Star Snippets: Manny Pacquiao, Nonito Donaire, Jr., Chien-Ming Wang …..

December 13, 2009 | Posted by Benjie

Pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines confirmed to local scribes that his much anticipated bout with Floyd Mayeweather may be the last of his illustrious boxing career. Pacquiao, who debuted in 1995 has already been in 55 bouts and has compiled a record of 50-3-2 with 38 KOs. Pacquiao is also eyeing a congressional seat in Saranggani Province this coming May, his second attempt as a lawmaker after he was defeated by Darlene Antonino Custodio in South Cotabato Province in 2007.

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The ‘Filipino Flash’ Nonito Donaire, Jr. may have another shot to knock Vic Darchinyan out after the latter defeated Mexican Tomas Rojas. Darchinyan’s victory over Rojas may prove to be the last stumbling block in their much anticipated rematch. Donaire knocked Darchinyan out in the 5^th round in their first encounter in July 2007.

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Chinese Taipei’s Chien-Ming Wang has officially become a free agent in the Major League Baseball (MLB) after the New York Yankees decided not offer him a new contract before the December 12 deadline. The 29-year old native of Tainan City however is hopeful that he could clinch a deal with the LA Dodgers now managed by Joe Torre who used to be with the Yankees. Torre was the Yankees manager when Wang had his best years in the MLB.

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Right-handed pitcher Hisashi Iwakuma of Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles has decided to stay with the team and signed a new contract including Y300 million in incentives in the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Iwakuma played a key role last season as the team advanced for the post season for the first time. He also helped Japan win its second consecutive title in the World Baseball Classic.

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South Korean pitcher Park Chan-ho is reportedly unable to reach an agreement with the Philadelphia Phillies. Among the demands of Park are, being a starter for the team and a longer contract. But the Phillies could not give in to his demands saying they would have Park Chan-ho as reliever and has a one-year contract to offer.