ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – It rained gold for Soccsksargen on the second day of the Palarong Pambansa 2018, earning the region the top spot in the partial medal tally so far. 

As of 5 pm on Tuesday, April 17, the Soccsksargen Regional Athletics Association collected 6 gold, 3 silver, and 5 bronze medals. (LIVE UPDATES: Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur) 

Following closely behind are Western Visayas with 4 golds, 5 silvers, and 5 bronzes, and powerhouse National Capital Region with 4 gold, 4 silver, and 2 gold medals.

Soccsksargen’s early lead in the games is all thanks to two arnis prodigies, school mates Princess Sheryl Valdez and Andrei Fritz Justine Alcarioto, who secured a combined total of 6 gold medals on Tuesday.  

Valdez and Alcarioto both hail from Isabela Central Elementary School, defending champions of arnis in the elementary division. (READ: Family inspires Palarong Pambansa 2018 arnis gold medalists from Tacurong City)

Meanwhile, Grade 11 student Bea Mendoza from Baguio City earned Palarong Pambansa 2018’s first double-gold medal in chess after beating Southern Tagalog’s Kylen Joy Mordido in the chess blitz for high school girls. 

Another Grade 11 student made history in this year’s Palaro. Ann Katherine Quitoy of Bacolod City broke the record for javelin throw after she posted 45.72 meters for her throw, almost 4 meters more than the previous recrd set by Sylvian Abunda in last year’s games.– Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines - Cocolife weathered a furious late rally by an undermanned Cignal squad to eke out a 25-22, 25-21, 28-26 victory in the quarterfinals of the Chooks to Go-Philippine Superliga (PSL) Grand Prix on Tuesday, April 17, at the Filoil Flying V Centre in San Juan.

Serbian imports Marta Drpa and Sara Klisura flashed impressive games, while Erika Alkuino delivered the match-clinching block that sent the Asset Managers to the Final Four. 

Cocolife will face Petron in the best-of-three semifinal battle, while the winner between Foton and Sta. Lucia Realty will punch a ticket to the next round against reigning champion F2 Logistics.

Coming in as a replacement for American Taylor Milton, Drpa delivered 11 digs and four of the Asset Managers’ eight total blocks on top of 15 kills to finish with a game-high 19 points.

Klisura, on the other hand, chipped in 14 kills and two aces for 16 points while providing the defensive muscle down the stretch together with Alkuino, who came up with a booming block off Rachel Anne Daquis that sealed the victory for the Asset Managers.

It was such a sorry loss for the HD Spikers, who marched into the battle without injured import Sonja Milanovic and head coach Edgar Barroga, who is calling the shots for the National University boys’ volleyball squad in the ongoing Palarong Pambansa in Vigan City.

They also lost spiker Janine Navarro midway through the third set due to injury.

Still, Cocolife head coach Moro Branislav found Cignal a tough nut to crack.

“Believe me, I like it better if Milanovic played. Cignal came into this match with a totally different psychology,” said Branislav, whose wards found themselves in trouble after Daquis converted a powerful kill that put Cignal ahead, 26-25, in the closing moment of the third set.

Klisura responded with a strong kill to equalize the battle, 26-26, before watching setter Acy Masangkay fumble on her attack that set the stage for Alkuino’s heroic block.

Branislav said this kind of character makes him believe that they are ready against Petron, a powerful team that is looking to win its first Grand Prix crown after three straight years of bridesmaid finishes.

“Yes, we are ready for the semifinals contra Petron,” he said. “The next two to three days will be very crucial to our championship campaign. We will prepare hard for them.”

Jeane Horton tallied 17 points while Daquis chipped in 12 markers for Cignal, who still managed to come up with a very good fight despite opening its campaign without a handful of players like Jovelyn Gonzaga and Janine Marciano, who crashed with a knee injury last year.

Foton claims last semifinal berth

 In the second game, Channon Thompson made her presence felt as she towed Foton to a 25-22, 25-23, 25-19 victory over Sta. Lucia Realty to grab the last remaining semifinal seat in the second game.

Thompson, who starred for the Trinidad and Tobago national women’s team in various international tournaments, tallied 24 of the Tornadoes’ 46 total attacks to finish with 26 points in a furious battle that lasted for 80 minutes.

Dindin Manabat chipped in 11 hits while Elizabeth Wendel and CJ Rosario combined for 14 points for Foton, which will face reigning champion F2 Logistics in the best-of-three semifinals starting next week.

“I told the team that we should want it more than them,” said Foton coach Rommel Abella, who paraded two new players in Diana Carlos and Isa Molde.

“I commend the ladies for following our game plan. They showed that they are hungrier than Sta. Lucia.”

Ukrainian Bohdana Anisova drilled 11 kills and two blocks for 14 points while MJ Philips had eight for the Lady Realtors, who bombed out of contention after making a strong run in the latter stretch of the tourney. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – More than 200 athletes from Zamboanga had a dilemma: The Department of Education only allows graduation rites to be held on the first week of April. 

But the only boat that will take them to Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Ilocos Sur on time leaves at the end of March. (READ: Arnis prodigies propel Soccsksargen to early lead in Palarong Pambansa 2018)

The solution? Vigan Central School, where they will be billeted for the games, agreed to host their graduation rites, too. 

And so 146 Zamboangueños in Grade 6, 49 student-athletes in Grade 10, and 19 in Grade 12 had their commencement exercises in Vigan City. 

Vigan Central School principal Editha Bagcal said they were more than happy to provide the means for the Zamboanga athletes to graduate.  

“Nagpaano ako ng mga balloons.… Oo naman [pumayag ako na gawin namin ang special graduation], kasi siyempre kawawa naman sila dahil nasa ibang lugar at ang layo-layo,” Bagcal told Rappler. 

(I even had balloon arrangements made… Of course I agreed to host the special graduation, because they travelled to a place far from home already.)

Bagcal also made a callout to all education officials in Vigan City for her brainchild “adopt-a-graduate” scheme, where each participating official became a parent figure for a graduate during the ceremony. 

A dinner reception followed at Vigan Central School’s covered court.

