With the fast rise of MMA in the world of sports and entertainment, many people are saying that boxing is dead. In terms of pay-per-view, mixed martial arts bouts are steadily gaining more sales. Both sports are competitive and scientific in nature. Both have their own respective superstars. Despite the surge of MMA fans, boxing still remains more prestigious and popular as a sport.
Some of the notable differences between the two sports in terms of entertainment is the schedule of matches and the matchups. MMA fights appear to be more regular compared to boxing. And we're not talking about mediocre MMA fights. When people purchase pay-per-views of MMA fights, they will get around three hours of pure action. In this aspect, MMA beats boxing because boxing is not always explosive and exciting to watch. When it comes to the match-ups, MMA tops boxing again. MMA is all action from the undercards to the main event. Compared to boxing, undercards are not always good. Boxing fans oftentimes don't care about the undercards as evidenced by the half-filled venues before the main event. MMA venues are crowded right from the beginning until the end. Another notable difference between the two is the pay-per-view price. Basically, cheaper pay-per-view fee means more access to the fight.
Boxing has several sanctioning bodies compared to MMA. There is the WBC, WBA, WBO, etc. The presence of several bodies of authority works to the detriment of great fights. For example, a WBC champion can opt to ditch a fight with a mandatory challenger. In UFC, the next fights are made as soon as a fighter wins. With only one authoritative body, there is only one way to go in the ranks. Challengers have to earn the right to face the champions and champions cannot refuse mandatory title fights.
Boxing also involves more money compared to MMA. For a fight to be made, promoters must first negotiate several aspects of the fight like purse, ring size, weight and just recently blood testing. This makes boxing more complicated in negative sense compared to MMA. The best example is the Mayweather-Pacquiao fight, which is considered to be the most anticipated boxing match in boxing history. The whole world wants to see the unbeaten and former pound-for-pound king Floyd Mayweather Jr. face current pound-for-pound title owner Manny Pacquiao. One may wonder that with such demand for a fight, how come the fight remains a wishful thinking? Both fighters have nothing left to prove to their fans and the only logical thing left for them is to face each other. The first wave of negotiations did not push through because of the drug testing issues. Everything from the size of the gloves and rings, as well as the purse, were agreed upon except for the random blood testing that Floyd Mayweather Jr. wants. For boxing fans craving for the best matchup in the history of the sport, this is a very disappointing setback. Compared to MMA fans, boxing fans are bereft of a great fight that many believe will save the dying sport of boxing. As of now, the fight is still under negotiations and the public is still left with doubt as to whether the fight will continue to push. With Pacquiao agreeing to his opponent's demands, Mayweather still has until the end of next week to save boxing and restore the sport's reputation as the best fighting sport in the world.
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Saturday, July 31, 2010
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Renewable Energy
It's been three months since the tragic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Millions of barrels of oil have been leaking from the underwater well up to the present, severely affecting both aquatic and human life around the gulf. The spill has already reached shorelines in different US states. As far as history is concerned, BP's oil spill is the worst to ever occur. It would definitely take years to finish the cleanup.
So who's to blame for the environmental tragedy? The obvious answer would be British Petroleum - the London-based energy company behind the oil exploration activity in the gulf. Investigations reveal that the energy company did some cost-cutting measures weeks prior to the explosion that caused the spill. But setting the obvious facts aside, one culprit that remains unnoticed is humanity's dependence on oil products. Even though it's not a valid excuse, the cost-cutting measure BP made follow the logical concept of a business: spend less and earn more. In order to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future, perhaps it's time to stop looking from the micro-scale perspective. Looking at a general perspective, the key to preventing this kind of accident is the shift from oil to renewable energy sources.
The gulf spill is just one of the wake-up calls for humans to start looking for alternative sources of energy. The world is now at the brink of a technological revolution. Green sectors have experienced a boom triggered by the worsening global warming. Climate scientists describe global warming as man-made, caused by increasing carbon emissions. Man's solution to the climate problem is renewable energy.
Solar energy is the most popular source of renewable energy. Harnessing the power of the sun is nothing new to man. Solar panels have been existing for decades, capturing and using energy from the sun to power homes, cars and even airplanes. Just recently, the solar aircraft named Solar Impulse attempted its first night flight using stored solar energy. The individuals behind the project aim to develop a technology that would allow air travel without the use of conventional airplane fuel. The same technology also applies to hybrid cars. Automobile manufacturers have developed engines run on electricity generated from harnessed solar power. Households also benefit from solar energy. More and more homes are now being by the energy of the sun, which is converted into electricity. Such progress means less coal will likely be burned to produce traditional electricity. Again, solar technology works on the premise that no fossil fuel, no carbon emission.
