Katya, Maui, Andrea Heat Up FHM Philippines February 2009 Issue

FHM Philippines employed the services of an army of beauties namely Katya Santos, Maui Taylor and Andrea Del Rosario for its February, 2009 issue. The girls have been FHM cover girls one time or the other but with this combination FHM Philippines February 2009 issue must be too much for some fanboys for sure. They are probably rushing to get the last copy now.

In the cover page, Katya, Maui and Andrea's faces seem unnatural as one fan pointed out which led to some speculating of the possible use of photoshop to enhance the pics. I don't know about that although there are magazines which do that. Whatever the case, Katya, Maui, and Andrea sure made temperature rise of FHM Philippines readers. The competition between men's magazines is tough nowadays and I don't blame them using three models to catch people's attention.


(10-13-09 Removed photo link)

Lee Si Young Maxim Korea February 2009

Maxim Korea recently unveiled its cover girl for the month of February, 2009 - Lee Si Young. She is currently in Korea's version of Hana Yori Dango and also acted in Kingdom of the Wind according to my sources. For those interested, Lee Si Young will be appearing on We Got Married - where Korean celebrities play make believe couple on a show.

Lee Si Young Maxim Korea February 2009 Cover Girl

Lee Si Young

Name: 이시영 / Lee Si Young (Yi Shi Yeong)
Born: April 17, 1982
Height: 169 cm
Weight: 48 kg

source: Dramawiki

Currently, she is in Boys Over Flowers.
(10 -13 -09 Removed photo)

Sugar Shane Mosley Defies Time and TKOs Margarito

Sugar Shane Mosley's rights proved to be too much for Antonio Margarito as the American pounded the Mexican into submission in the ninth round of their WBA Welterweight Championship match up in Staples Center, Los Angeles, USA. Ever since Mosley's rights connected to Margarito in the first round - it continued on until the devastating fourth with several rights found its way to the Mexican. It seems Mosley heard the pre-fight criticism and came out swinging. Margarito was game in the first round. But as the match progressed it was clear Sugar Shane Mosley is too fast for Antonio Margarito. But just as in the Cotto fight - Margarito was relentless constantly pushing forward only to receive Mosley's punishing rights. The end began in the ninth round as Shane Mosley's combinations made Margarito look awful and the referee saw enough and stopped the fight leaving the largely pro-Mexican crowd shocked with the result.

Mosley vs Margarito

Mosley stops Margarito (TKO) at :43 of Round Nine and winning the WBA Welterweight Crown

Margarito total punches: 178/507
Mosley total punches: 108/485
Margarito total power punches: 78/303
Mosley total power punches: 118/240

Compubox

No observation...I'm catching my breath right now. Congratulations Sugar Shane Mosley!

Manny Pacquiao: Fourteen Years of Boxing

Manny Pacquiao - the Destroyer from the Philippines - debuted as a boxing professional this day fourteen years ago (January 22, 1995) in Mindoro Occidental, Philippines. He reportedly won his first fight on points against a certain Edmund "Enting" Ignacio. Manny scored his first knock out (Round 2) against Dele Decierto seven months later. Manny Pacquiao made a name for himself in the local scene by stringing up several knockout victories. His reputation grew and as a testament, his fights are filled with people despite the fact local professional boxing was and is still not big here.

Who would have thought that the local knock out artist would later become The King of Boxing and the Best Pound for Pound Warrior in the World? Nobody did. The country has produced several great boxers including PANCHO VILLA - the Greatest Flyweight of the Century, and Gabriel "Flash" Elorde - the Greatest Asian Boxer of all time. Now in my life time, I was fortunate to witness another great. Manny Pacquiao won five titles in five weight divisions. He jumped up two weight classes and fought a BIG BULLY. The BULLY thought he was easy picking. For eight rounds, Manny "smoked" the BULLY into submission. It was not just any BULLY. Months before 99% of Boxing pundits predicted Manny would lose. But Manny Pacquiao shocked the world. Not since Henry Armstrong was another Boxer winning three weight divisions in one year. Manny Pacquiao was then showered with flattery by those posers however the reality says HE IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD, right now. Pacquiao exposed many boxing experts as rubbish. Their BANDWAGON ANALYSIS was incorrect.

To his credit though, Manny Pacquiao doesn't care about the Pound for Pound Titles and other shenanigans hot-air filled experts come up with. He only wants to please the Filipino people - and shows it in the ring. I can't recall a single Manny Pacquiao fight that was boring. His devotion to his country was deciphered by many as sincere so his following became large and devoted - they became known as PACFANS. To take advantage of his following, notorious sports sites flame the place where Pacquiao fans congregate - Pacland in an effort to get thousands of hits in five minutes. It worked initially but after that PACFANS learn to avoid glorified bloggers - and there's no turning back. Good sites know not to overdo it. Nah...just like any successful person Manny Pacquiao has his share of critics but he and I don't care.