Among the student-athletes who graduated were twin brothers Romeo Ralf Pulmones and Romeo Renz Pulmones. The twins, who are part of Zamboanga’s basketball team, are sons of Pagadian City Mayor Romeo Pulmones. 

Renz said he was satisfied with the preparations made by Vigan Central School.

“Natuwa po kasi nabigyan kami ng opportunity na ma-experience ‘yong parang last day mo na ng pagiging Grade 10, Grade 6 [at Grade 12] sa graduation (I’m happy because they gave us the opportunity to experience our last day as Grade 10, Grade 6, and Grade 12 through the graduation),” said Renz. 

His mother and sister were able to travel with him to Ilocos for the games. His father, however, was left behind at home.  

Still, he thanked Mayor Pulmones for being a constant presence as he competes in Palaro. 

“Nagpapasalamt po ako sa’yo, Pa, na always kang nagsu-support sa amin. Kahit hindi ka nandito, pina-feel mo sa amin na parang nandiyan ka always para sa amin,” said Renz. 

(Thank you, Pa, for always supporting us. Even if you’re not here, you’re still making an effort to make us feel you’re always with us.) – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Do you know where the Manila athletes stay at the 2018 Palarong Pambansa? They are billeted at the Sinait National High School. And just how far is that to the main venue at Vigan City? The northernmost town of Ilocos Sur is more than 42 kilometers away or about a one hour and 15 minute ride. 

A media informant said that this was not the host province’s strategy. The National Capital Region Athletic Association heads were given a nearer venue but these were separate billetings and NCRAA wanted just one central location. Sinait was the only one spacious enough for them. Some of the parents staying with their children athletes billeted themselves in Ilocos Norte.

Hosting the Palarong Pambansa is a logistical nightmare.

Vigan Mayor Juan Carlo Medina said that his city has only 47 hotels with 1,015 rooms or a maximum capacity of 4,738.

“We have 17,000 athletes from all over the country. Include the officials, parents, guests and fans and we are talking about 50,000 people,” said Mayor Medina.

He said that transient houses, apartelles, lodges and inns in the city can accommodate about 230 more rooms.

To accommodate the athletes, nine school campuses in Vigan were used. The other towns opened for the delegates included schools in Bantay, San Vicente, Sta. Catalina, Sto. Domingo, San Ildefonso, Narvacan, Santa, Sta. Maria, San Vicente, Cabugao and Sinait towns.

Mayor Medina said that their private garbage contractor needed to hire two additional garbage trucks for the use of the sports meet.

He also said that they augmented their 90 regular police officers by getting 300 more from all over the province. They also borrowed government health officers from the other towns for the Palaro.

“I was not worried about the games. The situation was more chaotic during the Holy Week,” Medina said. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- Algin Gomez, 17, came to Palarong Pambansa 2018 with a mission to break his current personal record in the triple jump for secondary boys.

Gomez, a native of Aparri town in Cagayan province, already secured a gold medal for his long jump, one gold of keeping his promise to bring home two this time.

Gomez said he was looking forward to defending his title this year, and will try to break his own record.

Martin James Esteban of Central Luzon holds the Palarong Pambansa record for triple jump, leaping 15.01 meters during the 2015 edition in Tagum, Davao del Norte.

Gomez's coach, Noli Viloria, is counting on the chances of Gomez breaking the Palaro record. After all, he once surpassed his 2017 record during his training.

The young Cagayano athlete, during a tune-up game with other schools in the region, exceeded his 14.57 meter-record in Palaro 2017 in Antique. He recorded 14.68 meters.

Viloria said that could been the result of five weeks of intensive training for Gomez before he competes in the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) meet 2018.

After Gomez won in the CAVRAA meet, his coach told him to continue his training on his own, because the scheduled 1-week training would not be enough to secure his title.

"Sa akin lang, I think kaya niyang i-break 'yung personal record niya last year. Masinop kasi siya at may disiplina sa kanyang training, at alam niya kung ano ang ginagawa niya, " Viloria said.

(For me, I think he can break his personal record last year. He is diligent and has discipline during training, and he knows what he's doing.)

"Malakas ang determinasyon niya kasi kaya naniniwala ako sa kanya. Noong nasa CAVRAA pa lang kami, sabi niya, pagdating dito sa Palaro sir e, ang aim ko ay dalawang gold, nakuha na niya 'yung isa, so isa pa," he added.

(He has a strong determination so I really believe in him. He told me when we're still competing CAVRAA that he will bring home two gold medals this year. He already got the first one.)

The young athlete was just one of those boys playing around when he was discovered for the event as early as when he was in Grade V at the Maura Elementary School. He is the eldest child of a tricycle driver and a housewife in Aparri.

He is dedicating his fight to God, to his parents, and his supporters, and to make them proud of him again. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- With three gold medals, CARAGA region bagged most of the gold medals in the wrestling cadet category here at the Palarong Pambansa on Tuesday, April 17.

CARAGA's Mhel Narit and Julius Tejero IV took home golds in the boys secondary cadet 46 kilograms and 50 kilograms, respectively.

Sherilyn Tagra also emerged with a gold medal in the girls secondary cadet 52 kilograms to give CARAGA 3 golds in this event.

Eastern Visayas claimed two gold medals through Lovely Ann Dela Cruz in the girls secondary cadet 44 kilograms and Jane Erasmo in the girls secondary cadet 44 and 50 kilograms, respectively.

Meanwhile, Jonie Enyong of Central Visays and Jezza Villarosa of Bicol Region also collected gold medals for boys secondary cadet 42 kilograms and girls secondary cadet 40 kilograms, respectively.

Baguio’s Mark Gruner Gama from Cordillera scooped a gold medal in the boys secondary cadet 54 kilograms.

Gama’s coach, former national team player and coach Roy Camposano said winning a gold medal is all about discipline, a quality that he saw in Gama.

“Nagpasalamat ako sa mga athlete na ito kasi nakita ko yung dedication nila sa laro na ito despite of konting training lang talaga…Si Gruner isa sa mga nakita kong may disiplina na athlete,” Camposano said.

(I thank these athletes for their dedication despite their tough training. Gruner is a very disciplined athlete.)

