SAN ANTONIO – Brandon Rios’ strength-and-conditioning coach Alex Ariza was surprised at a ringtv.com report Friday that Rios tested positive for a banned stimulant after Rios lost a unanimous on Nov. 23 to Manny Pacquiao in China.

“It’s been three weeks, and then, all of a sudden, something like this comes out,’’ Ariza told reporters Friday at the weigh-in for the Adrien Broner-Marcos Maidana card Saturday night at the Alamodome. “He tested four times through the whole camp, and then, nothing. We showed them everything, and we disclosed everything that we were using. They never said anything or complained about it. Now, all of a sudden, this comes out? It just seems a little bizarre to me.”

Rios promoter Bob Arum told ringtv.com that Rios tested positive for dimenthylamylamine, a substance found in controversial over-the-counter supplements.

In the ringtv.com story, Dr. Margaret Goodman of VADA confirmed that Rios tested positive in one of five tests. VADA conducted the testing before and after the welterweight bout in Macao. Goodman told ringtv.com that Pacquiao, also promoted by Arum, passed all five tests.

“It’s some kind of dietary supplement that can be obtained over the counter, so I don’t know any details,’’ said Ariza, who joined Rios after a fallout with Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach. “Everybody takes stuff that they sell at GNC or at vitamin shops and stuff like that.”

Rios trainer Robert Garcia also was surprised. He said he had never heard of the banned substance.

“I have no idea what it is,’’ said Garcia, also Maidana’s trainer. “We’re dealing with some words that I’ve never heard before.”

Dimenthylamylamine is considered dangerous, according to a warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration. The substance has been linked to fatal heart attacks.

It wasn’t known Friday whether Rios faced any consequences. China’s introduction to pro boxing includes a new commission, but its rules and enforcement powers aren’t clear.

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, the November 23rd bout between Manny Pacquiao – and Brandon Rios did about 500,000 buys on Pay Per View.

“The numbers are coming in like we expected,” sais Top Rank’s Bob Arum Arum. “There was a little delay because of Thanksgiving, but it will be somewhere in the area of 500,000 buys. We ran all our numbers on something a little less than 500,000 but figuring we’d do around 500,000, and that’s what we’re going to wind up doing. It means 490,000 or 510,000, something like that.”

“It’s very, very difficult when you’re not doing the fight in the United States,” Arum said. “But the deal we structured with (the Venetian Macao, the host casino) was to make up for that.

“The [pay-per-view] industry told us when you do an event that far away you can expect to do maybe 30 percent of what you would ordinarily do on the fight. We did a lot better. We performed better than that, so I think it was a big success. We had a huge audience on television in China.”

“We’ll have Manny fighting back in the United States with Zou Shiming on the undercard and do a pay-per-view in China, where it will be on Sunday morning,” Arum said.

As for Pacquiao’s opponent in April, Arum said there are three names under consideration: a fifth fight with Marquez, a rematch with welterweight titlist Timothy Bradley (who claimed a highly controversial split decision against Pacquiao in June 2012), and newly crowned junior welterweight titlist Ruslan Provodnikov of Russia.

“It’ll be one of those guys,” Arum said. “We’re gonna get it done sometime this month I hope. I want to start promoting it. What we’re hoping to do is get Manny over here in January to do press conferences for the fight and also to do rallies in places like Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington, D.C., for relief for the victims of the typhoon in the Philippines.”

UEBEC CITY – Saturday’s HBO Boxing telecast airs at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT). The telecast begins with the replay of welterweight superstar Manny Pacquiao’s dominant win over Brandon Rios on Nov. 23 in Macau.

The live HBO telecast from Colisée Pepsi in Quebec City features undefeated 175-pound title-holder Sergey Kovalev vs. Ismayl Sillakh in a 12-round title match that serves as the evening’s co-feature.

Sillakh and Kovalev face off at weigh in
Photo Credits: HBO/Ed Mulholland

The main attraction from Quebec City, a 12-round light heavyweight contest, features title-holder Adonis Stevenson as he defends his crown against challenger Tony Bellew.

Official Weights from Quebec City:

Adonis Stevenson: 174.4 lbs.

Tony Bellew: 175 lbs.

Sergey Kovalev: 174.6 lbs.

Ismayl Sillakh: 174.4 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter:

#StevensonBellew and #KovalevSillakh

There’s terrible irony in news that the Philippines has frozen Manny Pacquiao’s financial assets and placed a lien on the Filipino Congressman’s home over allegations that he owes $50.2 million in unpaid taxes. Pacquiao fought Brandon Rios in China to avoid U.S. taxes, yet he finds himself in a tax fight at home just a few days after a convincing decision over Rios in Macao.

There’s been a lot of talk about whom Pacquiao will fight next. Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley and Ruslan Provodnikov have all been mentioned. No matter where and when the next one happens, however, the taxman could be there in what might be Pacquiao’s toughest and longest fight.

The Filipino Bureau of Internal Revenue’s claim against him is as confusing as the IRS long form. In a prepared statement, Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum said U.S. taxes have been paid for five fights during the two years in question, 2008 and 2009. Under Filipino law, Pacquiao would not be have to pay the Filipino taxes on money already taxed and paid in the U.S., Even there, however, a potential problem has emerged. The U.S. tax rate in 2008 and 2009 was 30 percent. The Filipino rate was 32 percent. In some news reports, Filipino authorities have suggested that Pacquiao might be liable for the two-percent difference.

Arum said that Top Rank will prove that Pacquiao paid his U.S. taxes. Documentation, certified by the IRS, will be made available, Arum said. But you might get on to the Obamacare website before those documents get done. Filipino tax commissioner Kim Henares said she has been waiting for them for two years. Expect this mess to drag on. And on.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao has alleged harassment. Maybe. He’s a politician, after all. Alleging tax evasion has always been one way to attack a political opponent, in the U.S. and everywhere else. If the political version of a low blow is in the mix, however, it only makes things messier than they already appear to be. It also means it will be there, in one form or another, for as long as Pacquiao stays in politics

Politics and money, often inseparable, have become the two-headed distraction that the multi-tasking Pacquaio cannot control. Against Rios, Pacquaio showed he still can fight at a level that can generate more money in a career already estimated to have grossed $300 million. He looks to have a couple of years, three or four more fights, left in the bank. In a somewhat surprising announcement, Arum said Pacquiao will be back in the U.S. for a fight in April.

There had been talk that Pacquiao would never set foot in a U.S. ring again because of President Barack Obama’s 39.6-percent tax rate. Even with that, however, the U.S. still might be the best place to maximize Pacquiao’s income because the pay-per-view infrastructure is in place. In China, it’s not and won’t be for perhaps another year. Pacquiao can’t wait and HBO won’t. In Macao, Pacquiao’s guarantee was $17 million. The guess is that he’ll wind up with about $20 million after he gets his cut of the pay-per-view, still undisclosed. If those projections stand up and the Filipino tax man takes 32 percent, Pacquiao winds up with $13.6 million.

In his loss by a lethal stoppage to Juan Manuel Marquez last December in Las Vegas, Pacquiao grossed about $30 million. At the old IRS rate of 30 percent, he netted $21 million. Under the new rate of 39.6 percent, his net would have been $18.12 million, or $4.52 million more than he was projected to collect in Macao. Follow the money. Arum always does. His Chinese venture looks to be an investment in the future. In time, maybe the money will be there. For now, however, it’s where it’s always been.

At 34, money is probably more important than ever for Pacquiao. He has just a more few opportunities to make the big bucks. Although confusing, the Filipino tax claim only adds a sense of urgency to the final stage in his career. In part, the tax controversy isn’t exactly a surprise. There has been anecdotal evidence for at least year that Pacquiao is under some financial pressure. There have always been stories about Pacquiao’s generosity. Arum openly joked about it. Then, worried about it.

Pacquiao gave it away to poor people on Filipino streets. Then, he spent lavishly on political campaigns for himself and wife Jinkee. In August 2013, he put his Los Angeles home up for sale at $2.7 million. A longtime associate, Wakee Salud, was quoted in Filipino media as saying that Pacquiao was going broke. For now, it’s impossible to know if he is. Or he isn’t. But the tax controversy is a sign that money will motivate him as much as it does Floyd Mayweather Jr., who has the “Money” nickname and more of it than anybody.

Maybe, money will finally make the Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown. Don’t bet on it. But if it ever does, don’t be surprised if the Filipino taxman is there, demanding most, if not all, of Pacquiao’ share in what could be $100-million fight.

HBO Sports presents MANNY PACQUIAO VS. BRANDON RIOS, the replay of their hard-fought welterweight fight, SATURDAY, NOV. 30 at 10:15 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO. The HBO Sports team, which was ringside for the live coverage from the Venetain Macao’s CotaiArena in Macau, China, calls all the action, available in HDTV.

The highly anticipated fight between two of boxing’s most accomplished pros was carried live Saturday, Nov. 23 on HBO Pay-Per-View®.
Immediately following the replay, HBO presents the previously announced “Boxing After Dark” doubleheader of light heavyweight title fights from Quebec City, featuring Adonis Stevenson vs. Tony Bellew and Sergey Kovalev vs. Ismayl Sillakh.
Other HBO playdates: Dec. 1 (3:30 p.m.) and 2 (12:25 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Dec. 1 (8:45 p.m.) and 3 (11:00 p.m.)
® BOXING AFTER DARK is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

LONDON (23 Nov) – Manny Pacquiao has revealed speed will be the key in overcoming Brandon Rios in his welterweight clash live this weekend on BoxNation.

The Filipino prizefighter who makes his eagerly anticipated ring return following his sensational knockout defeat to Juan Manuel Marquez last December believes that the outcome will be decided on who lands first.

“I’m focusing on quickness, speed and some different techniques I can apply for his style,” said Pacquiao. “He’s a very aggressive fighter but I’m faster than him and speed and power will be the key to winning this fight. We chose Rios because he’s the best opponent for me and we can give an exciting action fight for the fans,” he added.

The ‘Fighter of the Decade’ also admitted that this was the best training camp of his career, as he prepares to go in with a fighter in Rios who never backs down and will be in front of him for as long as the fight lasts.

“The difference with this training camp is that I started early; this is one of the longest preparations in my boxing career. Also it’s good because it’s the first time I’ve trained in General Santos for a big fight like this. My team is very happy with how I’ve looked. Our training camp was good, so I’m very relaxed and happy going into the fight,” Pacquiao said.

This belief has been backed up by his promoter Bob Arum who believes that fight fans are going to be treated to the ‘old’ Pacquiao, who dazzled in performances against the likes of Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

Top Rank chief Arum has given a unique insight to BoxNation into the reasons why Pacquiao has failed to perform to his optimum in recent outings: “I was over in General Santos a few weeks ago for the media day and Manny looks like the old Manny, at the top of his game. He looked like when he fought De La Hoya, Hatton and Cotto. I was trying to figure out why? And number one, it’s obvious he has fewer distractions over there. He has a gym that’s on lockdown and people just can’t wander in. When he trained at the Wildcard in LA the Filipino people living in the United States would come from San Francisco from San Diego, they’d drive to the gym and they’d say please let us in because we drove so long.