There is a possibility 2009 will be Manny Pacquiao's last year in boxing. Yes, I think Manny will retire only after beating the best there is available and as long as they give him due respect. After fourteen years of boxing, the toll on Manny's body must be severe and if he calls it quits fine by me. Manny Pacquiao is the greatest sporting hero I've seen in my lifetime. I've never seen a Filipino athlete winning consistency and thrives on pressure. Manny does that. Even the great Efren "Bata" Reyes of billiards has collapsed on clutch moments. Manny also wins regularly and dislikes losing unlike other athletes here. His belief in himself is extraordinary and his confidence supreme. He fights to win - and that's what I admire in him.


Yes, Manny Pacquiao has his misgivings too but mostly it is outside the ring as far as I'm concerned. I really don't want him to enter politics. Contrary to popular propaganda, Manny Pacquiao will not win if he runs for the Presidency. He will not. The Filipino people are smart. Other fans prefer Pacquiao to concentrate on developing and promoting boxing prospects - after all he opened the gate for them. He might as well keep it open by developing fighters to follow his foot steps. I think it is a better legacy - but that's his choice and I respect that. I think he will run for political office and at the same time promote other fighters.

In his latest squabble, Manny proved he is tough outside the ring as well. He was pressured by many to sign that insulting contract. Manny Pacquiao instead played hardball and the other camp realized he is serious - they blinked. But their concession isn't big enough - He dumped the fight. His actions earned the respect of knowledgeable boxing writers. He is his own man. Manny Pacquiao knows what's best for him. He decides what happens next - not his father or promoter. Pacman worked hard to get to the top and he has no time to deal with squirts. He knows his value and he will not be shortchanged.

Update:

From initial 50 - 50 offer, Manny's opponent blinked and gave in to 52 -48. The final offer was reportedly 52 - 48 in favor of the Filipino plus 12 million dollars guaranteed prize money. Not bad.

Nina Jose Maxim Philippines February 2009 Cover Girl

What I thought then was angelic and conservative girl Nina Jose lands her first Maxim Philippines cover girl stint for the month of February, 2009 - a good way to start the love month. I first saw Nina Jose in Pinoy Big Brother Teen Edition a while back since my brother was a big fan of the show. Her demeanor in the show projected traditional outlook in life. Nina Jose was reportedly called "The Giant" by male housemates as she stands 5-8 barefoot!

Nina Jose joined her fellow PBB Teen Edition friends in the ABS-CBN show called "My Girl". She's under Regal Entertainment and has an eight picture contract with the company. Internet reports say most of her upcoming films are daring in nature. Nina Jose will star in a new TV series "Bandidas" on the same network soon.

Nina Jose

(10 - 13 -09 I removed the pic for I'm a changed man.)

So NOT Excited Over Obama's Inauguration!!!

I don't understand the excitement and hysteria some Filipinos feel (esp. the TV networks) over Barack Obama's inauguration tonight. Big deal! If anything change will happen in the US - not here where it is awfully needed. Some of my friends and family members are joining the EXODUS - however this time not led by MOSES - after they realized their future is abroad. They think better life could be achieved going overseas. What I'm saying is why would I be excited over the inauguration of another country's president? My feeling is the same as the Americans feel whenever we sworn a new president into office. This guy hates outsourcing - one of few remaining bright spots for our economy. He views it as stealing from American jobs. Why would I be excited over a guy who will wipe out approximately 200,000 jobs if given a chance? YES HE CAN!!!

I don't understand the fuss over strengthening US-RP relations since MASTER - SLAVE relationship never really changed. This is just a new master taking his crown. What's to be excited all about?

Congratulations to Barack Obama though. I tend to look at him as an inspiration from a personal standpoint - how he sets goals and accomplishes it and I also like his speeches. His speeches supposedly give hope - to his constituents of course. I'm not forgetting he is a politician though and we have a share of great swi...speakers. Let's see if he can fulfill his promise to Filipino war veterans who fought for the United States but were ostracized after it. The proof of the pudding is in the eating so to speak. He is an inspiration but he is not our hope.

Note: Due to time constraints, I wasn't able to proofread this. Sorry my readers for possible grammatical errors.

To be fair 75% of the Filipino people don't care about him and his inauguration. It just these networks who want to show off in their coverage! GMA 7 didn't even bother to cover the flooding in Mindanao until it got hold of the situation from ABS-CBN footages but sent correspondents to the US inauguration.

Is Manny Pacquiao Overrated?