“As a former national team athlete, nakita ko sa kanya yung ugali o attitude ng athlete na maging champion. Nakita ko rin sa mga laro niya na nakikinag siya sa coach during training and during competition, lalung-lalo na sa championship bout,” he added.

(I see that he [Gruner] has the attitude of an athlete who will become a champion. He listens to his coach during training and during competition, specially during championship bouts.)

As for Gama, the young fighter from Irisan National High School said his win at the annual sports event is the “happiest event” of his life.

“Itong Palarong Pambansa po ay ang pinakamasayang event sa buhay ko. Kung hindi dahil kay coach Roy sir hindi ko ma-aattain ito at saka hindi ko maabot itong medal na ito kaya very thankful po ako kay coach Roy,” he said.

(The Palarong Pambansa is the happiest event of my life. If not for coach Roy, I could not attain this and I could not win a medal. That's why I very thankful.)

Gama, like most of the Palaro gold medalists, credited his family, trainors, coaches, and fellow players as his inspiration for the win.

Meanwhile, Eastern Visayas’ Tagra said she was proud to represent her region in the annual games.

“Inspirasyon ko ang pamilya ko at yung mga taong sumusuporta sa akin. Hinila lang po ako ni coach tapos na realize ko po na kaya ko pong [mag-excel dito],” she said.

(My family and those who support me are my inspiration. Coach just invited me to be an athlete, then I realized I could excel in this sport.)

This was the first Palaro of the grade seven student from Surigao.

Coach Wingel Mondigo praised Tagra’s determination and focus on the sport, noting that the young athlete never skipped daily training.

“This gold medal reflects yung bunga ng determinasyon pagsisikap disiplina at pagiging always present during the training... When we found out that she has the potential to play, we encouraged her to play,” Mondigo said.

(The gold medal is the fruit of her determination, hard work and persistence in training.)

The two-time Palaro qualifier coach believes that Tagra has a bright future ahead of her in the sport. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines – Three years ago, Ignohassan Mustagid just watched tennis matches on the sidelines in Tawi-Tawi. 

The 11-year-old Badjao was a “pulot” boy – he picked up tennis balls when they go out of bounds and he handed them back to the players. He got P20 for every match. 

Now, Ignohassan is the the pride of Lamion town at the tennis elementary boys division of the Palarong Pambansa 2018.

He was discovered by his current supervisor and neighbor Haiver Ismah, who noticed Ignohassan started playing tennis with other pulot boys using pieces of plywood.

“Kumuha sila ng mga lumang plywood, ‘yong maliliit, ginagamit nilang panglaro. Hanggang sa pumupasok na ‘yong mga bola nila,” Haiver told Rappler. 

(They got small, old pieces of plywood and used them to play. Until one day, they were able to hit the ball towards the other side of the court.)

Players eventually let Ignohassan borrow their tennis rackets while they rest at the court.

Ignohassan said Haiver approached him last year and asked if he wanted to join Palarong Pambansa.

“Sabi niya, ‘Puwede ka sumama ng Palaro? Eh ‘di okay, tanungin ko lang magulang ko. ‘Anong sabi ng magulang mo? Sasama ka?’ Opo. ‘Sige, ‘wag kang mag-kulit doon ha?’” narrated the Badjao boy. 

(He asked me, ‘Do you want to join Palaro?’ I said okay, I’ll ask my parents. He then asked, “What did your parents say? Will you join us?’ Yes. He said, ‘Okay, but don’t cause mischief there, okay?’) 

According to Haiver, coaches in Lamion saw the potential in Ignohassan. (READ: Lone Palaro athlete from Marawi wants to play for UST tennis someday)

“Nakita namin kung paano siya pumalo. Maganda talaga siyang pumalo. Tsaka ‘yong height niya, medyo matangkad, height advantage kasi dito sa sports,” he said. 

(We saw how he hits the ball. He has a good swing. He is also tall, giving him the height advantage in sports.)

Apart from training Ignohassan, Haiver said they also had to look for ways fund his trip to Vigan, Ilocos Sur.

Ignohassan’s parents do not earn much, with his father working as a porter while his mother does laundry for their neighbors. He is the 3rd among 4 siblings.  

“Mahirap talaga ang buhay nila. Tapos nakakalaro ka ng tennis? Tignan mo ‘yong sa iba, mga anak-mayaman ‘yan eh. ‘Yon, nakakahabol na siya,” said Haiver.  

(Their life is hard. And yet he is still able to play tennis? Look at his peers, many of them are children of the rich. But he is still able to keep up.) 

All thanks to the local tennis community, Ignohassan made it to Palarong Pambansa. (READ: LIVE UPDATES: Palarong Pambansa 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos Sur)

Chipping in for Pendeg 

To qualify for Palaro, Ignohassan had to make it through the regional meet. The Grade 4 student was supposed to just borrow shoes he can use during the match, but they were too big for him.  

So Haiver asked other tennis players from their town to chip in to get the boy a new pair of shoes. The gesture inspired Ignohassan to do better in the sport. 

“Nagpatak din kami, binili namin ng sapatos, para maganda ‘yong paglaro niya. Gano’n ‘yong ginagawa. Parang nai-inspired na siya. Nakikihalubilo na siya sa mga ibang tribe,” said Haiver.

(We chipped in and bought him shoes so he will be able to improve himself. That’s what we did. It inspired him. Now he talks to kids from other tribes.)

The racket Ignohassan is using for Palaro was a donation from another tennis player back home. 

“Bago siya pumunta dito, dapat may baon itong si – ang tawag namin sa kanya si Pendeg. Sabi namin, kahit P20 lang, nangogolekta kami sa mga tennis players. Nagbigay P500, may P100, may mga P20. Iniipon namin tapos ibigay sa kanya, parang baon niya papunta dito,” said Haiver.

(Before he went here, we said an allowance should be given to him, whom we call Pendeg. We told the tennis players to donate even just P20. Some of them gave P500, others P100, P20.We pooled the money together and gave it to him.)

Beyond the donations, however, Haiver himself spends money on Ignohassan. 

“Alam mo yan, kahit minsan damit nahirapan sila bumili. Kung minsan, bumibili ako sa ukay-ukay ganyan, binibigay ko sila para lang, ‘Ito, gamitin mo, ganyan. Gamitin niyo sa laro. Tapos labhan niyo,’” narrated Haiver. 