“We don’t have that distraction – we haven’t got it in General Santos. Also, Manny is involved in so many different things; political things, financial things in the Philippines. So because of the time difference he would work from 5am in the morning, he would be in the gym that afternoon and then he would come back to his house in LA and he’d be on the phone all night because that was day in the Philippines.

“People didn’t realise that, he was up all night talking on the phone. Now when he’s training in the Philippines he lives a normal life. He gets up in the morning, he trains, works out, does whatever business he does in the afternoon, comes, trains in the gym and goes to sleep. And 10pm, 11pm, there’s nobody for him to call. Everybody is sleeping. People didn’t realise that but it’s occurred to me that that’s why a lot of people said in his last few fights how distracted he was.”

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch 546) this Sunday at 1.30am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

BoxNation will donate £2 from every new subscription this week to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Saturday’s HBO Pay-Per-View event airs live at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

HBO Pay-Per-View airs live coverage from CotaiArena.

Saturday’s main event is a 12-round welterweight showdown featuring Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios.

Official Weights from Macau:

Manny Pacquiao: 145 lbs.
Brandon Rios: 146.5 lbs.

Join the conversation on Twitter: #PacquiaoRios

LONDON (22 NOV) – David Beckham has flown into Macau to take up his ringside seat to show his support for the ‘inspirational’ Manny Pacquiao ahead of one of the most eagerly anticipated fights of the year.

The global icon has admitted that he is a ‘huge fan’ of the boxing superstar and has backed him to give the Philippine public something to cheer when he faces Brandon Rios live on BoxNation this weekend.

The Philippines has been left devastated by Typhoon Haiyan, which has claimed the lives of over 4000 people and has left nearly 4 million displaced.

But Beckham expects the Filipino ace ‘Pacman’ to do the business and help put smiles back on the faces of his adoring public.

“It’s obviously one of the reasons why I’m here and why I’m really excited being here,” said Beckham. “I’m a huge fan of Manny’s. I met him a couple of years ago in the Philippines, when I was on tour there with the Galaxy and also there with UNICEF. And he truly is an inspirational person.

“I haven’t spoken to him, but I know how much this fight is going to mean to him this weekend because of everything that is happening in the Philippines. The eyes of the world have been on the Philippines the last couple of weeks and I know how much this is going to mean to him,” said the former England international.

“He’s not just loved around the world of sport or just around the world of boxing. But the way that people love him and are inspired by him. This fight will mean so much to him because for a slight moment this fight is going to put a smile on the people’s faces in the Philippines. And we all send out love and our hopes to the people in that part of the world,” Beckham added.

Pacquiao faces Rios in a bout that is a potential ‘Fight of the Year’ candidate and not only has it attracted Beckham but other star names such as Alicia Keys.

Macau is looking to build its boxing and entertainment profile with a host of top events being lined up in the near future, starting this weekend with one of the fight games pound-for-pound kings in Pacquiao, who looks to bounce back in sensational style from his knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last December.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios is live on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch 546) this Sunday at 1.30am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

BoxNation will donate £2 from every new subscription this week to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

While waiting to see if Brandon Rios’ first few punches will show Manny Pacquiao to be a shot fighter, it was nice to see the old Pacquiao personality still intact amid a fracas that had to make some Chinese nostalgic for the days when Chairman Mao banned boxing.

Pacquiao has always been so likable because he gets it when nobody else seems to.

Pacquiao was a peacemaker in public appearances not long after the opposing camps faced off like schoolyard bullies during recess a couple of days ago at the Venetian in Macao. He laughed at it. He asked everybody to forget the grudges and remember that they are engaged in sport. The Filipino Congressman might never be his country’s president. But he’d be a good diplomat. For years, he’s been an ambassador for a sport desperate for one.

Pacquiao wasn’t there for boxing’s latest assault on decorum. Too bad. If he had been, maybe the embarrassing incident, which grew out of a scheduling conflict, might not have played out, ad nauseam, on video that went viral. He might have told trainer Freddie Roach to leave it alone, to let the Rios camp have the gym for a few extra minutes. He might have talked Roach out of confronting Rios trainer Robert Garcia and mostly Alex Ariza, the conditioning coach and provocateur who moved from the Pacquiao corner to the Rios camp with no apologies, yet plenty of insults.

As it was, the racial epithets and vulgar threats made everybody look bad, other than perhaps Rios, who practiced some Switzerland-like neutrality as he stayed busy on an exercise machine while the noisy chaos played out in front of him.

That Rios didn’t get involved is reason to suspect that the drama wasn’t exactly spontaneous. Rios loves a good brawl, doesn’t he? But he remained a bystander, even when Ariza tried to drop-kick Roach. He was just part of an audience for a scuffle that provides an edge to HBO’s 24/7 and a potential boost for the network’s pay-per-view telecast Saturday (9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT) from China. During the week of the 50th anniversary of the JFK assassination, that might sound like just another conspiracy theory. But, hey, it makes as much sense as anything else on the grassy knoll.

After all, can somebody please explain why both camps were using the same gym? According to news reports and tourist brochures, the Venetian Macao is the biggest casino in the world. It covers 10,500,000 square feet, which makes it the sixth largest building in the world. That’s big enough to occupy a couple of zip codes. There are 3,000 suites and 1,200,000 square feet of convention space. But there’s no room for a second gym?

The hostility between Roach and Ariza isn’t exactly a secret, yet the shared gym put them on a collision course. When was the last time opposing camps used the same gym in Las Vegas during the week before a big fight at one of casinos on The Strip? It just doesn’t happen, yet for some unexplained reason it did in Macao.

From the Roach side of the confrontation, the flare-up might be a symptom of the unknown. There has to be some anxiety in not knowing whether Pacquiao will display any ill effects from getting knocked out so savagely last December by Juan Manuel Marquez. Roach has revised his prediction. Pacquiao by KO within four rounds instead of six, he said, after watching Pacquiao in training camp. But nobody can say for certain how he will react when that first Rios’ punch lands.

That uncertainty was the theme of a conference call with Roberto Duran, Sugar Ray Leonard, George Foreman and Tim Bradley.

“Rios needs to be very careful because I once was knocked out and I came back and won the title,’’ said Duran, who came back almost as dangerous as ever after Thomas Hearns knocked him out in 1984. “So, by no means can you count Manny Pacquiao out. He is a very dangerous fighter. Brandon Rios needs to be intelligent in the ring, protect himself at all times because he doesn’t know where these hits are coming from. Manny Pacquiao is not finished in my eyes and I still believe he is one of the world’s most dangerous fighters in the world.’’

Leonard, Duran’s old rival, has a different take. He thinks Rios should begin to test Pacquiao immediately in a quick attempt to test his mental state in his first fight since the KO.

“What Brandon Rios needs to do is not let Pacquiao forget about what took place in his last fight,’’ Leonard said. “Rios has to jump right on top of Pacquiao, because what happens is when you get knocked out in the fashion that Pacquiao was knocked out, it becomes like an Achilles heel. But if there is anyone that could block that out, Pacquiao is definitely the guy to do that. This fight depends on whose game plan, who dominates the other, takes control early in the fight.’’

So far, at least, Pacquiao looks to be as cool and confident as ever. The calm within the storm was still there a few days ago. His body language provides an interesting forecast, but not a reliable one for the moment when that storm moves into the ring.

PHILADELPHIA, PA (November 21, 2013)—One of the most interested spectators at this Saturday night’s welterweight clash between Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios will be WBO Jr. welterweight champion Ruslan Provodnikov.

Provodnikov will be ringside at the Cotai Arena in the Venetian and he will have more than a passing interest in the bout.

Provodnikov may see a future opponent as well he will be there to support Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach.
“I made sure I was in Macau to support my friend Manny Paquiao in his big return to the ring, and I will be rooting for him in this fight.”, said Provodnikov.

LONDON (Nov 20) – Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao has vowed to do the Philippines proud when he takes on Brandon Rios amid strained relations between both camps.

The Filipino congressman for the Sarangani province was the coolest man on stage during the final press conference where animosity between both trainers from the altercation earlier in the day was still very much evident.

Five-time ‘Trainer of the Year’ Freddie Roach and members of Team Rios, including trainer Robert Garcia, were involved in a scuffle at the fight week gym when Roach vehemently voiced his displeasure that they were still there during Pacquiao’s allotted time.

The eight-weight world champion, however, seemed unperturbed by the situation instead turning his thoughts to the people of the Philippines who were left devastated by Typhoon Haiyan which has claimed the lives of over 4000 people.

“Brandon Rios says he’s hungry to win this fight and I also say I’m hungry to win this fight because I’ve lost twice last year,” Pacquiao said. “I’m doing my best to give a good fight and to win the fight, especially with what happened to my countrymen and what happened to the Philippines with the typhoon. To all the people and families affected by this storm – this fight is for you,” declared Pacquiao.

Rios, fighting out of Oxnard, California, was adamant that Pacquiao would have his work cut out after claiming he had his best camp ever.

Famed for his all-action, gung-ho approach, the 27-year-old believes that the ‘Fighter of the Decade’ will be his stepping stone to superstardom.

“They think I’m no problem but I’m going to be a huge problem. This camp is the best I’ve ever had. I’ve been disciplined. I’ve followed my diet and done everything I need to win,” said Rios.

“Everyone thinks I’m a tune-up fight – I’m nobody’s tune-up fight and nobody’s punch bag. A punching bag don’t punch back. I’m a monster when I get in that ring. On Sunday a new star is on the rise,” Rios roared.

Both trainers aired their thoughts on the gym bust-up but it was Garcia who was the most vocal, expressing his displeasure at the media who were present during the incident.

“We had plenty of camera crews, photographers, reporters there. I don’t see why none of them are putting out exactly what happened. I don’t know what HBO 24/7 will put up. There are plenty of reporters and plenty of photographers that were putting pictures up that are making our team look bad,” Garcia said.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch 546) this Sunday at 1.30am. Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

BoxNation will donate £2 from every new subscription this week to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

-Ends-
About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £10* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

BoxNation is proud to support Fight for Peace, a charity that uses boxing and martial arts combined with education and personal development to realise the potential of young people in communities that suffer from crime and violence. Buy LUTA (www.luta.co.uk) clothing and support Fight for Peace.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Diaz and Mayweather vs Alvarez.

The channel is available on Sky (ch 437), Virgin (ch 546), online at Livesport.tv and via iPhone, iPad or Android.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £10 one off registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

Toronto – Fight Network, the world’s premier 24/7 television channel dedicated to complete coverage of combat sports, will present back-to-back live events this Saturday, November 23, beginning with the Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios HBO PPV Undercard at 7 p.m. ET, followed by a live broadcast of GLORY 12 New York at 9 p.m. ET.

