Manny Pacquiao wins by controversial majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez: round-by-round report

Manny Pacquiao retains the WBO welterweight title with a controversial majority decision over Juan Manuel Marquez at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Most ringside observers had a draw (ESPN, BOXING NEWS, TELEGRAPH), others (LAS VEGAS SUN, USA TODAY, WALL STREET JOURNAL) had Marquez winning in the third fight between the pair.

ROUND BY ROUND

ONE

Cagey opening round, won by Marquez, who lands a couple of glancing blows to the champion’s head and a handful of body shots. Mexico, and Ole echo around the Arena. Both men very patient. Last 10 seconds they go at it.

Marquez 10-9

TWO

Two good lefts from Pacquiao. Left uppercut from Marquez, big right and a body shot. Marquez landing marginally more shots. Pacquiao allowing Marquez to dictate from the counter. Pacquiao reluctant to come forward, seems too cagey.

Marquez 10-9

THREE

Left uppercut from Marquez. Chants of ‘Mexico’, Marquez fans know their man on top. Body shot from Marquez. Good jabs from Marquez, then a fencing to the body. Left then great right hook from Pacquiao; the heat in the ring raised in the last few seconds as they trade.

Pacquiao 10-9

FOUR

Left, right and then a big left from Pacquiao. Then another left from Pacquiao. Yet Marquez returns, landing a right hand a body shot. Pacquiao hunting him down more now, but Marquez lands with two right hands at the end of the round. Screams his delight at the end of the round. Good finish by Marquez better Pacquiao lands more.

Pacquiao 10-9

FIVE

Crowd roars as left uppercut from Marquez lands. Mexican’s jab working well. Right hand knocks Pacquiao off balance. Left upper cut then a right hand all great work from Marquez.

Marquez 10-9

SIX

The fight really comes alive. Left from Manny, right from Marquez. Then two body shots from the Mexican. Pacman lands a right hook, then a flurry of punches from Pacman, and two rights from Marquez. Both men really opening up.

Pacqiuao 10-9

SEVEN

Marquez winds up with big right, then a left-right, sending Pacquiao’s hair up in a shock. Good movement and counters from Marquez. Best round of the fight so far for Marquez, catching Pacman time and again with counters.

Marquez 10-9

EIGHT

Good right from Pacquiao, left to the body from Marquez.

Pacquiao caught again by the right. Good left from Pacquiao, but Marquez is controlling the ring and moving brilliantly. Pacquiao is being caught in the exchanges; looks like he is having an ‘off’ night. Marquez is commanding the show.

Marquez 10-9

NINE

Pacquiao can’t seem to find a way in. Pacquiao upping his attacks but missing with lots of shots. Twice caught in exchanges.

Marquez 10-9

TEN

Good left from Pacquiao at the start of the round. Then another. Marquez is now tiring. Pacquiao looks strong, and is dominating more, Marquez on defensive. Pacquiao cut on the eye from a head clash

Pacquiao 10-9

ELEVEN

Body shot from Pacquiao, now in command but still sloppy work. Pacquiao looking to land and having some success. Marquez looks like he’s fighting protecting a lead

Pacquiao 10-9

TWELVE

Two lefts from Pacquiao, looking for a way in and now the aggressor. Marquez countering less, good movement from Pacquiao lands a couple of left hands. It is not a ferocious round, but Pacquiao lands with more. They exchange heavily in the final twenty seconds.

Pacquiao 10-9

Telegraph score: 114-114 DRAW

Judges score: 114-114, 115-113, 116-112 to Pacquiao by majority decision.

Clockwork running for fight week with Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in the combat capital of the world

It's fight day at the MGM Grand, and the Garden Arena staff arrived early with the venue ready for a clockwork running for an event which is sold out. The climax to the evening is Manny Pacquiao versus Juan Manuel Marquez. They are fighting for the third time, a trilogy of fights spanning seven years. Both have large followings, Filipino and Mexican respectively.

It beggars belief when 5,500 boxing fans come to a weigh-in. Even more so that they begin queuing at 8am to get into the MGM Grand Garden Arena to see the fighters on the scale six hours later. It feels like the event is being lifted several levels. I have witnessed it several times. The event is enhanced, the juice begins to flow. It happened on Friday.

And it only tends to happen only for a handful of names in the sport, and for particular match-ups: Any Manny Pacquiao fight, for Ricky Hatton's last two fights in Las Vegas, Floyd Mayweather, Oscar De La Hoya…the MGM Grand Garden Arena hums to the beat 24 hours before any of the real fistic action begins. It all adds to the hype and hysteria, promotion and prognostications.

The media room is a scene. It opens early in the morning every day from Monday onwards. It closes late in the evening. Promoters, their fighters and even fighters who are not their fighters pass through the place, moving, shaking, huddles breaking out as, say, Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, or any one of a number of current fighters pops through.

They are often on their way to visit a bank of radio stations positioned in an L-shape along the walls of the vast media room, perhaps 15 radio stations in all. Some of the voices of presenters can be heard booming through the large studio, where around 400 media people can be working at any one time. Some of the voices from the radio cavalcade sound like two men having arguments. They aren't. But let's face it…fight week is about several arguments. Wrapped in gloves.

The station broadcasting the event, in this case with Pacquiao-Marquez it's HBO, hums in the background, a large number of staff overseeing a large, in this case, pay-per-view event. It is expected to sell up to 1.5 million buys. That's a big number, and reflects the popularity of both men, and the fact that this is a trilogy fight.

Separate PR companies oversee the stories being created by the media, as Top Rank Inc. seek to get maximum exposure for Pacquiao, the fighting phenomenon who is transcending boxing to move into politics, and his opponent, the fine boxer Marquez.

In the media room, breakfast, lunch… and on fight night, dinner, are served. For this latest contest, over 1000 media accreditation requests were received.

Amy Zopfi, the Arena Event Services Manager for a number of years, who once handled all media credentials, explained:

"I love boxing, it creates a special atmosphere. It's where I come from, and it has created so many great events here. When Ricky Hatton fought Floyd Mayweather, the British fans were amazing. It was one of the biggest and craziest events we have ever done, but the fans were so courteous, and it was an amazing, fun event."

