Super Bantamweight

Definitely Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao will still be on top of Ring's next pound-for-pound rankings.

What is not definite, though, is whether Floyd Mayweather, Jr. will still be occupying his second spot after Pacquiao's countryman Nonito Donaire showed the world he deserves to be No. 2 in the next Ring Magazine listing.

Currently, Mayweather is listed No. 2, followed by Sergio Martinez at No. 3, while Juan Manuel Marquez and Nonito Donaire are ranked fourth and fifth respectively.

Former champion Roy Jones said he’s not sure if it’s Manny Pacquiao or his countryman, Nonito Donaire, Jr., who should be ranked first now.

“Nobody else comes close to Pacquiao, Mayweather and Donaire. Mayweather would be No. 1 if he was active. Pacquiao is up there now,” said Jones, shortly after a nearly minute-long, eye-to-eye conversation with Donaire during which he more or less told the fighter the same thing.

“And then there’s this kid. All three of them are pound-for-pound. It ain’t about a popularity contest,” said Jones. “It’s about who does the job. This kid does the job. I see this kid doing some special things that not many fighters can do.”

Certainly Donaire will have to move up from his No. 5 post following his flawless execution of a plan he made during his training.

The least that could happen will be an exchange in ranking with Juan Manuel Marquez who is currently ranked No. 4.

In the case of Mayweather, a demotion in ranking may be forthcoming due mainly to his inactive status. It is possible the undefeated boxer will move down to No. 3 with Martinez moving up to the No. 2 spot.

Still, Roy Jones who is getting more popular as a ring commenter, may have a point in seeing Donaire in the second spot with Pacquiao who is still holding on as No. 1 in the list.

If this happens, Mayweather will have to move down to No. 4 and push Marquez further down to No. 5.

The resulting ranking will have Pacquiao still at No. 1 followed by Donaire, Martinez, Mayweather and Marquez for the first five in the top-10 list.

Rafael Marquez arrived at the MGM grand hotel in Las Vegas today with a healed thumb and a determined heart. At 35 years old, this could be his last big fight of his illustrious career. He already made his legacy after giving boxing fans exciting fights like his trilogy with Israel Vasquez, but Rafael knew it’s still far from over and fighting Juan Manuel Lopez, who is coincidentally the same name with his decorated brother, would be a fitting exclamation point to his hall of fame career.

Juanma is not an easy task; in fact the hard hitting Puerto Rican is undefeated and is regarded as the kingpin in the lower weight division. There is no place for folding or bluffing; this is all-in for Marquez, make or break. If Juanma wants to be the best then he has to go through rough waters to get it, and Marquez will give him the toughest test putting him in the hardest fire to see if he is really a diamond in the making.

Marquez has fought a number of southpaws throughout his career, and he could compare Lopez to Tim Austin the southpaw from Cincinnati who was also undefeated when they fought way back in 2003 and handed Austin a beating, winning by TKO in the eighth round. But Marquez was the younger fighter when they met (Austin was four years older), and Lopez this time is eight years younger and packs an explosive power.
Rafael have sparred bigger and faster partners throughout his training camp. He knows he has to fight a perfect fight against Juanma.

Lopez is beatable; that’s the mantra Marquez put in his mind. The blue print of defeating Juanma has already been there. Lopez struggled to dispose an older and moving up on weight, Gerry Penalosa, and he had trouble when Rogers Mtagwa went toe-to-toe with him. So definitely having a good defense and enough power to engage will definitely make wonders. Just like when Marquez fought Israel Vasquez for the first time.

Marquez had a good training camp, and there was no trash talk and hoopla throughout the build up for the fight. The silence is deafening. That is just normal because this is the calm before the storm.

So Lopez should better be ready…

On November 6, 2010 the lights of the MGM Grand will shine on the up-and-coming Puerto Rican superstar Juan Manuel Lopez (29-0-26) as he squares off against Mexican pugilist Rafael Marquez (39-5-35).

Lopez made his U.S. debut at Madison Square Garden on June 11, 2005, fighting on the under-card of prevailing countryman Miguel Cotto.

Since that time Juanma has displayed his talents in a variety of venues, making the statement, he’s willing to fight anytime anywhere.

In 2008, with only 21 bouts under his belt, Lopez stepped in the ring with WBO Super Bantamweight champion Daniel Ponce De Leon—a Mexican fighter known for his unorthodox/defenseless style, and incredible knockout power.

It took just over one minute for Lopez to drop De Leon for the first time in his career.  Finally with a little over 30 seconds left in Round 1, De Leon succumbs to a barrage of punches delivered precisely by Lopez and referee Mike Ortega calls a halt to the bout.