(You know, sometimes it’s hard for boys like him to buy clothes. So I would go to the ukay-ukay and give them something to wear and say, ‘Use this when you play. Then wash them.’) 

“Kasi iba kasi ‘yong culture nila. Maawa ka talaga ‘pag makita mo,” he added. (READ: Plight of the Badjao: Forgotten, nameless, faceless)

(Their culture is different. You’ll pity them if you see their situation.) 

The Department of Education’s office in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao also provided Ignohassan P1,500 allowance for the games. 

To the future

Ignohassan said Haiver serves as his inspiration.

“Sa akin, ang kumuha sa tennis court [ay] siya. Binibili ako ng damit, siya pa rin…. Sabi ko sa kanya, salamat po. Binibigyan mo ko ng damit,” he said.

(He discovered me at the tennis court. He even bought me clothes. I say to him, thank you. Thank you for buying me clothes.)

Unfortunately, Ignohassan lost in the elimination round on Wednesday, April 18. He was smiling after the match, however, happy that he was still able to travel all the way to Ilocos Sur and compete in the biggest sporting event in the Philippines. 

“Sana ‘di siya magbago. Mag-aral siya. Ipapatuloy niya ‘yong pag-aaral niya para maging ano ba siya, parang maging halimbawa ng ka-tribe niya. ‘Yon ang gusto namin para yung iba bata do’on, susunod sa kanya,” said Haiver.

(I hope he doesn’t change. He should finish his studies so he can become a model for his tribe. That’s what we want for the other children back home – to follow in his footsteps.) 

And what does Ignohassan plan to do when he grows up?

“Pangarap kong makatapos ng school, ng pag-aaral [para] matulungan ko ang pamilya ko… Puwede akong mag-tennis. Gusto kong mag-tennis paglaki ko,” he said.

(I hope to be able to finish my studies so I will be able to help my family… I think I can pursue tennis. I want to pursue tennis when I grow up.)

No way but up for Ignohassan Mustagid, the future of tennis in Tawi-Tawi. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Jerwin Ancajas will be making his mandatory title defense against countryman Jonas Sultan in the first all-Filipino world title fight since 1925 on May 26 in Las Vegas. 

Ancajas (29-1-1, 20 knockouts) and Sultan (14-3, 9 KOs) were supposed to be the undercard of the Jeff Horn-Terrence Crawford bout on April 14. According to Ring TV, however, Crawford's hand injury postponed the fight to June 9. Instead of joining the rescheduled fight, Ancajas-Sultan will be headlining the May 26 fight on ESPN. 

With critics saying that the fight will be "not as exciting" because it is an all-Filipino world title bout that will take place in the US, the IBF junior bantamweight title holder feels the pressure to prove them wrong.

"Pressure din po sa akin ito. Yung iba nga nagsasabi na hindi maganda yung mangyayari kasi kapwa-Filipino," said Ancajas

(It's a pressure for me too. There are people who say that the fight won't be as exciting because it's between two Filipinos) 

Ancajas added that it is a challenge from both him and his coach Joven Jimenez to also change the world's perception of all-Filipino fights and convince the fans that it is actually "exciting" to watch. 

"Yung hinahamon namin ni coach ay pag dating sa laban, lalo na sa US gaganapin, gusto namin na maganda yung laban. Hindi porket lang Filipino ang kalaban, hindi magandang panoorin. Gusto namin ibenta yung laban na maganda, at masasabi ng ibang bansa na maganda palang panoorin ang Pinoy vs Pinoy na maglaban," said Ancajas. 

(The challenge for me and coach is that during the fight, especially with the fact that it's going to be in the US, we want the fight to be exciting. Not just because it's two Filipinos going against each other, it won't be as exciting to watch. We want to sell this fight to be exciting and other countries can see that it's actually exciting to watch a Pinoy vs Pinoy fight.) 

Ancajas' matchmaker Sean Gibbons is also confident of Ancajas' abilities to make the fight worthwhile with his "it" factor. Gibbons described that Ancajas gives off an aura that will make people watch him and at the same time, he continues to be humble. 

"He’s humble, people can really relate to his story, where he came from that could be anybody out there, and when he gets into the fight, he brings excitement to the ring, so it’s something like an aura, you go in and people look," said Gibbons. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- Powerhouse National Capital Region tightened its hold of the top spot in the 2018 Palarong Pambansa.

As of 12:41 PM, Wednesday, April 18, NCR amassed 25 gold, 16 silver, and 12 bronze medals.

Southern Tagalog checked in at second with 13 gold, 14 silver, and 20 bronze medals, while Region 12- Soccsksargen came next with 12 gold medals, 12 silvers, and 13 bronze.

Cordillera Administrative Region took the next spot with a 12 gold-nine silver-eight bronze medal haul.

Rounding out the top five was Western Visayas, which clinched 10 gold, 14 silver, and 23 bronze medals. 

But Central Visayas was’t far behind with an eight gold-four silver-five bronze tally.

Meanwhile, Cagayan Valley which tied NCR on top on opening day settled at 9^th after dropping to the 12^th spot along with the host region of Ilocos with four golds, three silver, and five bronze.

Eastern Visayas and Mimaropa got two gold medals each, while Autonomous Region Muslim Mindanao picked up a bronze medal.

On Thursday, quarterfinals of some ball games will begin here.

Cagayan Valley five slips past Ilocos Sur in elementary basketball

In a tight race for a possible spot in the quarterfinals, Cagayan Valley edged out Ilocos Region, 66-63, in the basketball elementary boys division of the Palarong Pambansa 2018 here on Wednesday, April 18.

Region 2’s Ronald Andrei Ventura nailed the buffer shot to seal the win after the host region had threatened within a point following two free throws.

Cagayan Valley kept the second spot behind the National Capital Region with three wins and a loss at press time.

Cagayan Valley coach Caliva said he challenged his player to stay focused.

“Pilitin po naming makapasok sa semifinals. Pipilitin namin [gaya nung] ano ang pinakita ng mga bata…Yung play nila ngayon medyo poor pero nakalaro naman sila ng husto,” Caliva said.