Before the Filipino boxing legend Pacquiao steps up to face crowd-pleasing brawler Rios in Macau, China, the action gets started at 7 p.m. ET live on Fight Network with exciting local talent featured on the undercard. Some of the matchups on tap include Ik Yang vs. Hero Tito, Rex Tso vs. Susu Sithjadaeng, Harmonito Dela Torre vs. Jason Butar, Kuok Kun Ng vs. You-Jie Zeng and Liam Vaugan vs. Dan Nazareno Jr.

Kicking off live at 9 p.m. ET, GLORY 12 New York features a single-night, four-man lightweight world championship tournament. In opening round matchups, kickboxing pound-for-pound king Giorgio Petrosyan (78-1-1) battles Andy Ristie (39-3-1) and Dutch sensation Robin van Roosmalen (6-1) clashes with Georgia’s Davit Kiria (21-8). In the tournament reserve bout, South African Warren Stevelmans (64-18-1) takes on American Ky Hollenbeck (45-3).

Co-headlining the festivities is a heavyweight collision course pitting Morroco’s Jamal Ben Saddik (24-3) against Australian standout Ben Edwards (35-9-3).

In the night’s featured attraction, the sport’s premier middleweight Joe Schilling (16-4) looks to build off the momentum of his stunning tournament victory over Artem Levin when he throws down with fellow American Wayne Barrett (3-0).

For a full listing of Fight Network’s broadcast schedule, please visit tv.fightnetwork.com and follow on Twitter @fightnet, become a fan on Facebook and visit us on Instagram @fightnet.

LONDON (19 Nov) – Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao believes size will be no factor as he looks to take down the ‘Goliath’ Brandon Rios this Saturday night live on BoxNation.

The Filipino powerhouse steps back into the ring for the first time since his devastating knockout loss to Juan Manuel Marquez last December and has called on Biblical legend to help inspire him against a man whose height advantage has led some to believe will be a key element in how the fight plays out.

The ‘Fighter of the Decade’, however, has dismissed such claims believing that the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

“Am I confident for my fight with Rios? I am more than confident,” said Pacquiao.

“Rios is bigger than me. Remember Goliath was bigger than David and yet David needed just one stone to fell the giant. I enter this fight stronger than ever.

“I have the strength of my country and my people coursing through my body. I fight for them, not for me. I fight for their glory, not mine,” he said.

The eight-division world champion’s belief that he is stronger than ever is something which has been backed by his world renowned trainer Freddie Roach.

Despite two back-to-back losses, one of those a highly contentious defeat to Timothy Bradley, Roach thinks that this will be the very best Pacquiao in a long time.

“Manny’s last training session was nothing short of amazing,” said Roach.

“We were supposed to do six rounds on the mitts and I cut it off after four rounds. They were the best four rounds of mitts I have ever done with Manny. He was blazing. He was throwing the heat. This was the happiest and most productive camp I have had with Manny in years,” he said.

“I know I predicted that Manny would knock Rios out inside six rounds but based on our last workout, I don’t see how Rios makes it past the fourth round,” Roach added.

Such bold claims appear to have had little effect on the unrelenting Rios, whose come forward, all-action style, have made him a fans favourite.

“I want to feel Manny’s power. I want to feel all of it. This is the first training camp I have kept to the game plan and done everything I was told to do. Manny Pacquiao is a big step. I am going to shut everyone up and prove I am the best,” Rios said.

“The second [Mike] Alvarado fight was my bad. I was focused on knocking him out and that’s how I trained and fought, throwing one shot at a time trying to land that knockout punch. It was also the first time I ever lifted weights and by the third round I was slowing down.

“This time I am focusing on winning – not on the knockout – and Robert and his dad have designed a lot of ways for me to do that. My body clock has finally adjusted to Macau. I slept until 7am and was in the gym before 9am,” he said.

“I know we are in Manny’s backyard and I want to win every round. I have trained not to give up a minute to Manny Pacquiao,” added Rios.

Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios is live and exclusive on BoxNation (Sky Ch. 437/Virgin Ch 546). Visit www.boxnation.com to subscribe.

BoxNation will donate £2 from every new subscription this week to the Disasters Emergency Committee’s appeal for victims of Super Typhoon Haiyan.

-Ends-

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Episode #3 (series finale)

Debut: THURSDAY, NOV. 21 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: Nov. 21 (2:05 a.m.), 22 (8:30 p.m.), 23 (10:30 a.m.), 24 (9:00 a.m.), 25 (1:30 p.m., midnight), 26 (5:30 p.m., 2:25 a.m.), 27 (9:30 p.m.) and 28 (11:50 p.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 22 (12:15 a.m.), 23 (2:40 p.m.), 24 (12:25 a.m.) and 29 (8:30 p.m.)

Series available on HBO ON DEMAND and HBO GO.

Camps break as Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) and Brandon Rios (31-1-1, 22 KOs) head to Macau for their high-stakes welterweight fight, one of the year’s most anticipated showdowns.

All three episodes of 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS air back-to-back Friday, Nov. 22 on HBO, beginning at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

“Pacquiao vs. Rios” takes place Saturday, Nov. 23 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

The executive producer of 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS is Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Bentley Weiner; producers, Harley Glantz, George Jakovic and Abtin Motia; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

Photos by Chris Farina / Top Rank

Click to enlarge pics

MACAU, CHINA (November 19, 2013) – Fighter of the Decade MANNY “Pacman” PACQUAO and former world champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS are back together – almost – at least in the same hotel, ensconced inside luxury suites at The Venetian Macao. Boxing’s top-two pound-for pound all-action superstars will make their Grand Arrivals – full of pomp and circumstance — Tuesday night – in Prime Time – at the Main Porte Cochere of the host resort. Rios will make his entrance, greeting his fans and meeting with dignitaries, at 9:00 p.m. local time, followed by Congressman Pacquiao at 9:30 p.m.

Upon their arrival at Macau International Airport on Monday evening, Pacquiao and Hall of Fame trainer World-Famous Freddie Roach had this to say:

MANNY PACQUIAO
“Am I confident for my fight with Rios? I am more than confident. Rios is bigger than me. Remember Goliath was bigger than David and yet David needed just one stone to fell the giant. I enter this fight stronger than ever. I have the strength of my country and my people coursing through my body. I fight for them, not for me. I fight for their glory, not mine.”

FREDDIE ROACH
“Manny’s last training session was nothing short of amazing. We were supposed to do six rounds on the mitts and I cut it off after four rounds. They were the best four rounds of mitts I have ever done with Manny. He was blazing. He was throwing the heat. This was the happiest and most productive camp I have had with Manny in years. I know I predicted that Manny would knock Rios out inside six rounds but based on our last workout, I don’t see how Rios makes it past the fourth round.”

Rios and Garcia hosted a roundtable in their suite with the first wave of international media who arrived earlier in the day.

BRANDON RIOS
“I want to feel Manny’s power. I want to feel all of it. This is the first training camp I have kept to the game plan and done everything I was told to do. Manny Pacquiao is a big step. I am going to shut everyone up and prove I am the best. The second Alvarado fight was my bad. I was focused on knocking him out and that’s how I trained and fought, throwing one shot at a time trying to land that knockout punch. It was also the first time I ever lifted weights and by the third round I was slowing down. This time I am focusing on winning — not on the knockout — and Robert and his dad have designed a lot of ways for me to do that. My body clock has finally adjusted to Macau. I slept until 7 a.m. and was in the gym before 9 a.m. I know we are in Manny’s backyard and I want to win every round. I have trained not to give up a minute to Manny Pacquiao.”

ROBERT GARCIA
“Twice during the two episodes of “24/7” I’ve heard Freddie Roach say he will ask Manny Pacquiao to retire if he loses to Brandon Rios. Well, Freddie had better buy that gold watch for Manny, because the retirement party begins on Saturday night. I guarantee you this will be the last time you ever see Manny Pacquiao on an HBO Pay-Per-View.”

*******************************

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match,” and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. The final episode of “24/7: Pacquiao/Rios” debuts Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, and twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

Nov. 18, 2013 –- Boxing fans can get a ringside seat for one of the sport’s most dramatic pre-fight activities when HBO telecasts WEIGH-IN LIVE: PACQUIAO/RIOS, the welterweight fight weigh-in, featuring ring rivals Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios. The hour special airs Friday, Nov. 22 at 6:30 p.m. (ET/PT) on HBO.

Hosted by Jim Lampley, the fast-moving program will include the moment when both prizefighters tip the scales as well as providing boxing fans with unprecedented access to the festivities. Live interviews with special guests will be part of the hour-long presentation. All the action will take place from the Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena.

Immediately following WEIGH-IN LIVE will be the encore replay of the HBO reality series “24/7 Pacquiao/Rios.” All three episodes will air back-to-back beginning at 7:30 p.m. (ET/PT).

The official fight headquarters for boxing fans all week long is insidehboboxing.com where fans can log on for exclusive and compelling features.

Follow HBO Boxing news at www.hbo.com/boxing; on Facebook at www.facebook.com/hboboxing; and on Twitter @hboboxing.

Click to enlarge pictures

Photo Credit: Chris Farina / Top Rank

LAS VEGAS, NEV (November 18, 2013) — Boxing’s royalty will be in Las Vegas this week talking about the historic 12-round welterweight showdown between Fighter of the Decade MANNY PACQUIAO and former world champion BRANDON RIOS. Broadcasting throughout the day Live from the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium inside The Palazzo Las Vegas — sister property of the The Venetian Macao, the resort site hosting Pacquiao vs. Rios — Thursday, November 21 and Friday, November 22, 13 national and regional radio shows will be interviewing a boxing’s Who’s Who — in-person, including Hall of Famers George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Pacquiao rivals Marco Antonio Barrera and Timothy Bradley, Rios’ professional nemesis Mike Alvarado, and former world champion Ray Mancini.

The appearance schedule is as follows:

Thursday, November 21
· Timothy Bradley, undefeated two-division world champion who dethroned Pacquiao last year to claim his WBO welterweight title. Claimed his first world title in England, dethroning WBC super lightweight champion and hometown favorite Junior Witter.
· Marco Antonio Barrera, former three-division world champion who fought the majority of his fights outside his native Mexico, including two fights with Pacquiao.
· Mike Alvarado, the former WBO jr. lightweight champion who is 1-1 against Rios.

Friday, November 22
· George Foreman, former two-time heavyweight champion. Fought all his world title fights outside the U.S. during his first title reign.
· Sugar Ray Leonard, former five-division world champion who had one fight outside the U.S. — against Roberto Duran in Montreal — where he lost a unanimous decision — and his welterweight title to Duran.
· Roberto Duran, former four-division world champion who fought the majority of his major fights outside his native Panama.
· Ray Mancini, former lightweight champion who fought outside the U.S. once, in Italy, winning a narrow decision to retain his title.

