Liam Neeson says Floyd scared of Pacquiao

Source: Dennis Gasgonia, ABS-CBNnews.com
MANILA – Hollywood actor Liam Neeson believes that the only thing holding back the Manny Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. mega fight is Floyd’s unwillingness to face the Filipino boxing superstar. 

In an interview with ESPN, the Oscar-nominated actor admitted being one of the fans waiting for the super fight to take place.

“I would pay any amount of money to be at that fight,” said Neeson, who is known for his performances in Hollywood films like Taken, Les Misérables, Clash of the Titans and The A-Team.

Donaire back to his old style

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Source: Marc Anthony Reyes; Philippine Daily Inquirer
Finally realizing there’s something wrong in his strategy the past few fights, Nonito Donaire Jr. has vowed to go back to his old patient, calculating  style.

After failing to knock out his past three opponents—the last two at 122 lb—Donaire told Ryan Maquinana of boxingscene.com that he will go back to his tried and tested game plan which requires precision and temperament as much as brute power. 

The 29-year-old Donaire came up with solid wins over Omar Narvaez, Wilredo Vazquez Jr., and Jeffrey Mathebula but didn’t get a high grade after he appeared to be rushing for a quick kill  instead of using jabs and combinations that were already in his arsenal.

Eagles chasing UAAP history versus Tigers

Source: Jasmine W Payo; Philippine Daily Inquirer
When Ateneo battles University of Santo Tomas for the UAAP championship, the Blue Eagles will be chasing history that comes with a fifth straight crown.

Ever since University of the East strung up seven straight titles from 1965 to 1971, no team has come close to threatening the record in men’s basketball. 

So with another title conquest, the Blue Eagles will not only move within two wins of matching the feat but also earn the distinction of having the second longest championship reign in the league.

San Sebastian thwarts Perpetual Help, secures playoff for 2nd place

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines—Calvin Abueva fouled out early but it didn’t keep San Sebastian from weathering a late-game push by Perpetual Help.

With Ian Sangalang and Ronald Pascual in tow, the Stags restored order en route to an 80-62 win over the Altas Thursday night in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil flying V Arena in San Juan city.

“We were lucky we had a lead,” said SSC head coach Allan Trinidad on Abueva fouling out. 

EAC puts JRU on brink of elimination

Source: Mark Giongco; Philippine Daily Inquirer
MANILA, Philippines – Emilio Aguinaldo College put Jose Rizal University on the verge of missing the Final Four after a 71-65 win Thursday night in the NCAA Season 88 men’s basketball tournament at the FilOil Flying V Arena in San Juan.

The Generals, already out of semifinals contention, finished this season with an 8-10 record, their best mark since joining the league in 2009. 

Happi Noube struggled on his shot but still came away with 14 points and 14 rebounds.

Azkals receive best-ever rating in FIFA rankings

Source: ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals surged in the latest FIFA men’s list for the country’s highest-ever ranking in world football.

From 150, the Philippines jumped three places higher to 147 following their success in the recent Philippine Football Peace Cup.

The Azkals defeated Guam, Macau and Chinese Taipei in the just-concluded tournament to win their first international title in 99 years.

Younghusbands back with the Azkals

Source: ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals have called up Phil and James Younghusband to participate in their 10-day training camp in the Middle East, which starts October 7.

This, after the Younghusband brothers were controversially left out of the Azkals roster for the recently concluded Philippine Football Peace Cup.

In a statement, Azkals team manager Dan Palami said the management decided to include the Younghusbands "after careful consideration."