Watch Pacquiao vs Clottey weigh in

Watch Pacquiao vs Clottey fighter weigh in. Before the event day, fighters will undergo weigh-in to determine if they meet the weight required for the fight. As for Pacquiao and Clottey, they should weigh up to 147 lbs, as this was the catch weight that both camp agreed to fight in. Anyone exceed to the required catch weight will be penalized.

The weigh-in usually takes place the day before the fight, sometime in the late afternoon, most likely around 5 or 6:00 PM ET. Fighter weigh-in is also open to the public and it usually take place at the same location where the fight is taking place, so probably Pacquiao vs Clottey weigh-in will take place at Dallas Stadium. Pacquiao vs Clottey fight will be on March 13, 2010.

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Pacquiao's Final Fight?

After Manny Pacquiao's dramatic stoppage of Miguel Cotto in November 2009, the scribes of the sweet science proclaimed that boxing had peeled itself off the canvas. Once again, there was a boxer who, like Mike Tyson and Oscar De La Hoya, could command the interest of the general sports fan.

Soon after the Filipino sensation's victory over Mr. Cotto, the public was clamoring to see Mr. Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) and the undefeated, recently unretired Floyd Mayweather Jr. (40-0, 25 knockouts) battle for the unofficial title of best pound-for-pound pugilist on the planet. But boxing has a knack of clobbering itself on the chin.

A couple of months ago, Messrs. Mayweather and Pacquiao were poised to ink contracts when Mr. Mayweather insisted on Olympic-style drug testing. Mr. Pacquiao took umbrage and sued Mr. Mayweather and his promoters for defamation of character. When attempts at mediation failed, the two welterweight giants stomped away from what could have been the biggest payday in boxing history.

Still, Mr. Pacquiao, who has garnered titles in a record seven different weight divisions, was intent on fighting in March, as he is set to begin campaigning for Congress in the Philippines in April. Instead of facing Mr. Mayweather, Mr. Pacquiao will be tapping gloves with Joshua Clottey (35-3, 21 knockouts), the No. 1 welterweight contender from Ghana. The fight, which has already sold more than 38,000 tickets, will take place on Saturday at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Mr. Clottey, who now in lives in New York, began boxing on the streets at age 6 in his hometown of Accra, Ghana. He made it to the quarterfinals of the Commonwealth Games in 1994 and turned professional in 1995. A broad-shouldered man with an endearing smile and laid-back body language, Mr. Clottey is a rugged and highly competent combatant who has the respect of his peers and the boxing press. But the 32-year-old former world champion has yet to win a mega pay-per-view fight. He came close in June 2009, losing a split decision to Mr. Cotto. Many observers believed that Mr. Clottey should have had his hand raised after that bloody 12-round contest, but virtually everyone agreed that he would have won the fight had he brawled with less caution.

After a brisk workout at his Florida gym, the soft-spoken Mr. Clottey gushed: "This fight is a dream come true, I can hardly believe it. I'm so excited. Right now, Manny is the best of the best. He is the man. I know that I can beat him, but I have to fight the whole time. I have to keep busy. But unlike some of the other guys that he has fought, I will not underestimate his power. One punch from him can take you out. So I also have to stay calm and think in there as well as fight." While reasonable enough, that note of caution would land like a punch on elements of Mr. Clottey's boxing braintrust.

In this pivotal contest, Mr. Clottey will be without his trainer, Godwin Dzanie Kotey, who could not get a visa to come to the U.S. Mr. Clottey's veteran cutman, Lenny De Jesus, will work the corner instead and told me: "You have to take risks in there to be a great champion, and that is what Joshua has to learn to do in this fight. I used to work with Manny, and he is not afraid of losing."

While the elite of the elite in boxing have very special powers of concentration and reservoirs of motivation, Mr. Clottey, for all his virtues, has yet to show that he can hit the internal switch, turn his tempo up a notch, and take over a close fight.

Mr. Clottey is quick, coordinated, strong and gritty. While not an overpowering puncher, his blows are fast, direct and flinty. He boasts a solid straight right, which he likes to chase with a left hook to the body. The combination of right uppercut and left hook is also essential to his slugging syntax. Watching Mr. Clottey work out, one gets the impression that his camp believes their man needs to make the Pac Man pay for his hyperaggressive tendencies with hooks to the body.

Freddie Roach, Mr. Pacquiao's famous trainer, assessed his antagonist: "Clottey is a big welterweight [5 feet 8 inches, compared with 5 feet 6½ inches for Mr. Pacquiao]. He is a great fighter. He has good skills. He has some power. He can take a punch. But I have watched a lot of films of him and he is not versatile. He does not move his head. He is easy to hit." For weeks now, Mr. Roach has been saying that "Manny will be the first one to knock Joshua out."

For his part, Mr. Pacquiao says: "The victory is always the most important thing to me. If I get a knockout, it's a bonus. But a knockout has never been a goal for me for any fight." But then he adds, "Freddie has his own opinion on the outcome of the fight with Clottey, and I will try not to disappoint him."

The diminutive dynamo with the impish smile unleashes hellfire in the ring. He seems to delight in the utter destruction of the opponent whom he will hug and praise after the fight.

Mr. Pacquiao, recently voted the Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America, is still improving. In boxing, he who is not busy learning will soon be busy losing. When I asked Mr. Pacquiao what lessons he was working on for this fight, his maestro, Mr. Roach, was quick to answer for him: "Manny has to stay off the ropes and continue to work from his strengths—and that is throwing punches from different angles and to keep moving. . . . Manny's speed is the key to winning any fight. People think I mean the speed of his hands, but what I really mean is the speed of Manny's feet. He has the best footwork in the game."

Mr. Roach, who has Parkinson's probably brought on by too many bouts during his own boxing days, warned that this might be the last time we see his champion in the ring, especially if Mr. Pacquiao wins a seat in Congress. His stellar charge has had a long, tough career. And if Mr. Pacquiao wins and Mr. Mayweather does not quickly agree to terms, Mr. Roach says, "there will be nothing left for Manny to prove." There will only be bales of money.

Source wsj.com

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Watch Pacquiao vs Clottey live stream free online PPV

Manny Pacquiao will once again show us why he is the pound-for-pound king of boxing this days when he face Joshua Clottey of Ghana inside the ring this coming March 13, 2010.Pacquiao vs Clottey fight is one of the most awaited fight in boxing today after the Pacquiao vs Mayweather mega-fight has been stripped out. Pacquiao and Clottey has agreed to fight in 147lbs., and of course with a millions of dollar at stake.

Pacquiao vs Clottey fight is a WBO Welterweight championship match that will be broadcast world wide via pay-per-view in USA but for the fans outside US territory, Pacquiao vs Clottey live stream can be watch for free, just check your local channel listing.Who will win? Just watch Pacquiao vs Clottey live stream free online on the internet via PPV as it kick off on March 13 at Dallas Stadium.

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‘Journey’ Lead Vocalist Arnel Pineda will sing for Pacquiao vs Clottey fight

Past reports saying Charice will be singing the Philippine National Anthem for the Pacquiao vs Clottey fight this Sunday were proven untrue as the Journey lead vocalist, Arnel Pineda, will be taking the duty of singing the Philippine National Anthem, “Lupang Hinirang” in the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey fight. Pineda is a Filipino and was personally invited by the king of the ring, Manny Pacquiao to sing for the Philippines in his next fight.

