USC's highly touted 2010 football recruiting class wasn't quite locked up as of late Wednesday night.
One of the gems of the class, offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, will wait to sign his letter of intent until after USC appears before the NCAA infractions committee beginning Feb. 19, Henderson's father, Sean, told The New York Times.
Henderson (6 feet 7, 295 pounds) was considered the best offensive lineman in the country by several scouting services. He verbally committed to USC on Wednesday.
The NCAA and the Pacific 10 Conference are investigating reports that former USC tailback Reggie Bush accepted hundreds of thousands of dollars in improper benefits from would-be sports marketers in 2005.
Earlier Wednesday, the first day football recruits can sign letters of intent, USC coach Lane Kiffin said he would be surprised if any of his recruits waited beyond Wednesday night to sign. He said the shadow of NCAA sanctions was not a major obstacle in recruiting.
"Obviously it was something that came up at times," Kiffin said.
Recruits have until April 1 to sign their letters।
Source:http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4885616
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Super Bowl buzz: Colts’ Freeney day-to-day
Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney continued to undergo treatment for the torn ligament in his right ankle, but it’s still too early to tell what his status will be for Sunday.
“This kind of thing is not in my hands,” Freeney said. “I just take it one day at a time. I just continue to focus my energy on positive things and getting my ankle right. It’s day-to-day. It’s hard for me to put numbers on it, percentages on it, of where exactly it is, but it’s definitely getting there.”
Manning in the middle
Former Saints quarterback Archie Manning was caught in the middle on Wednesday. He represented the Saints at a news conference where the club’s offensive line was selected as winner of the inaugural Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award.
But Manning, though the face of the Saints franchise as its quarterback for 11 years, television analyst for the club’s preseason games until three years ago and resident of New Orleans, made it clear that his allegiances are with his son, Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning.
“It’s kind of unique for our family,” Archie Manning said. “We’re trying to enjoy the journey. He’s my son, I’ll be pulling for the Colts, but I’m very proud of the Saints. I’ve got 39 years invested in New Orleans, and I’m very proud of what they’ve done.
“I knew the Saints one day in my lifetime would get to the Super Bowl. My wife and I always had a dream that Ole Miss would get back to the Sugar Bowl … they haven’t yet … and the Saints get to the Super Bowl. And they’re here. It didn’t take us but 43 years to figure it out. They’re here and deserve to be here.”
Vinatieri the backup
Adam Vinatieri, the greatest clutch kicker in Super Bowl history, is with the Colts, but he’s a backup to veteran Matt Stover.
Vinatieri, whose field goals were the margin of victory in three Super Bowls with New England and was part of Indianapolis’ win in Super Bowl XLI when he became the first kicker in history to make field goals in four Super Bowls, is inactive because of knee and hip injuries.
Stover, now in his 20th NFL season, took over the Colts place-kicking in mid-October and is in his first Super Bowl since he was with Baltimore in 2000.
“It does give you appreciation for the Super Bowl,” Stover said of his decade between these games. “I’ve said that to a lot of the guys. I tell them, ‘Look, it might be 10 years before this organization goes back. Do you understand that? You might not be in the league.’ Take care of business now because this game does not happen often in a guy’s career. Unlike Adam Vinatieri.”
Prepping for Peyton
New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said he has researched games he coached against Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, dating to the years Williams was an assistant at Tennessee during 1999-2000 and head coach at Buffalo during 2001-03.
“I go back and look at all those games,” Williams said. “You know why I do that? He’s such a pro that I know he is, too. I know he is, so it forces me.”
Mo. Western represented
Dallas Clark is the Colts’ star tight end with 100 receptions, but Gijon Robinson of Missouri Western started 10 games as an H-back and caught nine passes for 62 yards in his second season with Indianapolis.
