Brett Okamoto

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Blog Post Archive

No. 4: Hatton still a power puncher at heart: Wednesday, April 29, 2009; To most boxing observers, body blows can be easily overlooked during the roar of a bout. They're boring. They don't knock a man unconscious, nor draw blood. But those who understand the sport know, the right body shot can stun a fighter, complicate the simple act of breathing and end a fight. Ricky Hatton threw what some consider the best body shot ever in a 2007 welterweight title fight against Jose Castillo. After three fairly even rounds, Hatton landed a left hook to Castillo's liver that dropped him to his knees. The blow sickened Castillo enough that he didn't move once during referee Joe Cortez's full 10-count.
No. 5: Pacquiao is one quick cat: Tuesday, April 28, 2009; Speed kills. It's one of the universally accepted philosophies that holds true in every sport and arguably no boxer puts his speed to better use than Manny Pacquiao. "Speed is always a big key for Manny Pacquiao," said Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach. "It's not only his hand speed, it's his foot speed. He gets himself in and out of trouble really quick. He scores points and gets out of there. He's got quick hands, but his feet are what's special."
No. 7: 'The Manchester Mexican' vs. 'The Mexi-cutioner': Sunday, April 26, 2009; Technically, there won’t be any fighter of Mexican heritage in the ring on May 2 when Ricky Hatton and Manny Pacquiao meet at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. But with so much history between the two regarding boxing’s Mexican fan base, an interesting question has surfaced: Which of the two has earned the support of the demographic?
No. 9: A battle between East and West: Friday, April 24, 2009; For Richard John Hatton, taking over the family business involved different requirements than that of the average occupation. When Hatton was born on Oct. 6, 1978, the fact that he would become a supporter of the English soccer team Manchester City, was clearly made for him as his father and grandfather both played for the club. The choice as to whether or not he would follow in their footsteps in the ring, however, was one he ultimately would have to make.
No. 10: The biggest chapter in two champions' storied careers: Thursday, April 23, 2009; As if any boxing fan needed to be told, May 2 will be the biggest fight of either boxer's career — but for completely different reasons. Officially, the 12-rounder is for Hatton's IBO and Ring Magazine World Junior Welterweight titles. Unofficially, it's for pound-for-pound superiority, a poor country's lowest class, redemption, the “world’s best” trainer trophy — take your pick.
Wright, Williams hug it out at weigh-in: Friday, April 10, 2009; With a row of media photographers waiting for the signature stare-down pose between Winky Wright and Paul Williams, the two "most avoided boxers" in the sport did the exact opposite. They smiled, laughed and even ... hugged?
4A Boys' Basketball Power Rankings: Monday, Feb. 9, 2009
4A Boys’ Basketball Power Rankings: Monday, Feb. 2, 2009
4A Boys' Basketball Power Rankings: Monday, Jan. 26, 2009
Football recruiting updates: Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2009
Palo Verde Watch: Friday, Dec. 5, 2008
4A State semifinals breakdown: Friday, Nov. 28, 2008