(We’ll try to make it in the semifinals. We’ll really try even though the players had a poor showing today, they tried their best.)

The coach said key player John Martinez, who sustained an injury in their previous game was their team’s inspiration for the successful game.

The basketball quarterfinal games will kick off tomorrow, Thursday, April 19.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Manny Pacquiao is out to prove he is not yet done in boxing. 

The Filipino boxer is gunning for an 11th world title when he locks horns with Lucas Matthysse, the World Boxing Association (WBA) regular welterweight champion, as the headliner for the "Fight of Champions" in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 15. 

At 39 years old, Pacquiao (59-7-2) is believed to have lost the power and speed he has been known for on the way to being the only boxer to win titles in 8 different weight divisions. 

The pride of Sarangani province has lost 4 of his last 9 fights, starting with back-to-back defeats from Timothy Bradley (split decision) and Juan Manuel Marquez (knockout) in 2012. He surrendered unanimous decision verdicts to Floyd Mayweather Jr. in 2016 and to Jeff Horn last July. 

All of Pacquiao's last 5 wins came via unanimous decision and he has yet to score a victory through stoppage since he pulled off a technical knockout win over Miguel Cotto in 2009. 

But against Matthysse (39-4), "Pac Man" wants to make a statement. 

"My time is not done yet. [I want] to prove this coming July 15 that Manny Pacquiao is not done in boxing," said Pacquiao. 

"I will do my best to win. If I have a chance to finish it right away, I will finish it."

It will not be an easy task against the 35-year-old Argentinian, however.

Matthysse is a bona fide knockout artist who has not gone the distance 36 times in his 39 wins. 

While he will be fighting the relatively younger Matthysse, who has expressed his desire to put his opponent in retirement, Pacquiao remains unfazed.

"Hanging gloves? I don't know yet. But in my life, I never think negative, I always think positive. That makes me focused. But whatever happens, of course, I will accept it. That's a part of sports but I think we will win," Pacquiao said. 

– Rappler.com

SAO PAULO, Brazil – Brazilian superstar Neymar said Tuesday, April 17, that he won't be back playing at least until the second half of May, when he is scheduled to have his final medical exam following foot surgery.

"There isn’t an exact date yet. I have the last exam, if I’m not mistaken, I’m not sure, on May 17," the Paris Saint-Germain and Brazil forward told a press conference in Sao Paulo.

"I’ll be cleared to play. Then I’ll see, it depends on how things develop, it depends on my next exams.... It has not been decided," he said.

The timing leaves the world's most expensive footballer in a tight race to feature again for PSG with the freshly crowned French champion's season ending on May 19 with a game against Caen.

However, his prospects for starring in Brazil's much fancied side at the World Cup in Russia, which runs from June 14 to July 15, look much better. Brazil open their campaign on June 17 against Switzerland in Rostov.

"I hope I won't watch the World Cup on TV," Neymar joked, calling the tournament a "dream".

"I will have enough time to prepare," he said at the press conference, where he walked with crutches and his foot immobilized in a medical boot. "It's evolving well."

With the enforced rest period Neymar added, "I will arrive better than I was before."

Neymar, 26, broke a bone in his right foot on February 25 in a Ligue 1 game against Marseille, before returning to his home country for surgery and rehabilitation.

Brazil's national team doctor Rodrigo Lasmar, performed  surgery on March 3 and then estimated that Neymar would be out for "two-and-a-half to three months".

In his absence, PSG were knocked out of the Champions League by Real Madrid in the last 16 in March.

Brazil will also face Costa Rica and Serbia in their group, as they target winning a sixth World Cup, four years after the nightmare of their 7-1 loss to Germany in the semi-finals on home soil in 2014.

For now, Neymar said he spends much of his time playing poker, his "favorite pastime," and "playing video games and going on the computer".

Not that he enjoys the couch potato experience much.

"There are doubts, of course. I feel them too. But it's normal for a guy who ended up injured. This was the first surgery in my career," he said. "It's really hard seeing my team score and becoming champions without me being with them."

"Still, I am more rested," he said. "We have to look on the bright side." - Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines- A 28-year-old public school teacher from Cebu City was arrested after getting accused of molesting a 14-year-old male dance sport athlete.  

Senior Inspector Frederico Artates, Caoayan town police chief, said suspect Rodymar Lelis, 28, had been brought to a Vigan court for inquest due to "acts of lasciviousness." 

Lelis is a special education (SPED) teacher in Zapatera Elementary School in Cebu City.

Artates said the police station received a spot report from a police on field that a Palaro athlete accused Lelis of inappropriate behavior.

Initial investigations showed the minor victim and his teammate from Olongapo City were inside a comfort room when Lelis entered and hugged him. Prior to the incident, the suspect was reportedly seen taking a picture with the victim after the latter performed his dance routine. 

Artates said the suspect even attempted to plant a kiss, but the victim was able to push him away. 

As the victim refused to let Lelis near him, the suspect then allegedly offered to pay him in exchange of sexual favors. 

Police said the suspect was identified through the help of a CCTV near the area. Lelis did not deny the accusations of the minor.  - Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Argentinian Lucas Matthysse has only one title and he has no plans of losing it.

Matthysse, the World Boxing Association (WBA) regular welterweight champion, said he will fight "to the death" when he goes for his first title defense against Manny Pacquiao in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 15. 

"It's my first time defending my title, which was very hard to obtain. I'm going to defend it to the death," said Matthysse through an interpreter during a press conference at the City of Dreams on Wednesday, April 18. 

The bout is expected to be a slugfest between the two boxers.

Out of his 39 victories, Matthysse has won 36 via stoppage, the latest coming from his 8th-round knockout of Tera Kiram last January for the vacant WBA regular welterweight belt. 

Pacquiao (59-7-2), meanwhile, is itching for his first win through stoppage since his technical knockout triumph over Miguel Cotto in 2009. The Filipino, who has 38 knockouts in his storied boxing career, has lost 4 of his last 9 fights while his last 5 wins came via unanimous decision. 