There were 16,000 fans in the arena that night, over 6000 at the weigh-in, trumpet band et al, and it is reckoned that almost 25,000 Brits passed through border control, over a third of the die-hard supporters only too well aware they would not even get to see the event live. The echo of 'There's only one Ricky Hatton…' being chanted through the MGM Grand is said to have gone on for weeks. They also drank the MGM Grand bars dry. And some.

Scott Ghertner, director of sports and promotions at MGM Mirage, is another figure prevalent in fight week with Zopfi. In the media room, they are part of the show. Behind the scenes, they are running the event like clockwork. Quite when they find the time to sleep is anybody's guess. "Based on the number of media applications, and there were more than one thousand, this is a major event," explained Ghertner. "But every event for us is major. It's an intricate process credentialling the media, based on lots of factors."

The two lynchpins for events here explained that with the Arena and HBO production numbers, there are huge numbers of people working the event. "There are at least 500 staff, there is catering every day, even down to the cocktail service inside the arena. Add in security, an usher team, Las Vegas Metro, we've got this place locked down from top to bottom," explained Zopfi.

Major fights are normally announced around 3 months in advance of taking place. Ghertner added: "We start planning as soon as fights are announced and depending on the size of the fight, we call boxing operations meetings with the promoter and we have a checklist we go through. Amy does a great job of overseeing these weekly meetings, and is a top leader in that effort."

Every detail is covered. "It's a big jigsaw, nowhere more so than in the arena, which is like an erector set and you have to work backwards in building it. It's amazing to watch it happen. Even more amazing than watching it go up is seeing the process of it coming down," added Zopfi.

Next week, there is a business convention in the arena, but the process will continue smoothly. In a four week span, it could be boxing, ice hockey, bull-riding and then a concert with The Eagles, as the sequence was recently.

Back in the media room, there are three generations of journalists, and perhaps a dozen nationalities. The crescendo is growing on fight night. Everything builds towards the main event. It is a pot-pourri of newspaper deadline writers, internet writers, boxing websites, bloggers, video journalists, and the players from television. Bert Sugar, the loud and venerated character is sadly not here for this contest. He is not well. Let's hope he returns soon.

Thomas Hauser, best known as Ali's biographer flits through the media room. Leon Gast, who made the documentary film When We Were Kings is now making a movie on Manny Pacquiao, and passes through with his crew.

Veteran promoter Bob Arum is always around. Top Rank No 2 Todd Deboef expounds with boundless enthusiasm about the developments he is creating at the company. The media room hums. It is a fertile ground where stories, ideas, and friendships germinate. And on Sunday, when the fights are done, it will fall quiet again, replaced by another group from another sphere. But nothing is quite as special as when this group of people come together in the fight capital of the world.

Manny Pacquiao defeats Juan Manuel Marquez by majority decision

The time had come for Manny Pacquiao to act on his desire to convincingly defeat Juan Manuel Marquez, his great rival from Mexico.

With the World Boxing Organization welterweight title on the line, Pacquiao received as well as he gave on Saturday night at the sold-out MGM Grand Garden Arena in winning a majority decision over Marquez, who had twice before taking the Filipino champion to the limit in earning a draw and losing a split decision.

Judges Glenn Trowbridge (116-112 ) and Dave Moretti (115-113) scored it for Pacquiao. Robert Hoyle called it a draw, 114-114.

PHOTOS: Pacquiao vs. Marquez fight

Here's a round-by-round recap (scoring is unofficial):

Round 1: Pacquiao jabs. Marquez swings a left. Pacquiao double-jabs. Marquez misses a left counter. Pacquiao lands one. Marquez pounds the body. Pacquiao with a left counter. Pacquiao throws a right-left combination. Marquez goes to body. Another classic close round between two. Pacquiao wins round, 10-9.

Round 2: A lot of jostling early here. Both boxers are looking for openings. Marquez misses with a right. Nice counter by Marquez. Jab by Pacquiao. Marquez right to body and blocked uppercut. Pacquiao surging with lefts. Marquez backs wisely. Marquez right. Marquez wins round, 10-9. Fight is even, 19-19.

Round 3: Pacquiao working jab. Marquez gets in a good right. Marquez jabs to the body. Nice lefts by Marquez, and an uppercut to the chin. Pacquiao jabs. Marquez gets in a right. Pacquiao lands a stronger right. He lands an extra shot, but just after bell. Marquez wins round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 29-28.

Round 4: Nice hard left by Pacquiao. Marquez doesn’t land all of his left shot. Marquez with a jab. Nice left by Pacquiao. Heads collide softly. Good left by Pacquiao. They tie up. Pacquiao lands a flush left. Marquez answers to the body. Nice counter right by Pacquiao, but Marquez answers with two sharp rights, and pulls away impressed at bell. Pacquiao wins round, 10-9. Fight even, 38-38.

Round 5: Hard left uppercut by Marquez to the face of Pacquiao, who is swinging with ferocity. Chants of “Marquez!” in the arena. Marquez lands a jab. Pacquiao jabs back. Nice right by Marquez backs up Pacquiao. Now a hard left by Marquez. Great right by Marquez. Pacquiao flustered. He’s backing away. Marquez wins round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 48-47.

Round 6: Both boxers jab. Pacquiao gets in a left. Marquez lands a left-right combination to the body. Hard right by Pacquiao. Now a good left by Pacquiao. Marquez tries to answer with a stiff right, and then a left to the head. Pacquiao lands a left to the body. Marquez gets in a combination to the body. Pacquiao wins round, 10-9. Fight even, 57-57.

Round 7: Marquez to the stomach. Pacquiao tries to jab. Nice shots by Marquez. Pacquiao charging, like he wants to go for the kill. Marquez lands a good right, though. Marquez then gets the best of an inside exchange. Pacquiao lands a left to the face. Marquez nails a sharp left to the body and right to the face. Marquez gets in a strong uppercut at bell. He’s here to win. Marquez wins round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 67-66.

Round 8: Marquez landing jabs. Some at ringside have him up five rounds to two. Pacquiao to the body. Marquez pounds Pacquiao with a right as Pacquiao darts in. Marquez lands a left. Pacquiao answers with a combination. Pacquiao with a late combo to the face. Marquez wins round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 77-75.