“You work hard coming from a small school where you don’t have that much, and here I am at the Super Bowl on the biggest stage in the world,” said Robinson, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. “It’s a big statement. It shows what hard work and diligence and staying focused can do.”Read more: Super Bowl buzz: Colts’ Freeney day-to-day - KansasCity.com
“This kind of thing is not in my hands,” Freeney said. “I just take it one day at a time. I just continue to focus my energy on positive things and getting my ankle right. It’s day-to-day. It’s hard for me to put numbers on it, percentages on it, of where exactly it is, but it’s definitely getting there.”
Manning in the middle
Former Saints quarterback Archie Manning was caught in the middle on Wednesday. He represented the Saints at a news conference where the club’s offensive line was selected as winner of the inaugural Madden Most Valuable Protectors Award.
But Manning, though the face of the Saints franchise as its quarterback for 11 years, television analyst for the club’s preseason games until three years ago and resident of New Orleans, made it clear that his allegiances are with his son, Indianapolis quarterback Peyton Manning.
“It’s kind of unique for our family,” Archie Manning said. “We’re trying to enjoy the journey. He’s my son, I’ll be pulling for the Colts, but I’m very proud of the Saints. I’ve got 39 years invested in New Orleans, and I’m very proud of what they’ve done.
“I knew the Saints one day in my lifetime would get to the Super Bowl. My wife and I always had a dream that Ole Miss would get back to the Sugar Bowl … they haven’t yet … and the Saints get to the Super Bowl. And they’re here. It didn’t take us but 43 years to figure it out. They’re here and deserve to be here.”
Vinatieri the backup
Adam Vinatieri, the greatest clutch kicker in Super Bowl history, is with the Colts, but he’s a backup to veteran Matt Stover.
Vinatieri, whose field goals were the margin of victory in three Super Bowls with New England and was part of Indianapolis’ win in Super Bowl XLI when he became the first kicker in history to make field goals in four Super Bowls, is inactive because of knee and hip injuries.
Stover, now in his 20th NFL season, took over the Colts place-kicking in mid-October and is in his first Super Bowl since he was with Baltimore in 2000.
“It does give you appreciation for the Super Bowl,” Stover said of his decade between these games. “I’ve said that to a lot of the guys. I tell them, ‘Look, it might be 10 years before this organization goes back. Do you understand that? You might not be in the league.’ Take care of business now because this game does not happen often in a guy’s career. Unlike Adam Vinatieri.”
Prepping for Peyton
New Orleans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams said he has researched games he coached against Colts quarterback Peyton Manning, dating to the years Williams was an assistant at Tennessee during 1999-2000 and head coach at Buffalo during 2001-03.
“I go back and look at all those games,” Williams said. “You know why I do that? He’s such a pro that I know he is, too. I know he is, so it forces me.”
Mo. Western represented
Dallas Clark is the Colts’ star tight end with 100 receptions, but Gijon Robinson of Missouri Western started 10 games as an H-back and caught nine passes for 62 yards in his second season with Indianapolis.
“You work hard coming from a small school where you don’t have that much, and here I am at the Super Bowl on the biggest stage in the world,” said Robinson, signed as an undrafted free agent in 2008. “It’s a big statement. It shows what hard work and diligence and staying focused can do.”Read more: Super Bowl buzz: Colts’ Freeney day-to-day - KansasCity.com
Monday, December 7, 2009
Ravens Vs Packers
Watch Baltimore Ravens vs Green Bay Packers Live Stream and Online Score and Results – Don’t forget to check this NFL Monday Night game between Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens that is scheduled this December 7, 2009 at 8:30 p.m. EST in Lambeau Field, Green Bay, WI. The said match is also covered by ESPN so if you have it just tune in to watch Packers vs Ravens game.
Currently Green Bay (7-4) holds one of the spots in the NFC wild cards and the Baltimore (6-5) are in the tied with Pittsburgh , Denver, and Jacksonville for the two wild-card berths in AFC. Ravens is looking for another consecutive win and now it’s against Packers and Green Bay is also aiming another win for the fourt time.