Manny Pacquiao is Overrated. So says some blogger. Are you even a boxing fan? Don't discount a person's ability because you hate them or hate their race. Nah...Need I explain? If you are a boxing fan, there's no need. Just as there are superstar boxers and bums, there are boxing experts and EGGPERTS. The term Overrated is easily dished out by people convinced of their expertise nowadays. Nah...Maybe it's a desperate attempt to smack some hits.

Future Hall of Famers Manny Pacquiao Defeated:

Marco Antonio Barrera - TKO, UD the only TKO defeat in his historic career

Erik Morales - Loss, KO, KO same as the above (only KO loss in his career)

Juan Manuel Marquez- D, SD went down four times against Pacquiao

Oscar De La Hoya - TKO never been pummeled for eight straight rounds - not by Hopkins nor Mayweather - jumped up two weight divisions and shocked 99% of boxing know-it-alls and experts in the process.

I mean if you think otherwise, you don't know boxing. Man, there are so many wannabe experts out there. I'm just a fan but the facts above speak volumes to what the man has achieved - facts is superior to some guy's opinion. Facts present the truth and not some interpretation skewed by bias. Some boxing "experts" remind of lawyers - if given the chance they will twist the facts.

The only thing OVERRATED here is the UK PPV sales.


Update:
Manny Pacquiao is now a six-weight division world champion and four-time lineal world champion. The facts don't lie when his newest victim was a guy previous unbeaten in his division. Manny went to that division and inflicted that guy's first loss - in humiliating fashion. Manny Pacquiao is overrated...dream on. It is safe to say that on the internet where one's real identity could be hidden. Say that in public and you will sound like an ------.

Hate him or Love Him you still Remember the Name

Favorite Bleach Soundtracks

Here are some of my favorite Bleach tracks:

Asterisk by Orange Range

First time I heard the song I instantly loved it. I think I've discussed this before but whatever. Asterisk is found in the opening credits of episode one. The fact that Ichigo and co. were hearing hip hop clothes made the song even cooler. The stars look like asterisk from where we are standing.

Here are some facts regarding the song Asterisk:

It was used as the first opening to the anime Bleach. This song stayed on the top 20 in Japan for 22 weeks and spent most of it at number one. This became the number four single of 2005 and the number one single of the year from Orange Range, selling 628,329 copies.

In Japan market where pop acts rule, this is a very significant achievement for Orange Range indeed.

First Opening Theme

Bleach Soundtrack

Rolling Star - Yui

The opening line is enough to catch my attention when I was watching this opening song in Bleach at the Bounto arc. The cuteness of the voice intrigued me but seriously it is the catchy tone and the rocking beat that got me. Yui is a Japanese superstar and I'm not surprised for she has other songs included in the Bleach soundtrack.

Fifth Opening Theme

Bleach Soundtrack

Tsumasaki - Ore Ska Band

Bleach cliffhangers usually piss or irritate me but not when this song is playing. Ska is one of my favorite genres of music and I liked it when Tite Kubo included this in the Bleach Soundtrack. Every time I hear Tsumasaki I feel like dancing - with matching elbow movements that tries to hit my bro and sister sitting beside me watching the anime. Because of Hollywood emphasis on flash, there are many asinine comments in YT hitting the girl's weight. I'm glad the superficial people tend to be few and Americans - please indulge on the Jonas Brothers and leave the real musicians alone okay?

Eleventh Ending Theme

Bleach Soundtrack

Velonica - Aqua Timez

I got my brother interested in Jrock when I introduce the video of this song to him. No, this is Velonica! Not Veronica. Watch the opening of Bleach episode (the ones currently showing 200 -201), it says Velonica on the credits LOL. The Japanese people's inability to pronounce "L" isn't the issue here. (Interviewer: What can you say about Imelda? Japanese Man: Imelda ... the Filipino people.) Listen to the Bass. Listen to the riffs...unbelievable! I should have been singing this song already had it been in English but I can't.

Ninth Opening Theme

Bleach Soundtrack

Senna

Need I say more? I first heard this at the Arrancar Arc but this was the soundtrack of the first Bleach movie: Memories of Nobody. The violin is having an or----. Honestly, I get pumped up whenever I hear Senna and the Arrancars are on-screen. Senna for an anime character is beautiful and has a cheery personality. She's better than Rukia (no offense to Ichiruki fans).

Bleach Soundtrack

The Precipice of Defeat

We all hear this in battle situations. The track is very effective in pumping the audience for an upcoming battle or signals a change in momentum - who really has the upper hand in a fight. To make it simple, we call it Bleach Battle Theme although there was actually a track with that title. "The Precipice of Defeat" sounds cool.

