Mark F. Villanueva

By Mark F. Villanueva In the world of prizefighting where intimidation is a norm amongst fighters to gain a psychological edge against each other- its effects nearly physical to anyone inflicted with a shade of self-doubt- Irish Andy Lee daunts you in a curios manner, with steady values of humility and self-awareness. … [Read more...] about The Tenacious Irish

By Mark F. Villanueva After a layoff of fifteen long months the highly talented boxer from Cuba had finally returned with an insufferable game plan in mind- to show off. Like a lover who had been away for too long for overseas work or other, he wanted to make his renewed presence felt strong and lasting by showering portentous grace as if to swoon over a loved one. There was … [Read more...] about Yuriorkis Gamboa Vs. Michael Farenas: History 101

By Mark F.Villanueva Dateline: Las Vegas, Nevada, December 8, 2012 - The crowd of the MGM Grand was charged with intensity as they eagerly searched for an end to nearly a decade of bitter rivalry between the Mexican prizefighter, Juan Manuel Marquez and Filipino boxing superstar, Manny Pacquiao. The odds once again swayed in the latter's favor, measured in the usual terms of … [Read more...] about Juan Manuel Marquez: The Bigot

By Mark F. Villanueva Nonito Donaire Jr. throws the quick jab no sooner than he settles in the middle of the ring to open every round. It's a classic move that reminds me of one of the greatest chess players of all time, Bobby Fischer. … [Read more...] about CHESS BOXING BY GRAND MASTER DONAIRE

By Mark F. Villanueva Watching regular fighters closely helps you understand a bit more of the rigors of the sport of boxing. Maybe it’s their lack of natural talent and speed that makes you see it all happen and learn from as if in a film strip played in slow motion. … [Read more...] about Amir Khan Fight

By Mark F. Villanueva Jeffrey Mathebula started the first round of the biggest fight in his career like it was the twelfth. His balance was conspicuously off and because of it with his towering height that made him stoop and depressing footwork that was as flat as the canvas it appeared as if he couldn't stand his ground steadily when he positioned himself to box. Whenever … [Read more...] about African Mathebula Remains In The Dark Against The Bruce Lee Of Boxing

By Mark F. Villanueva There is very limited data about the South African prizefighter, Jeffrey Mathebula in as far as for careful strategic planning is concerned. Studying him for the most part is almost like being kept partially in the dark, where under the shadows you take the little that you know from the little you can gather, put the pieces together in the light and … [Read more...] about Boxing Insight: Nonito Donaire Jr. Versus Jeffrey Mathebula

By Mark F. Villanueva Las Vegas – Time is gold and while Timothy Bradley had been warmed up and psyched, thousands of fans eagerly waited for their grand entrance into the flashy arena, yet the affable fighter from the Philippines, Manny Pacquiao made everyone wait a little longer still and it was alright. It’s a status he had earned for being the best fighter in the world … [Read more...] about Pacquiao Versus Bradley: Livin’ On A Prayer

By Mark F. Villanueva He tucked his pride and started a laborious journey to rebuild himself. At that point it was about pushing back all kinds of distractions and setting priorities straight as he went back to the drawing board and fought less known fighters for lesser pay as if learning something for the first time. I even read reports about how the former world champion … [Read more...] about Hawaiian Punch Can’t Be Sweeter

By Mark F. Villanueva If a man is never really free unless he is truly able to speak his mind, then American boxer, Floyd Mayweather Jr. is among the freest men I know. Having built his career with superior defensive skills, many boxing experts have heavily criticized the fighter who calls himself “Money” for not matching his fight game in proportion with his trash talking. … [Read more...] about The New Floyd Mayweather Jr. Beats Cotto

By Mark F. Villanueva Facing the 5'8 Mexican it was obvious he had to fight him short. But the manner of which Bernabe Concepcion fought Mikey Garcia last March 10, 2012 in Puerto Rico epitomizes the status of his boxing career, rousing an exasperation among Philippine boxing fans in its wake. … [Read more...] about Bernabe Concepcion: A Critical Review

By Mark F. Villanueva Boxing, at its highest level, is like a surgeon dissecting with precision. It is doubly mental than it is physical and keeping distractions to the minimum is vital. When emotions are high it is one’s ability to maintain objectivity that stabilizes the hand that executes a correlation of steps devised by fighter and trainer to sprout victory. … [Read more...] about Of Fathers & Sons: Wilfredo Vasquez Jr. Versus Nonito Donaire Jr.

By Mark F. Villanueva Dateline: Las Vegas, Nevada, November 12, 2011 -- Legendary Mexican prizefighter Juan Manuel "Dynamita" Marquez won the Welterweight battle against the best in the world, Manny Pacquiao, in spirit. He walked out of the arena with his head up, pride intact, believing he had done enough to clinch it. On his way out the wowed crowd cheered for him, … [Read more...] about Pacquiao Versus Marquez: Overtime