Arnel Pineda also said he will be arriving at Dallas on Thursday and he is so delightful that finally he can sing for the Pacquiao vs Clottey fight. The famous singer also revealed it was the Manny Pacquiao’s third attempt to invite him, that is why he’s very happy it will finally push through.

The much awaited Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey fight will be held this Saturday (March 13) – March 14 in Manila at the Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

You can watch Pacquiao vs Clottey fight Live stream Online on Sunday at selected channels over the internet. If you do not want to watch Pacquiao vs Clottey online free livestream, and you are a Filipino fan, then watch Pacquiao vs Clottey Livestream at the UP Theater, commercial-free straight from the US.

Source: ‘Journey’ Lead Vocalist Arnel Pineda will sing for Pacquiao vs Clottey fight

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Sellout expected for Pacquiao-Clottey

GRAPEVINE, Texas -- Promoter Bob Arum said Tuesday that he doesn't expect the remaining tickets to last for Saturday's Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight at Cowboys Stadium.

"Definitely," Arum said. "It will be sold out."

About 41,000 tickets have been sold, with seating capacity set at 45,000 for the first boxing match at the $1.2 billion stadium. Pacquiao will defend his WBO welterweight title.

Arum said he's eager to hold more fights at the home of the Cowboys, adding that Kelly Pavlik, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. and other boxers will be at the fight in hopes of getting to become headliners there.

"I have never had an experience where the venue has played such a paramount role in the promotion," said Arum. "It's helped us sell the tickets, helped us get the publicity. ... Whatever works."

The ring will be on the star logo at the 50-yard line. The world's largest high-definition television screen will loom above, giving people in the worst seats a close-up look at every bead of sweat and drip of blood.

"This is going to be big time," Jones said Tuesday during a conference call with reporters. "I'm going to over-deliver what it means to [fans] to be involved in this stadium. ... That does enhance the competition, help the sport. You're not going to need any incentive to get these fighters to compete."

Having already hosted the NBA All-Star Game, and with the Super Bowl coming in February, Jones wants Cowboys Stadium to be a prime destination for boxing, too.

That's why it was so important for him to get Pacquiao for the debut.

"You don't want to deal with anything but the top," Jones said. "This says everything to have Manny Pacquiao and this competition. It says everything I want."

Jones hopes to pack the high-dollar seats with his running buddies -- all sorts of current and former Cowboys greats, including former coach Jimmy Johnson.

"It's no accident there are going to be many football players here," Jones said. "There is a crossover of interest. That really excites me. I'm not trying to be presumptuous but we all know how popular the NFL is right now. That raises all boats. That's a big thing to me."

If Cowboys Stadium can land two or three big fights per year, as Jones hopes, that would put him in competition with Las Vegas.

But Jones again invoked the "rising tide" notion, believing that the popularity of fights at his building will generate "more interest and more visibility for fighting."

Arum agrees.

"I love Las Vegas, I live in Las Vegas," he said. "But the tickets are limited by the size of the arena and they generally go to the high-rolling casino customers. Here, the sales pitch is about the public. ... You cannot be a major sport if all your big events are in one city where people have to come from all over to attend the event. The Super Bowl wouldn't be as big, in my opinion, if it had to be held in the same city every year."

As for planning the next fight here, stay tuned.

"We want to get this one over first," Arum said. "Once we get this one over ... we'll sit down and plot the future."

Source ESPN Sports

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Pacquiao's Sparring Is Becoming Legendary

Watching two upper-tier fighters/contenders spar while preparing for an upcoming fight is the highlight of any activity in a boxing gym. Sparring was my favorite part of training back in the day. So much so, that on the days I didn't spar I felt as though my workout was incomplete and was one day further away from getting to where I wanted to be. There's only one way for a fighter to improve and that is for him to spar and fight.

The most intense sparring I've ever witnessed was between former light heavyweight and cruiserweight champ, Dwight Muhammad Qawi, and former light heavyweight contender Jerry "The Bull" Martin in the early eighties. The closet parallel I can make to describe the rounds they logged is to suggest imagining Israel Vazquez and Rafael Marquez weighing 185 pounds wearing training gloves and head gear while going at it five or six rounds a day. I would've paid to see them spar each other every day of the week if that's what it took just to have the pleasure of watching them work together.

When it comes to sparring, I've never read nor have I had it conveyed to me by any fighters or trainers stories like the ones that surface about Manny Pacquiao's sparring. Has anyone reading this ever heard of Pacquiao getting his butt kicked in the gym even once? Or heard of someone who has even held their own with him? If it's happened during the last four or five years, it seldom has surfaced. Yet there's a flood of reports pertaining to his sparring on a daily basis after almost every workout. And that's nowhere near the case pertaining to Paul Williams, Floyd Mayweather, Edwin Valero, Chad Dawson or either of the Klitschko brothers when they train and spar in preparation for a big fight.

Pacquiao's legendary sparring further illustrates just how much he truly loves to fight. It's rather apparent that Manny brings the same kind of passion and joy to his sparring sessions that he seems to bring to every aspect of boxing -- and he genuinely seems to be a man who loves what he's doing for a living.

Earlier this week Pacquiao said, “I am ready to rumble (referencing to his March 13th bout with Joshua Clottey). I can’t wait to get into the ring. I am feeling very good and I am excited to put on a memorable show for the boxing fans. I want to make them happy again.”

Pacquiao reiterating that he wants to put on a good fight for the fans no doubt endears him to them a lot, and I believe that he means it to a point. But more than that Pacquiao projects from his deeds in the ring that he really loves ring combat and can't wait to glove up on fight night, in much the same way Roberto Duran and "Smokin" Joe Frazier did. I'm sure there may be a few reading this and saying to themselves that I forgot about Mike Tyson... and they'd be wrong.

Tyson had a presence about him that projected he couldn't wait for the bell to start the fight, and when he was having his way with his opponent he looked as if he loved being inside the ring. However, when Mike was met with resistance like he was when he fought Buster Douglas, Evander Holyfield and Lennox Lewis, he wasn't nearly as willing and stopped letting his hands go and began thinking about possibly losing leading to him being more measured offensively.

That's the polar opposite of Duran and Frazier who actually got stronger and became more confident and willing as the fight got tougher and intensified. And Pacquiao is cut from the same cloth as they were and relishes the joy of physical combat. In his previous two fights against Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, both tried to bring it to him only to realize they were confronted by what must've seemed like a school of piranha who raised them one.

Hatton tried to jump on him early hoping to assert himself physically, and was met by a buzzsaw who made him pay for his deed. Cotto, after seeing what happened to Hatton, tried to go about it a little more measured. When Miguel felt Pacquiao was stepping back to reset, he tried to impose himself physically and not only did Manny oblige him to do so, he let him have a few free shots at his body and literally fed off of Cotto not doing any real damage when he landed with his Sunday left-hook in succession.

