted to buy some vitamins.

The pharmacists and some customers overheard the conversation in Spanish and got curious.

“This guy is fighting Marvin Sonsona this Saturday,” I pointed to Jacobo.

“Sonsona…he’s very good, the Mexican is in trouble.” ,a male pharmacist remarked.

That got me thinking - this guy remembers the Sonsona of 2009 not the one who lost in Puerto Rico and went missing for almost twenty months.

Team Jacobo, together with Promoter Sammy Gello-ani, Sonsona and this writer arrived at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Wednesday noon for the Makati City press conference. The airport security personnel recognized Sonsona and wished him luck.

After the Greenbelt presscon, Sonsona and Jacobo joked around with the restaurant employees and acted like close friends even if they had a hard time trying to understand what the other was trying to say. But I guess boxers who respect each other don’t have to exhibit animosity.

Entering the NAIA for our trip back to Cebu Wednesday night, the people in-charge of airport security recognized the duo.

“Upakan mo na yan, Marvin”

“I-knockout mo yan.” They waved and yelled at Sonsona, asking him to beat and knockout the Mexican. The airport personnel in Cebu recognized him when he arrived.

Was it because of the TV commercials? Or do people still remember that glorious September day in Canada when a nineteen year old Gensan southpaw with only 13 fights, who has never gone past the fifth round, beat a Puerto Rican champion who was 18 years his senior and a veteran of 48 fights?

That day was simply too marvellous for words.

Will Sonsona reach those heights again?

He will have to do something spectacular to quite the doubters come fight time at the Hoops Dome.

One burning question is whether he has power at his present weight; Sonsona has not scored a knockout since he moved from 112 to 115 lbs, and he lost his only fight at 122.

Twenty months is a long time away from the ring. He has been evasive about the details as to why he left and what he was doing but he did say he came back on his own free will. His mental state and toughness is also a big question mark.

He remains a recognizable and potentially marketable figure. Tonight,it will be up to Sonsona if he wants it to stay that way.

[Lady Fan]

Jorge linares thanks pacquiao, roach and ariza

JORGE LINARES THANKS PACQUIAO, ROACH AND ARIZA
By Ronnie Nathanielsz
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 15 Oct 2011



Former two-division world champion JorgeLinares of Venezuela has thanked pound-for-poundking Manny Pacquiao who sparred with Linares during his training camp in the Philippines summer capital of Baguio City.

Linares faces WBC No.1 ranked lightweight contender Antonio DeMarco f or the vacant World Boxing C ouncil lightweight title on the undercard of the Bernard Hopkins-Chad Dawson WBC/Ring Magazine light heavyweight title fight at the Staples Center in Los Angeles on Sunday, Manila Time.

AKTV IBC 13, the free-to-air sports channel of ABC 5 will telecast the fights at 9:00 p.m. on Sunday.

Linares told a final pre-fight press conference “There are only a couple of days to go. It has been a great camp. I sparred a total of 30 rounds against Manny Pacqiuao. We helped each other. I want to thank him as well. It is going to be a great fight.”

Linares also expressed his gratitude to his new training combination of the celebrated Freddie Roach and strength and conditioning guru Alex Ariza who have worked together with Pacquiao since some weeks before Pacquiao destroyed former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz in nine rounds.

He said “I want to thank everyone for being here. I want to thank my two new trainers Alex Ariza and Freddie Roach.”

DeMarco for his part said “I am excited to be here. I feel chills. I feel very excited. I feel like crying and I will not miss this second chance. I am ready. “

He added, “I just want to say I am a dreamer. Everything that you have in mind you can achieve your goals. It has not been easy to get a second shot, and I won’t miss this opportunity.

“I want to thank the people in Tijuana for giving me a plate of food when I didn’t have any and now I am here. “I ultimately want to be like Bernard Hopkins.”

[Lady Fan]

DONAIRE INSPIRES HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH DURING FIL-AM HISTORY MONTH
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 15 Oct 2011



JERSEY CITY, NJ – The Jersey City Free Public Library, Greenville Branch, and The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey are proud to welcome Filipino-American professional boxer Nonito Donaire, Jr. AKA “The Filipino Flash” to speak to local high school youth in celebration of Filipino American History Month. The event will take place on Monday, October 17, 2011 at the Jersey City Free Public Library, Greenville Branch Auditorium, 1841 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ.

October marks the celebration of Filipino American History Month. Set forth by the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS) in 1988, this month commemorates “the advancement of Filipino Americans in the history of the United States, as a favorable time of celebration, remembrance, reflection and motivation, and as a relevant time to renew more efforts toward research, examination and promulgation of Filipino American history and culture in order to provide an opportunity for all Americans to learn and appreciate more about Filipino Americans and their historic contributions to our nation, these United States of America.”

Donaire, who ranks as one of the top 5 pound-for-pound boxers in the world and is considered to be one of the sports next great superstars alongside Manny Pacquiao, is scheduled to fight Omar Narvaez on Saturday, October 22, 2011 in Madison Square Garden in New York City, NY. While in the area, Donaire also wants to reach out and connect to the youth, to share his personal story and inspire others to be proud of their Filipino heritage.

This event is free and open to all local high school students. RSVP is required for admission. To RSVP or for more information, contact Venessa Manzano at info@filschool-nynj.org or 774.257.4669.

###

ABOUT THE FILIPINO SCHOOL OF NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY
The Filipino School of New York & New Jersey, founded in 2008, is a for-profit organization that promotes the teaching of Filipino language and arts, and the understanding of Filipino culture, values and tradition.

The school is open to all students regardless of race, religion or creed. We offer different weekly classes for students in grades pre-K through 12. Activities are designed to provide a positive and enriching learning experience for both parents and their children in school and at home. For more information, visit: www.filschool-nynj.org.

[Lady Fan]

Video: Sonsona-jacobo presscon and weighin

VIDEO: SONSONA-JACOBO PRESSCON AND WEIGHIN
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 15 Oct 2011



The following video is the press conference and weighin yesterday, Friday held at the J Centre in Mandaue City for the Sonsona-Jacobo fight tonight at the Hoops Dome in Lapu-lapu City. Sonsona answers questions from the media regarding his return, his readiness and his love life. The undercard fighters headed by Johnreil Casimero vs TI Yamagata Sentillas and Jessie Albaracin vs Marvin Tampus also answer questions from the media.




Marvin Sonsona vs. Jacobo Live Streaming Watch Online AKTV Channel 13: This is Sonsona's Comeback Fight
http://www.ballerspinas.com/2011/10/...streaming.html

[Lady Fan]

Marvin Sonsona Wins!