8-division boxing champion and Sarangani province Congressman Manny Pacquiao will seek a higher government position in 2013.

Pacquiao confirmed the report during his interview with ESPN Sports center that plans to run for a governor seat in the upcoming 2013 local elections.

When asked about his political and boxing career all mixed up, Pacquiao said he can handle both. “It’s very tough to be a public servant and to serve people… I believe I can handle that, and [at the same time] I can still focus on boxing,” Pacquiao said.

Pacquiao who is scheduled to fight arch-rival Mexican Juan Manuel Marquez in their third duel on November 12 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, also shared his experience as a public servant. “Being congressman in the Philippines added more responsibilities in my life, compared to my life as a boxer. I have to manage my time,” he said.

“It’s good to be a public servant especially in the Philippines, [where] a lot of people need help from the government,” Pacquiao added.

Top Rank CEO Bob Arum plans to make the third installment in the Pacquiao vs Marquez trilogy to be their biggest fight ever. First phase has been already settled with HBO clinching the broadcast from Showtime. The second part is a press tour that will promote the fight in five major cities around the world.

The first leg will kick-off in Manila giving Filipinos the first chance to catch and seize up Marquez before the two fighters clash in their much awaited third match in November.

The event will be held at the Quirino Grandstand on September 23. They will start off the day with the two fighters attending mass in a soon-to-be-determined church in Manila. A press conference will follow at the Manila Hotel then Pacquiao and Marquez will both head to the Quirino Grandstand to officially start the event.

This is Marquez’s second visit to Manila. More celebrities are expected to grace and perform in the event. Cultural presentations will also be performed to celebrate the rich heritage shared by Philippines and Mexico.

Pacquiao Marquez 3 will be held at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on November 12. They will fight in the welterweight division with a catchweight of 144 pounds and it will be Manny’s third defense of the WBO welterweight crown he won from Miguel Cotto.

The Philippine Azkals put up a galant fight against formidable foe Kuwait Al-Azraq in the second leg of their game clash held at the Rizal Memorial Stadium Thursday night.

The 10-man Kuwaiti squad, carrying a 3-goal lead advantage from their first leg matchup, beat Azkals with a 2-1 (5-1 final aggregate) score.

Kuwait went on aggresively on the attack right at the opening. Azkals later retaliated and launched counterattacks with Phil Younghusband receiving long passes.

Fil-German Stephen Schrock scored the lone goal for Azkals at the 47th minute of the game. The crowd went wild with their first goal 1-0. However, Azkals need at least a 4-0 score to win the game. Kuwait’s Yousef Al Sulaiman, scored the equalizer in the 61st minute at 1-1. Kuwaitis’ Waleed Ali sealed the game and scored their second goal in a breakaway run that settled the score to 2-1.

Losing this game made the Philippine football team Azkal out in their bid for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. While Kuwait will now advance to the 3rd round of the 2014 World Cup sometime in September.

Despite their loss, Azkal fans still cheered for them. Supporters also keep sending words of praise and encouragement to the team via Twitter.

Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach predicted, “I think Amir is going to get to Floyd before Manny.” Roach believes that newest boxing sensation Amir “King” Khan can become the next pound-for-pound king like Manny Pacquiao. “In my mind, he can be the next Manny Pacquiao, there’s no doubt about that,” Roach told BoxingScene.com.

In as much as we would like see a Pacquiao – Mayweather duel, a Khan – Mayweather fight might seem more viable.

After Khan knocked out Zab Judah with a bodyshot in the fifth round last Saturday, successfully defending his WBA super lightweight crown and adding the IBF junior welterweight belt, Amir Khan unlocked the door to more big fights including the much anticipated Khan – Mayweather bout which is already being discussed behind the scenes. Speculations also suggest that the fight might take place in London around 2012 Olympic games.

Amir Khan's controversial winning shot on Zab Judah. Photo: AP

“I know my time will come with Mayweather,” said Khan. “It doesn’t matter if Manny Pacquiao gets to Mayweather before me, either. My time will come. My big fights and pay days will come up in the future, but right now, I just have to keep winning.” Khan said. He also once said “My aim is to move up the pound-for-pound rankings and to one day be pound-for-pound champion. I want to be the best fighter in the world,” He added. A victory over Mayweather will seal Khan’s pound-for-pound ranking on top.

“I do believe Amir’s speed can trouble Mayweather, but Mayweather is a very good boxer and is very slick,” Coach Freddie Roach said. Roach also says that Khan will need more preparation before facing the defensive wizard.

Khan also humbly admitted that he has more to achieve before he can unseat Pacquiao. Roach also confirmed that Khan will fight again in December 2011 before  a possible fight against Mayweather next year.