For his WBO title defense against Clottey, it's been reported in several Philippine newspapers that Pacquiao has worked with Jamie Kavanagh, Mike Dallas, Dave Rodela, Ray Beltran, Shawn Porter, Jose Benavidez, Abdullay Amidu and Steve Forbes as his spar-mates. Forget what their records are, they're all in good shape physically and present him with something unique. Some are small and quick, others are a little bigger and more physical and present varying styles. And the reports coming out of Pacquiao's training camp all indicate that he's had his way with every one of them. And it seems as the fights gets closer Pacquiao is looking better every time out and is once again peaking at the right time. Which confirms that team Pacquiao knows exactly how to get the most out of it's sparring work as they ready Manny for his upcoming bouts.

Maybe because we're in the midst of a media explosion and almost everything is on YouTube, at least for a little while before it's taken down, Pacquiao's sparring as he prepares for his major bouts have drawn a lot of attention, more so than any fighter in recent memory.


Source thesweetscience.com

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Manny Pacquiao will not take Joshua Clottey lightly

The Filipino superstar will be at a size disadvantage when taking on the African welterweight Saturday, but he’s trained rigorously for the challenge.

It's not the fight most wanted to see, and many casual sports fans probably don't know much about this guy who's stepped into Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s void to fight Manny Pacquiao.

Understandable. So much about why that mega-bout crashed over a drug-testing dispute, with $25-million guarantees to each fighter, is head-scratching.

Time, then, to bring some simple reasoning to the sport now as fight week arrives for Pacquiao vs. Joshua Clottey on Saturday night at Dallas Cowboys Stadium.

The soundest logic says the man considered the best boxer in the world will have his way against the African challenger.

Any reason to think differently? A letdown? A visit to Pacquiao's Hollywood gym brings an onslaught of rebuttals from those asked if the Filipino superstar has shown any sign he's blowing off the threat of this lesser-known opponent.

"I wish we were fighting Mayweather this time the way Manny has worked," Pacquiao's conditioning trainer Alex Ariza said.

A gym regular said he saw Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) unleash a barrage of two-dozen unanswered blows to respected veteran sparring partner Steve Forbes.

"I hear Vegas has the over/under for rounds at 10," said Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, who's been so sharp in projecting his prodigy's latest conquests of Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto. "I'll take the under. We've watched a lot of tapes on Clottey. He's predictable. Manny will be the first to stop him."

The 32-year-old Clottey, a native of Ghana and current resident of the Bronx, is 35-3 with 21 knockouts, and his lone losses have come to world champions: Carlos Baldomir in 1999 (controversial disqualification), Antonio Margarito in 2006 (close decision), and Miguel Cotto (close decision) in in June, his most recent bout.

Pacquiao watched Cotto-Clottey from ringside, scouting Cotto at the time before beating him by 12th-round TKO in November. In Clottey, Pacquiao will be fighting a second-straight true welterweight who has victories over the accomplished Zab Judah (a world title fight) and the late Diego Corrales on his resume. Clottey performed strongly against Cotto, but oddly stopped asserting himself in the final rounds.

"Clottey, he's a good defensive fighter," Pacquiao said. "He's bigger than me [by 2 ½ inches, with a three-inch reach advantage], so I've had to study his style and maybe he's trying to learn some new techniques. But from what I've studied so far, I think he's a good formula for me. I'm still sure he's studying different techniques he can try against me."

And how's that going?

"It is not easy. [Pacquiao's] good, but I tell people I'm going to beat him," Clottey said. "They don't believe me, but I'm a confident guy and I will keep my word. I will make him think a lot in the ring because of my defense. … I believe in my defense. He's going to throw a lot of punches. I'll block nine out of 10."

Clottey has been groomed in his country by impressive natives, including the tough Ike Quartey. Like Pacquiao, he came from a poor family and hawked goods on the street, including fish, oranges and bananas.

So is Clottey bound to frequently go into a self-made shell, stalling like he did late against Cotto? Clottey says he won't, wanting Pacquiao to stay cautious of the size advantage and punching power that is considered by some to be suspect. Clottey's last true knockout was in 2004, at a club show in Laughlin, Nev.

"What about mine?" Clottey asked of his punches.

Roach has openly said, "We don't know what Clottey has. We're concerned with his uppercut and hook, but we'll keep Manny out of that pocket."

Pacquiao, guaranteed $12 million plus a pay-per-view cut for this fight, has some bigger days ahead of him this year, including the election he's seeking for a congressional seat in the Philippines, along with the expected resumption of talks with Mayweather.

Clottey, meanwhile, wants to keep logic thrown out the window. He never expected to get this fight, was negotiating for a bout against 154-pound champ Yuri Foreman when notified Mayweather was out and he was in.

"I'd like to think good things come to good people," Clottey said. "We'll see. I know he's a good fighter. If he hits me, and I don't feel his punches, I'll jump on him. If I do feel them, I'll just have to hit him more."

Source latimes.com

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Is Pacquiao Superman or Super Human?

In my Pacquiao/Clottey prediction earlier this week, I predicted that Pacquiao will go on to coast through the fight and walk away with a Unanimous Decision Victory. I got to tell you, I might as well had said that Clottey will go on to destroy the Pac-Man. Pac-Man by far right now has the most loyal crazed fans in the sport. If you don’t say that Pacquiao will win by knockout then you might as well just go for the other guy. If you say Pacquiao by decision then that must mean that you are doubting the great God that is Pacquiao. I got news for you all, well I got news for ”US” all, I say us because I sometimes feel the same way as you all do. I sometimes also feel that Pacquiao is Superman, thing is that he is not Superman. Pacquiao may perform like a Superman, but he is human like you and I. Super Human yes, but Superman no!

When I mentioned that the way to beat Pacquiao was to bring the fight to him and keep him off balance, to throw off his rythym, many fans responded by saying that ”Reckless” Hatton tried to do just that and well look where it got him. Same can be said about Cotto, same plan, same result. Pac-Man gobbled them up. You are right for pointing that out to me, but since when does Hatton who was also knocked out by feather fisted Floyd, have a chin, and as strong as Clottey? Same can be said about Cotto. Cotto has been dazed countless times before. Like I said in my pick, Pacquiao will win but not in that Superman fashion that seems to be the latest trend. Oh and for those that are quick to point out that Cotto beat Clottey and Pacquiao crushed Cotto so Clottey will also get crushed. Well guess what? Styles make fights. So am I to also think that Floyd will eat up Pacquiao since Floyd toyed with Marquez while Marquez pushed Pac-Man to the limit? I feel that Pacquiao won both Marquez fights but truth be told, Marquez was on Pacquiao’s ass like a rash. It must also be noted that at least Pacquiao fought Marquez at Marquez’s fight weight, but Floyd would have still dominated Marquez at any weight. Why? Once again, because styles make fights. For the most part, I am with you all, I am amazed by Pacquiao each and every time I see him fight. I haven’t seen anything like what I have been seeing in Pacquiao, EVER! Even Bob Arum is now calling Pacquiao the greatest fighter he has ever seen, then again maybe we shouldn’t pay that too much mind since Arum once called Money May the greatest since Ali. Arum is the kind of guy that will eat shit and tell you it tastes good, just as long as he is promoting shit. I am sticking to my pick, Pacquiao by UD. If Pacquiao crushes Clottey like many of you think he will, I will then eat my crow the very next day and help hold up Superman’s cape.