Round 9: Marquez strikes with a left and right. He sends Pacquiao to the ropes with a hard left. Wicked combination to Pacquiao's body and face by Marquez. Marquez works the jab. He keeps his right up to protect his head while beating Pacquiao in exchanges. It’s been an impressive effort by 38-year-old. Nice combo by Pacquiao, but Marquez whacks him with a right. Wow! Great combos by Pacquiao. Marquez backing up. Crowd is exploding. It's crazy in here. Pacquiao wins round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 86-85.

Round 10: Marquez lands a right. Pacquiao answers with a combination. Hard right flush to the face by Marquez. Marquez slips, but he recovers and belts Pacquiao with rights as he works inside. Pacquiao looks cut on the right side of his head. Marquez's right eye is swelling. Marquez lands a right. Pacquiao connects with a left on a charge. Marquez wins round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 96-94.

Round 11: Pacquiao’s cut looks like it came from an accidental butt in the 10th round. It’s not bad. Marquez works to the body. Pacquiao lands a combination. Marquez answers. Pacquiao is thinking now before charging forward. Marquez lands a clean right as he becomes the aggressor. Pacquiao lands a right. Pacquiao then strikes with a left. Marquez finishes with a right. Pacquiao wins round, 10-9. Marquez leads, 105-104.

Round 12: Pacquiao has salve over the cut on top of his right eye. He starts slow, can't find an opening.  Marquez counters. Pacquiao throws a barrage of punches. Pacquiao jabs. No openings for Pacquiao, though. He's waiting, looking. Pacquiao jabs, Marquez answers stronger -– the story of the fight. Pacquiao loses mouthpiece in last minute. Marquez jab and combo. Pacquiao to the body. Marquez raises right fist at bell, stands on corner ropes. Pacquiao kneeling in corner, praying. Marquez wins round, 10-9. Marquez wins fight, 115-113.

The judges have awarded Manny Pacquiao a majority decision. Glenn Trowbridge (116-112 ) and Dave Moretti (115-113) scored it for Pacquiao. Robert Hoyle scored it 114-114.

ALSO:

Undercard: Bradley, Burgos and Alvarado win

These bouts worth more than a sequel in boxing

Hearing will be required to clear Antonio Margarito to fight

--Lance Pugmire, reporting from Las Vegas

Photo: Juan Manuel Marquez and Manny Pacquiao square off during their WBO title fight on Saturday  night in Las Vegas. Credit: Jae C. Hong / Associated Press

UFC on FOX: Historic night sees Junior Dos Santos become heavyweight champion flooring Cain Velasquez

Junior Dos Santos lets his hands go in UFC heavyweight title fight against Cain Velasquez

JUNIOR DOS SANTOS THE NEW UFC HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION AFTER FLOORING AND STOPPING CAIN VELASQUEZ IN 64 SECONDS

Junior Dos Santos emphatically took the UFC heavyweight title by stopping Cain Velasquez in 1 minute 4 seconds of the opening round in Anaheim, California.

It was as quick as it was brutal. Dos Santos signalled his intent with two long straight right hands which landed heavily on Velasquez in the opening salvos, Velasquez scoring with a pair of leg strikes. But then that huge booming right hand hook of Dos Santos landed flush to the side of the champion's head to scramble his senses. He was floored. Dos Santos dropped onto him and threw 11 unanswered punches as Velasquez covered up.

It was all over…huge emotion from both men in the Octagon. Velasquez had looked tense and nervous in the minutes leading up to the start. This was not the fighter who did for Brock Lesnar a year ago.

Dos Santos, however, looked magnificent. Velasquez was a 7-to-4 favourite coming into this fight, and had not fought since winning the title due to surgery for a torn rotator cuff in his right shoulder.

There was the feeling in the build-up to this event that this could be Velasquez’s coming-out party in front of a terrestrial TV audience, which could have established him as a star to the Latin American community. Velasquez was the first Mexican heavyweight champion in a combat sport.

“I have no words to say what I’m feeling,” an emotional Dos Santos said. “It’s amazing, my life. I want to thank all of my team, all my family, I’ve got a lot of good people around me. Thank you very much.”

A desperately disappointed Velasquez said: “I’m sorry for all the fans, my family and my friends that I disappointed you. I will come back. I will get this belt back for sure.”

Dos Santos will now face the winner of the December 30 fight between UFC neophyte Alistair Overeem and Brock Lesnar in Las Vegas. What will be intriguing is how 40 minutes of hype followed by 64 seconds of action will be viewed on American network television.

BEN HENDERSON STRIKES CLAIM TO UFC LIGHTWEIGHT TITLE FIGHT AFTER DEFEATING CLAY GUIDA

In an action-packed fight, Henderson defeated Guida to stake his claim to a lightweight title shot against Frankie Edgar.

While only the night's heavyweight title fight between champion Cain Velasquez and Junior Dos Santos aired on FOX, the entire nine-bout preliminary card streamed on Facebook and FOXSports.com.

Early in the opening stanza, Henderson dropped Guida with a right hand. Guida worked for a single-leg takedown, but Henderson defended it, attacking Guida to the body. Guida attempted a guillotine choke – Henderson escaped, and threw a knee and kick to the body.

As expected, the frenetic pace continued into the second. Henderson scored the takedown. Guida scrambled, Henderson took Guida's back and worked for a rear-naked choke that was cut short by the end of the round.

Henderson closed the distance in a competitive third round and forced Guida against the Octagon wall, delivering some fine short elbows. Henderson continued scoring with knees and elbows, but then Guida forced Henderson to the canvas, and and worked away for a guillotine choke, but was unable to succeed. Henderson took the fight via decision, 30-27, 29-28 and 30-27 on the cards. "He's super hard to deal with," Henderson said. "But Frankie Edgar, we've got it. Let's do it baby." Henderson deserves his shot.

Tim Bradley, Juan Carlos Burgos, Mike Alvarado claim victories

The pay-per-view portion of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez card opened with a 10-round junior-lightweight bout between Tijuana’s Juan Carlos Burgos (27-1, 19 KOs) and Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz (19-0, 15 KOs).