You can check here the online score updates and Baltimore Ravens vs Green Bay Packers Live Stream here.
Source:http://topgelato.com/baltimore-ravens-vs-green-bay-packers/11824
Saturday, May 16, 2009
Hornish wins Showdown to move into All-Star
CONCORD, N.C. (AP) -Sam Hornish Jr. won the Sprint Showdown to earn a transfer spot into NASCAR's All-Star race.
It's the second consecutive year Hornish has raced his way into the $1 million main event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He finished second a year ago to AJ Allmendinger to earn one of the two transfer spots.
Jamie McMurray finished second to earn the other transfer position.
Joey Logano was the third driver to advance into the race in the slot reserved for a driver voted into the All-Star race by fans.
Jeremy Mayfield, suspended by NASCAR last week for failing a random drug test, watched the Showdown from the top of a hospitality center. His No. 41 Mayfield Motorsports entry was driven to a 22nd-place finish by J.J. Yeley.
In the hours leading up to the race, a plane pulled a "Free Jeremy'' banner around the track in an apparent nod of support to the first driver suspended under NASCAR's toughened drug policy. Mayfield was suspended indefinitely for a test taken May 1 at Richmond International Raceway.
NASCAR has not revealed what substance Mayfield tested positive for, but chairman Brian France called it "a serious violation'' and categorized that as use of either a performance-enhancer or recreational drug. A person familiar with the test results has told The Associated Press the positive result was not for a performance-enhancer, leaving either a narcotic or controlled substance as cause of the positive result.
Mayfield denied ever taking an illegal substance, and said NASCAR has yet to inform him what he tested positive for and that he's yet to receive a copy of the results.
"All I want to do is race and be treated fairly,'' said Mayfield, repeating a claim he took a legal prescription for allergies. "They didn't say what I took. They don't know what I took.''
Dr. David Black, CEO of Aegis Sciences Corp. in Nashville, Tenn., which runs the testing program, did not immediately return a call Saturday night for comment regarding Mayfield's claims.
The suspension covers Mayfield's role owner, so the No. 41 was transferred to Mayfield's wife, Shana, earlier this week. She stood with the team on pit road before the race, then headed out of the back gate of the garage following pre-race ceremonies.
"He wants to race. He wants to be at the race tracks and be in a race car,'' she said when asked about Mayfield's spirits. "He's not doing well in that area. Other than that, we're just going through the motions.
Article Source:http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30785254/
It's the second consecutive year Hornish has raced his way into the $1 million main event at Lowe's Motor Speedway. He finished second a year ago to AJ Allmendinger to earn one of the two transfer spots.
Jamie McMurray finished second to earn the other transfer position.
Joey Logano was the third driver to advance into the race in the slot reserved for a driver voted into the All-Star race by fans.
Jeremy Mayfield, suspended by NASCAR last week for failing a random drug test, watched the Showdown from the top of a hospitality center. His No. 41 Mayfield Motorsports entry was driven to a 22nd-place finish by J.J. Yeley.
In the hours leading up to the race, a plane pulled a "Free Jeremy'' banner around the track in an apparent nod of support to the first driver suspended under NASCAR's toughened drug policy. Mayfield was suspended indefinitely for a test taken May 1 at Richmond International Raceway.
NASCAR has not revealed what substance Mayfield tested positive for, but chairman Brian France called it "a serious violation'' and categorized that as use of either a performance-enhancer or recreational drug. A person familiar with the test results has told The Associated Press the positive result was not for a performance-enhancer, leaving either a narcotic or controlled substance as cause of the positive result.
Mayfield denied ever taking an illegal substance, and said NASCAR has yet to inform him what he tested positive for and that he's yet to receive a copy of the results.
"All I want to do is race and be treated fairly,'' said Mayfield, repeating a claim he took a legal prescription for allergies. "They didn't say what I took. They don't know what I took.''