An all-star-weekend takes place at the Araneta Coliseum this coming July 23 and 24, 2011 when Philipines’ best cagers are pitted against an all-star selection from the NBA.  The PBA and NBA selection matchup is scheduled on July 23, 2011 at 7pm, while the Smart-Gilas-Pilipinas vs NBA selection game happens the next day, July 24 at 1pm.

The NBA blockbuster cast includes five-time NBA champion Kobe Bryant of the LA Lakers, reigning NBA MVP Derrick Rose of the Chicago Bulls, former top rookie point guard Chris Paul of the New Orleans, slam-dunk and shot-block artist Javele McGee of the Washington Wizards, NBA scoring champion Kevin Durant of the Oklahoma Thunder, Tyreke Evans of the Sacramento Kings, Derek Fisher of the Los Angeles Lakers, James Harden of the Oklahoma Thunder, and Derrick Williams of the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The PBA selection team headed by coach Chot Reyes, will be composed of James Yap and Marc Pingris of BMeg, Mark Caguioa and JC Intal of Ginebra, Arwin Santos and Rabeh Al-Hussaini of Petron Blaze, Ryan Reyes, Jason Castro and Larry Fonacier of Talk N’ Text, Sonny Thoss and LA Tenorio of Alaska, Sol Mercado of Meralco, Gary David of Powerade, Gabe Norwood of Rain or Shine and Danny Seigle of Air21.

Smart Gilas will be handled by Rajko Toroman and players include Talk N’ Text’s Kelly Williams, Jimmy Alapag and Ranidel de Ocampo, Meralco’s Asi Taulava, Air21’s Dondon Hontiveros, Marcus Douthit, captain Chris Tiu, co-skipper Mark Barroca, JV Casio, Mac Baracael, Marcio Lassiter, Japeth Aguilar, Chris Lutz, Dylan Ababou and Jason Ballesteros.

Tickets at all levels have been sold out as early as last Friday according to organizers. But black market tickets could be bought quadrupled the original price with the upper box tickets worth P800 now being sold at P3,600.

MANILA, Philippines – Kobe Bryant highlighted his 2011 Nike Asia Tour in Manila when he led the All Stars UAAP team against Smart Gilas Pilipinas National Team at the Araneta Coliseum. The 5 time NBA champion gave the players of both team the time of their lives when the NBA superstar decided he wanted to play as well and asked for another 8 minutes to be added in the game.

The sold-out Big Dome crowd went wild when Kobe wore an FEU Tamaraws’ UAAP jersey and warmed up before joining the game.

Smart Gilas was on top with a score of 33-24 when the 10-minute game ended. With Kobe Bryant leading, the UAAP team was able to cut the lead to 2 points. Despite Bryant’s efforts showing excellent hoop rattling dunks, assists and steal, Smart Gilas ended victorious 45-41.

Players from both team expressed their amazement playing with the Black Mamba after the game.

Bryant left the Araneta Coliseum after the game but expressedly appreciated the Filipino people’s great love for basketball.

“This is one of my favorite cities in the world,” Kobe said. “The people are great, the fans are great. I’ll keep coming back here, I love it here,” The NBA superstar added.

Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images North America

HOT POTATO via HOLLYWOOD, California – Top Rank honcho Bob Arum said Tuesday that Manny Pacquiao must retire not later than year 2013.

“I would envision five more fights for Pacquiao and that includes his fight this November 12 against Juan Manuel Marquez,” Arum says.

Arum expressed his high regard about Pacquiao’s activities outside the ring. Manny has been doing a lot of philantropic projects and becoming a strong advocate in preserving moral conditions of the young generation, wherein he is actively campaigning against the highly contentious Reproductive Health Bill now pending approval in the Philippine Congress.

Pacquiao, a Congressman representing Sarangani province, will turn 33 this December 17. He has already won ten world titles plus recognitions like “Fighter of the Decade” by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA) and three-times “Fighter of the Year” awardee from The Ring and BWAA in 2006, 2008, and 2009. Pacquiao’s pro boxing career spans seventeen years since his professional debut on January 25, 1995 fight against fellow Filipino boxer Edmund Enting Ignacio in Mindoro, Philippines.

“I will continue to support his vision for a better Philippines; He is a great champion and I’m sure he will do great things for the Filipinos and the Philippines.” Arum added.

Photo © Philippine Sports Central

MANILA — LA Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant will come to Manila once more, his third visit since 2007. The 32-year old basketball superstar will kick off his five-city Asian tour in Manila on July 13, Nike Philippines announced yesterday.

Bryant, arguably one of the biggest name in the NBA today, will make Manila his first Tour stop before proceeding to Seoul South Korea then three cities in China.

“Nike is proud to bring Kobe Bryant back to Manila,” said Mae Dichupa, country marketing manager Nike Philippines.

“In his last two visits, Kobe was able to capture the hearts of many and connect with a lot of young Filipino athletes, encouraging them to chase and fulfill their dreams through sports like he did.”