Bleach Soundtrack

Tonight Tonight Tonight - Beat Crusaders

This is the only song in Bleach I could sing a long with from start to finish. An upbeat track with positive message - what is not to like about the song? Maybe the singers as they cover their faces when performing. Rumor has it they don't want their faces to be seen by their office mates so they put masks.

Fourth Opening Theme


(to be concluded)

Manny Pacquiao - Ricky Hatton Purse Spat Facts

Here are the facts you may want to know if you are either one of Manny Pacquiao or Ricky Hatton' s negotiators:

Upcoming lucrative fights

Pacquiao has Mayweather and possibly Cotto. Hatton has Juan Manuel Marquez however Marquez isn't a huge PPV draw. He only thinks he is but he isn't.

Pay Per View Record (Fights on PPV)
Manny Pacquiao 6 - 1 (4 KOS)
Ricky Hatton 0-1 (via KO)

Supposed leverage
Hatton - could attract 30,000 English fans
Pacquiao could attract the same no. esp. if the fight is held in San Francisco or Los Angeles (credit John Chavez)

Pacquiao is the Top Fighter in the World and No.1 in Pound for Pound Rankings (demoted by BoxingRec to No.11 after his demolishing of Oscar De La Hoya which goes to show TURDS run BoxingRec).

Hatton has been using record British PPV buys after his match with Mayweather. Boxingscene reported 1.2 -1.4 million buys for Sky Box Office in the UK alone. In the US, the fight had 850,000 buys. According to fightopinion.com (an MMA site) the buy rate didn't match the expectations.

The Mayweather-De La Hoya PPV drew a reported buyrate of 2.5 million customers. 60% of 2.5 million buys would be 1.5 million buys. The reported buyrate of 850,000 for Mayweather-Hatton would equal 34% of the business (or around one-third) that the 5/5/07 fight did in Las Vegas.

Given the level of hype and expectations by all parties involved going into the fight, the 850,000 PPV buyrate number is way below business expectations.

In a separate interview, Pacquiao said he has received the word that former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. is interested in coming out of retirement to fight him.

"Mayweather's camp is making an appeal, they're talking to us. They've talked to my attorney and told him that they're interested in the fight so we're listening to them," he said.

During the Dream Match negotiations, Manny Pacquiao wasn't happy with the revenue split and rejected Oscar De La Hoya's proposal. Pacquiao's rejection was so powerful it even stunned Espn writer Dan Rafael who observed that this must be the first time in a long time De La Hoya is getting a dose of his own medicine. It was only after De La Hoya gave in that Manny agreed to fight him. Manny isn't afraid of Hatton - supposed verbal agreement isn't enough. Why would Hatton reportedly sue? Because he hasn't have many options. Make no mistake about it - Manny will not agree to anything if he doesn't like it. He rejected De La Hoya before the undisputed box office king of Boxing. Manny Pacquiao knows he has many aces up his sleeve. Who has the leverage now?

It seems Hatton's lawyers doesn't know a verbal contract and a business proposal.

The verbal contract that the Hitman camp is talking about does not exist. The 50/50 sharing as agreed upon by Arum and the lawyer of Hatton is the "agreed" upon financial reward of the fight pending the signature of Manny Pacquiao. As such, it only becomes official upon affixing Pacquiao's signature which will become enforceable and binding. Since Pacquiao has NOT signed it yet, then it is not binding. Any negotiation entered into by Bob Arum in behalf of Pacquiao is only enforceable after Pacquiao signs it. It is just a mere "business proposal" subject to the acceptance and signature of the major party involved. SO IT IS IN NO WAY A VERBAL CONTRACT OR A BINDING CONTRACT. WHAT ARUM AND HATTON LAWYER AGREED UPON WAS A BUSINESS PROPOSAL, A PROPOSAL FOR PACQUIAO TO ACCEPT OR REJECT IT. PACQUIAO DOESN'T WANT THE PROPOSAL SO HE REJECTS IT. HE WANTS SOME MINOR CHANGES BEFORE HE SIGNS IT. PACQUIAO OFFERS A COUNTERPROPOSAL. NOW IF THEY DON'T LIKE IT, TO HELL WITH ALL OF THEM. MANNY CAN CHOOSE HIS OPPONENT AND EARN THE SAME AMOUNT.

Gil P. Acosta - Philboxing.com

Reality Check! Hatton Not As MARKETABLE As He Thinks He Is

Quinito Henson bared in today's issue of the Philippine Star that Hatton is NOT marketable as HE thinks HE IS. The Hard Truth is THE GUY'S MARKETABILITY very much depends on his opponent. Yes, you may say it happens to Manny too...but Pacquiao still gets 300,000 buys on the average but against Paulie Malignaggi, Ricky Hatton got between 175,000 to 200,000 in the US. Even in the UK, Hatton's fight earned little than expected.