Burgos is the nephew of Victor Burgos, the flyweight who was nearly killed after losing a 2007 title fight to Vic Darchinyan because of a blood clot in his brain that forced him into a coma.

PHOTOS: Pacquiao vs. Marquez weigh-in

Alex Camponovo, the promoter for both Burgoses, reports Victor has “fully recovered,” and is living in Tijuana.

There was good news Saturday for Juan Carlos Burgos as well as he backed up Cruz in the second and third rounds, and had caused the Puerto Rican’s right eye to swell excessively by the seventh round, when Burgos ducked a right and unloaded a hard left to Cruz’s side.

The only loss for Juan Carlos was a unanimous-decision road defeat to Hozumi Hasegawa last November in Japan for the vacant World Boxing Council featherweight title.

Burgos added two hard lefts in the ninth, then eased through the 10th round, winning by scores of 97-93, 98-92 and 95-95, to improve to 28-1.

“I was concentrating on getting my rhythm early and to control pace of the fight,” Burgos said. “I gained more confidence every time I would land a left hook. This was an opportunity I could not throw away on such a big stage as a Manny Pacquiao fight.”

Alvarado defeats Prescott by knockout

Mike Alvarado was about to become another unbeaten trophy of Colombia’s Breidis Prescott when he found a resolve that could make the Denver fighter a champion.

Juan Carlos Burgos, Mike Alvarado claim victories on Pacquiao-Marquez undercard

The pay-per-view portion of the Manny Pacquiao-Juan Manuel Marquez card opened with a 10-round junior-lightweight bout between Tijuana’s Juan Carlos Burgos (27-1, 19 KOs) and Puerto Rico’s Luis Cruz (19-0, 15 KOs).

Burgos is the nephew of Victor Burgos, the flyweight who was nearly killed after losing a 2007 title fight to Vic Darchinyan because of a blood clot in his brain that forced him into a coma.

PHOTOS: Pacquiao vs. Marquez weigh-in

Alex Camponovo, the promoter for both Burgoses, reports Victor has “fully recovered,” and is living in Tijuana.

There was good news Saturday for Juan Carlos Burgos as well as he backed up Cruz in the second and third rounds, and had caused the Puerto Rican’s right eye to swell excessively by the seventh round, when Burgos ducked a right and unloaded a hard left to Cruz’s side.

The only loss for Juan Carlos was a unanimous-decision road defeat to Hozumi Hasegawa last November in Japan for the vacant World Boxing Council featherweight title.

Burgos added two hard lefts in the ninth, then eased through the 10th round, winning by scores of 97-93, 98-92 and 95-95, to improve to 28-1.

“I was concentrating on getting my rhythm early and to control pace of the fight,” Burgos said. “I gained more confidence every time I would land a left hook. This was an opportunity I could not throw away on such a big stage as a Manny Pacquiao fight.”

Alvarado defeats Prescott by knockout

Mike Alvarado was about to become another unbeaten trophy of Colombia’s Breidis Prescott when he found a resolve that could make the Denver fighter a champion.

Utah 31, UCLA 6 (final)

So much for all that talk about playing for a Pac-12 Conference football championship.

UCLA’s hopes came crashing back to reality Saturday night on an icy field in Salt Lake City.

Utah won its third consecutive game and became bowl eligible at the Bruins’ expense.

UCLA fell to 5-5 overall, 4-2 in Pac-12 play. Utah is 6-4, 3-4.

UCLA moved the ball well from time to time –- the total offense figures were fairly even, 295 for UCLA, 291 for Utah –- but the Bruins hurt themselves with penalties early and a huge turnover late.

Utah’s defense came up with two key stops in the fourth quarter. First, the Utes turned UCLA away with only a field goal after the Bruins had driven to the Utah 18.

Tyler Gonzalez’s 35-yard field goal cut Utah’s advantage to 21-6, and the Bruins had the ball back near midfield a few minutes later.

However, Kevin Prince then threw a pass right into the chest of Utah's Conroy Black, who returned it 67 yards for a touchdown.

It was Black’s third interception in two games and his fourth of the season. And it completely sank UCLA.

Prince completed 12 of 24 passes for 146 yards but had two passes intercepted.

Utah was paced by running back John White IV, who ran for 167 yards and two touchdowns in 33 carries.

UCLA was penalized 12 times for 91 yards.

--Mike Hiserman

Utah 31, UCLA 6 (4:05 left in fourth quarter)

Forced to go for a first down on a fourth-and-long situation, UCLA gave up the ball near midfield and Utah cashed in the good field position.

Pacquiao vs. Marquez: Live coverage of WBO welterweight title fight

The time has come for Manny Pacquiao to act on his desire to convincingly defeat Juan Manuel Marquez, his great rival from Mexico.

With the World Boxing Organization welterweight title on the line, Pacquiao (53-3-2, 38 knockouts) will cap his trilogy tonight against Marquez (52-5-1, 38 KOs) at the MGM Grand Garden Arena.

Seats have been sold out for months for the pay-per-view bout.

Pacquiao, 32, and Marquez, 38, fought to a compelling draw in 2004, when the Filipino southpaw knocked down Marquez three times in the first round, but the gritty Mexico City counterpuncher rallied impressively, winning nearly every round afterward.

In 2008, Pacquiao knocked Marquez down once more and edged him by one point on the decisive judge’s scorecard to win a split decision.

Pacquiao has since proceeded to fantastic riches, beating Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito to routinely collect in excess of $20 million purses while claiming world titles in eight weight divisions.

Marquez, meanwhile, has stayed in pursuit of this third fight against Pacquiao by winning the world lightweight title, and he’s associated with controversial strength coach Angel “Memo” Heredia in preparation for this bout.

Marquez trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain is counting on what he perceives to be his fighter’s “technical” advantage to carry the night, but all involved acknowledge the massive strides Pacquiao has made since the 2008 bout in footwork, use of his right hand and maximizing his power.

It’s why Pacquiao is a 10-to-1 favorite to win the fight, according to Las Vegas sports books, and why his camp is projecting a knockout by the end of the seventh round.

The Times’ round-by-round coverage of the bout here at the Fabulous Forum will begin when the fight does, likely after 8:30 p.m. Pacific time.