Dr. David Black, CEO of Aegis Sciences Corp. in Nashville, Tenn., which runs the testing program, did not immediately return a call Saturday night for comment regarding Mayfield's claims.
The suspension covers Mayfield's role owner, so the No. 41 was transferred to Mayfield's wife, Shana, earlier this week. She stood with the team on pit road before the race, then headed out of the back gate of the garage following pre-race ceremonies.
"He wants to race. He wants to be at the race tracks and be in a race car,'' she said when asked about Mayfield's spirits. "He's not doing well in that area. Other than that, we're just going through the motions.
Article Source:http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/30785254/
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
NBA Playoffs game 5 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics
NBA Playoffs game 5 Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics: Ultimate swing game here. For the most part, the C's kept Orlando's crowd out of the game. The Magic need to do the same. This is going to be a heated emotional game. I guess the answer for Orlando in game 4 is MID-RANGE SHOOTING. They stuck so much to inside - outside game that they forgot there is also another option. Magic are 2-6 ATS in their last 8 road games. Celtics are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite of 0.5-4.5. The NBA Odds list Boston -2 favorites to Orlando heading into this NBA Playoffs game 5 matchup. Click here to watch this NBA playoffs game live online streaming.
"Since I have been with the Celtics, I have been trying to fine my niche in our system," Davis said. "Doc told me that if you work on that shot and show me you can make it, I am going to let you shoot it. This year has been proof of hard work. You just have to be focused."
NBA Playoffs - Make a Deposit of $500, get an authentic NBA jersey of choice! Check out all the NBA Playoffs Lines at betus click here
This will be A big game for Boston. If they lose this one, the last game was a fluke. If the Cavs get the Magic they might actually lose a couple games. If they get Boston, the Celtics probably don't even have enough left in the tank to get one game, even at home. My NBA Playoffs for this game 5 is to bet on Boston to get it done at home tonight. When BOSTON team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Last 5 years - Total is between 190 to 195 - Allowed 95 or less points AGAINST in their last game 16-1 SU in this spot. The NBA Odds list the total in this Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics game is set at 192 points. Click here to watch this NBA playoffs game live online streaming.
The long winter months are over. It's time to enjoy the spring and make some extra cash by signing up for NBA Playoffs predictions from our expert group of handicappers. We figure the NBA playoffs Basketball Betting odds, Free NBA Playoffs Picks and stats for you every day, giving you a better edge at winning. Sportsbookbettingpromotions.com recommends taking the weekly and monthly NBA Playoffs picks packages, from our expert NBA playoffs predictions l handicappers, getting more for your money. Check the site daily for NBA Playoffs Picks and live NBA Playoffs predictions NBA odds.
Article Source:http://www.sportsbookbettingpromotions.com/051109-nba-playoffs-game-5-orlando-magic-vs-boston-celtics.html
"Since I have been with the Celtics, I have been trying to fine my niche in our system," Davis said. "Doc told me that if you work on that shot and show me you can make it, I am going to let you shoot it. This year has been proof of hard work. You just have to be focused."
NBA Playoffs - Make a Deposit of $500, get an authentic NBA jersey of choice! Check out all the NBA Playoffs Lines at betus click here
This will be A big game for Boston. If they lose this one, the last game was a fluke. If the Cavs get the Magic they might actually lose a couple games. If they get Boston, the Celtics probably don't even have enough left in the tank to get one game, even at home. My NBA Playoffs for this game 5 is to bet on Boston to get it done at home tonight. When BOSTON team Played as Home team as a Favorite - Last 5 years - Total is between 190 to 195 - Allowed 95 or less points AGAINST in their last game 16-1 SU in this spot. The NBA Odds list the total in this Orlando Magic vs Boston Celtics game is set at 192 points. Click here to watch this NBA playoffs game live online streaming.