THE PLAIN TRUTHS

Ricky Hatton's marketability depends upon his opponents. He can't get past 300,000 buys in US PPV.

Manny Pacquiao earned many people's respect when he turned down Arum's proposal. Arum made it look like Pacquiao is just going to blindly follow what he is saying. Manny Pacquiao is his own man.

Man, I got carried away with this issue. Even today, I'm still looking for updates. As much as I want this fight this continue, I don't want it to happen if it puts Manny Pacquiao at a disadvantage. It's his life on the line every time he fights.

More Pacquiao vs Hatton; Give Manny His Due Respect!!!

The hullaboo in the negotiations for the Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton fight isn't over. Many thought Arum has successfully convinced Pacquiao to accept the deal but last night Manny Pacquiao told the press - it's 60-40 or Hatton can find a new opponent (Who could generate this much cash for him? Good luck with that Ricky!).The proud British won't accept it thinking the world revolves around UK PPV. What about the rest of the world? The non-British fans who know Manny, what about them?

Bob Arum negotiated with Hatton's people and fought to get the UK Pay-per-view rights something which Mayweather reportedly didn't take (it is now clarified that Mayweather got all US PPV share!). I don't know what's with Arum recently instead of working for a better deal with Manny; he got stuck with 50-50. He seems not very enthusiastic pushing for his ward to get a much bigger share. I wonder why when it is obvious Manny Pacquiao has the leverage here. Yes, you hear know-it-all boxing columnists making noises again and most of them are the ones Manny Pacquiao OWNED last December. To be honest, it was Hatton who made it appear he is the next opponent for Pacquiao when the Filipino has many fighters to choose from.

By the way, Manny said anything but 50-50 and not necessarily a 60-40 split - in favor of him of course. Manny wants respect! There are people who accuse him of being greedy. If Manny was greedy, he could've accepted this fight early on. With his statements, there is a possibility this match won't continue. Manny is willing to risk that something a "greedy" person wouldn't do. Branding Manny as greedy is the last resort of some psychologically challenged people who couldn't find anything to throw at the pound-for-pound king anymore. Boxing is a profession. Manny joined it as a source of living. All people in the planet are entitled to pursue what they think is best for them esp if the records show they are entitled to it and not just some personal observation. I don't know why some people are upright about this issue and project a "holier than thou" attitude in the controversy when this is just part of the negotiation process. Grow UP!

"If it’s 50-50, forget about it (the fight)," said Pacquiao, sounding bitter that nobody’s paying attention to his standing as the flag-bearer of the sport.

"Oras na tanggapin ko ang offer na ‘yan, masyado ko namang pabababain ang aking sarili. Nag-paubaya na ako when I fought Oscar De La Hoya last year kaya this time ako naman ang humihiling sa kanila," Pacquiao told the Bulletin yesterday." Manny Pacquiao told Manila Bulletin.

Manny is correct. He deserves more than 50% of the purse.

Pacquiao Per Per View Performance

Pacquiao vs De La Hoya: 1,250,000

Pacquiao vs Marquez II: 405,000

Pacquiao vs Morales I: 340,000

Pacquiao vs Morales II:350,000

Pacquiao vs Barrera II: 200,000

Pacquiao vs Diaz: 250,000

Hatton vs Mayweather: 850,000 (US figures) Result: Loss via Knockout

Hatton vs Malignaggi: 125,000 to 250,000

Numbers don't lie. Who's the bigger draw?

Seven vs Two PPV fights?

Hatton only performed twice in US PPV and he got knocked out in one. Manny Pacquiao as a testament to his popularity has seven PPV fights. In my book, he has every right to ask for more. The guy who was blasted in his first and only PPV fight gets half against a consistent and proven PPV King? Some say "Well Hatton is the champion! He deserves 50-50." Yes, he is the champion of some alphabet boxing organization called IBO. Experts suggested giving a 60-40 split in favor of Hatton for the UK PPV and 60-40 to Manny for the Rest of the World. Yes, Manny is known worldwide now. With such a strong leverage, I can't believe Arum immediately agreed to a 50 - 50 split. What I'm wondering now is instead of backing his fighter up, Bob agreed with Golden Boy Promotions. Gee, what gives? Manny saved Arum's *** months ago after his favorite fighter Kelly Pavlik got schooled. By the way, I hope Margarito loses so Bob will realize who his prize fighter really is.

Manny Pacquiao will not back down on this one.

Update:

Manny Pacquiao rejected a 52 - 48 offer from Hatton insisting it's either 55 - 45 or no deal. "You see they changed their minds." Manny reportedly said. It seems to me the Hatton camp knows who the REAL DRAW is. I wonder why they are so proud of the UK PPV sales against Mayweather when the end result was a humiliating knockout!