May 1st., May’s 1st. Loss?- I recall sitting some 10-15 feet away from Floyd after he dominated Marquez when a reporter asked him about his money problems. Floyd’s answer to the brave reporter was that Floyd’s money was none of his business. Great answer by Floyd, but he that lives in a glass house should not throw stones. At yesterdays Mosley/Mayweather press conference, Mayweather made it a point to spit out that Shane needs money because Shane now has to pay alimony. I guess my business is my business and your business is everyone’s business. Seems to me that Floyd’s way of life is to always be on the defensive, the same Floyd you see in the ring is the same Floyd that you see out of it. I can hit you all I want but you can’t hit me. Regardless of all that, I gotta give it up to Floyd, He sure knows how to sell a fight.

Caballero Vs. Yordan April 10- Last week while I was out in Vegas, I stopped by Richard Steele’s Gym where I was able to see Celestino Caballero hit the pads with Jeff Mayweather. Celestino looked very strong and very sharp. Caballero’s footwork impressed me alot. Jeff mentioned to me that the 2 have been working together for a little under 2 months now and Caballero keeps surprising him with how fast he is able to pick up on things. Caballero feels that Gamboa and Lopez are both scared to face him in the ring. Earlier today it was announced that the man that will be seeing Caballero in that ring next will be the very tough Daud Yordan. Caballero/Yordan are set to face each other on April 10 on HBO.

Mike who? Mike Jones- I must admit that whenever someone would mention to me how good Mike Jones is, I would simply just shrug and say ok cool let me watch him first then I’ll get back to you. I have always just seen bits and pieces of him but never enough to fully see something for myself. This past weekend, I got to see him in action against Henry Bruseles. I must agree and now say that Mike Jones is good and should not be slept on. I would also like to add that Mike Jones reminds me of a young Vernon Forrest. May you rest in peace champ.

Local News: Ronson Frank back to make a statement- Ronson Frank brother of former champs Steve and Raul will take on tough vet Raynard Darden on March 12. Ronson who is 13-0 with 7 ko’s is looking for #14 to represent Rosedale to the fullest. Ronson who also just signed a new promotional contract will be making his debut under the O’ Shea Brothers Boxing Promotions banner. Mnay other fights are also set to take place including Maureen ”The Real Million Dollar Baby” Shea against Nydia Feliciano. ”St. Patty’s Day Brawl” will be held March 12 at the PaL Gym in Yonkers, Ny. For additional information and tickets, please call 914.216.9381. Big ups to my boy Ronson, do your thing.

source diamondboxing.com

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Pacquiao, Clottey "Face-Off" with Max Kellerman

HBO's third installment of its fight hype series "Face-Off" with Max Kellerman is now On Demand. It features, of course, Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey, who will fight March 13 in the new Dallas Stadium in a welterweight fight to be aired on HBO pay-per-view. This one is the funniest yet: I found myself laughing on several occasions. It was silly. They smiled a lot. They shared giggles. They rarely seemed like two men who are getting prepared to step into a boxing ring and attempt to beat the living hell out of each other.

Pacquiao and Clottey might be the two nicest boxers around. As Shoelfy pointed out, Clottey is just not a very angry guy, and we all know Pacquiao is a happy-go-lucky fellow. The difference, I think, is that Pacquiao is more competitive than Clottey. Whereas Clottey seems unwilling to push himself in the ring, Pac has always been inclined to fully engage in the pursuit of victory. Pac's got that dog in him that the greatest competitors possess, that dog that Clottey doesn't.

Anyways, some of my favorite parts:

- Max asks Manny if he gets "a special satisfaction" out of beating fighters from all over the world:

"It's not my intention to beat them all, but it's my job," Pac says, smiling.

- Manny talks about one of the things that he says makes boxing "easier" - studying your opponent and training for his style:

"Some fighters, if they have a fight, just go to the gym and train for what's their style, just doing what's their style. It's wrong. Before I start training, I watch the style of my opponent first. There's my strategy. And when I start training, I know what I'm going to do because I studied the style of my opponent. The strategy that I'm doing everyday, it's very accurate to the style of my opponent."

I think this speaks to the fact that Manny has become a much more cerebral fighter. He alluded to the same thing in the post-fight presser for the Cotto fight, and Freddie Roach has talked about how underrated Manny's intelligence is. The young, wild, uninhibited slugger has been replaced by the veteran, smart, aggressive boxer-puncher. It has been quite a transformation to witness.

- Max turns to Clottey, and asks him if he has seen anything about Manny that he thinks he can exploit. Clottey calls that his "secrets," and says that he doesn't want to reveal it because Manny is very a smart person with a very smart trainer. However, he does indulge us a bit, saying that the double-guard (Clottey's trademark defense) is the best thing thing to combat Manny's offense.

"But that's not a secret from you, right?" Max says.

Manny (smirking at Clottey the whole time he is revealing something that is not really revealing) interrupts.

"No, I know," Pac says, as the three men share a laugh. "No, I know."

- Max asks Manny what Clottey does well. "Good defense, strong back...Good defense, can punch."

"What are his weaknesses?" Max asks.

Manny looks at Max.

"Secret," Pac says, before letting out a laugh. Clottey nods, smiling.

- Max points out the obvious: these two like each other. He asks them if they'll need to work up some kind of comptempt for each other before the fight.

Pacquiao: "I think we're just doing our job in the ring. We have to do our best to entertain the audience and give the people what they want to see."

Clottey: "I show respect to any opponent I fight. But I know boxing is this: When you put on the gloves, the gloves is like a spirit. As soon as you put on the gloves, you're gonna defend yourself. And defending, you have to attack. When we get in, we're gonna do our job. I know he's coming to win, and he's the best. I want to play the best, because I know if I beat Manny Pacquiao today, I'll be the number one out there. Because he's the best."

Clottey continues.

"This is boxing. It's not an easy job at all. For you to get into the ring and beat the best out there is not easy at all. The way I'm going to train, I'll make sure that I do everything to win.

"When we get to the ring, we're going to be more than serious."

Manny shoots him a fierce look.

And with that, suddenly March 13 can't get here fast enough.

P.S. Pacquiao appears on Jimmy Kimmel Live! tonight. He did the same prior to the Cotto fight and it was an entertaining appearance. He and Kimmel have good chemistry. Set your TiVo's. - Pacquiao vs Clottey

Source sportingnews.com

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Headline: Can Pacquiao wipeout Clottey?

In Pacquiao’s last fight, Pacquiao was tested by one of the hardest punchers in the sport in Miguel Cotto. I recall Pacquiao getting buzzed for a second or two in a wild exchange against Cotto in the very early going of their great action packed fight. After the light buzz, Pacquiao then took Cotto’s best shots and took them with ease, Pacquiao later said that the Boriqua Bombers hard shots did indeed hurt, but Pacquiao pretended in his own mind that they really didn’t hurt. Come March 13, can Pacquiao pretend that Clottey’s fierce left hook tickles? I sure hope so, because come March 13 I will be picking Pacquiao to get the W over Clottey. I however do not see this fight as a wipeout as most observers out there are seeing this affair play out. I see this fight as a 8 rounds-4 or 7 rounds-5 kind of fight for Pacquiao. Many are picking Pacquiao based on 2 things, that is speed and power.