“While the fight takes place in China, we want U.S. fight fans to be treated to the same real time experience they enjoy for all pay-per-view mega-fights,” said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. “With the star-studded group of fighters, the breadth of the radio stations broadcasting live, and the television and print interviews which emanate from Las Vegas, we will be able to provide a constant flow of news, information and entertainment which U.S. boxing fans can engage on their time. Additionally, the press conference and weigh-in from Macau will take place live at times which are convenient for the U.S. audience; and of course the live fight telecast on Saturday night November 23rd will take place at the usual time of 9 pm ET/6 pm PT.”

The seven boxing superstars will be discussing their experiences — the victories and the losses — when they fought on foreign soil as well as their analysis of the upcoming Pacquiao-Rios battle. Both Barrera and Bradley have first-hand knowledge of what Rios should expect from Pacquiao and what Rios will need to do to have his hand raised in victory in just five days. The same is true for Alvarado, who has tangled with Rios in two Fights of the Year. .

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match,” and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. The final episode of “24/7: Pacquiao/Rios” debuts Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

The Venetian and The Palazzo will be the only resorts in Las Vegas to offer the live closed-circuit broadcast of Pacquiao vs. Rios. The bout will be available for viewing inside The Venetian Ballroom and at Lagasse’s Stadium. Doors open at 5 p.m., undercard fights begin at 6 p.m. Tickets for The Venetian Ballroom are $50. Food and beverage minimums apply for Lagasse’s Stadium. Tickets: 702-414-9000.

Las Vegas residents will still be able to order the live HBO Pay-per-View telecast in their homes.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, and twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

BOB ARUM: Welcome to the new global age, where fights take place around the world and promotions kick in as if we were still in Las Vegas. On Thursday and Friday we will have Radio Row broadcasting live from the Palazzo Waterfall Atrium inside The Palazzo Las Vegas resort. Thirteen national and regional radio shows are participating and we’ll have a whole host of great fighters from the past – guys who made this sport what it is today and as popular as it is today. George Foreman, Sugar Ray Leonard, Roberto Duran, Ray Mancini, Marco Antonio Barrera; and the stars of today — Tim Bradley and Mike Alvarado — in-person being interviewed on their views on Pacquiao vs. Rios and talking about their experiences fighting outside their own countries. The world is becoming a very, very small place. This event in Macao is making a huge impact in Asia and around the world. I thank all of the participants on today’s call, A lot of them have fought abroad throughout their career and you can ask them about their experience fighting in multiple time zones from where they trained.

Tim, what can Brandon Rios expect from Manny when he gets in the ring?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: First of all, he should expect to see Manny Pacquiao being very quick and very elusive and lots of feints in this fight. Manny Pacquiao dropped a lot of feints on me and it kept me off balance as far as shots. He is very difficult to hit at times too because he is always angling out. He’s coming in, he’s out, he’s angling out to the right or to the left. That’s what Brandon Rios should expect. He shouldn’t expect Pacquiao to come right at him. He is going to have to expect a lot of angles in this fight. Rios, if he is going to have a chance to beat Pacquiao he is going to have to close the distance. He is going to have to get close, stay close and punch. Pacquiao has a tendency to stay on the ropes with his hands high and stay in position to allow opponents to punch him at times and that will work in Rios’ favor. Rios likes to bring the pressure and throw uppercuts and body shots and I think that’s how he’s going to be effective in this fight. If he’s out too far, he’s doomed. If he can close the distance, he’ll be OK. And expect Pacquiao to come right back too … he has to have really good defense after he punches. And if he does that, he’ll be successful but if he allows Pacquiao to move on him and find angles … Manny has power in both hands, he can hurt you. I know Rios can take a punch but this is not Mike Alvarado – he is facing Manny Pacquiao who has speed and power.

George, you won your first title out of the country and defended it out of the country – what should Rios expect since he is making the long trip?

GEORGE FOREMAN: It’s going to be rough and that’s all there is to it because you can say to yourself ‘I am accustomed to it’ but you can be there for a month. I have been there for two weeks – it’s just not going to help you. You wake up at the wrong times. You eat at the wrong times. Pacquiao, because he lives in that area, boy it’s probably going to be a shut out if he is on his game at all.

Fighting in the morning – can you get over that – after being used to fighting in the evening?

GEORGE FOREMAN: It’s a challenge because like I said, it’s a thing you can’t control. It’s your body. Forget about the mental showdown. It’s a physical showdown. You really have to pick the fight out of the guy at 8 in the morning – it’s just not going to be the same.

Ray, Rios will be attacking and Pacquiao is coming off the knockout – do you think that will affect him?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: What Brandon Rios needs to do is not let Pacquiao forget about what took place in his last fight. Rios has to jump right on top of Pacquiao, because what happens is when you get knocked out in the fashion that Pacquiao was knocked out, it becomes like an Achilles heel. But if there is anyone that could block that out, Pacquiao is definitely the guy to do that. This fight depends on whose game plan, who dominates the other, takes control early in the fight.

Roberto, when you fought Ray Leonard, Ray was a huge star and very popular. Rios is now fighting a huge star that is very popular with the people. How does that play in the fight?

ROBERTO DURAN: First of all, the stars live in the sky. On Earth, everyone is an equal. Yes, Manny Pacquiao is a well-known star and he is not finished by any means. He is embarrassed by the Marquez loss and he feels that he needs to redeem himself. Brandon Rios needs to be very careful because I once was knocked out and I came back and won the title so by no means can you count Manny Pacquiao out – he is a very dangerous fighter. Brandon Rios needs to be intelligent in the ring, protect himself at all times because he doesn’t know where these hits are coming from. Manny Pacquiao is not finished in my eyes and I still believe he is one of the world’s most dangerous fighters in the world. I just give some advice to Brandon Rios – go in and attack and don’t be afraid and don’t hesitate because he can win if he fights intelligently. Manny Pacquiao is still a very dangerous fighter.

Do you feel the fighters will have a difficult time getting acclimated?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: Getting acclimated is one of the biggest obstacles along with facing Manny Pacquiao. In fact, Roberto Duran really described it and put things in perspective about what he said about this fight. Pacquiao is not finished even though he was knocked out in a viscous manner. If there was anyone that has the ability to come back, both physically and psychologically, it’s Manny Pacquiao. So Rios, having to become acclimated to being there, even though he is there now, it does take time. It’s an intriguing fight.

ROBERTO DURAN: I don’t think he’s going to have any problems as long as he is not extremely overweight and having to worry about losing a lot of pounds. I think Brandon will be just fine as long as he gets there in time. I have never been out that way so I can’t really say how it is but I think he will be just fine acclimating to the time zone.

BOB ARUM: Manny’s problem is not the weight in the sense that he has to eat five meals a day. A couple of weeks ago when I was in General Santos City he was down to 143 pounds – 4 pounds below the weight. Brandon has been used to fighting at 140 now he is fighting at 147 so he has no problem with the weight. So at least for this fight we don’t have to worry about the guys being overweight when they hit the scales.

Could you each make a prediction on the fight?

GEORGE FOREMAN: I think it’s going to be a 12-round decision and I give Pacquiao the hometown decision. How about a home-region decision.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I think Pacquiao will win although I give Rios a shot, a big shot. It’s not going to be an easy fight. I’m picking Manny because he is Manny Pacquiao.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I’ve got Manny Pacquiao by a mid to late round KO. Eight rounds.

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: I think it is a complicated fight for both of them. You have Brandon Rios who comes straightforward and will apply the pressure on Manny. Then you have Manny who moves around the ring very well and picks and chooses his spots and comes at different angles and is a very strong fighter with a lot of speed. It’s just going to be a tough fight for both of them.

How do you think Manny can deal with the distractions of the typhoon?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I want to offer my condolences first and foremost, and my prayers, to the victims of that horrible disaster. But Manny is a fighter and a warrior. He can – he will have to – block out everything and have tunnel vision going into the ring against Brandon Rios. I say intriguing because it’s a big question mark over that ring. Who goes into the ring that night with the mindset of winning and not thinking about other things.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I have had some things in the past during training camp, but Manny has a job to do and he needs to take care of his job first. Then after that he can go back and take care of everything else he needs to.

GEORGE FOREMAN: Just before I fought Michael Moorer there was a big tragic flood right here in the Houston area and I had to wade through waist-deep water to rescue my family. There were many deaths. But when it came time to put on the boxing trunks – it all disappeared.

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: Distractions play a big deal and in many Pacquiao’s situation, say if you train 100%, distractions could take away 40% of the training of all the work that you put in. Manny has to concentrate on one thing and that’s boxing. He does have responsibilities with the typhoon and everything, which makes it harder, but he can’t separate himself from being a boxer. If he tries to be a politician and a boxer at the same time, he’s going to be in trouble. In Brandon, he is facing the toughest and the most important fight of his life. That’s the type of fighter Manny is going up against, so I just say that Manny better be 100% focused as a boxer for this fight.

Freddie Roach said Pacquiao should retire if he loses, what do you think?

GEORGE FOREMAN: I think the hardest thing for any boxer is to retire. It takes a phenomenon really (laughter). You almost have to pull him [a fighter] out of there. We don’t like to retire. I don’t think that’s going to be in his mind and even if it was it will disappear quickly.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: It’s the hardest thing, like George said. After a loss, you try to fix that. You try to repair that. As a fighter, you go back. You go back time and time again. Even if you win, because that win becomes seductive – you go back. I wish both guys the very best.

Did you think about retiring after your first fight against Roberto Duran in Montreal?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I contemplated it, naturally, because of the physical fight. It was so physical and it just didn’t feel good. I went home and went on vacation and cleared my head and came back. It all depends on how you lose that last fight. That plays a significant role in your decision-making.

Do you think Pacquiao will fight Mayweather if he wins?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: Pacquiao-Rios, that’s what is important to Manny Pacquiao right now.

What do you remember with your first fight with Pacquiao?

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: What I do remember is fighting a guy I knew nothing about and a very explosive fighter. What I remember about other than losing the fight was he really beat me with the body shots. He was an extremely quick fighter that I was not prepared for. More than anything, Manny Pacquiao gained a lot of respect from the fans by beating me. Other than that, he continued his success – and by beating bigger guys. He threw logic out the door because everyone thought that a guy in a smaller weight would never beat a heavier guy. Manny Pacquiao has made himself a star and gave smaller fighters the idea that ‘hey, I can make it in the bigger weights.’ That’s the type of fighter that Manny Pacquiao is.

Bob, of all the international events you promoted, which one stands out the most?