(READ: Manny Pacquiao on bout vs Lucas Matthysse: 'My time is not done yet')

The 35-year-old Matthysse admitted facing Pacquiao is a "dream come true" but said the Filipino's time is done. 

"Since the KO of (Juan Manuel) Marquez, I think that he is not the same fighter anymore. He's not at his prime anymore. He's still very, very good but he's not on the same level," said Matthysse. 

In their 4th meeting in 2012, Marquez knocked Pacquiao out cold in the 6th round with a vicious right hand punch.

"Manny's won so many titles, he's done so much for boxing. I only won one title and I'm not going to give it up. I'll die for it if I have to so you know, he's got a great history in boxing and this is my time."

The boxing event, dubbed "Fight of Champions," will also feature 3 other world championship title fights, highlighted by the Muhammad Waseem-Moruti Mthalane bout for the International Boxing Federation flyweight belt. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines - The National Capital Region (NCR) team maintained its lead at the end of the third day of action in the Palarong Pambansa 2018.

As of 6 pm on Wednesday, April 18, NCR tightened its grip of the No. 1 spot  even more after amassing a total of 26 gold, 16 silver, and 12 bronze medals. 

NCR has topped the most prestigious sports meet for schools in the country in the last 13 years.

Kasandra Alcantara broke the shot put record for secondary girls to lead NCR’s 15-gold medal haul in the secondary division. The elementary athletes amassed 11 gold medals.

The region of Southern Tagalog kept the second spot with 15 gold medals on top of 16 silvers and 25 bronzes.

The Soccsksargen region ranked third with 14 gold medals, the bulk coming from its arnis team in the elementary and secondary divisions.

Also gaining spots in the top five were the regions of Western Visayas and Cordillera, which both tallied 12 gold medals each. Western Visayas, however, took the solo fourth spot with 18 silver and 23 bronze medals.

Central Visayas and Central Luzon regions collected 8 golds each, while the regions of Northern Mindanao and Bicol secured 6 and 5 gold medals, respectively.

The host Ilocos region garnered 4 gold medals, tying with Cagayan Valley, midway into the tournament

The regions of ARMM and Zamboanga Peninsula have yet to secure a gold medal. – Rappler.com

ILOCOS SUR, Philippines - A high school student from the University of the East broke the 26-year-old record in shot put for secondary girls in the Palarong Pambansa 2018.

Kasandra Alcantara said she felt mixed emotions after completing a record throw of 11.88 meters.

The mark shattered the 11.20-meter record set by Marites Barrios in the 1992 Palarong Pambansa in Zamboanga City.

"May excitement at saya, na sa tagal po nung record, ako po 'yung naka-break ngayong last year ko na po [sa Palaro]," Alcantara said.

(There was a feeling of excitement and joy because the record had not been broken for a long time and I was the one who broke it in my last year in Palaro.)

But the feat turned out to be even more impressive as Alcantara had stopped playing for two and a half years. But she decided to return to the sport after seeing her former classmates achieve their own goals. 

The comeback athlete came out determined to break the record this year. After all, her previous personal best was 11.16 meters, just 4 centimeters short of surpassing Barrios' mark.

"Kaya siguro 'yun din po 'yung naging goal ko po, 'yung ma-break pa po 'yung record, at saka mataasan pa po para tumagal din po 'yung record," the young lass from Quezon City said.

(That probably made me set a new goal, to break the record and to set a higher mark, so it will also remain unbroken for a long time.)

The athlete also said she was inspired to train harder for her comeback because of the scholarship she'd get.

"Hindi ko kayang mag-aral sa ganung kalaki na tuition fee ko. Kaya siguro ito 'yung naging way ko para magkaroon ng scholarship, makatulong sa family ko," she said.

(I can't afford to study in a school with a high tuition fee. So this scholarship became my way to help my family.)

As of Wednesday, 10 Palaro records have been broken. – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – Former La Salle standout Mika Reyes and ex-Ateneo star libero Denden Lazaro led the 11 newcomers who showed up in day 2 of the Larong Volleyball sa Pilipinas (LVPI) women's national team tryouts on Wednesday, April 18, at the Arellano University gym.  

Reyes, though, only joined the team huddle and left before the tryouts began, while Lazaro dropped by even though she was initially not on the list of invited players.

Pocari Sweat Lady Warriors Myla Pablo and Elaine Kasilag also had to leave for a tune-up game with the club, but other Philippine team hopefuls who joined the scrimmages were UAAP stars Tots Carlos of University of the Philippines and University of the East libero Kath Arado, F2 Logistics Cargo mover Lourdes Clemente, Generika-Ayala Lifesaver Bang Pineda, and Petron Blaze Spikers teammates Rhea Dimaculangan and Ces Molina, and Cocolife Royse Tubino.

First-day participants Alyssa Valdez, Jia Morado and other Ateneo players failed to show up this time, but national team head coach Ramil de Jesus said he knew many players had prior commitments. 

"Nagsabi naman sila na may commitment sila sa other team. Inexpect ko naman na darating yung iba, pero yung iba hindi makaalis [dahil] may commitment," said De Jesus. 

(They said that they had commitment to their other teams. I expected some to come, but the others can't really leave their commitments.)

F2 Logistics Cargo Movers Cha Cruz, Ara Galang, Kim Fajardo and Aby Maraño came anew along with veterans Kim Dy, Dawn Macandili and Season 79 MVP Majoy Baron of reigning UAAP champion La Salle.

Sta. Lucia Lady Realtors Mar-Jana Philips and setter Rebecca Rivera also attended the tryouts.

Maraño joined the warmups and drills, but was unable to participate in the scrimmages due to her hand injury. 

Sisi Rondina, who was present on the first day, finally suited up for the scrimmages and showed the fire power she could bring.  – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines – The Manny Pacquiao ship has lost its captain in Freddie Roach, so Buboy Fernandez has been filling in the void. 

That's how Fernandez puts it as he takes over Pacquiao's training camp for the meantime with the Filipino boxing star yet to decide whether to have Freddie Roach as his chief cornerman for his July 15 bout against Argentinian Lucas Matthysse.

"As an assistant trainer, tatayuan mo muna, kumbaga walang kapitan 'yung barko niyo, ikaw muna ang magdadala," said Fernandez. 