As in his first two visits in 2007 and 2009, Kobe and his entourage are expected to fly to Manila in a private jet.

Kobe’s one-day visit will begin with a short show at Nike Park at The Fort at 3 p.m. on July 13, with the main event scheduled at 5 p.m. at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao.

The boot camp at Araneta Coliseum program will also see players from the Smart Gilas national team as well as Nike-sponsored UAAP teams FEU Tamaraws (Far Easter University), La Salle Green Archers and Ateneo Blue Eagles joining Bryant in skills drills. The Big dome event will start at 5 p.m.

Tickets to these activities will be distributed free on a first-come, first-served basis at Nike Park and Titan sports shops at The Fort at 12 noon on July 2 at 12 p.m. And will Only be limited to two tickets per person.

Black Mamba fans can also tune in to FM stations Magic 89.9 and Wave 89.1 to win free tickets.

You can also log on to Facebook.com/Nikebasketball.phils where 50 lucky community members can get a chance to win two free tickets each to see Kobe Bryant.

“As part of our commitment to basketball and young athletes, Nike continuously develops campaigns that will encourage them to reach for their sports dreams,” added Dichupa.

ABS-CBN News, Manila, Philippines – It seems like boxing’s most anticipated match between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. might actually happen next year.

Manny Pacquiao is scheduled to go up against Juan Manuel Marquez this coming November, while his closest pound-for-pound rival, Floyd Mayweather Jr. will be pitting against Victor Ortiz in September. Sports Illustrated.com’s Chris Mannix suggested that these two matches are perfect set-ups for a Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown next year.

“It sets up a May 2012 collision between two of boxing’s best,” Mannix said in his article.

“These two have done this dance with each other for years but several industry insiders believe this is how it is being set up,” Mannix added.

Mannix was referring to the endless series of negotiations between both camps.

For the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight to remain interesting to fight fans, both boxers must post impressive victories over their respective opponents.

“Both have to win. A Pacquiao-Mayweather showdown loses a large chunk of its appeal if either fighter takes a loss this year,” said Mannix.

Mannix said Marquez will still be a tough opponent for Pacquiao. while Mayweather faces a similar challenge in fighting a younger southpaw opponent in Ortiz. “Marquez is a nightmare matchup for Pacquiao, having fought him to a draw and a narrow decision loss in their previous two meetings,” he said.

“If Ortiz connects on the kind of shot Shane Mosley did in the second round of his fight with Mayweather last May, he has the power to close the show,” added Mannix.

Should Pacquiao and Mayweather wins, chances of their superfight to materialize next year looks promising specially where Schaefer and Arum back in the board room to negotiate.

It seems like NBA fans are more interested with what happened to Lebron James in the finals than the Dallas Mavericks winning the NBA championship. Nobody knows exactly what happened to him but it is definitely not the LeBron James we saw in the previous playoff rounds that defeated Boston Celtics and Chicago Bulls.

“Sometimes you got it. Sometimes, you don’t.” is all James could mutter after the Mavs took away from him what could be his first NBA championship.

Lebron’s passive play began innocuously when in game 2 he missed some flurry shots then Dallas rallied back from a 15-point deficit 7 minutes before 4th quarter ends to tie the series at one. Since then, LeBron was never the same in final quarter of every finals game until game 6. He was so passive, timid or unsure of his moves clearly not wanting to commit more mistakes.

Althroughout the series, James turned himself into a point guard and most of the time treat the ball like it’s some hot potato and would rather throw it to Chalmers or Eddie House for 3-pointer. Sure he had some excellent assists in game 3 but surely you could tell he didn’t want the ball in the clutch. With their chance of the title on the line on Sunday’s game 6, we could clearly tell Chalmers was more aggressive attacking the basket. And so was Dwayne Wade. Even Mav’s JJ Barea, the smallest guy on the floor was more aggressive.

Surely we have to give credit to Dallas’ excellent defense. But great players and superstars like James are expected to rise above those obstacles. We all missed the killer instinct James had. We are wondering whether he had some mental block or something, or whether that game 2 failure stucked in his head.

So it seems that only James could answer the big question. And it’s also not clear whether he knows the answer either. And to all LBJ and Heat haters, here’s a short message from him on ESPN2′s Mike and Mike in the Morning yesterday.

“All the people that were rooting on me to fail, at the end of the day they have to wake up tomorrow and have the same life that they had before they woke up today. They have the same personal problems they had today. I’m going to continue to live the way I want to live and continue to do the things that I want to do with me and my family and be happy with that. So they can get a few days or a few months or whatever the case may be on being happy about not only myself, but the Miami Heat not accomplishing their goal. But they got to get back to the real world at some point.”

LeBron and Dwyane speak to the media after losing game 6