[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_oACRt-Qp-s[/youtube]
Rafa is smashing, Roger’s at break point
What’s with Mr. Federer? Almost unbeatable from 2003 until last year, he amassed ATP victory after tournament win after Grand Slam trophy (13 in all). During that span, the entire tennis world declared the Swiss Master—tennis’ version of a glittering Rolex watch—as “The Greatest.”
Then. Now, I’m doubtful. Consider what happened last Saturday. Against the world’s 3rd-ranked player, Novak Djokovic, the newly-married Roger lost. That’s fine. Every so often, even Tiger Woods misses a three-foot putt and LeBron James misfires on an open free-throw. My shock had to do with how Roger lost.
(Getty Images)
Perfect
MP’s secret is spelled MP
MP (center) with, from left, Jun Migallen, Girlie Garces, John Pages, Gerry Peñalosa, Michael Aldeguer, Jingo Quijano and Raffy Osumo during the Cebu Sports Awards
Speed. Power. Stamina. Muscle. A 60-day-long training regimen that’s unmatched in boxing. A Hall of Fame coaching wonk named Freddie Roach. These components, plus more, are essential in making our RP hero the boxing world’s No. 1. But, to me, what is the most significant reason why Pacman will knockout Hitman today?
His belief. His conviction. His assuredness. His confidence. You see, while boxing is humankind’s bloodiest entertainment, while one employs two fists to wallop and thump and slaughter one enemy, while boxing is the most physical of all physical endeavors—here’s the untold secret: It’s not about the muscle. It’s about the mind.
Boxing is mental. It’s a face-to-face battle between one brain versus another. It’s a mental warfare to determine who, psychologically, is strongest. And, when we speak of who has a mind that is most determined, most omnipotent, most durable and most resolute, the answer comes in two initials: MP. Mind Power. Manny Pacquiao.
Pacquiao – Hatton: HBO’s 24/7 Episode I
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWjR2N8ktV0[/youtube]
Part 1
Hahahaha!
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2kczi7QV5-Q&feature=player_embedded[/youtube]
The Best Sports Quotations of 2008
I love quotations. They’re immortal, lasting, timeless. Recently, I spent time scouring through the internet to gather the most memorable words spoken last year. There were plenty (remember the Games named 08-08-08?). Here are, based on my compilation, the best from last year…
“He may be human, but he’s from a different planet, a different galaxy.” – swimmer Alexander Sukhorukov, describing Michael Phelps
“First of all, I want to thank Tiger for not being here. That always makes things a little bit easier.” – golfer Sergio Garcia after winning The Players Championship
“I feel like a mosquito in a nudist colony. I know what to do. I just don’t know where to start.” – Pat Riley, former Miami coach, when his NBA Heat were 11-46
“I will KO Pacquiao in 5.” — De La Hoya’s prediction
“I understand the joy. He might have interpreted that in another way, but the way it was perceived was ‘Catch me if you can.’ You don’t do that. But he’ll learn. He’s still a young man.” — Jacques Rogge, IOC president, on Usain Bolt’s celebration
“Come on…when you’re running, if you see you’re going to win, you’re going to celebrate. You’re going to be Olympic champion, you’re just happy.” — Bolt
The Furious, The Flash, The King Cobra
If Chris Aldeguer—whose brother is ALA Boxing Promotions President Michael and whose dad is Antonio Lopez Aldeguer—sends you a text message at 11:58 a.m. saying, “(It’s) one of the best fights I’ve ever seen,” then you ought to sit down and watch.
Chris, you see, has witnessed a torrent of fights, both inside their Talamban-based ALA Gym and at the glittering City of Las Vegas—including two of the grandest blockbusters in history: the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Oscar de la Hoya 2007 tussle and, just last December 6, Manny Pacquiao’s demolition job on the recently-retired ODLH.
Last Sunday morning, as part of his birthday celebration the night before, Chris watched “The Flash and The Furious” at the Araneta Coliseum. With his “best fight I’ve seen” comment, the young Mr. Aldeguer, of course, was referring to the Brian Viloria against Ulises Solis hostility.
What a quarrel! While we all thought Brian Viloria was a “has-been,” a fighter who didn’t possess even 1/14th of Manny Pacquiao’s bravery, what we saw two afternoons ago was startling.
Flash Photography
In this 2007 photo, the Donaires (seated) with (from left) Atty. Jingo Quijano, John Pages, Mike Limpag, Gerry Malixi, Dong Secuya, Manny Villaruel, Salven Lagumbay and (right-most) Paul Rosaroso
The Lesson I Learned From RP’s Top Tennis Guru
Summer of 2007, I wrote the article below about BUTCH BACANI. One of the country’s top tennis coaches, he’ll be back in Cebu from April 27 to May 15. To learn more about his program, call Ging-Ging (office hours) at 416-1122 local 100. The Butch Bacani/Smart Tennis Camp (to be held at the Casino Español and Cebu Country Club) is offered FOR FREE.
The two words “Butch Bacani” stand for one of the most recognized and respected coaches in Philippine tennis. Felix Barrientos? Remember him? Sure, Coach Butch mentored him. Jennifer Saberon, the Wimbledon qualifier? Sure. PJ Tierro, today’s No.1 netter who represents us in Davis Cup? Another student of the Bacani Camp. In the last 30 years since Coach Butch Bacani has taught tennis, rarely has a top-notch netter not passed through his coaching.