© Tom Hogan / Golden Boy Promotions

While Democrats and Republicans in the U.S. spend time sending verbal jabs across the aisle in preparation for their November showdown, Manny Pacquiao and Oscar De La Hoya spent most of their time playing to their bases in San Francisco on Saturday at their afternoon press conference. The stop was the fifth of a scheduled sixth, coming off two stops in Texas as well as a pair in Chicago and New York City.

Coming off a date in Houston with a mostly Mexican fan base at hand, San Francisco presented a stark contrast as the Filipinos held the majority, and were very vocal in their support of their native son, Pacquiao. Promoter Bob Arum did nothing to sell his fighter short and stirred the pro-Pacquiao crowd into a frenzy.

"In World War II, the Philippines fought alongside the U.S. against the Japanese to keep their independence and have always been a nation of fighters." asserted Arum. "The Philippines produce the best fighters in the world, and Manny Pacquiao is the best fighter the Philippines have ever produced." More...

**With Slideshow**

© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

“Manny! Manny! Manny!” shouted the Filipino fans as Oscar De La Hoya and Manny Pacquiao kicked off their six-city press tour at Liberty Island Wednesday afternoon in New York City. Although both the Filipino and Latino fans came out to support their fighters it was the Filipinos that drowned out much of the press conference with their cheers for the #1 pound for pound champion, Pacquiao.

The two fighters will meet in “The Dream Match” on December 6th at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada in a bout that sold out in a matter of hours with a gross gate of almost $17 million, making it the second largest gate in boxing history.

Pacquiao 47-3-2 (35) is considered by most to be the best pound for pound fighter in the sport today. In his last bout he moved up to lightweight to defeat David Diaz for the WBC title and will be moving up two additional weight classes to welterweight where he will face De La Hoya

“I know you are excited to see me on December 6 in Las Vegas,” said Pacquiao. “I assure you I’m more excited than you! Some people are criticizing me; some are saying I’m taking this fight for the money. I will prove all the critics wrong, it will be a great boxing match.” More...

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© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

“Who did you beat to call yourself the champion of the world? You have to beat a champion to become champion,” bellowed WBC Champion Samuel Peter towards his challenger WBC Champion Emeritus Vitali Klitschko. The two heavyweights met at a press conference at Gallagher’s Steakhouse in New York City yesterday to announce their October 11 title fight at the O2 World Arena in Kreuzberg, Berlin, Germany .

Vitali “Dr. Iron Fist” Klitschko, 35-2 (34), has not been in the ring since December 2004, when he defended his WBC and Ring titles against Danny Williams, knocking the Brit down four times before winning by TKO in the eighth round.

After having to reschedule his next defense against Hasim Rahman several times due to injuries, Klitschko retired from the sport in late 2005. He was due to return to the ring last year to face Jameel McCline, but again was forced to cancel the bout due to injury.

Klitschko feels the injuries are a part of all big sports, “A good example is world champion Ruslan Chagaev just a couple of months ago tore his Achilles tendon a week before the fight. It sometimes happens, nobody has a guarantee. I’m more than sure right now, I have checked my health, I’m 100% ready, I don’t have any problems and I’m very optimistic.” More...

Oscar Diaz and Delvin Rodriguez addressed the media yesterday in their final press conference before their much anticipated showdown for the USBA welterweight championship that will take place tonight at the Municipal Auditorium in San Antonio, TX.

The fight, which will be shown on ESPN2's "Wednesday Night Fights," has had boxing fans and insiders buzzing since the fight was first announced. Even ESPN commentator Teddy Atlas, by his own admission, is excited about this matchup. "This should be a good one," stated Atlas. "That's good for me. And more importantly, it's good for the fans." More...

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday at Manchester 235 - the smart Casino/bar venue in Manchesters’ Northern Quarter - Hennessy Promotions hosted a press conference ahead of Friday nights’ clash which headlines John Murray and Lee Meager. The fight night - billed as “Strictly Business” sees Mancunians’ Meager and Murray fight it out for the vacant British Lightweight title at the Robin Park Arena in Wigan, England.