Who cares what Arum says? It is Manny's body on the line every time he fights and Marley of BC is right - a boxer's career is short unlike these promoters who last longer than Methuselah. Manny Pacquiao has to look out for himself and ensure he gets the best on offer even if his "manager" doesn't want to do it. It turns out Manny is much smarter than Arum - Pacquiao knows his value. He will not sell himself short just to appease anyone nor flip-flops when pressured. The man is the same in and out of the ring.

Latest Update:

Manny Pacquiao got what he wanted (better than 50 - 50) 52 -48 split plus $ 13 million according to Philippine Star. The choices he was given was:

a. 52 - 48 $13 million

b.55 - 45 $12 million

Hatton's offer was 52-48, $ 12m...

Arum sweetened the pot. English newspapers report otherwise which is normal since they would like to print what they want to believe. Neutral American newspapers such as Los Angeles Times floats a 52 -48 split.

Confirmed by The Sweet Science boxing site and Philippine Star columnist Henson

Manny Pacquiao - Ricky Hatton Purse Spat

Some facts regarding the Manny Pacquiao vs Ricky Hatton purse spat.

Upcoming lucrative fights

Pacquiao has Mayweather and possibly Cotto. Hatton has Juan Manuel Marquez however Marquez isn't a huge PPV draw. Marquez only thinks he is but he isn't. Only bums are left for Hatton to fight on if he skips this one!

Pay Per View Record (Fights on PPV)

Manny Pacquiao 6 - 1 (4 KOS)
Ricky Hatton 0-1 (via KO)

Supposed leverage

Hatton - could attract 30,000 English fans
Pacquiao could attract the same no. esp. if the fight is held in San Francisco or Los Angeles (credit John Chavez)

Pacquiao is the Top Fighter in the World and No.1 in Pound for Pound Rankings (demoted by BoxingRec to No.11 after his demolishing of Oscar De La Hoya which goes to show TURDS run BoxingRec).

Hatton has been using record British PPV buys after his match with Mayweather. Boxingscene reported 1.2 - 1.4 million buys for Sky Box Office in the UK alone. In the US, the fight had 850,000 buys. According to fightopinion.com (an MMA site) the buy rate didn't match the expectations.

The Mayweather-De La Hoya PPV drew a reported buyrate of 2.5 million customers. 60% of 2.5 million buys would be 1.5 million buys. The reported buyrate of 850,000 for Mayweather-Hatton would equal 34% of the business (or around one-third) that the 5/5/07 fight did in Las Vegas.

Given the level of hype and expectations by all parties involved going into the fight, the 850,000 PPV buyrate number is way below business expectations.

This even before the world economic crisis. Manny Pacquiao vs Oscar De La Hoya raked in 1.25 million. It also a tad less than what is expected but with the bad economy - it was better.

It seems Mayweather wants to get in the act:

In a separate interview, Pacquiao said he has received the word that former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. is interested in coming out of retirement to fight him.

"Mayweather's camp is making an appeal, they're talking to us. They've talked to my attorney and told him that they're interested in the fight so we're listening to them," he said.

During the Dream Match negotiations, Manny Pacquiao wasn't happy with the revenue split and rejected Oscar De La Hoya's proposal. Pacquiao's rejection was so powerful it even stunned Espn writer Dan Rafael who observed that this must be the first time in a long time De La Hoya is getting a dose of his own medicine. It was only after De La Hoya gave in that Manny agreed to fight him. Manny isn't afraid of Hatton - supposed verbal agreement isn't enough. Make no mistake about it - Manny will not agree to anything if he doesn't like it. He rejected De La Hoya - the undisputed Box Office King of Boxing - before. Manny Pacquiao knows he has many aces up his sleeve. Who has the leverage now?

It seems Hatton's lawyers doesn't know a verbal contract and a business proposal.

The verbal contract that the Hitman camp is talking about does not exist. The 50/50 sharing as agreed upon by Arum and the lawyer of Hatton is the "agreed" upon financial reward of the fight pending the signature of Manny Pacquiao. As such, it only becomes official upon affixing Pacquiao's signature which will become enforceable and binding. Since Pacquiao has NOT signed it yet, then it is not binding. Any negotiation entered into by Bob Arum in behalf of Pacquiao is only enforceable after Pacquiao signs it. It is just a mere "business proposal" subject to the acceptance and signature of the major party involved. SO IT IS IN NO WAY A VERBAL CONTRACT OR A BINDING CONTRACT. WHAT ARUM AND HATTON LAWYER AGREED UPON WAS A BUSINESS PROPOSAL, A PROPOSAL FOR PACQUIAO TO ACCEPT OR REJECT IT. PACQUIAO DOESN'T WANT THE PROPOSAL SO HE REJECTS IT. HE WANTS SOME MINOR CHANGES BEFORE HE SIGNS IT. PACQUIAO OFFERS A COUNTERPROPOSAL. NOW IF THEY DON'T LIKE IT, TO HELL WITH ALL OF THEM. MANNY CAN CHOOSE HIS OPPONENT AND EARN THE SAME AMOUNT.