The long winter months are over. It's time to enjoy the spring and make some extra cash by signing up for NBA Playoffs predictions from our expert group of handicappers. We figure the NBA playoffs Basketball Betting odds, Free NBA Playoffs Picks and stats for you every day, giving you a better edge at winning. Sportsbookbettingpromotions.com recommends taking the weekly and monthly NBA Playoffs picks packages, from our expert NBA playoffs predictions l handicappers, getting more for your money. Check the site daily for NBA Playoffs Picks and live NBA Playoffs predictions NBA odds.
Article Source:http://www.sportsbookbettingpromotions.com/051109-nba-playoffs-game-5-orlando-magic-vs-boston-celtics.html
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Dallas Cowboys practice facility collapses
IRVING — Dallas Cowboys special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and rookie kicker David Buehler were among the 12 injured Saturday when the roof of the team’s air-supported practice facility collapsed as a strong thunderstorm rolled through the area.
All 12 were treated at area hospitals, included Baylor University Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital.
“Most of the injured had minor cuts and bruises, although two or three with serious injuries were taken to trauma centers,” a spokesman for the Irving Police Department said. “None are life-threatening.”
Irving rescue personnel place a neck brace on DeCamillis before taking him away in a stretcher from the main office building of team headquarters.
Roughly 70 people, including players, coaches and staff members, were in the building when it collapsed. Team owner Jerry Jones was at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said four staff members were hospitalized with injuries. All the players and coaches were accounted for, he said.
The storm shut down electricity in the Cowboys office building.
The team was in the second day of a three-day rookie minicamp when the storm hit. It forced the team from its outdoor practice field into the indoor facility.
Twenty-seven players attended the rookie camp, including the team’s 12 draft picks and a handful of undrafted free agents and veterans. None of the team’s high-profile players were in attencance.
Buehler told the San Antonio Express-News that he suffered a cut to his right knee that required a few stitches and “head trauma” when a steel pole hit him on the right side of his head as he fled the facility.
“I was talking to the strength coaches while the rest of the team went through seven-on-seven drills and I told the coaches that, having grown up in Southern California, this was the most rain that I have ever seen,” Buehler told the San Antonio Express-News via telephone from an area hospital. “Then all of a sudden everything started shaking and I saw the roof coming down.
“I thought I was OK, and then the steel pole hit me in the head. It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever experienced. Welcome to the NFL.”
Buehler said he believes he is the only player that was taken to the hospital.
“I think I got the worst of all the players,” said Buehler, a USC alumnus. “Other guys had gashes. When I got out of the building survival instinct took over and I crawled through some of the water. A lot of guys were joining in to help look for other (injured people). We are all blessed.”
Among those looking for injured were Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.
“We’re lucky nobody got electrocuted because there was a lot of water in the building,” Phillips said. “A couple of the players have minor injuries, but they are all right. Coach DeCamillis’ neck got banged, but he was moving his hand and was talking.”
Immediately after the collapse, Phillips was seen directing emergency personnel into the building after it collapsed.
Linebackers coach Reggie Herring was seen limping in the team’s headquarters after the collapse.
“I’m OK. I’m going to pole vault tomorrow,” Herring joked. “Glad to be alive.”
Emergency personnel ordered all media and team personnel away from the area after it collapsed.
“The walls shook and the lights started swaying, then it came down,” said Dallas Morning News reporter Tim MacMahon, who was inside the facility when it collapsed.
Like Herring, secondary coach Dave Campo kept his sense of humor.
“The start of practice wasn’t exciting, but the end of it sure was,” Campo said.
“I feel like I was in a fight,” Campo added. “When it came down, I didn’t have much time to react. What scared me most was that my (32-year-old) son was in the building.”
The collapse of the building calls into question the safety of such facilities. The Cowboys are among several NFL teams who use indoor venues.
Source of Article:www.mysanantonio.com
All 12 were treated at area hospitals, included Baylor University Medical Center and Parkland Memorial Hospital.
