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Head with Floyd, heart with Pacman May 2 2015 SATURDAY STAR NEWS 10 To be eligible to enter the competition, you must be married between 01 July 2014 and 31 July 2015. Finalists must be able to attend the finals in Johannesburg on 22 August 2015. Just got married? Getting married between now and the end of July 2015? OF THE MONTH ENTER THE BRIDE OF THE MONTH COMPETITION. YOU COULD BE VOTED BRIDE OF THE MONTH. Be voted Bride of the Month and you will win a spa experience at Hands on Retreat, a weekend in Durban with Gooderson Leisure, a Canon camera and a hamper from House of York. All other finalists receive a couple massage at Hands on Retreat. The Bride of the Year wins an overnight spa experience at Hands on Retreat and a fantastic second honeymoon in Phuket! Second honeymoon at Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort Romantic Couple Breakaway at the Hands on Retreat A weekend in Durban with Gooderson Leisure Hamper from House of York THE WORLD’S most famous boxer is backing Manny Pacquiao to beat Floyd Mayweather with heavy- weight legend Muhammad Ali a huge fan of the Filipino fighter. Welterweights Pacquiao and Mayweather finally meet in Las Vegas tomorrow morning in what will be the sport’s biggest fight in terms of prize money and global audience. And the “Pacman” has Ali, the former unified heavyweight cham- pion, in his corner. Ali’s daughter Rasheda told TMZ Sports: “My dad is Team Pac- quiao all the way. My dad really likes Manny.” Even the most optimistic boxing fan probably thought this day would never dawn. But after five years of will they, won’t they, the most eagerly-awaited fight of the century has finally arrived ANTHONY SETTIPANI EVEN the beneficiaries of Floyd Mayweather’s “generosity” won’t be rooting for him tomorrow. Steve Masike, boxing coach and co-founder of the Dube Boxing Club in Soweto, says he was not im- pressed with the superstar’s lack of humility when he met him outside the ring just over a year ago. “Mayweather came to the Dube Gym. He came there for six minutes. After six minutes, he left.” Mayweather’s visit in January last year was aimed at revitalising boxing in South Africa. He visited gyms and community centres in Joburg, Cape Town, Bloemfontein and East London. He even held an auction at Emperors Palace in Kempton Park to benefit the Dube Club. According to Masike, members of the club did not receive an invitation. “I don’t have respect for that boy. The only impact he made was to show his body, then push off.” When it comes to taking sides in what boxing fans around the world are terming the “Fight of the Cen- tury”, Masike grudg- ingly acknowledges his head is telling him to go with Mayweather. “His boxing is beauti- ful,” Masike said. “You can’t hit him twice with the same punch.” But the veteran trainer has no trouble saying where his heart truly lies. “Pacquiao must just deliver that punch,” Masike says wistfully. “That punch that sends him to slumberland.” SAMEER NAIK [email protected] F ORMER world boxing champ, Dingaan Tho- bela, believes the fight between Floyd May- weather and Manny Pacquiao will help reignite boxing in South Africa. The fight, which takes place in Las Vegas tomorrow morn- ing, has been billed as the Fight of the Century, with Pacquiao bidding to be the first fighter to beat Mayweather. Thobela, better known as the Rose of Soweto, says a fight of this magnitude is what is needed to spark interest in box- ing in South Africa again. “This fight has the potential to make waves in boxing com- munities around the world,” Thobela told the Saturday Star this week. “It’s just what we need to reignite interest again. There’s no doubt South Africans will be excited by this fight. Our box- ing community needs to take advantage of the hype and build on it.” Thobela, one of South Africa’s most talented boxers with three major titles under his belt, is backing May- weather to win the fight. “It’s a very tough one to call,” said Thobela. “But I am backing May- weather to come out victorious. His immense skill, fantastic de- fence, and his undefeated record is why I am leaning to- wards the American. “Take nothing away from Manny. “He is a great boxer and could spoil the odds, but I be- lieve his defence is vulnerable.” Mayweather is the bookies’ favourite to win the fight. “His record speaks for itself. “He is yet to be beaten and I think it’s a huge possibility come tomorrow that he will remain un- defeated,” said Thobela. Having fought in some big bouts, Thobela says there is a lot of preparation that goes into get- ting ready for a fight. “You spend most of your preparation time in the gym getting into the best shape of your life. “But boxing is not only a physical game. The mental aspect also plays a huge part in getting ready (for a fight). “Most boxers are hypnotised before the clash, to re- move the fear of the opponent. All boxers have some kind of fear. “There is