Gil P. Acosta - Philboxing.com

Is Manny greedy?

When you ask your boss for a raise because you not only feel deserve it but received tangible accolades, is it greed? No. When you fight for what you feel is rightfully yours, is it greed? No. I think it is the old crab mentality at work here.

Athletes ask for raise after an excellent season and knowledgeable sports fan everywhere know that's the reality and don't complain (unless it is very excessive). The problem with some fans here is there are many self-proclaimed saints. Boxing is a profession and a dangerous one. The boxer gambles his safety on the ring. There's no guarantee he'll be 100% safe. There are about 15,000 professional boxers worldwide and if they are in Manny's position I think most of them would do the same.

Is Pacquiao's lawyer greedy?

I would fire my lawyer if he doesn't act on my best interest. Period. Enough with the self-righteous act!

Is Katsidis really famous in the Philippines?

Yes, most people know him as the guy who Casamayor destroyed on national TV.

Update:

After Bob Arum explained the finer details of the contract, it seems Manny's camp are appeased. Manny will get half of the UK PPV. It is something Mayweather failed to get the last time he fought Hatton.

Update May 13, 2009

Purse split 52-50 in favor of Pacquiao, it seems Schaefer and Arum added their share in the pot so as to make Pacquiao approve the fight --- The Philippine Star reported last Friday I think.

Sources:

http://www.fightopinion.com/2007/12/17/spin-doctoring-the-mayweather-hatton-ppv-buyrate-number/

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sports/01/12/09/pacquiao-wants-60-share-hatton-fight

It was not only Otieno who got hurt last Sunday

It was not only Sande Otieno who got hurt by Bernabe Concepcion last Sunday but some crabs in Philboxing.com forums. Whenever a Filipino boxer wins - it is low tide in Pacland with crabs coming out from every corner (few but very noisy). The former NABF and WBC World Youth champion is insulted as bum by bum handles brave enough not to give out their real names in the forum. Thanks to Bernabe Concepcion's win -- he Kayoed those haters and paid hacks from other promotions who use Philboxing as venue for their venom. HA! HA! HA! Concepcion won spectacularly! Does it hurt falling in your chair? Nothing pleases me more than seeing Abe or any other Filipino boxer proving their haters' wrong.

The number of crabs in Philboxing forums is getting out of hand. It is not only Bernabe Concepcion who get the diss but Boom Boom Bautista (no.1 haters' target), and AJ Bazooka Banal. This is how it works - if these boxers lose - they are called bums. But if our boxers win their opponents are called bums in the vain attempt to take away the glory. Is Otieno a bum? No, he is a former WBC International Superbantamweight champion. Don't take the credit away from Concepcion who was just too fast and strong for the Kenyan.

There's also a conscious attempt to pit Bautista and Concepcion. There's nothing wrong with that as long as it is done in the boxing ring. Some people in Pacland suspect rival promotions are using Philboxing forums to dish out venom against fighters whom they consider a huge threat to their own. It could be possible. Some handles praising the heavens and glorifying Bautista are usually the ones bringing down Concepcion vice versa. If the Pacland handles' assertions are true, then I think it would be better for them to concentrate on honing their boxers' skills than spend time bringing other people's fighters down. The Philippines will have more world champions in the process. Think about it.

By the way, I know the difference between criticism (either constructive or not) and plain hating. What some people are doing to Concepcion and other Filipino boxers is just pure hating and I don't like that!

Bernabe Concepcion defeats Sande Otieno via KO

Concepcion vs Otieno Fight Chronicle

Bernabe Concepcion defeated Sande Otieno of Kenya via technical knockout with the African's corner stopping the fight at the end of fifth round last night at the Araneta Coliseum, Manila, Philippines. It was a great fight for Concepcion who won the WBC International Featherweight Title in the process. The match started slowly for Abe who was a bit cautious at the start. But as the first round wore on his powerful rights started connecting and Otieno was greatly bothered by it. The second and third round were very much the same and Bernabe Concepcion became too comfortable and began showboating instead of finishing off Otieno. (C'mon Abe, you're not Joe Calzaghe fighting a washed up boxer here.) Concepcion's right hands continue to inflict damage to the African with the latter's nose bleeding from the blows by the fifth round. Concepcion also began targeting the cut on above Otieno's right eye - bloodying it. Otieno's corner saw enough and called it quits at the end of fifth round.