That night in Atlantic City, Juanma showed the type of boxing ability and excitement that would land him on a big PPV under-card.

Six months later, Juanma appeared against Sergio Medina as an under-card match for the highly anticipated De La Hoya vs. Pacquiao bout. Juanma stunned spectators with another first-round stoppage, and dropped Medina in under a minute and a half.

Another Puerto Rican sensation was born.

Rafael Marquez is the younger brother of Juan Manuel Marquez, and is also under the tutelage of legendary trainer Nacho Beristain.

Rafael has earned a reputation as a great counter puncher in his own right. Boxing fans know the younger Marquez best from his epic battles with Israel Vasquez.

For every Ali there’s a Frazier, for every Ward there’s a Gatti and for every Barrera there’s Morales. Vasquez brought out the best in Marquez. 

In these career-defining bouts Marquez displayed heart, tenacity, strength and the sheer will to win. At times displaying brilliant defense and at others, standing and trading with reckless regard for his own safety.

In the fourth and final bout with Vasquez, Rafael delivered a commanding stoppage in Round 3, ending the series at two wins each.

Now the Mexican warrior will enter the ring against a Puerto Rican sensation, another for the history books, and put titles, bragging rights and pride on the line. 

The boxing rivalry between these two countries dates all the way back to the early 1930’s. Mexican machismo versus Puerto Rican flair, both countries have won their share of battles and Lopez vs. Marquez should not disappoint. 

Marquez steps in the ring against a younger, stronger, faster Lopez. However, ring experience and ability to take a punch go to Marquez.

Juanma, who has been knocked down a few times, is eager to get quick stoppages. Lopez tends to swing wildly leaving him open to counter punches.

Most recently in Round 1 against Bernabe Concepcion, Lopez became anxious to deliver a knockout and pursued Concepcion to the corner. Lopez was caught with a counter punch that dropped him.

Although Lopez was never seriously hurt, evidenced by the stoppage of Concepcion in Round 2, the trips to the canvas leave doubt in his ability to take punishment from a skilled counter puncher like Marquez.

It will be interesting to see Marquez against a southpaw of this caliber.

In the last five years Marquez has entered the squared circle only one other time against a Southpaw—Ricardo Vargas.

Vargas had 10 losses to his record and a weak 29 percent knockout ratio when he faced Marquez.

Marquez was able to pull out a lopsided unanimous decision at the end of 12 rounds.    

Marquez will be the toughest test Lopez has fought to date, and a win here will clear the stage for a Lopez vs. Gamboa dream match. 

Both Lopez and Gamboa are under contract with Top Rank, and the bout will likely happen unless Marquez places Juanma on the canvas for good.

Prediction—Lopez by knock out. Marquez’s heart and boxing skill will ensure it does not happen early however. He will be stopped before the championship rounds 10-12.      

Following his victory over Ricardo Cordoba for the WBA Super Bantamweight crown on March 21, Bernard Dunne is weighing up his options for his first defence.

A slew of names have already emerged in the weeks following his 11th-round stoppage of the Panamanian, including a unification bout with the former champion's countryman, Celestino Caballero.

The camps of Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez have also shown interest, as has Cordoba's former Thai rival, Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym.

“There are all kinds of avenues open to us now,” Dunne's promoter, Brian Peters, has said. “It’s a case of taking our time and working out what the best move is, but we certainly won’t rush into anything.”

It is unlikely that Dunne will step into the ring again within the next three months, having suffered severe cuts around his eyes during his latest battle. One of the cuts, an injury originally sustained in a 2008 clash with Uruguay's Cristian Faccio, required over 10 stitches.

With the Dubliner not planning a return until June or July, a matchup with WBC super bantamweight emeritus, Israel Vazquez, is a realistic prospect.

“I've had talks with Golden Boy [Vazquez's promoter],” Brian Peters told The Irish Times. “He’s currently sidelined with a few long term injuries, but is considered one of the best pound for pound fighters in the sport.”

“And I’m sure we all wouldn’t mind taking a trip to main street Las Vegas,” the Meath man mused.

Vazquez is hoping to make a return to the ring around the same time as Dunne. He has been recovering from retina surgery since 2008 (following his last bout with Rafael Marquez) and has yet to secure a comeback opponent.

“I’m not sure whom I will be fighting at this moment,” he told fightnews.com in January, “but I’m going to make them pay for this long lay off. I’m hungrier than ever.”

Dunne will know Vazquez well, as the two are former Wild Card Gym sparring partners.