Both boxers were very relaxed as they chatted to press. John Murray was particularly jovial as he jokingly posed for photographs. And he was clearly delighted to be wearing the brand new ’Manchester City’ Shirt. “The new Man City shirt isn’t due to be released for a couple of weeks,“ said Murrays trainer Joe Gallagher, “But they’ve given a shirt to John and he’s got the number 11 on the back to coincide with the 11th July”.

Lee Meager was wearing rival team Manchester United's shirt, which also sported a number 11 on the back. Meager said, “I’m feeling great and the training has gone really well, I’m just waiting to ‘get on with it’ now.” When asked how he saw the fight going, he replied “I don’t give predictions but it will be a good win for Meager”. More...

© Tom Casino / Showtime Boxing

Tommorow night, Ricardo Torres will defend his WBO Junior Welterweight title against No. 1 contender Kendall Holt in a rematch on a special edition of ShoBox: The New Generation on Saturday, July 5, 2008, live on Showtime at 11 p.m. ET/PT and delayed on the west coast. More...

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© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday the City of Manchester Stadium, England, played host to the official press conference ahead of Saturday’s ‘Homecoming’ fight night.

Entering the stadium, I stopped by to see how the ‘pitch’ was progressing in preparation for the fight and with just two days to go, the huge structure and canopy that will protect the ring looks near completion. There are more red seats now on the floor area and not a blade of grass is visible under the protective boarding. It is indeed a fantastic sight!

Once inside the boardroom suite, media representatives gathered to await the arrival of boxers, trainers and promoters. On the top table sat Lovemore N’dou, Robert Diaz (Golden Boy), Matthew Hatton, Billy Graham, Ray Hatton, Frank Maloney, Ricky Hatton, Richard Schaeffer (Golden Boy), Juan Lazcano, Ronnie Shields, Paulie Malignaggi, Lou DiBella, Craig Watson and Joe Pennington. More...

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

In a build up to Saturday’s “Homecoming” featuring Ricky “Hitman” Hatton against Juan Lazcano, Frank Maloney hosted a meeting with the press to speak with Lazcano at the Smart ‘Village Hotel’, Ashton Moss, Ashton-Under-Lyne, Manchester.

Having arrived into Manchester over the weekend, the Mexican (residing in California) looked to have ‘settled in’ as he chatted to the media in attendance. Relaxed and smiling, Lazcano came across as a very friendly and likeable guy.

“I have a great relationship with God,” Lazcano said thoughtfully and talked of his delight that this year his birthday fell on Easter. He feels ‘blessed for his opportunities in life’ and said he felt at peace. “I’ve already been a dead-man walking” he admits, “The Lord answered my prayers and now I’m pretty alive! I’m so humbled and so thankful. The best of Juan Lazcano will come out … whoever steps in the ring with me from now on.” More...

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© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday, at Vermilion Cinnabar - the stylish, new, Thai influenced restaurant and bar in Manchester, England, Frank Maloney hosted a press conference to update media on the forthcoming fightnight which headlines Ricky Hatton and Juan Lazcano.

Despite other important press conferences held on the same day - it was a full-house at Manchester's trendy new venue.

In attendance were, Frank Maloney, Ricky Hatton, Ricky and Matthew's father/manager Ray Hatton, Hatton trainer Billy Graham, welterweights Matthew Hatton and Craig Watson as well as super bantams Danny Wallace and Mark Moran.

Frank Maloney in association with Punch Promotions and Golden Boy presents 'Homecoming' - a fightnight staged at the City of Manchester Stadium on Saturday, May 24. More...

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© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing

Yesterday at BB King’s Blues Club Restaurant in New York City, Top Rank held a press conference to announce the first title defense for WBC and WBO Middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik, 33-0 (29), who will face the #1 rated WBO Middleweight contender Gary Lockett, 30-1 (21).

Also on the card will be another title fight featuring WBO Super Bantamweight champion, Daniel Ponce De Leon, 34-1 (30), against Juan Manual Lopez, 21-0 (19). Both championships will take place on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, NJ .

Before introducing Lockett, Top Rank’s Bob Arum reminisced with the media about some of the great middleweights that have come out of England such as Alan Minter and Tony Sibson, “One thing about the English middleweights is when they’re good, they’re real good and they come to fight; they are brave warriors.” More...