Another reliable alternative source of energy is the wind. Several Western and European nations have the embraced the technology of windfarms that harness the energy of the wind. Wind turbines are constructed on strategic locations to generate electricity as the wind blows. The generated electricity can be used to power commercial and residential establishments.
Last but not the least is water. With hydropower technology, electricity is generated using buoys that activate electrical generators upon contact with waves. The electricity generated is transmitted to storage units through underwater cables.
With the planet entering a deteriorating phase, man needs to look for other means to sustain life without destroying the very place he calls home. Even though fossil fuel remains the main and most valuable source of energy, man needs to source out energy alternatives before global warming hits top gear and becomes irreversible. So far, the only solution available is to replace traditional fossil fuel technology with green technology that use renewable energy.
So who's to blame for the environmental tragedy? The obvious answer would be British Petroleum - the London-based energy company behind the oil exploration activity in the gulf. Investigations reveal that the energy company did some cost-cutting measures weeks prior to the explosion that caused the spill. But setting the obvious facts aside, one culprit that remains unnoticed is humanity's dependence on oil products. Even though it's not a valid excuse, the cost-cutting measure BP made follow the logical concept of a business: spend less and earn more. In order to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future, perhaps it's time to stop looking from the micro-scale perspective. Looking at a general perspective, the key to preventing this kind of accident is the shift from oil to renewable energy sources.
The gulf spill is just one of the wake-up calls for humans to start looking for alternative sources of energy. The world is now at the brink of a technological revolution. Green sectors have experienced a boom triggered by the worsening global warming. Climate scientists describe global warming as man-made, caused by increasing carbon emissions. Man's solution to the climate problem is renewable energy.
Solar energy is the most popular source of renewable energy. Harnessing the power of the sun is nothing new to man. Solar panels have been existing for decades, capturing and using energy from the sun to power homes, cars and even airplanes. Just recently, the solar aircraft named Solar Impulse attempted its first night flight using stored solar energy. The individuals behind the project aim to develop a technology that would allow air travel without the use of conventional airplane fuel. The same technology also applies to hybrid cars. Automobile manufacturers have developed engines run on electricity generated from harnessed solar power. Households also benefit from solar energy. More and more homes are now being by the energy of the sun, which is converted into electricity. Such progress means less coal will likely be burned to produce traditional electricity. Again, solar technology works on the premise that no fossil fuel, no carbon emission.
Another reliable alternative source of energy is the wind. Several Western and European nations have the embraced the technology of windfarms that harness the energy of the wind. Wind turbines are constructed on strategic locations to generate electricity as the wind blows. The generated electricity can be used to power commercial and residential establishments.
Last but not the least is water. With hydropower technology, electricity is generated using buoys that activate electrical generators upon contact with waves. The electricity generated is transmitted to storage units through underwater cables.
With the planet entering a deteriorating phase, man needs to look for other means to sustain life without destroying the very place he calls home. Even though fossil fuel remains the main and most valuable source of energy, man needs to source out energy alternatives before global warming hits top gear and becomes irreversible. So far, the only solution available is to replace traditional fossil fuel technology with green technology that use renewable energy.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
How boxing can save the Philippines
Many Filipinos were disappointed with Bernabe Concepcion’s second round loss to the Puerto Rican champion Juan Manuel Lopez last Sunday. Concepcion managed to floor Lopez late in the first round, giving hope to his countrymen who thought the fight was over after Concepcion got knocked down and badly beaten earlier in the round. However, that very hope faded away in round two when the referee stopped the fight due to another knock down suffered by the young Filipino pugilist.
Such loss is met with heart-felt disappointment in Manny Pacquiao’s native land, a country where the sport of boxing is similar to religion. Boxing has come a long way since it was first introduced by the Americans as part of their mission to civilize the Philippines. As a matter of fact, it has even surpassed basketball as the national sport.
If basketball had Michael Jordan, boxing has Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao’s fights are tell-tale signs of the sport’s significance to the Philippine archipelago. One can say that the country literally stops every time Pacquiao steps in the ring to fight. The typically clogged streets are empty during the day of the fight as everybody is watching Pacquiao throw combinations. Government officials fly abroad to personally see the fight and support Manny. Even criminals take a day off from work during Pacquiao’s fights, a testament to the fact that everybody in the country would postpone other activities if possible just to see a boxing match. And it’s not just Manny Pacquiao. Several Filipino boxers like Nonito Donaire, Bernabe Concepcion, Brian Villoria, Rodel Mayol and Ana Julaton have also made a name for themselves. Even though they have yet to attain the same level of fame as Pacquiao’s, they all contribute to the growing influence of boxing in the country.