“Most of the injured had minor cuts and bruises, although two or three with serious injuries were taken to trauma centers,” a spokesman for the Irving Police Department said. “None are life-threatening.”
Irving rescue personnel place a neck brace on DeCamillis before taking him away in a stretcher from the main office building of team headquarters.
Roughly 70 people, including players, coaches and staff members, were in the building when it collapsed. Team owner Jerry Jones was at the Kentucky Derby on Saturday.
Cowboys spokesman Rich Dalrymple said four staff members were hospitalized with injuries. All the players and coaches were accounted for, he said.
The storm shut down electricity in the Cowboys office building.
The team was in the second day of a three-day rookie minicamp when the storm hit. It forced the team from its outdoor practice field into the indoor facility.
Twenty-seven players attended the rookie camp, including the team’s 12 draft picks and a handful of undrafted free agents and veterans. None of the team’s high-profile players were in attencance.
Buehler told the San Antonio Express-News that he suffered a cut to his right knee that required a few stitches and “head trauma” when a steel pole hit him on the right side of his head as he fled the facility.
“I was talking to the strength coaches while the rest of the team went through seven-on-seven drills and I told the coaches that, having grown up in Southern California, this was the most rain that I have ever seen,” Buehler told the San Antonio Express-News via telephone from an area hospital. “Then all of a sudden everything started shaking and I saw the roof coming down.
“I thought I was OK, and then the steel pole hit me in the head. It was one of the craziest things I’ve ever experienced. Welcome to the NFL.”
Buehler said he believes he is the only player that was taken to the hospital.
“I think I got the worst of all the players,” said Buehler, a USC alumnus. “Other guys had gashes. When I got out of the building survival instinct took over and I crawled through some of the water. A lot of guys were joining in to help look for other (injured people). We are all blessed.”
Among those looking for injured were Cowboys head coach Wade Phillips.
“We’re lucky nobody got electrocuted because there was a lot of water in the building,” Phillips said. “A couple of the players have minor injuries, but they are all right. Coach DeCamillis’ neck got banged, but he was moving his hand and was talking.”
Immediately after the collapse, Phillips was seen directing emergency personnel into the building after it collapsed.
Linebackers coach Reggie Herring was seen limping in the team’s headquarters after the collapse.
“I’m OK. I’m going to pole vault tomorrow,” Herring joked. “Glad to be alive.”
Emergency personnel ordered all media and team personnel away from the area after it collapsed.
“The walls shook and the lights started swaying, then it came down,” said Dallas Morning News reporter Tim MacMahon, who was inside the facility when it collapsed.
Like Herring, secondary coach Dave Campo kept his sense of humor.
“The start of practice wasn’t exciting, but the end of it sure was,” Campo said.
“I feel like I was in a fight,” Campo added. “When it came down, I didn’t have much time to react. What scared me most was that my (32-year-old) son was in the building.”
The collapse of the building calls into question the safety of such facilities. The Cowboys are among several NFL teams who use indoor venues.
Source of Article:www.mysanantonio.com
Mayweather Formally Announces Return amidst Ricky Hatton vs Manny Pacquiao fight
LAS VEGAS (AP) - Undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr. formally announced his return to boxing on Saturday, less than a year after he retired and said he was through with the sport.
"I guess I just missed boxing," Mayweather said. "Somebody's got to keep the sport up and running. Why not me?"
That was the question Mayweather asked himself as he took a break from the sport that has consumed his life from the time he learned to walk. He wasn't gone long, but his 11-month retirement was enough to make him realize that he wanted to fight - and fight a lot more.
"I'm still the biggest draw in boxing," Mayweather said. "Everybody wants to fight me because they know I'm the cash cow."
Mayweather will return to the ring on July 18 against lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who will move up two weight classes to get his share of the riches a Mayweather fight can produce. It will be his first fight since he stopped Ricky Hatton in the 10th round in December 2007.
"I left on top, and I came back on top," Mayweather said. "I'm here to fight and reclaim what's mine."