I will agree that Pacquiao does have the speed and power advantages over Clottey, but speed and power will not win this fight for Pacquiao. The things that will win this fight for Pacquiao will be heart and will. Will Pacquiao’s heart will The Pac-Man to keep firing off shots when he finds a steel iron chin Clottey resting on the ropes with his ear muffs on? How will Pacquiao react when he discovers that he can’t hurt Clottey as easily as he was able to hurt has past foes? Those are great questions to ask, but the bottom line is that Clottey just doesn’t throw enough shots to derail the Pacquiao Express. If I am Clottey, I would bring the fight to Pacquiao and constantly have Pacquiao backing up, Pacquiao is at his best when he is the one moving forward sitting on his punches and picking his spots. This is why I would push forward and place Pacquiao in a whole different place, take the rythym away from him. Can the Grand Master from Ghana do just that? I don’t think so. Pacquiao By UD.

source diamondboxing.com

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Texas: No 'good cause' for drug-testing Pacquiao, Clottey

The well-chronicled argument between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. over drug testing was so heated and divisive it caused two money-loving athletes to walk away from a guarantee of $25 million each.

Mayweather's camp implied there was something not so natural about Pacquiao's steady move up in weight in recent years, with increased dominance in the ring, and Pacquiao grew so defensive about the jabs that he sued members of the Mayweather camp for defamation.

Now, less than two weeks before Pacquiao fights Joshua Clottey in the replacement fight March 13 at Dallas Cowboys Stadium, the executive director of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation has judged that there is no "good cause" to institute any pre-fight drug screening for either fighter before their welterweight main event.

Mayweather and Pacquiao's public fireworks over the issue, in which a federal arbitrator was summoned to mediate the argument, have already been considered by the Texas executive director, William Kuntz, said licensing and regulation spokeswoman Susan Stanford.

Stanford added Kuntz can still change his mind "at any time," ordering drug screening procedures that the fighters would need to pay for.

Nevertheless, the absence of testing seems stunning when it's considered that Mayweather's May 1 fight against Pomona's Shane Mosley in Las Vegas is subject to Olympic-style drug testing that is being negotiated to be supervised by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.

Not only is USADA set to supervise random testing, including blood screening for human growth hormone that last week nabbed a British rugby player, Mayweather will have the option to request additional tests as long as he gives a sample of his own at or near the same time, said his advisor, Leonard Ellerbe, and promoter, Richard Schaefer, said.

Mosley has admitted that in the days before his 2003 mega-fight against Oscar De La Hoya, he used performance-enhancing drugs given him by BALCO founder Victor Conte. Mosley has insisted he thought the substances he took from Conte were legal vitamins.

The disparity in how the Pacquiao and Mayweather fights are being scrutinized (or not) is an unfortunate fact of life in boxing, says the president of the Assn. of Boxing Commissions, the national body that advises state commissions.

"Testing [is] an excellent idea, but the cost of [it is] somewhat cost-prohibitive," Timothy Lueckenhoff said. "If steroid testing is to be done as well as testing for illegal [street] drugs, it must be done across the board. When we talk about requiring all fights to be subject to this, we are just adding more cost to a struggling profession, especially regarding club show events.

"All drug testing is good and needed, but the cost is a huge factor right now."

source Lance Pugmire - latime.com

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This Time Clottey's Non-Response Was Troubling

This past Thursday there was a press call that featured Team Clottey along with promoter Bob Arum. Personally, I don't find fighter press outings and conferences to be all that informative. Sure, they can fill a writers' notebook with a lot of quotes. But having been around and associated with many world class fighters and champions, I know fighters are never going to disclose much about how they really feel and think about their upcoming fight and opponent. Obviously there are exceptions like Bernard Hopkins, James Toney, Floyd Mayweather and David Haye. However, they are the exception and certainly not the rule.

Most of today's fighters aren't going to shed anything that most observers haven't already figured out. Mangers, trainers and promoters are more than willing to talk - and that's because on fight night when the bell rings they step down and out of the ring. Whereas the fighters have to back up what they may have said during the run-up to a big fight or main event like Pacquiao-Clottey. Which is not the most comfortable position to be in if you're the fighter who lost.

During the conference call, Joshua Clottey was pressed as to what it is he sees about Pacquiao that makes him confident that he can beat him on March 13th. Others asked what it is that he had to improve on himself in order to become a better fighter. Clottey retorted by basically saying he's had a great training camp and is ready for the fight. The only thing Joshua said of substance was that by him being able to block a lot of Pacquiao's punches, Manny will in turn be a little more open for him to hit. Which of course is true. The problem is Pacquiao throws punches in bunches from a lot of unconventional angles. Meaning that if he's jammed with the first one or two he throws, three, four, five and six will be re-routed to the open areas. Which depending on how Clottey's chin holds up will either be his undoing or leave Pacquiao vulnerable to the presumably stronger Clottey.

The fact that fighters usually don't give up much to writers and commentators before the fight is just the way it is. Yet often you can tell that it's more the case of them holding something back and they are just keeping it to themselves so they don't show their hand before the fight. In fact Clottey admitted during the call that he didn't watch film of his opponents' fights. Then he said he's seen enough of Pacquiao to know how he fights. Okay, that's fair but here are the concerns I came away with.

One - Clottey is definitely troubled by not being able to be re-united with his first trainer, Ghanian Godwin Kotey, who was denied a US visa. Not only is that big for him emotionally, but it could turn out to be a disaster tactically. Secondly - Clottey gave me the impression that he really isn't sure what he wants to do or try to prevent Pacquiao from doing during the fight. And Manny Pacquiao is the wrong fighter to try and adjust to on the fly.

Granted, Pacquiao can disrupt the best formulated fight plan in the world during the heat of battle with his hand speed and shocking power. But if Clottey is under the impression that he can sit back and try and wait on what Pacquiao does - and then try to adapt to that and/or take it away--that's a colossal miscalculation. If Clottey was a little more aggressive he could use Pacquiao's mindset of being a real fighter against him, but that's not who he is.

The fact that Clottey didn't project that he's of the mindset and belief that he's going to fight as the bigger and stronger fighter is not a good sign. If it hasn't been drummed into Clottey's head by now that the only way he can win this fight is by forcing himself physically on Pacquiao, and hopefully that will be enough to break down the smaller opponent, then he really doesn't have much of a chance to score the upset. Pacquiao is a better boxer with faster hands and is the more accurate and sharper puncher. There's no way Clottey can sit back and try waiting and reacting to what Pacquiao is trying to do. But that's the impression I was left with as to what his approach to the fight will be after hearing him talk about it for 50 plus minutes.

Source thesweetscience.com

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Roach to bring in new sparring partners, It's becoming too easy for Manny

Trainer Freddie Roach plans to bring in some new sparring partners for pound-for-pound icon Manny Pacquiao this week as he steps up training for his showdown against Ghana’s tough Joshua Clottey at the $1.2 billion Dallas Cowboys Stadium on March 13.

Conditioning expert Alex Ariza told us that Roach wants “to get some fresh blood in there because to be honest it's been too easy for him (Pacquiao). ”

Pacquiao sparred twelve rounds last Saturday but dropped super featherweight David Rodela from the roster and instead went up against undefeated Abdullai Amidu (18-0, 17 KO’s) of Ghana, light welterweight Mike Dallas (11-0-1, 2 KO’s) and the experienced welterweight, veteran Steve Forbes (34-7, 10 KO’s.)