“This is a clash Bernard would relish, as he sparred with Vazquez day in, day out as a young pro when he was out in Los Angeles and I think those sparring sessions proved to a lot of people that Bernard has what it takes to reach the very top of the sport,” Peters said.

The fight would certainly attract the interest of the US networks, with Vazquez and Dunne being able to draw on large Hispanic and Irish audiences.

Also on the cards is a possible WBA-IBF unification bout with Celestino Caballero.

Caballero, who was knocked down and lost to Cordoba in 2004, has said he is willing to fight Dunne in Dublin later this year.

The Panamanian will be defending his belts against Jeffrey Mathebula in his country's capital at the end of the month.

Also a possibility is Dunne's mandatory challenger, Poonsawat Kratingdaenggym, the Thai who outpointed Ricardo Cordoba in Bangkok in 2005.

Poonsawat had attempted to stop last month's fight between Dunne and Cordoba, claiming that he had been the rightful challenger to the belt since last summer.

However, it is likely that the WBA will allow Dunne to make a voluntary defence with one of their top 15 fighters before taking his mandatory.

This is a route the Dubliner's camp is eager to pursue, for although the Thai would offer an easier challenge than Vazquez or Marquez, he cannot command the kind of interest Dunne is now hoping to capitalize upon.

“This mandatory Thai is a tricky guy so it will probably go to purse bids,” Peters signalled.

One solid bid came a week after Dunne's victory, with Frank Maloney, manager of European super bantamweight champion Rendall Munroe, making a public offer of £150,000 live on Steve Bunce's Boxing Hour.

Both Maloney and Munroe were ringside at the fight, held in Dublin's O2 Arena.

"I think it was the best atmosphere I've ever seen," Maloney told Bunce. "I was proud to be at ringside.”

Maloney added: “I still think my man would beat him. Rendall was sitting next to me (at the fight) and he said 'I could beat the two of them.'”

While such a bout would have considerable pull in the UK and Ireland, Maloney must be aware that he torched that proverbial bridge some months ago by repeatedly refusing Dunne a shot at Munroe's European belt.

Freddie Roach has also offered up two possible opponents for the Irishman in Filipino compatriots Gerry Penalosa and Bernabe Concepcion.

“I have Gerry Penalosa who fights at 122 (pounds), and guys like Concepcion, but I don’t want to fight with Bernard, he’s my friend,” Roach joked with The Irish Times.

“Concepcion’s a big puncher, Penalosa’s a good boxer and Ben’s a good boxer and puncher himself, so yeah, they would be good match-ups,” he added.

Through all of this, Dunne himself is remaining silent, appearing content to let his camp do the leg work for now.

If he can match the talk of his promoter in the ring, the future looks bright for the young Dubliner.

Young, Brave, Courageous.

Those words I think would best describe Filipino Boxers, I'm saying boxers with an "s" cause I'm not only refering to Manny Pacquiao.

Last year was a disappointment for Philippine boxing not only in the Pro ranks but also in the amateur as Rey Bautista's loss in Las Vegas and Harry Tanamor's failure in Beijing were major heart breakers but this year things are shaping up and it's getting to be exciting, at least exciting in the perspective of Filipinos.

First off, We have Gerry Penalosa looking to be the second Filipino to win a world title in three different weight classes, rumors of a fight against Juan Manuel Lopez could be big. Penalosa throughout out his 20 year career has never been stopped. It's going to be interesting if the fight push through. Penalosa, the highly regarded master of defense versus Lopez, the knockout artist of Puerto Rico.

Next we have Nonito Donaire, Will you tell me if moving up in a heavier division is the new trend now? Looks like it is. A clash with WBO superflyweight champion Fernando Montiel is Plan A, if that fails Bob Arum has his Plan B, to pit the Filipino Flash against Jose "Carita" Lopez, either way is an alphabet belt but the big question still remains "Is a rematch with Vic Darchinyan inevitable?"

Another fighter that's making waves right now is Bernabe Concepcion, He's going to have his featherweight debut tonight, January 11, against the dangerous Sande Otieno, the former WBC int'l super bantamweight champion. News are everywhere that if Concepcion would come up with a decisive victory, he could earned a shot at Mexican champion Oscar Larios or WBO Champion Steven Luevano, nonetheless opportunities are everywhere.

And last but not the least, Brian "The Hawaiian punch" Villoria, we could be seeing a sort of " Resurrecting the champ" scenario here. Villoria will have his hands full against Ulyses Solis, The IBF champion, he could go on to avenge the losses of fellow countrymen to Solis, perhaps his last chance to prove his worth.

Expect also a big year from the come-backing Czar Amonsot. Redemption for AJ Banal, the younger version of Hector "Macho" Camacho (as Jose Sulaiman said), World champion Donnie Nietes and the veteran Z "The Dream" Gorres.