Indeed, when Mayweather announced his retirement last June he was generally regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, an honor now mainly given to Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather's decision to retire instead of fighting a rematch against Oscar De La Hoya led to Pacquiao getting the shot that he capitalized on.
Mayweather announced his comeback plans in a theater at the MGM Grand hotel, just hours before Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton met in a 140-pound (63.5-kilogram) fight in the hotel's arena.
Mayweather, should he beat Marquez, could get the winner of Saturday's fight in the autumn, but he wasn't planning to stick around and watch it.
"I'm taking my daughter bowling tonight," he said.
Mayweather, who is unbeaten in 39 fights, brushed off questions about the state of his finances, saying he made $8 million last year without having a fight and that the rumors he was in financial difficulty were just that. But the lure of many more millions was in the back of his mind as he began sparring once again in recent weeks, the itch to fight returning.
"I bring the most controversy to the sport," the 32-year-old said. "The others are too nice. This is a brutal sport."
Mayweather and his advisers were coy about the contract weight for the Marquez fight, saying it would be a welterweight bout. But De La Hoya, who will be promoting the fight, said it calls for a 143-pound (65-kilogram) limit instead of the 147-pound (67-kilogram) welterweight limit.
That was a concession to Marquez, who just last year weighed 129 pounds (58.5 kilograms) for a fight against Pacquiao and has fought only twice as a lightweight. Though moving up in weight, Marquez was still considered a dangerous opponent, and many thought he won both his fights against Pacquiao.
Source Of Article: Fight Network
"I guess I just missed boxing," Mayweather said. "Somebody's got to keep the sport up and running. Why not me?"
That was the question Mayweather asked himself as he took a break from the sport that has consumed his life from the time he learned to walk. He wasn't gone long, but his 11-month retirement was enough to make him realize that he wanted to fight - and fight a lot more.
"I'm still the biggest draw in boxing," Mayweather said. "Everybody wants to fight me because they know I'm the cash cow."
Mayweather will return to the ring on July 18 against lightweight champion Juan Manuel Marquez, who will move up two weight classes to get his share of the riches a Mayweather fight can produce. It will be his first fight since he stopped Ricky Hatton in the 10th round in December 2007.
"I left on top, and I came back on top," Mayweather said. "I'm here to fight and reclaim what's mine."
Indeed, when Mayweather announced his retirement last June he was generally regarded as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, an honor now mainly given to Manny Pacquiao. Mayweather's decision to retire instead of fighting a rematch against Oscar De La Hoya led to Pacquiao getting the shot that he capitalized on.
Mayweather announced his comeback plans in a theater at the MGM Grand hotel, just hours before Pacquiao and Ricky Hatton met in a 140-pound (63.5-kilogram) fight in the hotel's arena.
Mayweather, should he beat Marquez, could get the winner of Saturday's fight in the autumn, but he wasn't planning to stick around and watch it.
"I'm taking my daughter bowling tonight," he said.
Mayweather, who is unbeaten in 39 fights, brushed off questions about the state of his finances, saying he made $8 million last year without having a fight and that the rumors he was in financial difficulty were just that. But the lure of many more millions was in the back of his mind as he began sparring once again in recent weeks, the itch to fight returning.
"I bring the most controversy to the sport," the 32-year-old said. "The others are too nice. This is a brutal sport."
Mayweather and his advisers were coy about the contract weight for the Marquez fight, saying it would be a welterweight bout. But De La Hoya, who will be promoting the fight, said it calls for a 143-pound (65-kilogram) limit instead of the 147-pound (67-kilogram) welterweight limit.
That was a concession to Marquez, who just last year weighed 129 pounds (58.5 kilograms) for a fight against Pacquiao and has fought only twice as a lightweight. Though moving up in weight, Marquez was still considered a dangerous opponent, and many thought he won both his fights against Pacquiao.
Source Of Article: Fight Network
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