ALSO:

Pacquiao vs. Marquez preview

These bouts worth more than a sequel in boxing

Hearing will be required to clear Antonio Margarito to fight

--Lance Pugmire

Photo: Manny Pacquiao, left, and Juan Manuel Marquez face off during their weigh-in on Friday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. Credit: Steve Marcus / Reuters

USC 40, Washington 17 (final)

Lane Kiffin has evened the score with old friend Steve Sarkisian.

Sarkisian, a former assistant coach for USC, had defeated his old school twice since becoming Washington's head coach, beating mentor Pete Carroll in 2009 and Kiffin last season.

Both times, Nick Folk, a Sherman Oaks Notre Dame High graduate, was the hero with late-in-the-game field goals.

All those streaks ended Saturday -- in a big way.

USC made sure Folk wouldn't be a factor, routing the Huskies at the Coliseum.

A 46-yard field goal by Folk early in the second quarter was among Washington's few highlights.

The Huskies fell to 6-4 overall, 4-3 in Pac-12 Conference play.

USC improved to 8-2 overall, 5-2 in the conference.

Kiffin can thank father Monte's defense for a big assist.

The Trojans held Washington's powerful running attack to 46 yards in 24 carries. Chris Polk, one of the top running backs in the Pac-12, had 36 yards in nine carries.

USC also sacked Husky quarterbacks Keith Price and Nick Montana -- both also local products -- seven times.

Polk finished with exactly one more rushing yard that USC punter Kyle Negrete, who broke off an impressive run on a fake punt in the first half.

USC ran for 252 yards with Curtis McNeal leading the way by gaining 148 yards and a touchdown in 18 carries.

Trojans quarterback Matt Barkley completed 18 of 28 passes for 174 yards and a touchdown.

Receiver Robert Woods was unusally quiet, with two catches for five yards. But freshman Marqise Lee picked up the slack, catching nine passes for 74 yards, including a nine-yard touchdown.

RELATED:

USC vs. Washington photos

--Mike Hiserman

USC 40, Washington 10 (14:57 left in the fourth quarter)

Andre Heidari kicked a 30-yard field goal on the first play of the fourth quarter to push USC's lead to 30 points.

Former IndyCar champ Sam Hornish Jr. wins his first Nationwide race

Sam Hornish Jr., a former IndyCar racing champion who switched to stock car racing four years ago, won his first NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway.

His teammate Brad Keselowski finished second, giving their Penske Racing team a 1-2 sweep.

Hornish was a three-time IndyCar champion and Indianapolis 500 winner who struggled after he switched to NASCAR, first in its premier Sprint Cup Series and then in its second-level Nationwide Series.

But Hornish qualified fifth in the Wypall 200 on Saturday, took the lead with about 60 laps remaining and then repeatedly held the lead on several restarts following accidents behind him.

"I cant hardly believe it," Hornish said. "I’m so happy about it. I'm glad I stuck it out [in stock cars]."

Carl Edwards finished third, Joey Logano fourth and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. fifth.

Stenhouse holds a 41-point lead in the Nationwide championship standings over Elliott Sadler, who finished 27th after being collected in an accident.

--Jim Peltz in Avondale, Ariz.

Photo: Sam Hornish Jr. celebrates in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway. Credit: Geoff Burke/Getty Images

UCLA vs. Utah: Live updates from the game today in Salt Lake City

Utah 7, UCLA 3 (halftime)

The game began in a snow storm when the temperature was 32 degrees, the second coldest since Rice-Eccles Stadium opened in 1998. The game-time temperature was 29 degrees at the start of the Utah-BYU game in 2010.

The snow stopped in the second quarter, but the field remained slick.

Field position put Utah in command in the second quarter. An exchange of punts gave the Utes the ball at the UCLA 39-yard line. Seven runs later by John White and Utah had the lead with 5 minutes 34 seconds left in the first half. He scored on a one-yard run.

White has 67 yards rushing at halftime.

A fumble by Utah punter returner Griff McNabb set the Bruins up with a scoring chance as Isaiah Bowens recovered the ball at the Utah 17-yard line.

The Bruins managed only three yards and settled for a 30-yard field goal by Tyler Gonzalez.

UCLA had 65 yards in penalties in the first half. The Bruins had five false starts and one delay of game.

Gonzalez missed a 47-yard field goal as time ran out in the half.

Utah 7, UCLA 3 (5:34 left in the second quarter)

Field position tilted Utah’s way on a slick surface. An exchange of punts gave the Utes the ball at the UCLA 39-yard line.

Seven runs by John White later, Utah had the lead. White scored on a one-yard run.

UCLA basketball: Recruit Kyle Anderson stands by Bruins

(Over)reaction was predictably swift after No. 17 UCLA's ugly opening loss to Loyola Marymount on Friday at the Sports Arena.

Fans started a "Potential Ben Howland Replacements Thread" on a message board, alluding to their momentary desire to replace the coach who had just presided over the Bruins' first loss to the Lions since 1941.

Sophomore center Joshua Smith logged on to Twitter to vent his frustration, writing, "Just lost to some straight bums lol."

That left UCLA recruit Kyle Anderson as the voice of reason Saturday. The 6-foot-8 senior standout from Jersey City (N.J.) St. Anthony High who attended the Bruins' 69-58 defeat was standing by his future teammates.

"It was a surprise, but it was a tough loss," Anderson said. "Everyone goes through them. I'm sure UCLA will bounce right back."

What did Anderson see as the difference in UCLA's first loss as the home team at the Sports Arena since an 88-79 defeat to Utah on Dec. 29, 1961?

"LMU played their best game and it just so happened that UCLA didn't play their best game," Anderson said. "LMU made a lot of tough shots, a lot of long shots and a lot of layups. We just missed a couple of layups, nothing really major."

Anderson, who signed a letter of intent with UCLA earlier this week, said the defeat that is sure to knock the Bruins out of the national rankings did not change his perception of the team or the program.

"No," Anderson said. "Not at all."

Of course, UCLA clearly has issues to address before heading to Hawaii next week for the Maui Invitational. Heck, the Bruins have things to sort out before thinking they can even beat Middle Tennessee State on Tuesday.