BOB ARUM: The one that sticks out and is most comparable because it takes place in the same time zone is the Thrilla in Manila when Muhammad Ali faced off against Joe Frazier. That fight took place the same time that the Pacquiao-Rios fight will take place – around Noon Manila time. It was one of the greatest fights I have ever seen in my life. These guys went at it and Eddie Futch wouldn’t let Joe Frazier come out for the 15th round and Muhammad won the fight. What I remember most was going outside the Coliseum after the fight was over – we had just seen this unbelievable fight and the sun was the brightest that I have ever seen it and it was almost as if everyone was blinded by the daylight and it was one of the most memorable experiences I ever had in my life. It’s now almost 50 years from that date and I still remember it like it was yesterday.

What do you think Rios’ biggest concern should be?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I think the biggest concern should be that left hand of Pacquiao. Pacquiao has a huge left hand. He feints a lot and tries to lure you in. He will probably let Rios get off first. And he’s going to make him pay for every mistake he does. Rios has a tendency to lunge in so he better be careful because the left hand is definitely coming over the top so he better be aware of it. I told my manager Cameron Dunkin to let him know to stay away from that left hand.

Do you think Manny can overcome that knockout?

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: Absolutely – you saw me in my last fight and I overcame a brutal fight with Ruslan Provodnikov – I took a lot of punishment in that fight and suffered a concussion. I bounced back and I fought smart. I got hit with some shots in that fight and I was OK. The big thing is styles – styles make fights. We all know that and Rios definitely has a style that suits Manny Pacquiao – he comes forward and he’s face-first. He doesn’t care about defense. He gets his with big shots. But what Rios has to understand is that he never took a shot from Manny Pacquiao, who throws them with either hand. I’m telling you, I’ve been in the ring with this guy and what’s special about him is that he throws combinations and every shot is a death blow. Every shot is hard. Rios is going to have to be on his P’s and Q’s. Rios is a big puncher and I know he comes to fight but I think he’s a tad too slow for Pacquiao and I don’t think he has the power in his punch either, so…

What do you think about staying on your diet when you go overseas?

GEORGE FOREMAN: When I went to fight everything was cooked in the same fashion that as I received it when I was home. Maybe a little better so that won’t mean anything. Just like home but maybe a little better. When I went to Macao, the food was great. It was great.

BOB ARUM: George was over in Macao a couple of times and the food at the Macao was first class. It’s mostly western. Steakhouses, buffets all western food. I don’t think the food will be a problem for Rios and certainly not for Manny. I know Rios had a chef with him and I know Manny will have a chef with him. They both have suites that have kitchens so they can prepare their own food.

Ray did you bring your own chef?

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: Well yes, I brought my mom and dad. Home cooked meals and never a problem.

Marco, you had to move your training camp for your first fight with Pacquiao – did it affect your training?

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: First I would like to say I am not making any excuses – Manny Pacquiao beat me clearly. Because of the distractions, I probably trained a total of 20 days for that fight. The first distraction was there was a fire in Big Bear and we had to evacuate training camp. Then after that I had to get evaluated – get my head checked by my surgeon in Houston – and that delayed some of the training camp as well. There were distractions but it just goes to show that you have to stay focused and how much distractions will really affect the outcome of a fight.

Tell us about your China fight…

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: What I remember most about that fight was asking myself, ‘do I stay in boxing or retire?’ I remember that there were a lot of boxing fans in China and they treated me really well. There are a lot of fans out there and Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios will both see that. The Pacquiao-Rios fight will be very entertaining for the fans. Two great fighters clashing.

In closing…

BOB ARUM: I want to thank all the fighters for being on the call. I leave for Macao tomorrow. I am looking forward to this event. It has world-wide significance and I hope that everyone enjoys Saturday night November 23rd because they are going to see a great show.

GEORGE FOREMAN: I look forward to a great fight. Both guys know this is a showdown for their career. I am going to make certain that everyone I know sees it because it’s going to be a great fight. I was distracted, that’s why I lost [in Zaire.]

MARCO ANTONIO BARRERA: I know it’s going to be a great fight – an explosive fight. A fight of styles and styles make fights. It is going to be a brand new type of public out there that is going to enjoy a great show. Americans and Mexicans, to them I say, do not miss this fight – it is the fight you want to see.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I just want to tell Bob that I want to be there next time.

BOB ARUM: We are going to continue to do big shows in Las Vegas but this is a new market in Macao and China and so we’ll be back on an number of occasions. Mark your calendar Ray, February 22nd is going to be the next big show at The Venetian Macao.

SUGAR RAY LEONARD: I am marking it down right now. I feel that Pacquiao is going to surprise the majority, even being knocked out the way he was it could be over, but it’s all about the mind. Pacquiao has incredible mind and confidence and conditioning. Rios is not just coming in to play – it’s going to be an incredible fight.

TIMOTHY BRADLEY: I came into the Pacquiao fight in the best shape of my life. I trained extremely hard for that fight. I remember it being around the 4th round – I was exhausted – after four rounds! I am in the best shape of my life and I am exhausted. Pacquiao drops so many feints on you and he keeps you so tense – he hits hard with both hands – you always have to be alert and it drains you as a fighter. With that being said I hope that Rios is ready for that because Pacquiao will make it seem like he’s coming in and he’s not. I think it’s going to be explosive and Bob Arum is giving the fight fans another great fight and another great promotion and for all the fans in China – I wish it was on U.S. soil – enjoy this great show that Top Rank is putting on and I can’t wait to see this fight – it is going to be exciting.

*************************************************

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match,” and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. Episodes two and three of “24/7 Pacquiao/Rios” premiere in prime time this Saturday, Nov. 16 (9:30 p.m.) and next Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, and twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

Starting Monday, Nov. 18, ESPN will present multi-platform pre- and post-fight coverage of the 12-round Welterweight fight between Fighter of the Decade Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) and former Lightweight titlist Brandon Ríos (31-1-1, 22 KOs). SportsCenter and ESPN Deportes will provide daily news and information throughout the week.
The fight, from the Venetian Macao’s CotaiArena, in Macau, China, will be distributed live on Saturday Nov. 23, at 9 p.m. ET on HBO-Pay-Per-View. As part of ESPN and HBO Sports’ boxing programming and marketing agreement, ESPN news and information platforms will have access to key content, including post-fight, in-ring interviews, press conference and weigh-in coverage, HBO’s behind-the-scenes reality series 24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos, and classic Pacquiao and Ríos fights.

Television

· SportsCenter:

o Bilingual boxing reporter Bernardo Osuna will be in Macau providing pre-and post-fight interviews and analysis.

o Interviews with both fighters Tuesday and Thursday during the 8 p.m. edition of SportsCenter and coverage of weigh-in on Friday.

· ESPN Deportes’ Semana de Campeones (Week of Champions):

o A Los Golpes: commentators Claudia Trejos and Julio César Chávez, Sr. will provide in-depth analysis and discussion of the fight from Los Angeles (Monday, Nov. 18, 7:30 p.m.).

o Golpe a Golpe: Jorge Eduardo Sánchez, and Juan Manuel Márquez will provide coverage from Mexico of Friday’s weigh-in with Osuna reporting from Macau (Friday, Nov. 22, 6:30 p.m.). A special pre-fight show with Márquez, Sánchez and Osuna will air Saturday, Nov. 23, at 7 p.m. At 8 p.m. coverage will continue on ESPN Deportes+, ESPN Deportes’ digital extension available via WatchESPN.com. Following the fights, ESPN Deportes will air a special post-fight show Sunday, Nov. 24, at 2 a.m.

o SportsCenter, Capitanes, Radio Fórmula, Cronómetro, and Nación ESPN will have daily segments previewing the fight.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos (ESPN2, ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN): HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning all-access reality series, follows both fighters as they prepare for their Welterweight showdown (see schedule below).

Classic Pacquiao and Ríos fights (ESPN Classic, ESPN Deportes): Both networks will reair Pacquiao vs. Marquez III and Ríos vs. Alvarado I. In 2011, Pacquiao defeated Márquez in their third fight, scoring a 12-round majority decision. In 2012, Ríos scored a seventh-round TKO win over Mike Alvarado. ESPN Deportes will also reair Pacquiao vs. Oscar De La Hoya. In 2008, Pacquiao scored an eighth-round TKO win over De La Hoya (see schedule below).

Digital/Print

· ESPN3 live coverage of press conference, weigh-in and Pacquiao vs. Ríos non-televised undercard fights: ESPN3 will carry Wednesday’s press conference (8:30 a.m.) and Friday’s weigh-in (6:30 p.m.) live on computers, smartphones, tablets, Xbox and Apple TV to fans who receive their Internet or video subscription from an affiliated provider. ESPN3 will also carry Pacquaio vs. Ríos non-televised undercard fights Saturday (7 p.m.).

· ESPN.com:

o Comprehensive coverage including pre- and post-fight features and blogs from Dan Rafael, Eric Raskin, Bernardo Pilatti, and Brian Campbell. Kieran Mulvaney will be on site in Macau providing pre- and post-fight stories throughout the week.

o “Fight Credential,” ESPN.com’s home page for all Pacquiao-Ríos coverage, updated with features, video, photos and social media from all platforms throughout the week and through the fight.

o HBO’s Face Off with Max Kellerman: Pacquiao-Rios. Both fighters square off debate-style with Kellerman serving as moderator.

o Tyson on Pacquiao- Ríos: Former Heavyweight champion Mike Tyson breaks down the fight between the two fighters.

o Live fight-night blog featuring analysis from Mulvaney and Campbell.

o Video previews and breakdowns from Making the Rounds, ESPN.com’s original boxing show.

· ESPN The Magazine:

o Features writer Tim Struby will be in Macau for a post-fight piece in ESPN The Magazine.

Social
· #TeamPacquiao and #TeamRios (@ESPN Twitter; fight week): ESPN will ask its Twitter followers why they’re for #TeamPacquiao or #TeamRios, and re-tweet the best replies.

Schedule of Pacquiao vs. Ríos Coverage across ESPN Platforms:
Date

Time (ET)

Coverage

Platform

Mon, Nov. 18

7:30 p.m.

A Los Golpes (from Los Angeles)

ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

8:30 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

10 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

Tues, Nov. 19

12 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

1 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

8 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

8 p.m.

Live Pacquiao-Ríos Interviews
SportsCenter

9 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

Wed, Nov. 20

1 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

8:30 a.m.

Pacquiao vs. Ríos Live Press Conference
ESPN3

6 p.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 1

ESPN2, WatchESPN

6:30 p.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 2

ESPN2, WatchESPN

9 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

Thurs, Nov. 21

12 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

1 a.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

7:30 p.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 1

ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

8 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Pacquiao vs. Marquez III

ESPN Classic

8 p.m.

Live Pacquiao-Ríos Interviews
SportsCenter

9 p.m.

Classic Boxing: Ríos vs. Alvarado I

ESPN Classic

Fri, Nov. 22

1:30 a.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 1

ESPN2, WatchESPN

2 a.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 2

ESPN2, WatchESPN

2:30 a.m.