Ring Magazine’s Michael Rosenthal recently quoted Dallas as saying Pacquiao is “even stronger than he was before the (Oscar) De La Hoya fight. He’s a good counter-puncher. He’s strong, he’s fast and his legs are really something. His footwork is incredible. He moves like a cat. He’s real fast.”

Amidu told Rosenthal, Pacquiao is in good condition “punches hard, had a lot of speed and has good movement. He has everything. His punches come from different directions. They don’t come from where you expect to. You have to be ready for every eventuality.”

Asked why he thought Pacquiao was so successful, Amidu replied “he has a lot of respect for humanity. God blesses him a lot. He’s very disciplined, always in good condition.”

The Ghana fighter said he was very impressed with Pacquiao’s footwork pointing out that “if you have good footwork you can do a lot in boxing. You have to have good movement, to move from every angle. He can do that” adding that Pacquiao was the best he had worked with.

Ariza said Pacquiao was good, same as before when he had a stirring workout on Thursday which both Roach and Ariza agreed was Pacquiao’s best showing in sparring so far.

The conditioning guru who has worked with Roach since a few weeks before the David Diaz fight which Pacquiao won by a devastating 9th round knockout told us he’s “focusing more on his legs” which caused some concern in the training camp when Pacquiao complained of pain and tightness in the left leg which was similar to what he suffered during the fight with Juan Manuel Marquez.

Ariza told us “as long as his leg is holding up and it's not bothering him I am pleased. Until he wins this fight let’s keep our fingers crossed.”

He revealed that Pacquiao “knows now” about the danger to his leg posed by playing too much basketball which Roach has long been against and has apparently stopped.

While he was in the Philippines prior to leaving for Los Angeles, Pacquiao played a lot of basketball which is his way of staying in physical shape before getting into the gym to prepare for a fight. Even in Los Angeles, Pacquiao did play in some pick-up games because he loves the sport so much.

Source philboxing.com

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Clottey's $1.2 million question: Is he mentally prepared for Pacquiao?

There is concern within the Joshua Clottey fight camp as to the mental outlook of the March 13 Manny Pacquiao WBO welterweight title challenger.

You might call it the $1.2 million question as I've learned that the African boxer will earn $900,000 while his manager, Vinny Scolpino, gets the remainder.

But don't hit the panic button. It's par for the course, this wonderment about the Ghanaian's brain waves.

Gjin Gjini owns and operates Clottey's home training base in the South Bronx, John's Gym.

Clottey and his team were planning to return there this weekend but snowy weather around New York may delay those plans.

Clottey has been training in Fort Lauderdale.

Gjini, a former fighter orginally from Albania, said you never know what Clottey's mental state will be on fight night. It's not just that he's fighting the widely acclaimed pound for pound king of all boxing.

Clottey could have outpointed Miguel Cotto last June at Madison Square Garden but he went into a mental fog and stopped being aggressive in the final rounds. Clottey lost a split decision to the rugged Puerto Rican.

There is concern within the Joshua Clottey fight camp as to the mental outlook of the March 13 Manny Pacquiao WBO welterweight title challenger.

You might call it the $1.2 million question as I've learned that the African boxer will earn $900,000 while his manager, Vinny Scolpino, gets the remainder.

But don't hit the panic button. It's par for the course, this wonderment about the Ghanaian's brain waves.

Gjin Gjini owns and operates Clottey's home training base in the South Bronx, John's Gym.

Clottey and his team were planning to return there this weekend but snowy weather around New York may delay those plans.

Clottey has been training in Fort Lauderdale.

Gjini, a former fighter orginally from Albania, said you never know what Clottey's mental state will be on fight night. It's not just that he's fighting the widely acclaimed pound for pound king of all boxing.

Clottey could have outpointed Miguel Cotto last June at Madison Square Garden but he went into a mental fog and stopped being aggressive in the final rounds. Clottey lost a split decision to the rugged Puerto Rican.

source examiner.com

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Joshua Clottey in 'Best Shape' of His Career For Manny Pacquiao

A native of Ghana who is preparing for a March 13 challenge for the WBO welterweight (147 pounds) crown held by seven-division champion, Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs), of the Philippines, Joshua Clottey (35-3, 20 knockouts), of The Bronx, N.Y., spoke to FanHouse on Friday from his sleeping quarters near his training facility at Fort Lauderdale's Contender Gym in Fla.

This is the second of four diaries translated from Clottey that is appearing regularly on FanHouse as the 32-year-old fighter enters the most lucrative and biggest fight of his career.

Joshua Clottey wept, openly, earlier this month when a work Visa to the U.S. was denied to his preferred chief second, Godwin Nii Dzanie Kotey.

Kotey is perceived by many in their native Ghana as legendary and a father figure, having been the trainer for former welterweight star, Ike Quartey, of Ghana. Kotey was to be in Clottey's corner for the first time against Manny Pacquiao.

Kotey's presence was sought after Clottey had split with Kwame Asante in a reported disagreement over money -- this after Asante had served as Clottey's chief second for June's 12-round split-decision loss to then-WBO king, Miguel Cotto.

But now, with the biggest fight of his life on the horizon, Clottey was trainer-less.

Enter Lenny DeJesus (pictured above, left, with Clottey), a man Clottey had known of prior to employing DeJeus as the cutman for the Cotto fight.

A resident of the Bronx, the 32-year-old Clottey had seen DeJesus working with other fighters at the John's Gym, a venue he, himself, frequents that is located not too far from Yankees Stadium.

"I knew of DeJeus, but I didn't talk to him. Vinnie introduced me to him," said Clottey, referring to his manager, Vinnie Scolpino. "So he was used as a cut man in my fight with Miguel Cotto because he's been around for a long time. He seemed like a good choice."

Clottey said that DeJesus turned out to be even more of an asset during the fight with Cotto,

"When he was my cut man against Miguel Cotto, he pushed me. He sort of wakes you up, tells me some good things. We established a good relationship during the Cotto fight, so I chose him" to be primary trainer for the Pacquiao fight, said Clottey. "It was an easy transition. He motivates you."

Another advantage, said Clottey, is the fact that DeJesus knows a little bit about Pacquiao, having worked as the Filipino superstar's cut man throughout much the early part of his career.

DeJesus was last in Pacquiao's corner for the latter's March, 2005 loss to Erik Morales at super featherweight (130 pounds), after which Pacquiao won his next 11 bouts, eight of them by knockout.

A southpaw, Pacquiao has gotten more-and-more powerful as his weight has risen, having stopped his past four opponents, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, and, Miguel Cotto, respectively, while weighing 134, 142, 138, and, 144 pounds.

"Does DeJesus know a little bit about Manny Pacquiao? Yes," said Scolpino. "But we also know that Manny Pacquiao is a different fighter now than he once was. We're prepared, but we're preparing for the Manny Pacquiao of today."

Clottey said that his respect for Pacquiao's power is among the reasons he will dethrone him.