They must stay in front of their man on defense and close out better on the perimeter. On offense, they must find a way to more effectively utilize Smith and forward Reeves Nelson while resisting the urge to shoot too many three-pointers like they did Friday, when they made only two of 15 attempts from beyond the arc.

Anderson said he hung out with the Bruins in the dorms after the game.

"They were upset," Anderson said. "They understood it's a tough loss. They just have to come together as a team."

--Ben Bolch

Photo: UCLA center Joshua Smith is blocked out by Loyola Marymount guard Jarred DuBois (4) and forward Godwin Okonji (22) during a rebound Friday night. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea / US Presswire

UFC on Fox: Cain Velasquez vs. Junior dos Santos live results

UFC runs its first event on Fox Saturday night, an important milestone for the young sport as it begins a lucrative, longterm television deal with Fox. The one fight television card will feature a UFC heavyweight title showdown between champion Cain Velasquez and challenger Junior Dos Santos. Velasquez and Dos Santos are the consensus number one and number two heavyweights in the world. Preliminary bouts begin around 2PM Pacific.

Aaron Rosa vs. Matt Lucas

Aaron Rosa is coming off a loss in an exciting UFC debut against Joey Beltran. He has moved down from heavyweight to light heavyweight and is in much better shape. Matt Lucas is a 37-year-old fighter in his first UFC contest.

Round 1. The fighters clinch at the start of the first round. Lucas lands a few punches and they separate. They exchange punches from close range, with both men landing solidly. Lucas pushes Rosa against the cage but then backs off. Lucas re-engages the clinch and lands a nice hook before backing off. Again they exchange and again Lucas pushes Rosa against the cage. This time, Lucas ducks lower and pushes more for a takedown. Rosa defends well. He then throws a series of knees to the body. They break, and Rosa opens up with kicks and punches as the round concludes. 10-9 Rosa.

Round 2. Lucas lands a hook and takes Rosa down. Rosa, however, immediately gets back up. Rosa grabs a Thai plum and throws a few knees before they separate again. Lucas once more goes back to the clinch. This has been a slow moving fight due mostly to Lucas' style. He continues to press Rosa against the cage. Rosa looks for a standing kimura but Lucas backs out of trouble. Lucas is deducted a point by referee John McCarthy, apparently for intentionally spitting out his mouthpiece. After the break, Lucas takes Rosa down. He lands a few punches from the top before Rosa stands up at the end. 10-9 Lucas, 9-9 with the deduction.

Round 3. They throw wild hooks to start the round, each looking for a knockout blow. The pace slows back down and Lucas moves to take Rosa back down. They separate again and Rosa catches Lucas with a pair of heavy straight punches and a knee to the body. Lucas grabs a leg and tries to take Rosa down again. Rosa defends and throws elbows to the body. Rosa lands a knee to the body that backs Lucas up and follows with another punch and leg kick. Lucas clinches and Rosa throws some additional knees to the body. Rosa continues to punish Lucas with punches to the body and head plus knees to the body. Lucas is very tired. Rosa has taken over the final round. He blocks one final takedown and the round ends. 10-9 Rosa, 29-27 Rosa.

Winner: Aaron Rosa, majority decision (30-26, 28-28, 30-26).

Mike Pierce vs. Paul Bradley

Pierce and Bradley are both fighters that rely heavily on their wrestling. Pierce has a prior win over Bradley and holds a 4-2 UFC record. Bradley lost in his only UFC bout.

Round 1. Pierce presses forward and looks for a takedown. Bradley defends and connects with a solid hook right on the chin. Bradley follows with a pair of leg kicks. Pierce shoots for a takedown and eats a knee to the body. Pierce staggers Bradley with a right to the jaw but Bradley recovers well. Pierce lands a hard leg kick and shrugs off a Bradley takedown attempt. Bradley changes levels nicely and takes Pierce down for a moment but Pierce immediately stands back up. Pierce pushes in with a couple punches and the round concludes. Very close, competitive round. 10-9 Bradley.

Round 2. Pierce lands a solid left/right combination and clinches. They trade knees from the clinch. Pierce lands punch to the body and head as they break. They then return to the clinch and exchange knees. Pierce lands a pair of big hooks and backs Bradley against the cage. Pierce begins to take over the boxing, connecting with punches and avoiding Bradley's attempts. Bradley seemed to surprise Pierce with his striking early but he has struggled since. 10-9 Pierce.

Round 3. The fighters clinch early and then separate. Pierce begins to establish his jab but Bradley moves back to the clinch. Referee Larry Landless separates them but they throw a few punches and return to the clinch. The pace of the fight has slowed significantly in the second and third rounds. Piece lands a low kick and a straight right punch. Bradley takes Pierce down but Pierce instantaneously starts to get back up and throws a series of punches and elbows in the process. Pierce returns to his feet with a minute left in the fight. Bradley lands a nice left hook and Pierce lands one of his own at the close. 10-9 Pierce, 29-28 Pierce.

Winner: Mike Pierce, split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28).

Alex Caceres vs. Cole Escovedo

The colorful Caceres made a name for himself as "Bruce Leroy" on the Ultimate Fighter. He is 0-2 in the UFC and 1-4 in his last 5 MMA bouts and hasn't proved to be a UFC caliber fighter. Cole Escovedo is an experienced veteran of the sport and was once considered one of the premier lighter weight fighters in the world. He is also 0-2 in the UFC.

Round 1. Caceres starts off with a push kick and a superman punch. Escovedo connects with a straight right punch. Caceres backs down Escovedo with punches but Escovedo sends him back with a counter. Caceres throws a nice spinning back fist that connects well. He follows with a few punches up against the cage and a flying knee. They clinch and tumble to the ground, where Caceres lands some punches from the top. Caceres fakes a low kick to the right side of Escovdeo and then lands a cool leaping left head kick. Caceres lands a few straight punches and Escovedo counters with a leg kick. Escovedo drops Caceres with a right head kick and moves forward aggressively but Caceres fires back and dances out of the way to signal he is fine. Heck of a first round performance from Bruce Leroy, both entertaining and effective. 10-9 Caceres.