no doubt Manny and Floyd will be hypnotised before the match. It’s crucial to be in the right frame of mind when fighting.” While Mayweather may be a few years older than his Fil- ipino counterpart, Thobela be- lieves age will not be a factor. “I know of many boxers who ended up winning titles when they were over the age of 40. In boxing terms, May- weather is still a baby, and is still fresh in the ring. That shouldn’t have any impact on his performance.” While Thobela is backing the US boxer to come out victo- rious against Pacquiao, he is in disagreement with May- weather that he is the greatest fighter of all time. May- weather claimed earlier this year he was a greater boxer than heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali. “I’ve watched boxing all my life, and Muhammad Ali still remains the greatest boxer. He is the best there is, the best there was, and the best there ever will be.” The MGM Grand Hotel, has been selected to host the fight which will be screened from 3am (SA time) tomor- row. FAN CLUB: An enthusiastic fan holds up a fight poster as others wait for the undefeated WBC/WBA welterweight champion, Floyd Mayweather jr, of the US at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. Mayweather faces WBO champion Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines in a unification bout at the arena in the early hours tomorrow. PICTURE: REUTERS Floyd Mayweather - America Age: 38 Nickname: Money Mays Height: 5ft 8in Reach: 72ins Stance: Orthodox Career earnings: $420mil- lion World title fights: 24 Record - 47-0 Knockouts - 26 Rounds boxed -363 Manny Pacquiao – Philippines Age: 36 Nickname: Pacman Height: 5ft 8in Reach: 72ins Stance: Southpaw Career earnings: $420million World title fights: 19 Record - 57-5-2 Knockouts - 38 FIGHT FEVER FIGHT FEVER HITS SA HITS SA ! ! Justin Bieber will usher Floyd Mayweather’s camp into the ring. PICTURE: REUTERS Bieber to sing Floyd’s praises JUSTIN Bieber will carry his pal Floyd Mayweather’s championship belts into the ring at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas ahead of his fight against Manny Pacquiao. The undefeated boxing cham- pion has asked Bieber to lead his entourage into the ring ahead of his £150 million (R2.7bn) fight. Mayweather, 38, first became friends with the 21-year-old star because his 14-year-old daughter Lyanna is a huge fan of the heartthrob. A source told a UK newspaper: “As long as his daugh- ter wants Justin there, he’ll be his main man. They get on really well.” Bieber is also reported to have invited his ex-girlfriend Selena Gomez to accompany him to the fight. However, he’s since said to have asked his pals Kendall Jenner and Hailey Baldwin to attend. Jamie Foxx is set to sing the US national anthem before the fight. Meanwhile, Pacquiao will be wearing the world’s most expen- sive shorts when he takes the ring. The Pacman’s shorts alone will carry sponsorship logos worth $2.25m (about R26.3m). Ali rooting for plucky Filipino SAMEER NAIK [email protected] WHO WILL come out on top in tomorrow’s much-anticipated fight between Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao? Saturday Star caught up with a handful of boxing fans in South Africa to ask them their views ahead of the Fight of The Century. Tokoloho Moeketsi will be fine with whoever wins. I’ll be watching at home. It’s boxing’s most anticipated event. This fight is right up there with Ali-Frazier, Hagler-Leonard, Louis- Schmeling, however, we have to wait for the result before giving it due ratings. It has the hallmarks of a classic, though. I hope it lives up to its hype. Michael Nathanson is a Pacquiao fan. I’ll be watching the fight at my friend’s house. I will be waking up for it because I have been waiting for about six years to watch the two greatest fighters of our generation take each other on. I hope Manny can destroy Floyd’s unbeaten record. But if I were a betting man, I would bet on Floyd. Tino Madzongwe is confident Mayweather will win. I will be watching from the comfort of my couch with a cup of hot chocolate and a bottle of wine to celebrate Floyd “Money Mays” victory! I have been following Floyd and Manny’s fights for four years, and they truly have added an art to boxing. These are two unconventional icons of boxing. One who began from hardship and the other who had guidance from early on and actually applied himself to become who he is. These guys will give you a full bout of boxing and have punched above their weight classes. Kyle Knezovich and his friends are planning a braai at 3am. This is the fight the world has been waiting for. It is the biggest of the century, two geniuses finally in the ring together. Over the past 15 years, we haven’t seen anything like it. I am backing Manny, as he delivers more punches per round, and he is quick enough to get out before Floyd lands many punches. S OU T TH A F R I C CA N S T A K KE T HE I R R C OR N E RS RS
Transcript
Page 1: Saturday Star sports brief

