Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight is all settled. WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao was really excited for his match this coming March 13, 2009 with Joshua Clottey and said that it be a great challenge for him just like the previous match that he had with Miguel Cotto.
“I think it will be a really close fight and there is a chance for Joshua Clottey to win” Pacquiao said, referring to the last June bout between Clottey and Cotto. Cotto got a split decision win while fans felt it could have gone either way.
Manny Pacquiao recons that the size and ability of Clottey, who has won 35 fights against 3 losses makes Clottey a great fighter and a very dangerous foe. Clottey stands 5’8″ and is a full welterweight while Pacquiao is 5 feet 6.5 and last fought at a 145 lbs. catch weight. Pacquiao started his training at the wild card gym in Los Angeles, California and still in good shape two months after his 12th round TKO over Miguel Cotto last year.
Manny Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach agreed that the Filipino pound for pound champ is in really good condition and ready to rumble anytime soon. We had started sparring one day earlier than usual and get the rounds in and will have the game plan down by next week, said Roach.
Inspite of what had come up between Mayweather and Pacquiao issue on drug testing dispute, I think Pacquiao vs. Mayweather will fight sooner the people expected. But for now, all we have to do is wait till we found out who’s the best among Pacquiao vs. Clottey.
The story of the Pacquiao vs Clottey fight is going to be about whether Clottey’s pressure and counter punching can overcome Pacquiao’s foot speed and quick-handed, sharp-punching attacks. Trying to penetrate Clottey’s guard is like trying to get near one of Pacquiao’s veins with a needle—no easy task, even for someone with the speed and offensive capabilities of Pacquiao. Clottey is fighting for the title and not for the money. At the same time, Pacquiao is not going to be there for Clottey to hit either. Clottey will have his moments along the way. But being light on power, he won’t be able to do enough damage or land a high enough volume of punches to slow Pacquiao to the point of submitting to his pressure game.