Round 2. Caceres pushes the pace with a series of punches and then backs off as Escovedo looks to respond. Caceres mixes in punches to the head and body, moving out of range before Escovedo can counter. Caceres is throwing so much more but he doesn't have a ton of power. Caceres throws a spinning back kick and leaping thrust kick. Escovedo goes for a takedown but Caceres comes out on top and stands back up. Escovedo looks to pull guard but Caceres backs away. Escovedo lands a big hook that sends Caceres back. Caceres throws a spinning backfist that is blocked. They clinch and trade a couple knees before separating. 10-9 Caceres.

Round 3. Caceres opens with a solid side kick to the body. Escovedo takes Caceres down but Caceres looks for a guillotine choke and then a triangle choke. Escovedo avoids both but Caceres moves right into an armbar and has it pretty solidly. Caceres tries to crank the arm but can't get it. Caceres then switches into an omoplata. Escovedo gets out of that too. Caceres stands up, having done better on the ground. Caceres throws a few straight punches and mixes in leg kicks. Caceres throws a high kick that makes a loud sound on the shoulder of Escovedo and Escovedo gestures to indicate it wasn't on the head. Escovedo gets a takedown with a minute left and then looks for a rear naked choke. He tries for an armbar but Caceres is out of that too. 10-9 Caceres, 30-27 Caceres.

Winner: Alex Caceres, unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27).

Mackens Semerzier vs. Robert Peralta

Semerzier is a ground oriented fighter with a 1-0 UFC record. Peralta is 1-0 in the UFC as well, having scored a decision win in November.

--Todd Martin

USC vs. Washington: Live updates from the game today at the Coliseum

USC 37, Washington 10 (12:45 left in third quarter)

It might not turn out to be a shootout, but the second half has started that way.

USC tailback Curtis McNeal answered Washington's quick score with one of his own.

The junior broke off the left side and ran 79 yards for a touchdown. Washington safety Will Shamburger appeared to have McNeal in his grasp at the 20-yard line, but McNeal slipped through his grip to complete the scoring play.

McNeal has rushed for 146 yards and a touchdown in 15 carries.

USC 30, Washington 10 (13:36 in the third quarter)

Looks like the rout. . . .

Wait a minute.

USC's Marqise Lee returned the second-half kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown.

The freshman receiver looked like he might be stopped when he ran into a pack in the middle of the field, but he broke toward the right sideline and then outran the Huskies to the end zone.

But Washington came right back, Keith Price connecting with receiver Kevin Smith on a 50-yard pass play to set up Chris Polk's one-yard touchdown run. 

USC 23, Washington 3 (halftime)

USC's defense has been impressive in the first 30 minutes at the Coliseum.

The Trojans, led by end Nick Perry, have limited Washington to 91 yards.

Perry has two of the Trojans' four sacks and has been a force against the run.

Danica Patrick in 8-car crash in NASCAR Nationwide’s opening lap

Danica Patrick was among eight drivers whose cars were involved in a crash on the opening lap of the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday.

Patrick's No. 7 Chevrolet slammed hard into the Turn 3 wall when the wreck occurred in the Wypall 200 at Phoenix International Raceway. Other drivers collected in the crash included Brian Scott and Reed Sorenson.

Despite heavy damage to the back of her car, Patrick was able to reach the pits for repairs and she was running 34th, two laps behind the leaders, when racing resumed. She had started the race 25th.

Aric Almirola was the early leader in the 200-lap race, followed by Clint Bowyer, Justin Allgaier and Carl Edwards.

There were concerns about the Phoenix track leading into the weekend because the one-mile oval recently was repaved, and drivers said the new surface was exceptionally slick and that passing would be difficult.

— Jim Peltz in Avondale, Ariz.

Photo: Danica Patrick shortly before the NASCAR Nationwide Series race Saturday at Phoenix International Raceway. Credit: Jennifer Hilderbrand / US Presswire

Penn State rally comes up short against Nebraska, 17-14

There was plenty of irony in the way Penn State lost its football game, 17-14, to Nebraska on Saturday at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.

What the No. 12-ranked Nittany Lions had to offer during the game came too little, too late.

Trailing 17-0 midway through the third quarter, Penn State rallied to pull within a field goal with more than five minutes left but No. 19 Nebraska held on.

FULL COVERAGE: Penn State scandal

The Nittany Lions had the ball twice in the last 3 minutes 52 seconds, but couldn’t score.

The way the game ended, perhaps symbolically, was chaotic.

Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin completed a pass to Devon Smith in the middle of the field as the final seconds ticked down. The Nittany Lions barely got another play off, but McGloin was rushed and was only able to get off another short pass to the middle of the field that fell incomplete.

The loss was Penn State’s first in Big Ten Conference play after five wins. The Nittany Lions are 8-2 overall but have road games against two tough opponents, Ohio State and Wisconsin, to finish the regular season.

Nebraska improved to 8-2 overall, 4-2 in conference play.

Interim Coach Tom Bradley spoke during a television interview afterward about how proud he was of his team.

“I think you saw a lot of character, a lot of resolve, by this team,” he said. “I liked the way they stuck together … we fought hard.”

He then turned his attention to the alleged victims in the child sex-abuse scandal that has rocked Penn State’s program.

A solemn start to the Penn State-Nebraska game

Football took a backseat before the start of the Penn State-Nebraska football game at State College, Pa., Saturday in the wake of the child sex-abuse scandal surrounding former coach Jerry Sandusky.

Both teams and many others gathered quietly at midfield for a moment of silence and prayer before the start of the game between the No. 19 Cornhuskers and No. 12 Nittany Lions.

There was also an emotional singing of the school's alma mater and senior-day introductions.

FULL COVERAGE: Penn State scandal

Jay Paterno took his father’s spot on the team bus on the way to the stadium. Joe Paterno was fired after 46 years as the team's head coach for his failure to do more to put a stop to the alleged sexual abuse of children by his former assistant coach.

It has been an emotional week at Penn State, with the school's president also fired. Mike McQueary, who witnessed the alleged incident in 2002 involving Sandusky, was also prevented from coaching Saturday, having been put on administrative leave.

Joe Paterno was not at the game. At his home, there were TV crews and reporters, and a few individuals on the sidewalk knelt and prayed.