24/7 Pacquiao/Ríos Episode 3

ESPN2, WatchESPN

6:30 p.m.

Pacquiao vs. Ríos Weigh-in Live

ESPN3

6:30 p.m.

Golpe a Golpe (Weigh-in)

ESPN Deportes, WatchESPN

Photo credit : James Dayap

Good morning America and good evening to World-Famous Freddie Roach because it is 11 PM in General Santos City in the Philippines. It is very gracious of him to join us – he has a 4:30 AM run with Manny Thursday morning.

We are just 10 days from Macau – Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios in a 12-round welterweight battle which will be headlining a live five-bout pay-per-view card on November 23 beginning at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT. Also joining us on the call is Hall of Fame Promoter Bob Arum who is in Las Vegas.

BOB AUM: I just got up, but listen, I’m in better shape than Freddie because he is ready to go to bed – he has to get up early in the morning. So I am not going to waste any time – I’ll give it back to you.

FREDDIE ROACH: Training camp has been going great. We have been sparring very well. We have six rounds to spar tomorrow and four rounds on Saturday then we are going to head to Macau Monday afternoon after training. We are 90% ready. We have the game plan down. We know how we are going to fight Brandon Rios. He’s a taller guy and we have been watching the tapes of his last 10 fights. We have a great game plan and Manny knows how to fight this fighter and I believe it’s going to be a great night for the Philippines.

Freddie, I understand you gave Manny the day off today, is he looking that good?

FREDDIE ROACH: He is doing really good. He had a great run in the morning. He did a lot of sprints and had a great run. When he came into the gym, he looked a little tired and I said, “you know Manny, you can take the day off. Go home and get some rest.” I think what has happened here is weighing on his mind so I gave him the day off since he had the great run and we can pick it back up tomorrow.

Do you have heightened anticipation since Manny is coming off back-to-back losses?

FREDDIE ROACH: I think it is a situation where he has to look impressive in this fight and we are doing everything possible to do that. We have Manny’s mind on the right path I believe. He knows he has to look impressive in the fight and he knows Brandon Rios is coming off of a loss also. We can’t give into him at all in this fight.

After watching what Ruslan Provodnikov has done to his opponents, how do you feel about the rough sparring sessions Manny had with him?

FREDDIE ROACH: He always did real well and Manny handles Ruslan in the beginning of the sparring. But then Ruslan, of course, learned how to fight Manny. It was great work for both guys and I don’t think it was too hard on Manny. We had two sparring partners, four actually, but two left. We have had tough guys because Rios is a tough kid. We cut the sparring down quite a bit – we average about 150 rounds but now we do 110 – we didn’t need the wear and tear at this point in his career.

So the typhoon did not touch you guys. Has Manny been thinking about this great tragedy and has it affected training?

FREDDIE ROACH: Training has been going well and he’s trying to keep his focus on boxing but I did talk to Manny today about it and on Sunday we took some trainers and other fighters down to visit the kids in Baguio, but for him to go down there now, it’s way too close to the fight and he needs to buckle down and stay in the gym for the moment.

How do you feel Rios will be in the fight? Do you still feel he will charge forward?

FREDDIE ROACH: The more I see of Rios in the tapes the better I feel. He’s just a tough guy and tough guys don’t win fights. Manny can outbox him and he can do it with ease.

Have you seen anything in camp that would show you he has slipped a little bit? To put the knockout behind him?

FREDDIE ROACH: He has definitely put the knockout behind him. Manny Pacquiao knows that the knockout is part of the sport. He realizes that if you aren’t able to handle the knockout you picked the wrong sport. He is totally recovered and is brave as ever in the ring. We had a good session on Tuesday – we went eight-rounds with two tough guys – one a little bit bigger and one a little bit stronger – and Manny’s doing great.

What do you say to the skeptics that say this is the end for Manny Pacquiao?

FREDDIE ROACH: Well, Manny was fighting one of the best fights he has fought in a long time. At the time he fell into the punch- those things happen. Whether it was a lucky punch, Marquez was throwing a lot of punches. The thing, in that fight, if Manny had waited one second more, Manny was going to win that fight by knockout. Nothing carried over. Manny has looked great in training. I know people are skeptical about him but knockouts are what they are. Manny Pacquiao is a realist. He understands it is part of the sport. He’s been knocked out twice before – I remember him showing me the tapes when we first started working together and I said, “I don’t want to see those knockouts. You know what happened.” So he accepts that and I don’t think it’s going to affect him AT ALL. But we probably won’t know until the fight.

Do you feel it is overblown? Everyone except the judges thought Manny beat Bradley then the one punch against Marquez. We could be sitting here saying Manny won his last two fights…

FREDDIE ROACH: Definitely. That’s why I don’t think it will bother him any. He does realize that it is part of the sport. To be honest with you, when I was knocked out for the first time, it changed my whole career, because I was never as brave as Manny. I loft my self confidence. But Manny is not like me. Manny is a realist and he accepts it. I know everybody doesn’t think the same way, but since he accepts it, it doesn’t bother him.

Can you talk about the time difference?

FREDDIE ROACH: Well, we get up early in the morning and we are running then we train in the afternoon and we are getting him used to having two meals before the fight and I think that’s a big factor, as long as he gets those two meals in him it shouldn’t be too much of a problem. We’ll be ready to fight. We are in the same time zone as China, in the Philippines so we don’t have to worry about that change. We do get up at 4 o’clock in the morning and we’re on the road by 4:30. We get a meal in him in the morning then a small lunch before the afternoon workout and it’s been working out really well.

As a Congressman, has the disaster distracted Manny even though it was not near, has he gotten calls? Meetings or conference calls?

FREDDIE ROACH: We have had a lot of calls about the tragedy of course. We talk about it in the gym a little bit with the other trainers and taking the people down like we did in Baguio. He told me he wanted to go down on Sunday but it’s too close to the fight for him to take any time off and we talked about that. He is focused on the fight still but obviously it is a big distraction because it killed all of those people. We do talk about it in the gym – about how many people got killed in the storm and how many more have been affected. He is concerned about it yes, very much, but I think we have him pretty much on track on the fight. He knows it’s a big fight and he knows it’s a must-win situation and it’s bigger than that because he has to win for the country also, not just his boxing career, he knows he has to win for the people and he told me that yesterday. They seem to be inspiring each other.

What was the weather in General Santos City during the storm?

FREDDIE ROACH: It was very unusual. It was sunny and hot. We got a little bit of rain that evening but that was it – no wind. It didn’t come in our direction at all.

You had said there would be fewer distractions training in General Santos City, how as that worked out?

FREDDIE ROACH: We have a nice gym and we tried to close it down but there are a lot of people that try to slip in and we had a lot more relatives this week than we did last. The people still love to see Manny Pacquiao. We work out on the third floor of a building and they have big windows and a lot of people watch from the streets to get a glimpse of Manny moving around the ring and so forth. But as far as politics go, those people didn’t come until the storm hit the other day. Of course that was tragic and Manny does care about people and he’s been doing all he can from here but for the fight though, up until that point, we had a very good training camp and we probably haven’t had as many people in the gym as we have in Hollywood, but there have been a lot of reporters but that comes with being a big-time boxer. We do the best we can and the closer the fight gets the more we have to work on that.

How difficult is it for you to be far away from your other fighters – Martirosyan and Provodnikov – who had recent fights?

FREDDIE ROACH: I tried as best that I could to work with my assistant and he did a great job with them. Both fighters are very close to Manny. Manny will be real happy to see them and they are both coming to the fight. For people that were saying I was washed up, I think we are going to have three wins in a row and I will be in contention for Trainer of the Year – and Fighter of the Year – again. The thing is, Manny is in great shape for this fight. I expect big things out of Manny in this fight.

Alvarado became more of a boxer in his second fight, a win, against Rios. Is that something you pick up on?

FREDDIE ROACH: Of course, I watch a lot of tapes. When you fight a taller guy you fight much different that when you fight a shorter guy and Manny is a bit shorter so I have to depend on how he fights us so he will throw more uppercuts against a shorter guy. The first fight obviously he looked great and he stopped him. In the second fight he got outboxed and I told Manny, “That’s how you beat this guy, you outbox him. You don’t trade with this guy. You just weave in and out and the fight will be easy.’” We have the game plan down perfectly. I know he is a tough guy but tough guys don’t win fights. Good boxers win fights.

Do you know who the officials will be for this fight?

FREDDIE ROACH: I got the list from Mike Koncz the other day and I am familiar with all three, all four, and we have no problem with the judges. I don’t remember the names but I am happy with all of them.

Does the fact that Alvarado beat Rios and Provodnikov beat up Alvarado and Provodnikov sparred with Manny bode well for Manny?

FREDDIE ROACH: Manny and Ruslan sparred together and are good friends. When they sparred it was great work for each other. Neither would get beat up and I would never let that happen. Manny got the best of Ruslan and obviously he’s a tough kid and a very strong puncher but Manny has been sparring with bigger guys for this because Rios is going to be a little bit bigger but it’s the first time he’ll be fighting at 147 but he was a fat guy and did have to lose weight. He’s moving up to 147 and still had to lose weight. That tells you what kind of discipline he has and I think we are going to take advantage of that.

How do you think the fight will go and how long do you think it will go?

FREDDIE ROACH: I think Manny is going to outbox him and knock him out inside six rounds.

Would you have the retirement discussion if he wins but struggles?

FREDDIE ROACH: I think Manny will outbox this guy and end the fight early – he has more speed and power but that all depends on how the fight goes. If Manny boxes a good fight and does well and he gets a bad decision then we’d have to sit down and talk about it. But it’s really hard to say until we see the fight. If I see he is slowing down and slipping in the fight I will be the first one to tell him. We have an agreement that I will tell him that and he will retire. I don’t see him slipping in the gym at this moment and he’s doing really well. He’s fired up and anxious to get back in the ring and I see good things. If things don’t go well we will talk about retirement and going into politics full time or something like that.

FREDDIE ROACH: Rios was at 135 and had to lose weight. He went to 140 and had to lose weight and now he’s at 147 and has to lose weight. But I am pretty much worried about getting my fighter ready for the fight. Obviously I see clips of Rios training and so forth and he’s wearing clothes to create more sweat all the time and you wonder why he’s wearing that, but that’s not my job. That’s his trainer’s job so I don’t worry about that.

What do you do next after a win?

FREDDIE ROACH: We wanted to fight Marquez but Marquez refused to fight us. We want Marquez one more time, yes. That’s the fight we want. Mayweather too of course, but Marquez, he got lucky and we want to take that back.

In Closing…

FREDDIE ROACH: Manny is in great shape and we are ready to fight right now at this moment. Right now he is below weight by a little bit. He was on weight a month before the fight and Rios wasn’t but we’ll see him in the ring and see who the best boxer is.

