Photo Courtesy: Boxnews.com.ua

As what I’ve promised last July, I am going to share my own picks for the best fights for the second half of the year. Unfortunately however, second half of 2009 did not have much exciting bouts like the first six months. I could only cite three electrifying battles that I could retain in my memory lane. Like my previous post, I’ll do it chronologically.

1. Chris John vs. Rocky Juarez (September 19)

This was supposed to be a supporting bout to the Juan Manuel Marquez vs. Floyd Mayweather main event but it turned out to be the most exciting fight of the night. In the fight, Chris John of Indonesia was clearly ahead on the early rounds until he appeared to be fading in the later rounds. In fact, he was nearly knocked down in the last round.  John escaped with a Unanimous Decision though.

2. David Haye vs. Nikolay Valuev (November 7)

Briton David Haye is 6-foot-3 while the Russian Nikolay Valuev is a 7-footer. With that, this fight really made sense. Seldom you see in boxing two gigantic figures square off the ring. Nikolay Valuev is one among the most feared boxers because of his size. David Haye, however, displayed not just his heart but also skills and ring generalship to outpoint via Majority Decision Nikolay Valuev. Haye, in turn, became just the second boxer after Ruslan Chagaev to defeat Valuev in 52 fights.

3. Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Angel Cotto (November 14)

I witnessed how history unfolded. This was Pacquiao’s 55^th career fight as he ascended to the 147 division throne – the seventh division he conquered. As expected, Pacquiao and Cotto went toe-to-toe in the early going but Cotto could not bear the punishment Pacquiao inflicted. Cotto was knocked down in round 3 and in round 4. The fight was practically over halfway but Cotto’s big heart pushed him until the 12^th round when Referee Kenny Bayless finally put an end to Cotto’s agony. Manny Pacquiao is simply the best in this era.

So, this is it! 2009 has become a year that was. Most likely, I share the same thoughts as you when it comes to fights we want to see in 2010. Happy new year everyone!

Photo Courtesy: Blogs.theage.com.au

Australia’s Cadel Evans expects a showdown with American Lance Armstrong after the former announced his comeback on Thursday, November 5 to the Tour Down Under slated early next year in Australia.

**********

British David Haye will challenge the 7- footer Nikolai Valuev of Russia for the WBA World Heavyweight title on Saturday, November 7 in Bayern, Germany.

**********

Sergio Martinez will replace Kelly Pavlik in a bout against Paul Williams on December 5. Pavlik withdrew from the bout earlier due to infection in his hand.

**********

Spanish Forward Pao Gasol of the Los Angeles Lakers is set to resume practicing with the team.  Gasol has not yet played a single game for the Lakers this season due to strained right hamstring injury.

**********

Argentine Andres Nocioni of the Sacramento Kings was arrested last Thursday, November 5 on suspicion  of drunk driving in Sacramento, California.  Nocioni was released later in the day and issued public apology.

**********

Unconfirmed reports circulating stated that Pido Jarencio and Manny Dandan coaching stints with their respective teams in the Universities Athletic Association of the Phillippines (UAAP) came to an end.  Both UST Growling Tigers and NU Bulldogs reportedly did not renew their respective contracts.