The stadium was bathed in blue as Penn State fans made the decision to wear blue instead of their traditional white to support victims of the alleged abuse.

Some shirtless students in the front row had painted their chests light blue with white letters that spelled out, at least partially, “For the kids.”

There was no score in the game midway through the second quarter.

RELATED:

Penn State is taking it all personally

Penn State a major topic among readers

Sex abuse scandal just got costlier for Penn State

-- Mike Hiserman and Mike James

Photo: Penn State's Malcolm Willis, left, and Silas Redd bow their heads in silence before Saturday's game. Credit: Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press

 

Fans see a gentler approach to Penn State-Nebraska game

Beaver Stadium fell silent. The sidelines were empty. Players from both Penn State and Nebraska were gathered at midfield, each of them on one knee. At the center of the crowd was Nebraska running backs coach Ron Brown, the director of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in his state.

The nation was watching them.

Penn State resumed playing football on Saturday morning, facing Nebraska in their first game since child-sex crime allegations against a longtime defensive coordinator resulted in the firing of Coach Joe Paterno.

FULL COVERAGE: Penn State scandal

There were many familiar sights and sounds. Fans tailgated for miles around. They stood in line to take pictures with Paterno’s statue outside of the east side of the stadium. They performed their traditional call-and-response chant of “We are…” “Penn State!”

But something was different, regulars at the stadium said.

“I think the people are more subdued,” said Alex Levit, a member of Penn State’s Class of 2000.

Longtime fan Robert Tintner said that if not for the scandal, fans would be “a little bit more rowdy” for a game of this magnitude. Tintner said the increased police presence was easily noticeable.

The crowd that waited for the Penn State team bus to pull up to the stadium was said to be larger than usual, as it was a couple of dozen people deep in some areas. When the players arrived, fans pointed their cameras and cell phones at them. Men held up their children so they could see them.

Nebraska fans Robert and Diana Alderson were visiting University Park from Omaha and said they didn’t know what to expect.

“It’s kind of mellow,” Robert said. The Aldersons, who are married, said they usually get heckled when they visit other schools.

“Everyone’s been overly nice,” Diana said.

ALSO:

It was an emotional day after at Penn State

Plaschke: This should be the end of Paterno State

Scandal will have an effect on Penn State program for years

--Dylan Hernandez, from State College, Pa.

Photo: Penn State players walked into the stadium before the game holding hands. Credit: Patrick Smith / Getty Images.

Penn State trails Nebraska, 10-0, at halftime of boring game

Beaver Stadium was shaking. Literally.

The press box on the west side of the stadium shook, as fans responded to seeing receiver Curtis Drake catch a deflected pass and take Penn State into Nebraska’s half of the field midway through the first quarter.

But the fans had little else to cheer about in the opening half, as the Nittany Lions went into the intermission trailing their visitors, 10-0.

Nebraska went ahead, 3-0, on a 41-yard field goal by Brett Maher in the second quarter. The Cornhuskers added to the lead as Ameer Abdullah scored on a two-yard run with 44 seconds left in the half.

RELATED:

Penn State is taking it all personally

Penn State a major topic among readers

Sex abuse scandal just got costlier for Penn State

-- Dylan Hernandez in University Park, Pa.

Photo: Penn State receiver Curtis Drake gains yards after the catch against Nebraska during a Big Ten game on Saturday at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa. Credit: Justin K. Aller / Getty Images

Penn State comment on ESPN raises questions

Just after 8:30 this morning on the West Coast, ESPN returned from a commercial break showing Penn State players who were chanting and moving rhythmically in a large circle, firing themselves up before the game.

Then, from off camera, came the words: "Where's that little kid?"

It sounded like Lee Corso's voice. Corso was with the network's GameDay crew at Stanford, but that unit was commenting on the pregame action in State College, Pa., where Penn State and Nebraska were preparing to kickoff.

Corso wasn't heard from for several minutes while others spoke with shots of Penn State coaches and players in the background.

An ESPN spokesman contacted by The Times' Diane Pucin was not aware of the incident and said he would check into it.

There might be an innocent explanation for it. But the juxtaposition of that camera shot and that off-camera remark was startling.

Someone needs to answer for it.

--Mike Hiserman

Tiger Woods falters in Australian Open, loses lead

Tiger Woods, leading a tournament for only the second time this year, surrendered the lead by starting with three consecutive bogeys and stumbling his way through the third round of the Australian Open on Saturday in Sydney.

Woods began the day at The Lakes golf course with a one-shot lead but managed only two birdies after his three-bogey start to finish the round at three-over 75. The former No. 1-ranked player in the world, who last won nearly two years ago at the Australian Masters before his marriage and game were torn apart in a sex scandal, is six shots behind leader John Senden.

“I just got off to an awful start,” said Woods, one of eight Americans playing the Australian Open in preparation for the Presidents Cup next week at Royal Melbourne. “The round should have been an easy 71, no problem. I played the par-fives bad, I didn't take care of [No.] 13. But if I take care of the par-fives and make a couple of putts, it's a one- or two-under round. But I made nothing today.”

Woods is unlikely to end the longest drought of his once-storied career, which includes 14 major championships, since he has won a tournament only once when trailing by six shots or more going into the final round -- nearly 14 years ago in Thailand.

“I need to play good on that front nine. Anything can happen on the back nine,” Woods said. “If I can just play a good, solid front nine and get things going on the back nine, they have some easy holes on the back nine. If I can shoot some low scores, I'll be right there.”

Senden, who won the Australian Open five years ago at Royal Sydney, birdied his last two holes to finish off a round of nine-under 63, giving him a one-shot lead over Jason Day, who celebrated his 24th birthday with a 68.

Greg Chalmers had a 67 to move to within two shots of the lead. He's followed by Nick O'Hern (66) and Nick Watney (68) another shot back.

ALSO:

Fans, foes impressed by Tiger's second round

Tiger has more work to do in comeback

Notah Begay III charts a course back to the PGA Tour

--Dan Loumena

Wire services contributed to this report.

Photo: Tiger Woods looks for a wayward shot on the 11th hole at The Lakes golf course on Saturday in Sydney. Ryan Pierse / Getty Images