**************************

Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match,” and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23, at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. Episodes two and three of “24/7 Pacquiao/Rios” premiere in prime time Saturday, Nov. 16 (9:30 p.m.) and Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, and twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

One of boxing’s biggest names, Mike Tyson, returns to HBO this Saturday with the network debut of HBO FILMS’ MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH, the one-man stage show directed by legendary filmmaker Spike Lee. The riveting and compelling film premieres SATURDAY, NOV. 16 (8:00 – 9:30 p.m. ET/PT), followed by an all-new episode of 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS and a World Championship Boxing® super middleweight title showdown.

In addition to starring in his eponymous special, Tyson will also serve as co-host with HBO broadcaster Jim Lampley for the network’s slate of entertainment and boxing programming on Saturday night. The pair will introduce the evening’s programming lineup, with Tyson providing his inimitable candor.

Immediately following MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH will be the premiere of episode two of the HBO Sports’ all-access reality series 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS (9:30 p.m. ET/PT). Then stay tuned for a stellar showdown when WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING: ANDRE WARD VS. EDWIN RODRIGUEZ is seen at 10:00 p.m. (ET/PT) from Citizens Bank Arena in Ontario, Cal.

Andre Ward (26-0, 14 KOs), one of the sport’s premier fighters, returns to the ring after more than a year versus fast-rising super middleweight challenger Edwin Rodriguez (24-0, 16 KOs), 28, of Worcester, Mass. Lampley will be joined ringside by Max Kellerman and Roy Jones Jr. to call the bout, while Tyson will join with a guest interview appearance.

Follow HBO boxing news at hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/hboboxing.

MIKE TYSON: UNDISPUTED TRUTH is executive produced by Spike Lee, Mike Tyson, Kiki Tyson, Jon Kilik and James
Nederlander; directed by Spike Lee; written by Kiki Tyson.

® WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING is a registered service mark of Home Box Office, Inc.

MACAU, CHINA (November 13, 2013) — Former world champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS and his team, headed up by Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, arrived at The Venetian Macao® earlier today with one mission on their minds — BEAT MANNY PACQUIAO!

“I’m in China baby!” exclaimed Rios as he was greeted at the resort’s VIP Entrance. “I worked hard in camp, have a great team, Robert Garcia will be in my corner on the night of my fight. I’m totally prepared and I will win.”

Rios (31-1-1, 22 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., will train daily at The Venetian Macao’s gym beginning Thursday morning.

“I also know China fans will be rooting for me,” added Rios. “They told me that the last time I was here for our media tour, when Pacquiao and I raced up the stairs of the Great Wall. I beat him then and I will beat him on November 23. It’s great to be back here. I am ready to retire Manny Pacquiao. Victory will be mine.”

Rios and Fighter of the Decade Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province of the Philippines, collide in a 12-round welterweight rumble on Saturday, November 23 at The Venetian Macao’s Cotai Arena™. Promoted by Top Rank and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match” and Eva Airlines, the five-bout Pacquiao vs. Rios welterweight event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. twice, in México, winning a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez and knocking out Daniel Valenzuela in the second round in 2008 and 2009, respectively. .

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. Episodes two and three of “24/7 Pacquiao/Rios” premiere in prime time Saturday, Nov. 16 (9:30 p.m.) and Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, and twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

NEW YORK (November 11, 2013) — If Horace Greeley were a boxing promoter today he would undoubtedly be espousing, “Go East, young man.” And in boxing’s biggest demonstration of Manifist Destiny, Fighter of the Decade Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO and former world champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS will battle each other in a 12-round welterweight rumble, Saturday, November 23, from The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™, in Macao, China. Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions, Tecate, Warner Bros. Pictures “Grudge Match” and Eva Airlines, Pacquiao vs. Rios will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

Remaining tickets, priced from $1,275 to $115, and various ticket-hotel packages at Sands China’s Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, are now on sale and can be purchased online at www.venetianmacao.com/manny. U.S.-based fans may also order via a special toll-free number: 1-855-234-4410.

The Pacquiao – Rios promotion began with a 23,722-mile international media tour, which started on July 27 in Macao, and stopped off in Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore, before moving to the U.S, with a day-long visit at the Bristol, Conn. headquarters of ESPN, followed by press conferences in New York and Los Angeles.

For Pacquiao, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios’ only fights outside the U.S. were in México where he won a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez. and scored a second-round knockout of Daniel Valenzuela, in 2008 and 2009, respectively.

“Brandon Rios is the biggest test out there for me and I will be ready to meet the challenge,” said Pacquiao. “I have heard what Brandon has been saying. If he fights as well as he boasts it will be a great fight for us and the fans.”

“Out with the old, in with the new . . . and I’m the new! Manny, this is my time,” said Rios.

“Big time boxing is being firmly established in China with a Manny Pacquiao vs. Brandon Rios showdown at The Venetian Macao,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum. “It is fitting that Asia’s most famous fighter will box in a big event in Macao. All fight fans are looking forward to an exciting bout between Manny against super fan-friendly Brandon Rios with his exciting, never quit style.”

“This historic matchup between Manny Pacquiao and Brandon Rios is going to be spectacular,” said Edward Tracy, President and Chief Executive Officer, Sands China Ltd. “It’s the latest example of the edge-of-your seat, high-octane event that Sands China is known for. It’s all part of our multi-tiered entertainment strategy of bringing the world’s biggest superstars of sport to Macao to display their skills at these must-see events.”

“Manny Pacquiao versus Brandon Rios is a terrific stylistic matchup that fight fans are going to be enormously excited about,” said Mark Taffet, senior vice president, HBO Pay-Per-View. “In addition to so much being on the line in this fight we have the compelling backstory of the event taking place at a glamorous international destination that will generate even more interest in the fight and establish that Saturday, Nov. 23 is going to be an extraordinary, can’t miss night in boxing history.”

Trained by Hall of Famer Freddie Roach, Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs), the lone congressional representative from the Sarangani province in the Philippines (he was reelected to a second term, running unopposed this year), is the only fighter to win eight world titles in as many different weight divisions. A three-time Fighter of the Year and the Boxing Writers Association of America’s “Fighter of the Decade,” Pacquiao’s resumé features victories over future Hall of Famers, including Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Marco Antonio Barrera, Erik Morales, Miguel Cotto, Shane Mosley and Juan Manuel Márquez. From 2008 to 2010, five of his seven victories were world title victories in five different weight classes, where he dethroned super featherweight champion Márquez, lightweight champion David Diaz, junior welterweight champion Hatton, welterweight champion Cotto, and he annihilated three-time world champion Antonio Margarito for the vacant super welterweight title. Pacquiao’s seven-year, 15-bout winning streak came to an end on June 9, 2012, when he lost his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown to undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion Timothy Bradley, Jr. via a controversial split decision. That was followed by a knockout loss to professional nemesis Márquez last December 8 — a fight Pacquiao was winning before he got careless trying to close the show and instead was stopped by the knockout punch of the year. No active boxer has sold more live tickets in the U.S. than Pacquiao, who has generated more than 11 million pay-per-view buys in the U.S.

Rios (31-1-1, 22 KOs), the former World Boxing Association (WBA) lightweight champion, from Oxnard, Calif., is on the hunt for his second world title in as many weight divisions. He enters this fight having won 11 of his previous 14 fights by knockout. One of boxing’s most exciting fighters, Rios is known for his all-action fan-friendly fighting style. His trainer, former International Boxing Federation (IBF) junior lightweight champion and 2012 Trainer of the Year Robert Garcia, calls it a “throwback” style with a warrior’s mentality that screams excitement. Highlight knockout victories on Rios’ resume include Miguel Acosta, Anthony Peterson, Urbano Antillon, John Murray and Mike Alvarado. Alvarado, the natural 140-pounder, entered that fight as the undefeated WBO No. 1 junior welterweight contender. Many consider it 2012’s Fight of the Year. In their exciting rematch, which took place on March 30, Rios lost a close decision for the vacant WBO interim junior welterweight title. It is considered the leading contender for the 2013 Fight of the Year. Rios enters this fight world-rated as the No. 1 contender.

The five-bout pay-per-view telecast will also feature undefeated IBF featherweight champion EVGENY GRADOVICH (17-0, 8 KOs), of Ingrim, Russia, defending his title in a rematch against the man he dethroned, BILLY DIB (36-2, 21 KOs), of Sydney Australia; No. 6-world rated contender ANDY RUIZ, Jr. (20-0, 14 KOs), of Mexiali, Mexico, and TOR HAMER (21-2, 14 KOs), of New York will battle for the WBO Inter-Continental and NABF heavyweight titles; two-time Olympic gold medalist and Chinese icon ZOU SHIMING (2-0) of Guizhou, China, continues his march toward a world title when he faces undefeated JUAN TOSCANO (4-0, 1 KO), of Ensenada, Mexico. The live pay-per-view telecast will open with undefeated 2012 Puerto Rican Olympian FELIX VERDEJO (8-0, 6 KOs), of San Juan, in a six-round junior lightweight fight against DUANAAYMUKDAHAN PETCHSAMUTHR (8-1, 1 KO), of Bangkok, Thailand.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo or twitter.com/hboboxing. Use the Hashtag #PacRios to join the conversation on Twitter.

The Pacquiao vs. Rios telecast, which begins at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT, will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View and will be available to more than 92 million pay-per-view homes. The telecast will be available in HD-TV for those viewers who can receive HD. HBO Pay-Per-View, a division of Home Box Office, Inc., is the leading supplier of event programming to the pay-per-view industry.

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, is providing an all-access pass to Pacquiao vs. Rios. Episodes two and three of “24/7 Pacquiao/Rios” premiere in prime time Saturday, Nov. 16 (9:30 p.m.) and Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00 p.m.), just two days before the welterweight showdown.

Entertainment at Sands China Ltd. Properties
Sands China Ltd. has as a clear vision to establish Macao as Asia’s top entertainment destination.

The 15,000-seat Cotai Arena is the only venue in Asia ranked in Pollstar’s Top 100 Worldwide Arena Venues based on ticket sales. It is the top entertainment destination in southern China, hosting the world’s and the region’s biggest names in music, sports and awards shows. Superstars frequently choose the venue as the starting point of their Asian tours.

The 1800-seat, multi-purpose Venetian Theatre is one of the most luxurious entertainment venues in greater China. Featuring ushers in black-tie, champagne service, gourmet food and beverage items and other unique, premium amenities, it offers an intimate, luxurious and exclusive venue experience. The Venetian Theatre is playing a key role in bringing the best in international and Chinese entertainment to Macao, with a luxury theatre experience like no other in the region.

The 650-seat Sands Macao Hotel theatre regularly features internationally-renowned singers, performers and artists of the highest calibre. From traditional Chinese-costumed dancers to modern performances, and from singing troupes to contemporary bands, everything from Western rock to Cantonese pop is covered.

With an unbeatable diversity, the entertainment offering of Sands China Ltd. is ushering in a new era of entertainment in Macao.