Boxing provides Filipinos a break from the woes of everyday life. Faced with the problems of corruption, crimes and poverty, Juan Dela Cruz manages to smile and celebrate every time a Filipino boxer grabs a win. Historically speaking, one of the major events that united the Filipino people is the EDSA revolution. People up stood with one another to end decades of dictatorship. And in times when unity is nothing but a faint shadow that teases the struggling Filipinos, the sweet science of boxing can be the answer. Being a third-world country, the Philippines is stuck in a non-developmental state compared to the rest of the world. The republic needs to boost its morale, which has been crushed by poverty and a corrupt administration. Boxing provides that needed boost. Boxers are modern day heroes that supply their countrymen with hope. Aside from the national pride they bring, they also serve as an inspiration because of their rise from poverty towards the international stage. Pacquiao once sold donuts for a living. With the odds against him during his younger years, he worked his way up to reach a global pedestal and earn millions of dollars. Applying that concept to a general scale, that just goes to show that Filipinos can achieve monumental goals a people if they want to. They’ve done it twice with the EDSA revolution and they certainly can do it again thanks to the golden examples of boxing. If the republic can exercise unity in watching Filipino boxers fight in the world stage, there’s simply no reason why it cannot exercise unity in times of despair.
Such loss is met with heart-felt disappointment in Manny Pacquiao’s native land, a country where the sport of boxing is similar to religion. Boxing has come a long way since it was first introduced by the Americans as part of their mission to civilize the Philippines. As a matter of fact, it has even surpassed basketball as the national sport.
If basketball had Michael Jordan, boxing has Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao’s fights are tell-tale signs of the sport’s significance to the Philippine archipelago. One can say that the country literally stops every time Pacquiao steps in the ring to fight. The typically clogged streets are empty during the day of the fight as everybody is watching Pacquiao throw combinations. Government officials fly abroad to personally see the fight and support Manny. Even criminals take a day off from work during Pacquiao’s fights, a testament to the fact that everybody in the country would postpone other activities if possible just to see a boxing match. And it’s not just Manny Pacquiao. Several Filipino boxers like Nonito Donaire, Bernabe Concepcion, Brian Villoria, Rodel Mayol and Ana Julaton have also made a name for themselves. Even though they have yet to attain the same level of fame as Pacquiao’s, they all contribute to the growing influence of boxing in the country.
Boxing provides Filipinos a break from the woes of everyday life. Faced with the problems of corruption, crimes and poverty, Juan Dela Cruz manages to smile and celebrate every time a Filipino boxer grabs a win. Historically speaking, one of the major events that united the Filipino people is the EDSA revolution. People up stood with one another to end decades of dictatorship. And in times when unity is nothing but a faint shadow that teases the struggling Filipinos, the sweet science of boxing can be the answer. Being a third-world country, the Philippines is stuck in a non-developmental state compared to the rest of the world. The republic needs to boost its morale, which has been crushed by poverty and a corrupt administration. Boxing provides that needed boost. Boxers are modern day heroes that supply their countrymen with hope. Aside from the national pride they bring, they also serve as an inspiration because of their rise from poverty towards the international stage. Pacquiao once sold donuts for a living. With the odds against him during his younger years, he worked his way up to reach a global pedestal and earn millions of dollars. Applying that concept to a general scale, that just goes to show that Filipinos can achieve monumental goals a people if they want to. They’ve done it twice with the EDSA revolution and they certainly can do it again thanks to the golden examples of boxing. If the republic can exercise unity in watching Filipino boxers fight in the world stage, there’s simply no reason why it cannot exercise unity in times of despair.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Greatest Free Agent of All Time
Millions of people held their breath last Thursday as NBA superstar LeBron James made his much anticipated announcement regarding his chosen team. Sorry New Yorkers, it looks like the lights of the big apple were not bright enough to lure in King James. The former Cleveland hero has chosen to accept less pay in order to get a chance to play alongside former Raptors Chris Bosh and Miami's very own Dwyane Wade.
The 2010 NBA post season is one of the most anticipated events in the history of American basketball. Several teams made a lot of preparations for LeBron James's free agency, letting go of several players in order to free more room in their salary cap. The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and the New Jersey Nets felt the pressure to successfully lure the greatest free agent of all time. However, the team that felt the most pressure is no other than the Cavs. After all, James was their most prized possession to begin with. Cleveland is not only James's first team in the NBA, it is also his hometown.