Head with Floyd, heart with Pacman

M a y 2 2 0 1 5 S AT U R D AY S TA RNEWS10

To be eligible to enter the competition, you must be married

between 01 July 2014 and 31 July 2015. Finalists must be able to

attend the finals in Johannesburg on 22 August 2015.

Just got married? Getting married between now and the end of July 2015?

OF THE MONTH

ENTER THE BRIDE OF THE MONTH COMPETITION.

YOU COULD BE VOTED BRIDE OF THE MONTH.

Be voted Bride of the Month and you will win a spa experience at Hands on

Retreat, a weekend in Durban with Gooderson Leisure, a Canon camera and

a hamper from House of York. All other finalists receive a couple massage

at Hands on Retreat. The Bride of the Year wins an overnight spa experience

at Hands on Retreat and a fantastic second honeymoon in Phuket!

Second honeymoon

at Outrigger Laguna

Phuket Beach Resort

Romantic Couple Breakaway at the Hands on Retreat

A weekend in

Durban with

Gooderson L

eisure

Hamper from House of York

THE WORLD’S most famous boxeris backing Manny Pacquiao to beatFloyd Mayweather with heavy-weight legend Muhammad Ali ahuge fan of the Filipino fighter.

Welterweights Pacquiao andMayweather finally meet in LasVegas tomorrow morning in whatwill be the sport’s biggest fight in

terms of prize money andglobal audience.

And the “Pacman” hasAli, the former unified

heavyweight cham-pion, in his corner.

Ali’s daughterRasheda told TMZSports: “My dadis Team Pac-quiao all the

way. My dadreally likes

Manny.”

Even the most optimistic boxing fan probably thought this day would never dawn. But after fiveyears of will they, won’t they, the most eagerly-awaited fight of the century has finally arrived

ANTHONY SETTIPANI

EVEN the beneficiaries of FloydMayweather’s “generosity” won’t berooting for him tomorrow.

Steve Masike, boxing coach andco-founder of the Dube Boxing Clubin Soweto, says he was not im-pressed with the superstar’s lack ofhumility when he met him outsidethe ring just over a year ago.

“Mayweather came to the DubeGym. He came there for six minutes.After six minutes, he left.”

Mayweather’s visit in Januarylast year was aimed at revitalising

boxing in South Africa. He visitedgyms and community centres inJoburg, Cape Town, Bloemfonteinand East London. He even held anauction at Emperors Palace inKempton Park to benefit the DubeClub.

According to Masike, membersof the club did not receive aninvitation.

“I don’t have respect for that boy.The only impact he made was toshow his body, then push off.”

When it comes to taking sides inwhat boxing fans around the worldare terming the “Fight of the Cen-

tury”, Masike grudg-ingly acknowledges hishead is telling him to gowith Mayweather.

“His boxing is beauti-ful,” Masike said.

“You can’t hit him twicewith the same punch.”

But the veteran trainer hasno trouble saying where hisheart truly lies.

“Pacquiao must just deliverthat punch,” Masike sayswistfully.

“That punch that sendshim to slumberland.”

SAMEER [email protected]

FORMER world boxingchamp, Dingaan Tho-bela, believes the fightbetween Floyd May-

weather and Manny Pacquiaowill help reignite boxing inSouth Africa.

The fight, which takes placein Las Vegas tomorrow morn-ing, has been billed as the Fightof the Century, with Pacquiaobidding to be the first fighter tobeat Mayweather.

Thobela, better known asthe Rose of Soweto, says a fightof this magnitude is what isneeded to spark interest in box-ing in South Africa again.

“This fight has the potentialto make waves in boxing com-munities around the world,”Thobela told the SaturdayStar this week.

“It’s just what weneed to reigniteinterest again.There’s no

doubt South Africans will beexcited by this fight. Our box-ing community needs to takeadvantage of the hype andbuild on it.”

Thobela, one of SouthAfrica’s most talented boxerswith three major titles underhis belt, is backing May-weather to win the fight.

“It’s a very tough one tocall,” said Thobela.

“But I am backing May-weather to come out victorious.His immense skill, fantastic de-fence, and his undefeatedrecord is why I am leaning to-wards the American.

“ T a k enothing

away from Manny. “He is a great boxer and

could spoil the odds, but I be-lieve his defence is vulnerable.”

Mayweather is the bookies’favourite to win the fight.

“His record speaks for itself.“He is yet to be beaten and I

think it’s a huge possibilitycome tomorrow thathe will remain un-defeated,” saidThobela.

H a v i n gfought in somebig bouts,

Thobela says there is a lot ofpreparation that goes into get-ting ready for a fight.

“You spend most of yourpreparation time in the gymgetting into the best shape ofyour life.

“But boxing is not only aphysical game. The mental

aspect also plays a hugepart in getting ready

(for a fight).“Most boxers

are hypnotisedbefore theclash,to re-

move the fear of the opponent.All boxers have some kind offear.

“There is no doubt Mannyand Floyd will be hypnotisedbefore the match. It’s crucial tobe in the right frame of mindwhen fighting.”

While Mayweather may be afew years older than his Fil-ipino counterpart, Thobela be-lieves age will not be a factor.