The date of June 16, 1983, forever will taint the history of New York sports and the world of boxing. That evening at Madison Square Garden, a shameful chain of events ended a promising young boxer’s career and changed the lives of many associated with the tragic scandal. More...

**With Slideshow And Full Audio Stream**

© Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Today, at the Empire Casino, Leicester Square, London, Frank Maloney Promotions hosted a press conference to officially announce IBO Light Welter Champion Ricky Hatton's next fight against tough Mexican American Juan Lazcano on May 24 at the City of Manchester Stadium in Manchester, England.

The top table consisted of welterweight contender Matthew Hatton, the Hatton boy's father/manager Ray Hatton, Ricky Hatton, Frank Maloney, Richard Schaeffer and Robert Diaz, both of Golden Boy Promotions and Commonwealth Welter Champion Craig Watson.

Television cameras and members of the press were in attendance to hear the details of the impending fightnight which Ricky had insisted would be a 'family occasion' and screened at a Brit-friendly time between 6pm and approximately 11pm at night. This would be Ricky's 'thank you' to the thousands of fans who have supported him in the UK and in the USA. More...

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

It was a beautiful sunny morning in Nottingham earlier this week as SaddoBoxing attended the press conference for the upcoming Carl Froch and Robin Reid clash ahead of this Friday's fightnight at the Ice Arena in Nottingham, England.

Hennessy Promotions hosted the event at the very smart Alea Casino in Nottingham.

The top-table consisted of British Super Middleweight Champion Carl Froch, his trainer Robert McKracken and promoter Mick Hennessy along with ex- WBC World Champion Robin Reid, WBU Welterweight Champion Michael Jennings (on behalf of Reid's trainer Brian Hughes) and a member of Team Reid. More...

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

SaddoBoxing was at the characterful Rockingham Arms Hotel in Doncaster, England, yesterday for the official press conference previewing the Frank Maloney promoted fightnight "Nowhere to Run! Nowhere to Hide!" in which reigning champion Carl Johanneson and former champion Michael Gomez fight for the British Super Featherweight title at the Doncaster Dome on October 19.

Outside the hotel, a horse-drawn carriage awaited the two fighters for their first "face to face". A Maloney media release had announced the press conference as being an "Explosive Head-to-Head" and they weren't kidding!

As soon as Gomez, 34-7 (24), and Johanneson, 26-3 (18), got near each other in the carriage, sparks flew, and promoter Maloney and Gomez's trainer Bobby Rimmer did well to keep the two fighters from starting their fight 9 days early! More...

Sports Network's Superb Homecoming Show Set For Saturday 8 July, 2006

Click for larger image © Matthew Voyle / Saddo Boxing

The red carpet led the way into pride of Cardiff City centre’s Millennium Stadium, all kitted out with deck chairs, beach balls and Walls Cornetto’s on tap. The management at the unrivalled venue looked to get their "Summer of Sizzling Entertainment" well and truly on its way.

The Homecoming, Wales’ biggest boxing show ever staged, with no fewer than seven championship bouts on the same card, is a great chance to showcase the British stars of boxing. With WBO/IBF Super Middle Champion Joe Calzaghe headlining and chief support scheduled to be Danny Williams and Matt Skelton going head to head for the second time and Gary Lockett finally getting it on with Ryan Rhodes, the bill is looking to be packed full of action. More...

Last UK Appearance For Hatton Before Launcing Boxing Invasion On America!

***FULL AUDIO COVERAGE AND PHOTOS***

Click for larger image © Jane Warburton / Saddo Boxing

Ricky Hatton was in a relaxed mood today when he arrived for a Fight Academy press conference at the home of his beloved football team, the City of Manchester Stadium. Due to fly out to Boston this weekend, Ricky was happy to talk to the media about his jump up to welterweight to take on the WBA Champion Luis Collazo of Brooklyn.

At the press conference table, facing the media were (from left to right) Hatton's trainer Billy Graham, Ray Hatton, Ricky Hatton, Fight Academy promoter Robert Waterman, IBF Light Heavyweight Champion Clinton Woods, Fight Academy promoter Dennis Hobson, Woods' trainer Richard Poxon and Gareth Williams. More...