"I have more confidence this time around because I'm taking this fight like if I win, I have bigger things ahead. I have so much respect for Manny, so that gives me more confidence because I respect the guy," said Clottey. "I respect the guy because, if he has the chance, he can stop me. So I respect him because of that, and because of that, I'm more confident."

Conversely, said Clottey, it was his lack of respect for Cotto that led to his demise.

"When I went to fight Cotto, I knew, within me, or at least my thinking was, 'I could beat Cotto because I knew Cotto had not faced a guy like me before.' That was my thinking," said Clottey.

"I didn't respect him like he was going to cause any damage," said Clottey. "So, compared to that, I respect this guy, Manny Pacquiao, because he's stopped a lot of good guys. So, I'm giving him respect, and the respect will carry me through the fight."

Clottey, who weighed out at 154 pounds on Thursday, claims to be in the best shape of his life, and punching with more power than ever.

"We're two weeks from the fight, and that's where I want to be right now. I don't want to come down too much or too fast from sparring because that might hurt you," said Clottey.

"I eat a lot of chicken and a lot of fish. It's African food. I don't eat any other meat," said Clottey. "Sometimes, I have salads -- things that make me strong and to wake up in the morning and go jogging, or which can make me go to the gym and work out. I drink a lot of water and I'm very strong in the gym at work."

In photos, the challenger (pictured above) appears to have a more muscular upper body than ever.

"This is the best shape that I've ever been in. Because, I know that I've got a really tough fight with Manny, Pacquiao. All that you've seen from my photos is from the hard work of training," said Clottey, who a week ago, already was sparring 10, four-minute rounds with a 30 second rest in between and little if any fatigue.

"You know, I'm always in shape. I train even when I'm not fighting," said Clottey. "I play soccer. So when I start training, it doesn't take long. After a three weeks or a month, I'm strong."

And that, for Clottey, has meant more energy during sparring sessions, and, throughout his training overall.

"I've been trainig to do what I have to do. When the opening's there, I'm going to find them. When he's running, and he's moving around, I'll be able to cut off the ring," said Clottey. "When he stops running, I'll throw punches. And when I throw a punch, and he's there, I will be able to land it."

There are some who have questioned Pacquiao's ability to rise from one weight class to another with power, believing that he is on steroids or some other performance-enhancing drug.

Clottey, however, said that he is not among those who believes Pacquiao is dirty.

"Manny is a good man. He prays a lot. God gave him his power. He is a great champion, and this is going to be a difficult fight," said Clottey. "However, I have a plan: Hard punching, back him up, don't let him take charge. I will pressure him."

Source Boxing Fanhouse

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Pacquiao-Clottey fight might draw 45,000 to Cowboys Stadium

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said Thursday the Manny Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey fight is “well on its way” to selling out the 45,000 seats at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington.

“The Event” is scheduled for March 13 for Pacquiao’s welterweight title.

Arum said during Thursday’s teleconference that he expects about 4,000 tickets to remain when the fighters arrive locally the week before the bout.

He said opening up additional seats would be up to Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Arum said having a heavy undercard of Hispanic fighters helps appeal to the local Hispanic community. WBC super featherweight champion Humberto Soto (Mexico) will fight former WBC lightweight champion David Diaz (Chicago) for the vacant WBC lightweight title. Mexico’s Jose Castillo and Alfonso Gomez also highlight the undercard.

However, Arum suggested that many Hispanic fight fans have embraced Pacquiao, a Filipino who is widely considered the top pound-for-pound fighter in professional boxing.

Arum said he fell in love with Cowboys Stadium as a venue and hoped it could house a Pacquiao-Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout.

Mayweather’s camp skipped a potential visit to Cowboys Stadium, which embarrassed Arum.

When that fight fell apart Arum immediately called Jones to arrange Cowboys Stadium for the Clottey fight. Speaking of the failed Mayweather bout, the ultimate deal breaker proved to be Mayweather’s camp insisting on stringent drug testing.

Clottey’s representatives didn’t ask for additional drug testing.

“I respect him too much as a fighter,” Clottey said. - Pacquiao vs Clottey

Source star-telegram.com

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Clottey’s sparring mate Damian Frias takes us inside camp, says an upset over Pacquiao is possible

In October of last year, once beaten contender Damian Frias made the move up in weight to the Welterweight division to face off with Mexico City’s Freddy Hernandez. Taking place in Laredo, Texas, the Showtime televised bout was a pivotal one for Frias in his career as his past few years up until that point had been marked by inactivity and injuries.

As the rounds went by, however, Frias didn’t appear to be himself and his passive attack saw him end up on the wrong end of a decision. In the fight Frias appeared apprehensive towards building up his work rate and despite a late rally it wasn’t one of his better nights. The 98-92 scorecards across the board reflected the actions of a fighter who simply didn’t bring his best on that night.

The Placetas, Cuba native took a little time off to regroup but insists his belief in his abilities was never in question. Upon returning to his home away from home, Contender’s Gym in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Frias eventually began to get himself back on track in hopes for a big 2010 campaign.

“I’m back in the gym training and trying to redeem myself,” Frias recently stated. “I’m working hard, working harder than before. My mindset is OK. I didn’t lose my confidence because I didn’t get beat down. I fought a full blown Welterweight. I stepped up to Welterweight and I felt that I could compete. The last round that I had in that fight actually showed me that if I choose to I can go ahead and knock these guys out if I come in there with that mindset instead of boxing.”

Contender’s Gym is like Frias’ home away from home and he goes about his regimen under the watchful eye of his trainer John David Jackson, who also looks over former champions Nate Campbell and Randall Bailey as well as Super Middleweight contender Allan Green. While Frias was certainly at ease being around familiar surroundings it wasn’t until recently when things again started to fully pick up as he crossed paths with an unlikely gym mate.

“I’ve been working with Joshua Clottey for the past two weeks,” Frias stated. “Actually almost everyday. We’ve been sparring like four times a week. It’s been intense and we are really working. He’s got my respect and I have his respect.”

Respect seems to be the type of word one who elicit when discussing Clottey, who is a solid fighter from the bottom to the top. The Accra, Ghana fighter is in line for a chance of a lifetime showdown with Manny Pacquiao on March 13th at Dallas Cowboys stadium and it’s a contest that some say he very well has a chance of winning. When assessing the preparation for the bout, Frias insists their sparring sessions aren’t for the feint of heart.

“It’s very intense,” Frias claimed. “I just got back in the gym and he really didn’t catch me at tip top shape so he forced me to get back real fast, faster than I wanted to. It’s OK because he is a guy who is in my weight class and he is considered elite and I can see that I can compete in the Welterweight class by sparring him.”

The 16-2 Frias also has a tentative bout lined up for March so both men are helping prep one another for their respected showdowns. While the action in the ring may be hot and heavy Frias insists that it has lead to a certain type of understanding between each man. Frias has been able to see many sides of Clottey in and out of the ropes.

“It’s a special bond, of course,” Frias noted. “I want to see him win. From what I can see I am his only real sparring partner. Other guys might come once a week. We’re working together and he’s also helping me. As a person from what I can see he is a humble, quiet guy. He’s a strong soldier but he’s humble at the same time. He’s real pleased, from what I can see, with where he is at. When he comes to the gym he comes ready. As soon as he comes he wraps his hands up, puts his cup on, and he’s ready.”