“I know of many boxerswho ended up winning titleswhen they were over the age of40. In boxing terms, May-weather is still a baby, and is

still fresh inthe ring.

T h a t

shouldn’t have any impact onhis performance.”

While Thobela is backingthe US boxer to come out victo-rious against Pacquiao, he is indisagreement with May-weather that he isthe greatestfighter ofall time.

M a y -w e a t h e rc l a i m e dearlier thisyear he was agreater boxerthan heavyweightchampion Muhammad Ali.

“I’ve watched boxing all mylife, and Muhammad Ali stillremains the greatest boxer. Heis the best there is, the bestthere was, and the best thereever will be.” The MGM Grand

Hotel, has been selected to host the fight which will

be screened from 3am(SA time) tomor-

row.

FAN CLUB: Anenthusiastic fanholds up a fightposter as others wait for theundefeatedWBC/WBAwelterweightchampion, FloydMayweather jr, ofthe US at the MGMGrand Arena in LasVegas, Nevada.Mayweather facesWBO championManny Pacquiao ofthe Philippines in aunification bout atthe arena in the earlyhours tomorrow.

PICTURE: REUTERS

Floyd

M a y w e a t h e r -America

Age: 38Nickname: Money MaysHeight: 5ft 8inReach: 72insStance: OrthodoxCareer earnings: $420mil-

lionWorld title fights: 24Record - 47-0Knockouts - 26

Rounds boxed -363

Manny Pacquiao – Philippines Age: 36Nickname: PacmanHeight: 5ft 8inReach: 72insStance: SouthpawCareer earnings: $420millionWorld title fights: 19Record - 57-5-2Knockouts - 38

FIGHT FEVERFIGHT FEVERHITS SAHITS SA!!

Justin Bieber will usher FloydMayweather’s camp into thering. PICTURE: REUTERS

Bieber to singFloyd’s praises

JUSTIN Bieber will carry his palFloyd Mayweather’s championshipbelts into the ring at the MGMGrand in Las Vegas ahead of hisfight against Manny Pacquiao.

The undefeated boxing cham-pion has asked Bieber to lead hisentourage into the ring ahead ofhis £150 million (R2.7bn) fight.

Mayweather, 38, first becamefriends with the 21-year-old starbecause his 14-year-old daughterLyanna is a huge fan of theheartthrob. A source told a UKnewspaper: “As long as his daugh-ter wants Justin there, he’ll be hismain man. They get on really well.”

Bieber is also reported to haveinvited his ex-girlfriend SelenaGomez to accompany him to thefight. However, he’s since said tohave asked his pals Kendall Jennerand Hailey Baldwin to attend.

Jamie Foxx is set to sing the USnational anthem before the fight.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao will bewearing the world’s most expen-sive shorts when he takes the ring.The Pacman’s shorts alone will carrysponsorship logos worth $2.25m(about R26.3m).

Ali rooting forplucky Filipino

SAMEER [email protected]

WHO WILL come out on top intomorrow’s much-anticipated fightbetween Floyd Mayweather andManny Pacquiao? Saturday Starcaught up with a handful of boxingfans in South Africa to ask themtheir views ahead of the Fight ofThe Century.

Tokoloho Moeketsi will be finewith whoever wins. I’ll be watching at home. It’sboxing’s most anticipated event.

This fight is right up there withAli-Frazier, Hagler-Leonard, Louis-Schmeling, however, we have towait for the result before giving itdue ratings. It has the hallmarks ofa classic, though. I hope it lives upto its hype.

Michael Nathanson is a Pacquiao fan.I’ll be watching the fight at myfriend’s house. I will be waking upfor it because I have been waitingfor about six years to watch the twogreatest fighters of our generationtake each other on. I hope Mannycan destroy Floyd’s unbeatenrecord. But if I were a betting man,

I would bet on Floyd.

Tino Madzongwe is confidentMayweather will win.I will be watching from the comfortof my couch with a cup of hotchocolate and a bottle of wine tocelebrate Floyd “Money Mays”victory! I have been following Floydand Manny’s fights for four years,and they truly have added an artto boxing.

These are two unconventionalicons of boxing. One who beganfrom hardship and the other whohad guidance from early on andactually applied himself to becomewho he is. These guys will give youa full bout of boxing and havepunched above their weightclasses.

Kyle Knezovich and his friendsare planning a braai at 3am.This is the fight the world has beenwaiting for. It is the biggest of thecentury, two geniuses finally in thering together.

Over the past 15 years, wehaven’t seen anything like it. I ambacking Manny, as he delivers morepunches per round, and he is quickenough to get out before Floydlands many punches.

SOUTTH AFRICCANS

TAKKE THEIRR CORNERSRS

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