About The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel
Opened in 2007, The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel is Macao’s first integrated resort featuring stunning replicas of the famous canals and architectural icons of Venice, Italy. The Venetian Macao features 3,000 suites, 1.2 million square feet (111,000 square metres) of convention and meeting facilities as well as a 15,000-seat Cotai Arena designed for world-class sports events and electrifying entertainment. The Venetian Macao is also home to the unique, 1,800-seat luxury Venetian Theatre, hosting the best in international and Chinese entertainment; more than 30 renowned restaurants; MALO CLINIC Health & Wellness; the incredibly fun QUBE indoor playground and more than 300 retailers at Shoppes at Venetian. Outdoor recreation areas include swimming pools and cabanas and a mini-golf course.

For more information, please visit www.venetianmacao.com.

About Cotai Strip Resorts Macao – Macao’s Integrated Resort City
Sands China Ltd. is the leading developer, owner and operator of integrated resorts in Macao. The befittingly named Cotai Strip Resorts Macao, situated on reclaimed land between the islands of Coloane and Taipa, is the one destination that provides a stunning array of experiences at the heart of Cotai. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao has transformed a gaming-centric day-trip market into an integrated resort city and international hub for business and leisure travellers.

Pulsating with life, both night and day, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao features an expansive offering of affordable luxury available nowhere else in Macao, with approximately 9,000 hotel rooms and suites, international superstar live entertainment, duty-free shopping with 600 retailers offering an unparalleled array of name brands, 1.3 million square feet (120,000 square metres) of meeting and exhibition space for Asia’s leading conferences and exhibitions, gaming excitement, transportation offerings and well over 100 dining options, including international restaurants, bars and lounges. Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is a must-see destination providing every guest with an unforgettable experience and unparalleled excitement.

Comprised of the The Venetian® Macao-Resort-Hotel; The Plaza™ Macao, featuring the Four Seasons Hotel Macao; and Sands® Cotai Central, featuring the world’s largest Conrad, Sheraton, and Holiday Inn hotels, Cotai Strip Resorts Macao is where Asia’s ultimate destination is all within reach.

Cotai Strip Resorts Macao….truly Macao Starts Here™. For more information, please visit http://en.cotaistrip.com/.

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, returns for its 18th boxing installment with 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS, debuting SATURDAY, NOV. 9 (12:15-12:45 a.m. ET/PT), following the “HBO Boxing After Dark” tripleheader from Corpus Christi. The all-access series will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews, as two elite fighters prepare for their intriguing welterweight showdown Nov. 23 at the Venetian CotaiArena in Macau, China.
Episode # 1

Debut: SATURDAY, NOV. 9 (12:15-12:45 a.m. ET/PT) immediately following Boxing After Dark

Other HBO playdates: Nov. 9 (5:25 a.m.), 10 (11:45 a.m.), 11 (1:30 p.m., midnight), 12 (7:30 p.m., 2:15 a.m.), 13 (9:30 p.m.), 14 (midnight), 15 (7:00 p.m.), 16 (9:30 a.m.), 22 (7:30 p.m.) and 23 (9:30 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: Nov. 10 (11:00 p.m.), 15 (10:30 p.m.), 22 (11:15 p.m.) and 23 (1:40 p.m.)

HBO On Demand and HBO GO availability begins: Nov. 12.

Manny Pacquiao (54-5-2, 38 KOs) and trainer Freddie Roach look back at Pacquiao’s recent loss to Juan Manuel Marquez and consider how they will approach this fight differently. Brandon Rios (31-1-1, 22 KOs) talks about his two classic encounters with Mike Alvarado. Both fighters embark on a worldwide media tour to publicize the Nov. 23 spectacle.

Episode two of 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS debuts Saturday, Nov. 16 (9:30-10:00 p.m.), while the finale debuts Thursday, Nov. 21 (10:00-10:30 p.m.), two nights before the high-stakes welterweight bout.

“Pacquiao vs. Rios” takes place at the Venetian Macao in Macau, China on Saturday, Nov. 23 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

The executive producer of 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS is Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Bentley Weiner; producers, Harley Glantz, George Jakovic and Abtin Motia; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

Manny Pacquiao’s larger-than-life persona is intact despite last year’s long fall to the canvas in a stunning reminder that nothing lasts forever. That much was evident a few days ago in a conference call with Brandon Rios.

One of the questions assumed that Pacquiao was bigger than Rios.

No, not now. Not ever.

“If you say that, your eyes are deceiving you,’’ Rios said.

Rios is right, of course. Look at the photos of the two, standing face to face, in news conferences announcing their fight on Nov. 23 in Macao. Rios, listed at 5 feet 8, looks down at Pacquiao, 5-6 ½, in every one of them. Yet in the public imagination, Pacquiao is the bigger guy. It’s a perception created by a celebrity that grew like a monument with dramatic victories that transformed the Filipino into an icon.

Over the last decade, maybe Floyd Mayweather Jr. has been the better fighter, the pound-for-pound choice. But as a people’s champ, it’s Pacquiao. They look up to him, even when he was face-down from a crushing right delivered by Juan Manuel Marquez last December.

For Rios, Pacquiao’s enduring popularity is just one of many challenges, especially if the fight goes to the scorecards. It’s no secret that Pacquiao is the point man in promoter Bob Arum’s attempt to turn China into a boxing market. Pacquiao will be fighting in his home hemisphere. Calculate those odds and you get a pretty good idea why Timothy Bradley wouldn’t go to China for a rematch of his controversial decision over Pacquiao. If Bradley had a chance, he figured it wasn’t in the cards.

The assumption is that Rios-Pacquiao won’t be decided by judges, whose scoring has already made 2013 a controversial year. Rios is there because he’s supposed to make Pacquiao look good. Rios moves forward in the relentless style perfect for a dramatic Pacquiao stoppage. It’s what a comeback needs. It’s what a new market demands.

But there’s a caveat attached to that plot. Yeah, the Pacquiao we remember – the guy who beat Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto – makes short work of Rios. But the post-Marquez Pacquiao? It’s a question that has to make Arum very nervous.

There’s been a lot of talk about whether Marquez’ knockout punch will have lingering effects. It’s impossible to know until opening bell. In part, that’s why Pacquiao-Rios is the most intriguing fight of the year. But Marquez’ punch was just one among many over the last three years in Pacquiao’s career. Both Pacquiao and Rios say that anybody can get knocked out by a single blow.

The bigger question is whether there has been a cumulative effect from all of the punches Pacquiao endured in fights against bigger guys. The biggest came in one of Pacquiao’s signature victories, a unanimous decision over Antonio Margarito in November, 2010 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tex. All of the attention was in the way Pacquiao left Margarito’s right eye so horribly disfigured in what was supposed to be a junior-middleweight fight. But in beating Margarito, Pacquiao also took one in body blows from a fighter who outweighed him by nearly 20 pounds at opening bell.

In Pacquiao’s subsequent fights against Shane Mosley, Marquez in a second rematch and Bradley, there were signs of decline. His hands didn’t move quite as fast. Gone was the instinct to finish a hurt foe. Maybe, Marquez’ right hand in their fourth fight just confirmed what many had begun to see. Maybe, it was the final punctuation point to an ongoing narrative.

A lot has been made of Rios’ friendship with Margarito. Rios says he’s different than Margarito. Fair enough, but they are both brawlers and, in the end, that might serve Rios well. Rios is nothing if not tough. In the classic Mexican style, he takes punches to throw them. It would be no surprise if Pacquiao scores an early knockdown. It also wouldn’t be a surprise if Rios gets up, smiles through bloody teeth and begins to turn the bout into a brawl.

How does Pacquiao react then? Does he want another victory at the price of more punishment?

It’s then – and only then — when we’ll know whether Pacquiao is back or in fact finished by punches that preceded the single shot that took down a monument.

OXNARD, CALIF (October 31, 2013) — Former world champion BRANDON “Bam Bam” RIOS (31-1-1, 22 KOs), of Oxnard, Calif., and reigning Trainer of the Year ROBERT GARCIA hosted their only U.S. Media Workout today at the Robert Garcia Boxing Academy in Oxnard.

KEVIN HART, who stars as a savvy boxing promoter in the upcoming Warner Bros. Pictures movie “Grudge Match,” was also in attendance. [Link to the trailer for Grudge Match: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1bQSOBJCPQE&feature=youtu.be]

Rios is in deep training for his eagerly-anticipated welterweight collision with Fighter of the Decade, Congressman MANNY “Pacman” PACQUIAO (54-5-2, 38 KOs). Rios departs for Macau on November 11 to acclimate to the environment.

BRANDON RIOS

“I am going to China to win. I am going to wear down Pacquiao like I do all of my opponents. If I get a knockout, good. I am physically strong and I am going to take it to him.

“My team – Robert Garcia and Cameron Dunkin – believes in me. They have from the beginning. my dad, Manuel, has always believed in me and he’s going to China with me.

“Let Freddie Roach know I am a man, I come for the win, the kill. Tell Freddie that – I want him to know.

“I am in the prime of my career, not like Pacquiao

“I will be ready for Pacquiao. I have two smart men in my corner – Robert and his father.”

ROBERT GARCIA

“We’ve been training three months and Brandon has better footwork, head movement, and hand speed.

“We are preparing to face the Manny Pacquiao who was so dominant a few years ago. We have a game plan to win this fight. Brandon is fully prepared and has the mental toughness to break down and beat Manny.”

KEVIN HART

“I plan to order the Pacquiao – Rios HBO Pay-Per-View seven times on November 23. I want to make sure I won’t miss it.”

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Promoted by Top Rank® and Sands China Ltd., in association with MP Promotions and Tecate, Pacquiao vs. Rios will take place Saturday, November 23 at The Venetian® Macao’s CotaiArena™. It will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.

For Pacquiao, boxing’s only eight-division world champion, this marks the pound-for-pound box office monarch’s 2013 debut as well as his first fight outside the U.S. since his 12-round super featherweight unanimous decision victory over former world champion Oscar Larios in 2006, which took place in the Philippines. Rios, one of boxing’s most exciting fighters, has only fought outside the U.S. once, in México in 2008 when he won a 10-round split decision over Ricardo Dominguez.

HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 17 Sports Emmy® Awards, returns for its 18th boxing installment with 24/7 PACQUIAO/RIOS. The series debuts Saturday, Nov. 9, immediately following the Boxing After Dark tripleheader from Corpus Christi, TX. All new episodes premiere in prime time Saturday, Nov. 16 and Thursday, Nov. 21, just two days before the welterweight showdown in Macau.

For fight updates go to www.toprank.com or www.hbo.com/boxing, on Facebook at facebook.com/trboxing, facebook.com/trboxeo or facebook.com/hboboxing and on Twitter at twitter.com/trboxing, twitter.com/trboxeo, twitter.com/hboboxing and twitter.com/pacrios.