Well, I just hope it goes out well, after all there's always a time for everything and this could be our time.

Side notes

Four hours after this article was published Bernabe Concepcion, as expected cruise on to a win against Sande Otieno. The Breathless and almost wind-sucking Otieno quit on his stool and did not come out for the 6th round.

Looks like Bernabe Concepcion is on his way to a world title this year, or so I predict.

December sixth is a big day for most hardcore boxing fans, and for fans who love big name boxers. 

It’s the day Golden Boy and Pac-man meet in the ring, but what they’re not expecting is the exciting under-card. 

The co-main event features Juan Manuel Lopez vs. Sergio Manual Medina for the WBO Super Bantamweight Title.

Juan Lopez, alias “Juanma," will be making the second defense of the title. With an unbeaten record of 23 wins (21KO), which puts his knockout percent at 91.3, there is no shortage of proof that the little man can hang with the big boys!

Juanma has only gone the distance twice, and both times were in 2006.

He’s knocked-out his last 13 opponents and over half of them were within the first six rounds. Lopez has stated that he views Sergio Medina as a speed bump, someone he had to run into, and shows his feelings by barely acknowledging the fight in press conferences and interviews.

“I’m looking for my next opponent and I have two in mind,” Juan Lopez said.

The two he’s speaking of are: Junior Featherweight champion Israel Vazquez, and Rafael Marquez, two top names in boxing today known for their epic Trilogy that made it into the Hall of Fame this year.

Like every boxer, Juanma wants the big fights that can bring him big money, but unfortunately in the lighter divisions the big names that make the money are the guys who pose threats.

Opponent Breakdowns

Israel Vasquez (43-4)

Loves to stand toe-to-toe, has good boxing skills and a very fast paste. He poses punching power that matches up with the best of which is why he's the champ.

Rafael Marquez (37-5)

He essentially has a similar fighting style to Vasquez except for the impressive counter punching he possesses, like brother Juan Manuel Marquez.

I feel that the motive to fight these two fighters would come from the rivalry between Puerto-Rican and Mexican fighters. 

I found no records of him calling out Celestino Caballero (31-2) who is ranked number two in the division and just recently won in a powerful showing with a fourth round KO in a fight he completely dominated.

But, what Juan Manuel Lopez may be doing is looking over the opponent that is focusing on him. 

Sergio Manuel Medina is an experienced fighter who may not be ranked in the top five fighters alongside the names I mentioned, but he is a veteran boxer with a record of 33 wins (18KO) and one loss.

Coming out of Argentina, Sergio Medina is called by the alias “Rocky” and with 203 rounds fought he can cause difficulty for any fighter. You should never overlook an opponent and on December sixth, Sergio Medina hopes to show why.

Celestino Caballero fourth round KO of Steve Molitor stunned the fans at Ontario's Rama Casino. The thousands of Canadian fans in attendance had just witnessed the first professional loss of Steve Molitor's career and Celestino Caballero's greatest victory.

Following the stoppage, at just 52 seconds into the fourth round, Caballero collapsed canvas and burst into tears. Even the boos from the Canadian fans were not enough to shatter the exuberance of Caballero: the new WBA/IBF super bantamweight champion.

The crowd was overwhelming pro-Steve Molitor. The most visible Caballero fan in the crowd was Robert Duran, the greatest Panamanian fighter of all time, on hand to witness the crowning of Panama's newest boxing champion.

Caballero's corner also supported their man by donning Barrack Obama "HOPE" t-shirts which match the colors of the Panamanian flag. Clearly though it was Molitor who was in search of "HOPE" from round one.

From the opening bell Molitor seemed frustrated by the Panamanian punchers awkward style. Cabellero used his superior height and five inch reach advantage to keep Molitor on the ropes. Prompting his corner to comment prior to round four: “It’s not Steve Molitor here tonight.” But even this wake up call could not prompt Steve Molitor into action.

Caballero had changed by the start of the fourth and he seemed to sense the end was near. It came all too quickly for Steve Molitor. A left upper cut from Celestino Caballero dropped Paul Molitor.

Molitor was able to use the ropes and lurch back to his feet. Caballero pounced as soon as the referee retreated and Steven Larouche, Steve Molitor's trainer, rushed in to save his fighter and halt the bout.

Many thought a talented defensive southpaw like Steve Molitor would give Celestino Caballero trouble. Both of Caballero's losses have come against southpaws.

With this win, Caballero improves to 31-2 with 22 KOs; Molitor drops to 28-1 with 11 KOs.