(As an assistant trainer, you have to man the post. The ship has no captain so you have to take over.) 

Fernandez has been Pacquiao's assistant trainer for more than two decades. But more than that, he is the boxer-turned-senator's childhood friend and confidant. 

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Buboy Fernandez says age is not an issue as the 39-year-old Manny Pacquiao faces the 35-year-old Lucas Matthysse. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PACQUIAOxMATTHYSSE?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PACQUIAOxMATTHYSSE</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/RapplerSports?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RapplerSports</a> <a href="https://t.co/IRcYEPB3LA">pic.twitter.com/IRcYEPB3LA</a></p>&mdash; delfin dioquino (@dioquinodelfin) <a href="https://twitter.com/dioquinodelfin/status/986501663354531841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Reports surfaced last week that Pacquiao did not include Roach, who has been with "Pac Man" since 2001, in his training camp for his World Boxing Association regular welterweight title fight against Matthysse in Kuala Lumpur. 

Roach, a 7-time Boxing Writers Association of America Trainer of the Year, said he was "hurt" by the decision but Pacquiao dismissed the issue, saying he is still mulling if the 58-year-old American will be a part of his team.

"Freddie and I are like family. We're like close family. I didn't make any decision yet about Freddie Roach," said Pacquiao during a press conference at the City of Dreams in Paranaque on Wednesday, April 18. 

"But if, assuming I will make a decision about Freddie Roach and choose Buboy Fernandez as head coach for this fight, I'm still not closing the door on Freddie. We just want to try and experience how Buboy will handle this one fight."

"After that, we go back to Freddie. I mean, if I will make a decision. But right now, I haven't made a decision yet." 

Fernandez, although admitting he is "proud" of himself for Pacquiao's trust in him, said no one, not even him, could replace Roach. 

"Hindi ko pwedeng ikumpara 'yung sarili ko kay coach Freddie. Freddie Roach is legendary. Wala na akong na-meet na ibang tao pa na pinakamagaling na trainer, si coach Freddie lang," said Fernandez. 

(I cannot compare myself to coach Freddie. Freddie Roach is legendary. I have not met anyone who is as great as coach Freddie.)

Pacquiao's training starts next week in his hometown in General Santos City and Fernandez said they have been keeping tabs on Matthysse's fighting style for a while now.

Matthysee is an aggressive fighter with 36 of his 39 wins coming in the way of the knockout and Fernandez is confident he is just the right opponent for Pacquiao. 

"Gusto namin 'yung hindi tumatakabo, kumbaga lamang tayo sa galawan. Kung ganoon 'yung style niya na banggaan talaga, 'yun 'yung matagal na nating hinahanap." 

(We want someone who does not run because we are ahead in that department. If Matthysse's style is to slug it out, that is what we have long been looking for.) – Rappler.com

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – Wrestling legend Bruno Sammartino died on Wednesday, April 18. He was 82.

World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) announced the news on its website.

Born in Italy, Sammartino was WWE's biggest star during the 1960s and 1970s, when the company was known as World Wide Wrestling Federation or WWWF (and later World Wrestling Federation or WWF).

He was the longest-reigning WWE Champion in history, holding the belt for over 7 years, from May 1963 to January 1971. He won the belt from "The Nature Boy" Buddy Rogers, then defended it against the likes of Gorilla Monsoon, Killer Kowalski, "Big Cat" Ernie Ladd, and George "The Animal" Steele.

Sammartino won the WWE title a second time in 1973, and held it for another 3 years and 4 months.

He appeared in the first-ever WrestleMania in 1985 and competed in next year's event. 

He left WWE in 1988, and became critical of the company due to the use of steroids among some of its wrestlers, as well as WWE's "edgier" creative direction at the time.

But after over two decades, he and WWE mended fences. Sammartino was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame in 2013.

'Great, wonderful' icon

Tributes poured in from the wrestling industry for the iconic "Italian Superman".

WWE chief operating officer Triple H – who was instrumental in Sammartino's return to WWE – called Sammartino a "true icon, legend" and a "great, honest, and wonderful man."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devastated to hear the passing of a true icon, legend, great, honest and wonderful man...<br>A true friend...and one of the toughest people I&#39;ve ever met.<br>My thoughts are with his entire family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPBrunoSammartino?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPBrunoSammartino</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AmericanDream?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AmericanDream</a></p>&mdash; Triple H (@TripleH) <a href="https://twitter.com/TripleH/status/986612017489502208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

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Many wrestlers cited Sammartino's influence in their careers, and listed him among the greatest of all time.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Bruno was a true champion. He was known for his love of his family, this business, and our country.<br><br>A huge loss. My prayers are with his family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPBrunoSammartino?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPBrunoSammartino</a> <a href="https://t.co/qC84FJx99w">https://t.co/qC84FJx99w</a></p>&mdash; AJStyles.Org (@AJStylesOrg) <a href="https://twitter.com/AJStylesOrg/status/986622330829983744?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote> 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Forever a champion. Rest In Peace <a href="https://t.co/f3ywW4opje">pic.twitter.com/f3ywW4opje</a></p>&mdash; Bret Hart (@BretHart) <a href="https://twitter.com/BretHart/status/986627553107443712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote> 

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Devastating news for the wrestling world. An Icon amongst Icon’s, Bruno Sammartino has passed away. RIP Bruno. My thoughts and prayers are with his family today.</p>&mdash; Ted DiBiase (@MDMTedDiBiase) <a href="https://twitter.com/MDMTedDiBiase/status/986621989585608705?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Sad to hear that we lost a great one <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BrunoSammartino?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BrunoSammartino</a> today. Thoughts and prayer go out to his family.</p>&mdash; Dustin Rhodes (@Goldust) <a href="https://twitter.com/Goldust/status/986617582026416128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Nothing today can happen without what he did back then. Rest in power and thank you Bruno Sammartino. <a href="https://t.co/JEuHPUh3fJ">pic.twitter.com/JEuHPUh3fJ</a></p>&mdash; Cody Rhodes (@CodyRhodes) <a href="https://twitter.com/CodyRhodes/status/986615421234237445?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">I will always have an enormous amount of respect &amp; admiration for Bruno Sammartino. I can’t thank him enough for always being kind to me &amp; taking time to have a genuine conversation. Condolences to his family &amp; loved ones.</p>&mdash; ShinigamE (@WWEBigE) <a href="https://twitter.com/WWEBigE/status/986614974100406272?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Growing up, my grandfather Stu Hart would ALWAYS talk about Bruno Sammartino and what an incredible wrestler he was. I’m so grateful I had the chance to meet Bruno and tell him how much he meant to my grandfather and the entire Hart family. We will all miss you, Bruno. <a href="https://t.co/Dclu5hMGa6">pic.twitter.com/Dclu5hMGa6</a></p>&mdash; Nattie (@NatbyNature) <a href="https://twitter.com/NatbyNature/status/986623294009901057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>  

