Mayweather vs. Ortiz: the aftermath
Floyd “Money” Mayweather beat Victor Ortiz Saturday night by a controversial fourth round KO to win the WBC World Welterweight Title and improve his overall record to 42-0. After Ortiz blatantly headbutted Mayweather in the fourth round, the referee briefly stopped the fight and docked a point from Ortiz for the illegal move. In the bizarre scene that unfolded afterwards, Ortiz apologized to Mayweather, and kissed him on the cheek. Shortly thereafter, while Ortiz’s guard was down, Mayweather hit him with a lethal left-right combination, knocking him out and winning the fight. It is unclear if the referee told both fighters to resume fighting, and boxing experts are crying foul of the events that unfolded. After the match, Mayweather and HBO boxing commentator Larry Merchant nearly came to blows, and Merchant told Mayweather “If I was 50 years younger, I’d kick your ass.” Boxing fans everywhere are now eagerly awaiting the announcement of a Mayweather vs. Manny Pacquiao super-fight.
Rivera breaks record, gets 602nd save
New York Yankees closer Mariano Rivera recorded his 602nd career save on Monday in his team’s 6-4 victory over the Minnesota Twins. Rivera is now first on the all-time saves list, right above Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Trevor Hoffman who is now second on the list with 601 saves. Rivera, 41, has been the Yankees’ closer since 1997 and has played 17 years in Major League Baseball. Monday’s save was Rivera’s 43rd this season and he has had eight seasons of at least 40-plus saves. He also holds many other records, such as leading MLB with 42 career postseason saves. In 59 innings pitched this season, Rivera has 57 strikeouts and a 1.98 ERA. For his career Rivera has 1108 strikeouts and a 2.22 ERA. Rivera has gotten congratulations from many sports legends for his accomplishment and even President Ricardo Martinelli of Panama called the Yankees closer to congratulate him.
Marchand gets two-year deal with Bruins
Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand signed a two-year contract, reportedly paying $2 million for the upcoming season and $3 million in 2012-13. The 23-year old had a solid season last year for the black and gold, as he had 21 goals and 25 assists. He had an outstanding playoff performance too, scoring 11 goals and chipping in with eight assists. He scored 2 goals in game 7 against the Canucks as the Bruins would go on to win the Stanley Cup. Marchand was drafted by the Bruins No. 71 overall in the 2006 draft and his resume also includes two gold medals in the 2007 and 2008 World Junior Hockey Championships. His base salary last season was $600,000.
Manny Ramirez to play in Dominican
Manny Ramirez, who retired from Major League Baseball in April, hopes to play for a winter league team in his homeland, the Dominican Republic. Ramirez is hoping to suit up for the Cibao Eagles, a winter league team for whom Ramirez played for in 1993-94. Eagles President Winston Llenas said Ramirez is expected to start training with the club next week. Ramirez, 39, retired in April after he tested positive for performing-enhancing drugs. The 2004 World Series MVP decided to call it quits rather face a 100 game suspension for a second violation. He previously was suspended for 50 games while with the Los Angeles Dodgers back in 2009. Ramirez, who won the World Series MVP while with the Red Sox in 2004, is also facing criminal prosecution for allegedly hitting his wife in a recent argument.