Sporting a 35-3 record with 20 knockouts, Clottey’s only losses have all been close affairs against former world champions. The Accra, Ghana fighter is ultra confident in his abilities and Frias points out some of the intangibles he has noticed during their time in closed quarters.

“His conditioning,” Frias said. “He has nice hand speed and he fights in combination. He’s not a dummy. He thinks, he’s quiet, and he fights very calm and from what I can see that guy doesn’t get tired at all. That’s one of his main strengths. He has some power too, he’s strong.”

It’s obvious that Clottey presents a very formidable challenge to anyone he steps in the ring with but he is still perceived as a heavy underdog to Pacquiao, who has been on a terror in his past four fights. But from getting to know the former champion on an intimate basis, Frias believes whole heartedly that everything lies in Joshua’s hands come March 13th.

“He’s good, he’s ready and it’s all up to him. If he comes to the fight with the right mindset he can be victorious and upset a lot of people. He’s not going to be a pushover for Pacquiao.”


Source examiner.com

---

Watch Pacquiao vs Clottey live stream on March 13, 2010 via PPV.

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Pacquiao Spars With Tough Fighters

Fighter of the decade and the world's best pound-for-pound boxer Manny Pacman Pacquiao has intensified his preparations for the March 13 fight against Joshua Clottey at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium in Texas, USA.

According to reports monitored by DAILY GUIDE SPORTS, the classic boxer is sparring with two tough fighters in order to be ready for the Ghanaian hard hitting pugilist.

The report indicates that Pacman is sparring with Steve Fobres who once fought Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya and went the distance with him; and Raymund Beltran, a regular spar-mate.

Conditioning expert, Alex Ariza said, “Pacquiao showed amazing speed and power and was ready to go anytime.

“It was obvious that he was relaxed and happy and looking forward to the clash with Clottey (35-3, 21KOs)”, he noted.

He added that there is no welterweight in the world now who could beat Pacquiao and that includes Floyd Mayweathr Jnr and Shane Mosley.

Meanwhile, the city of Dallas is readying itself for the biggest boxing showpiece of the year.

By all indications, the Dallas area and its fans are ready to host another grand event and all-set to watch Pacquiao deliver another knockout show.

“I can't wait to see Pacquiao in action here in Dallas," exclaimed Ronald “Popeye" Jones, former 11-year veteran for the Mavericks turned Mavericks Player Development Coach.

“You see that burning fire in Pacquiao to win, to be successful. It's the same fire that Michael Jordan had." Tickets for the fight had already been sold, selling from US$50 to US$700.

source Charles Nixon Yeboah - modernghana.com

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Clottey's Problems

I keep finding it strange that if you had proposed a Pacquiao-Clottey fight two years ago people would have thought you were a lunatic. They would have thought that Clottey would crush and batter the smaller Pacquiao. Part of me thinks that we're all in for a big surprise.

But then I think about Pacquaio's recent performances, and I think about Clottey and that doubt goes away. We know what Pacquiao can do, but the news out of Clottey's camp reaffirms my feelings about him; he's a guy who isn't meant to win. For some reason things just don't seem to work out for Joshua Clottey.

In this fight we've all heard that Clottey is without his preferred trainer, who remains in Ghana dealing with visa issues. Today on Boxingscene it is reported that he is working with Pacquiao's former cutman Lenny De Jesus.

I don't know enough about De Jesus to judge his fitness to train Clottey, but I do know that there needs to be a level of trust between a trainer and a fighter. I can't imagine that is easy to create just weeks prior to the biggest fight of your career.

Equally concerning is an article in the Las Vegas Boxing Examiner. We learn that Clottey's chief sparring partner is Damian Frias. Frias reports that things are going well in camp, but notably say, "From what I can see I am his only real sparring partner. Other guys might come once a week. " 

I saw Frias fight on Showbox last year where he lost a clear decision to Freddy Hernandez. He's a decent fighter, but it does seem a little concerning that Frias, Boxrec's 250^th ranked welterweight, is Clottey's only major sparring mate. Manny Pacquiao, working at the Wildcard Gym, has an inexhaustible supply of good fighters to work with.

Does this mean Clottey can't win? Absolutely not. It does make one wonder if Clottey will be at his absolute best, if he will have given himself every advantage possible, as Pacquiao has. We know Pacquiao won't wilt in the last few rounds, he trains for it and lives for it. Will Clottey be ready? Will he be willing to do everything it takes?  For a guy like Clottey - whose career has been a series of moments where he came up just short - it sounds like it could be part of a familiar pattern.

Source sportingnews.com

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Manny Pacquiao, fighting fit and ready to fight

Head trainer Roach had to ease back on his fighters training, anxious his man would peak too early before the March 13 bout at the cowboy’s stadium, Arlington, Texas. When asked how Manny felt about fighting at the venue Roach said his fighter is honoured to be fighting in such a venue, he’s thrilled and it’s given him the extra incentive in his training in his quest to please a packed crowd.

Freddy Roach suggested Pacquiao, 50-3-2, (38) will enter the ring around 149 – 149 ½ pounds on the night of the fight, his opponent Joshua Clotty, 35-3-0. (28), is expected to weigh at least 160 pounds come the night of the fight. When asked if he was concerned with the size difference, roach said “Many is a true welterweight now and will not be fighting below the 147 limit again, if Clottey comes in at 160 pounds that does not concern me, it will only slow him down and make our job a whole lot easier.

Manny Pacquaio is said to be in tremendous condition, he reportedly started training at 149 pounds, only two pounds above the contractual weight of 147 pounds.

Sparring
Those who have witnessed the pound for pound king in sparring have been giving glowing reports; some suggest he looks ready to fight tomorrow. The Pac-Man allegedly beat up journeyman Bryan Brooks in four rounds, and almost knocked out Mike Dallas, 11-0, when the 23 year old light welterweight accidently landed a blow south of the border. Roach drafted in a new addition to the Pacquiao sparring sessions, Abdullai Amidu, a welterweight from Ghana who is undefeated with a record of 18-0, (17).

Joshua Clottey
Meanwhile on the east coast Joshua Clottey is preparing himself for the biggest opportunity of his career, one he plans on grabbing with both hands. Without the massive entourage Clottey goes about his business in Florida. “I’m not only bigger I am stronger, I have a game-plane and a motivation to beat Manny Pacquiao” said Clottey “God has given me this opportunity and I will seize that opportunity on the night of March 13. Personally I know he’s worried about me, how big and strong I am; he knows I will present him with a lot of problems, I have worked hard my whole life for this opportunity”

Aftermath
The contractual details are unclear regarding a re-match clause should Pacquiao loose this fight. I’m guessing a fight of this magnitude would have such a clause, not that there would be a need for one. If the Ghanaian Clottey were to win I feel he would happily oblige, another massive pay day and a desire to prove the first win was no upset would be enough to lure both back into the ring. I see only two routes for Pacquiao should he be the victor, the first would be a fight against the winner of Floyd Maywaether vs. Shane Mosley, pencilled in for May 1st, at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, Nevada. The other option would be to boost his historic record by winning yet another title in an eight division, light middleweight. - Pacquiao vs Clottey

Source theboxinghistorian.com

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