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">One of the GREATEST of all time, Bruno Sammartino has left us. I was a huge fan of this legend as a kid, Bruno was a massive influence and inspiration on my career from a far. Condolences &amp; prayers to his family. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIPBruno?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIPBruno</a> <a href="https://t.co/qMxQKcuJYO">pic.twitter.com/qMxQKcuJYO</a></p>&mdash; TAZ (@OfficialTAZ) <a href="https://twitter.com/OfficialTAZ/status/986623263429230593?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Very saddened by the news of Bruno Sammartino’s death. The term Legend gets thrown around a lot, no one in wrestling deserves it more than Bruno <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/RIP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#RIP</a></p>&mdash; Lance Storm (@LanceStorm) <a href="https://twitter.com/LanceStorm/status/986618341157617665?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2018</a></blockquote>

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– Rappler.com

LAS VEGAS, United States – Mexican middleweight Saul "Canelo" Alvarez was handed a six-month ban by the Nevada State Athletic Commission on Wednesday over the failed drug test which forced his rematch with Gennady Golovkin to be cancelled.

At a hearing in Las Vegas, the commission unanimously approved a deal that will see Alvarez suspended for six months from the date of his failed test on February 17.

The ruling means Alvarez, who did not attend the hearing, will be free to fight again in August – raising the possibility of a rescheduled Golovkin fight in September.

Alvarez tested positive for Clenbuterol twice, on February 17 and February 20, during voluntary out-of-competitions tests as he prepared for his May 5 rematch with Golovkin.

He later blamed the tests on eating contaminated meat in his native Mexico, where several athletes across different sports have encountered similar problems in recent years.

The 27-year-old risked a one-year ban over the failed test, but Nevada authorities said he had been given a six-month suspension citing his co-operation with authorities.

In a statement, Alvarez's promoters, Golden Boy Promotions said they accepted the sanction – and indicated they aimed to reschedule the Golovkin rematch for September.

"Canelo looks forward to returning to the ring in September for Mexican Independence Day weekend to represent Mexico and boxing in what will be the sport's biggest event of the year," Golden Boy said.

"He is ready to continue his remarkable record of fighting at the highest level."

Any rematch between Alvarez and Golovkin will be tinged with animosity. The two fighters have traded verbal blows in the months since Alvarez's positive drug test came to light.

At a news conference in Los Angeles earlier this month, Alvarez insisted he was the victim of an innocent mistake, hitting back at claims from Golovkin that he was dope cheat.

"I am truly shocked about what has happened, and for those who have doubts and suspicions about my integrity I have always been and always will be a clean fighter," Alvarez said. "I respect this sport. I will always be a clean fighter."

Alvarez and Golovkin fought to a controversial draw in their first meeting in Las Vegas last September, a fight most neutrals believed unified champion Golovkin had won.

Their rematch at the T-Mobile Arena next month was expected to be one of the biggest fights of 2018 but was thrown into uncertainty after news of Alvarez's drug test emerged.

Golovkin has dismissed Alvarez's claims that he ingested the Clenbuterol inadvertently, telling reporters last month at his training camp in Big Bear, east of Los Angeles, that he believed the Mexican was guilty of doping.

"Forget Mexican meat," Golovkin said. "Come on...Canelo's cheating. They're using these drugs and everybody's trying to pretend it's not happening."

The unbeaten 35-year-old will now fight Vanes Martirosyan on May 5 in an open-air bout at Los Angeles' StubHub Center. - Rappler.com

MONTE CARLO, Principality of Monaco – World number one Rafael Nadal said on Wednesday that he doesn't see himself following in Roger Federer's footsteps and playing a curtailed schedule in an attempt to lengthen his career.

Federer is missing the claycourt season for the second year in a row, but Nadal says he has no plans to skip any Grand Slam tournaments in the near future.

"Of course, during the years, when you get older, you need to adjust a little bit more the efforts and the calendar," said the 16-time Grand Slam champion after a second-round Monte Carlo Masters win over Aljaz Bedene.

"But for me it's difficult to say I am not going to play, for example, grass, or I'm not going to play hard."

The Spaniard won a 10th French Open title last year, before Federer claimed an eighth Wimbledon crown after not playing on Nadal's favored clay.

Nadal has struggled to make an impact at Wimbledon in recent years, having not reached the quarterfinals since losing the 2011 final to Novak Djokovic, but says he can't imagine missing the grass-court major.

"There are tournaments that I can't imagine missing on purpose, because they are the tournaments that I love to play," added Nadal, a two-time Wimbledon champion.

"So I don't see myself missing Monte Carlo on purpose. I don't see myself missing Wimbledon on purpose, or the US Open, or Australian, or Rome. These kind of events I don't see (myself) missing."

The 31-year-old is bidding for an 11th Monte Carlo title this week and third in a row.

He returned with two wins in Spain's Davis Cup quarter-final victory over Germany earlier this month, having not played before that since January's Australian Open due to a hip injury that forced him to retire from a last-eight match with Marin Cilic.

Despite cruising past Bedene 6-1, 6-3 on Wednesday, Nadal says he still needs more matches under his belt.

"When you play matches, you feel more comfortable, you feel more safe with your body, you feel stronger, too, physically," he said.

"You feel less tired because you get used to the high intensity. Normal feelings that when you play more in a row, feelings are easier." - Rappler.com