Fight Impressions
Next time, Concepcion should stop showboating and his bad habit of keeping his hands down for it makes him susceptible to lucky punches. If possible Bernabe should finish his opponent as quickly as he can. Concepcion's performance was okay but he needs to brush up on his defense. He let himself open at times which is a bad habit esp. against world-class oppositions such as Luevano and Daniel Ponce De Leon - Concepcion's next possible opponents.

Bernabe Concepcion is a former WBC Youth Bantamweight and NABF Super Bantamweight champion. If you hear people say he's a bum - they don't know their boxing and probably works for rival promotions.

Rounds 2-3: No complete video yet

Dattebayo Drops Naruto: Picked Up By Other Groups?

Months ago, Dattebayo said they are dropping Naruto after reports that the said anime will be streamed legally in Crunchyroll. Yesterday, Crunchyroll premiered Naruto Shippudden episode 91 to paid users worldwide. For those who can't afford it, they must wait for a week to get hold of the show. Due to a large number ignorant posters in Crunchyroll, uproar ensued (e.g. why Jan.15?). My advice to them is READ THE UPDATES!!! But this is not the subject of my post. In an effort to show its reported respect for copyright and since the show is legally streamed in CR, Dattebayo stopped subbing Naruto Shippuden which is right considering the damage they caused to Masashi Kishimoto - financially. They even had the gall to use his coined expression "Dattebayo". The good thing is at least their subbing is understandable and is 1000x better than Viz. Forget the DUBS.

(I really want to support the Mangaka (comic book artist) but in our country no entrepreneuer ever thought of distributing official DVDs and the manga - either it is unavailable or incomplete. I tried collecting comic books once but here it is almost impossible to complete a set unless you have relatives in the United States who can faithfully send you the latest issue.)

There are two rag tag fansub groups subtitling Naruto right now. The first one I encountered is Horrible Subs and the second one Hussdawg Subs. I haven't seen any of their dubs but I saw a comment which alleged the sub was taken from Crunchyroll LOL.

Crunchyroll subs are poor. Their Westernization efforts is an epic failure. Naruto has no color and I don't mean the hues - Naruto-kun is gone despite the fact millions of fans already know what -kun means. C'mon Naruto is not Japantoday - it is a Japanese creation therefore their culture will be highlighted. The opening and closing songs aren't subbed. Gee, the free DB subs have more class than the CR paid one. What I'm saying is -- they can do better!

Speaking of pathetic translations, in Pokemon the Japantoday-like translators used the word "donut" to describe "rice ball". Just because they have the same shape they used donuts --- nuts. I don't know much Japanese but I know a donut and riceball when I see one including in anime esp when it doesn't have a hole in the middle.

Addicted To Worms

I got addicted to WORMS this week. I was so engrossed that I skipped writing for a while. Those trash talking creatures really give PAIN and VIOLENCE though I find it very amusing.

Carlene Aguilar in FHM January 2009 Issue

Take a look at the great poses the former Bb. Pilipinas World Carlene Aguilar made in the FHM January 2009 issue. She looks fit like Regine Angeles. However, Carlene hogged showbiz headlines this year after getting entangled in a controversy (whose details I'm not interested) with some actor. In my research, she said she just wants to know what its like to pose for a men's magazines and prefers the poses to be classy as she has an offspring now.

Carlene Aguilar stats
Height: 5-9
Weight: 129 lbs
Vital Stats: 34 1/2 - 25 - 35 1/2
as of 2005

(10 - 03 - 09 Removed photo)

Jung Ga Eun Maxim Korea January 2009

Maxim Korea features a model that looks like Song Hye Kyo - Jung Ga Eun - in its January 2009 issue. The featured woman is very attractive. Great stuff indeed! Based on my research, Jung Ga Eun appeared on a Korean boyband music video playing the role of a bad girl. In this angle, she really looks like Song Hye Kyo. For me, the eyes make most Korean women look beautiful.

Made a mistake in her name yesterday so I had to republish this article.

Jung Ga Eun


10-13-09 Removed photo

Happy New Year!!! Welcome 2009!

Are you excited for the new year? I'm not but what can I do about it, right? So Happy New Year anyway!!! In some parts of the world, it is still 2008. I will approach this new year on a positive note and leave the baggages behind. I will make it a great year God willing.

Things I want to see this year:

With God's Help - Manny beating Mayweather, Hatton and Cotto. Whatever the order I don't care as long as it is a win.

World Baseball Classic

For Philippines to at least finish respectably in this year's Fiba-Asia Championship

There are more but most of it are very personal things.

I hope the country will survive the onslaught of the global economic crisis.