James carried Cleveland on his back for seven years. The Cavs quickly became a legitimate title contender with LeBron's arrival. However, seven years of hard work with the Cavs did not earn James a title. A one-man team just was not enough to win the championship in the case of Cleveland. Kobe had a great supporting cast in LA. Pierce also had Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Cavs tried their best to give James an able supporting cast as evidenced by the signing of Shaquille O'Neal, Antawn Jamison, Ben Wallace and Mo Williams. The move was successful as the Cavs became the team to beat in the east. However, they fell short in the playoffs against the big three of Boston. The defeat was a hint that James needs to move on and try his luck somewhere else. He did just exactly that on Thursday.
The other contender cities felt great disappointment with LeBron's choice to go to Miami. New York and New Jersey both seemed to be the top teams that can attract King James. Still, it was Cleveland who dealt with the greatest disappointment. It was the Cavs who lost a son, a hero, and a leader. James was their chance at getting the championship trophy back to Cleveland. They felt betrayed and forsaken by the man they considered their savior. Team owner Dan Gilbert even wrote an open letter blasting LeBron's decision to leave the team. Burning #23 jerseys and the removal of James's mural in downtown Cleveland are just some of the angry signs that depict the pain felt by citizens of James's hometown. The emotional outburst is acceptable; however, basketball is business at the end of the day. James is a commodity, an asset that can be acquired and lost. Dan Gilbert should treat him professionally instead of throwing criticisms at his former player. Owners own teams, not people.
James's decision to play for Miami might seem immature for some. Still, has the right to deny James the championship rings that he deserves. Nobody's saying that LeBron can't win a championship with Cleveland. As a matter of fact, he can. Not just now. But in LeBron's mind, he needs to win a title as soon as possible. And now, he feels he can win one with the help of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Yes, the chances of Miami winning a title with LeBron are highly favorable. However, it will be completely different compared to a championship LeBron could win in Cleveland or any city where he is king. For sure, James will never establish his own legacy in Miami.
The 2010 NBA post season is one of the most anticipated events in the history of American basketball. Several teams made a lot of preparations for LeBron James's free agency, letting go of several players in order to free more room in their salary cap. The New York Knicks, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and the New Jersey Nets felt the pressure to successfully lure the greatest free agent of all time. However, the team that felt the most pressure is no other than the Cavs. After all, James was their most prized possession to begin with. Cleveland is not only James's first team in the NBA, it is also his hometown.
James carried Cleveland on his back for seven years. The Cavs quickly became a legitimate title contender with LeBron's arrival. However, seven years of hard work with the Cavs did not earn James a title. A one-man team just was not enough to win the championship in the case of Cleveland. Kobe had a great supporting cast in LA. Pierce also had Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. The Cavs tried their best to give James an able supporting cast as evidenced by the signing of Shaquille O'Neal, Antawn Jamison, Ben Wallace and Mo Williams. The move was successful as the Cavs became the team to beat in the east. However, they fell short in the playoffs against the big three of Boston. The defeat was a hint that James needs to move on and try his luck somewhere else. He did just exactly that on Thursday.
The other contender cities felt great disappointment with LeBron's choice to go to Miami. New York and New Jersey both seemed to be the top teams that can attract King James. Still, it was Cleveland who dealt with the greatest disappointment. It was the Cavs who lost a son, a hero, and a leader. James was their chance at getting the championship trophy back to Cleveland. They felt betrayed and forsaken by the man they considered their savior. Team owner Dan Gilbert even wrote an open letter blasting LeBron's decision to leave the team. Burning #23 jerseys and the removal of James's mural in downtown Cleveland are just some of the angry signs that depict the pain felt by citizens of James's hometown. The emotional outburst is acceptable; however, basketball is business at the end of the day. James is a commodity, an asset that can be acquired and lost. Dan Gilbert should treat him professionally instead of throwing criticisms at his former player. Owners own teams, not people.
James's decision to play for Miami might seem immature for some. Still, has the right to deny James the championship rings that he deserves. Nobody's saying that LeBron can't win a championship with Cleveland. As a matter of fact, he can. Not just now. But in LeBron's mind, he needs to win a title as soon as possible. And now, he feels he can win one with the help of Chris Bosh and Dwyane Wade. Yes, the chances of Miami winning a title with LeBron are highly favorable. However, it will be completely different compared to a championship LeBron could win in Cleveland or any city where he is king. For sure, James will never establish his own legacy in Miami.
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