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Clottey a measuring-stick fight for Manny Pacquiao
By Ace Freeman (12-Mar-2010)

Ace Freeman examines the upcoming welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey set for March 13 at Cowboy Stadium in Texas.
No disrespect to Joshua Clottey, but he is the opponent in this fight. Manny Pacquiao is undeniably a phenomenon in professional boxing at the moment, and while this is an extremely viable top welterweight fight and a stiff challenge, it has the feel of a stay-busy fight for the pound-for-pound king. That goes a long way to attest to Pacquiao’s prominence at the moment as Clottey is a top contender in a division the ‘Pacman’ has only fought twice in.

The biggest problem with this fight for many people is that it pales in comparison to the historic Floyd Mayweather Jr. fight for Pacquiao that fell apart at the beginning of this year. Put together without any politics or obstacles, Pacquiao vs. Clottey was an easy alternative for Top Rank (Pacquiao’s promoter) once the biggest fight of all time fell off the table for the time being. The two fighters are sure to meet head on in the centre of the ring and it is much more likely to be a fire fight than a chess match which bodes well for the packed house expected for Arlington, Texas’s “Cowboys Stadium” and the hoards of Fight Fans tuning in on HBO PPV.

Since the signing of this fight Mayweather Jr. has inked a contract to face WBA welterweight champion Sugar Shane Mosley in a much more compelling matchup. Make no mistake about it, that is a more attractive fight against a more significant opponent. It may very well be the biggest challenge of Floyd’s career to date. I am a big fan of Mayweather and I applaud him for taking the challenge, but it’s no secret he needed a fight of that caliber.

I am not one of the many proponents who have accused Mayweather of avoiding challenges over the years. I think he’s taken the right fights at the right times and I had no problem with his hiatus from the ring. But in comparing his overall and recent resume against Manny Pacquiao, Floyd is overdue for a fight like the one vs. Mosley. In my opinion he needs that bout to keep pace with Pacquiao’s emphatic rise over the last two years during which Mayweather had just one fight (a dominant victory over Juan Manuel Marquez).

It is under those pretexts that Manny Pacquiao is set to face Joshua Clottey this Saturday night. Clottey may have dropped a narrow decision to Miguel Cotto last year (who Pacquiao went on to dominate), but he is no slouch.

The African fighter is as tough as they come. He’s never been stopped and has only been down once in his career (a flash knockdown off a jab from Cotto early in their fight). He’s been in with some fierce punchers and has never looked hurt. From Diego Corrales to Antonio Margarito, Clottey has stood up to some tremendous fire power against some very strong fighters and has never looked fallible.

Add to all of that, he is one of the biggest and strongest fighters Pacquiao will have been in the ring against, and it makes for a very intriguing matchup.

If Manny Pacquiao can dominate Clottey, he will have established his reign at welterweight as a remarkable one… adding to his achievements of stopping Oscar De la Hoya and battering Miguel Cotto to snatch the WBO welterweight title.

If the Filipino terror manages to become the first fighter to stop Joshua Clottey, he will stand as a pillar atop the welterweight division, even with Mayweather and Mosley fighting for their share of the 147 pound crown in May.

After examining the style matchup, it is my contention Pacquiao will stop Clottey.

Having sat in on his training camp for this bout, Pacquiao looks as quick and violent as I’ve ever seen him. His footwork (which can be seen in this footage as shot by Ron Gabriel last month) has added a new and dangerous element to his fold as it allows him to reposition himself at a multitude of angles to throw his attacking and countering punches with his trademark blinding speed.

Clottey is a tough customer and his ability to absorb punishment is up there with the best in the sport at present. However, I believe he lacks the versatility to keep Pacquiao honest. He seems to either be on the offensive or the defensive with little ability to counter punch.

His guard is largely impregnable when he’s covering up but when he goes on the attack I see Pacquiao countering him with his speed and unorthodox angles.

From watching him working closely with Roach earlier in his training camp I have a feeling Clottey will absorb an uppercut he won’t see coming at some point in the bout and it will be the beginning of the end. The smart money is on Pacquiao by decision but I believe he’ll get Clottey out of there.

The bout will serve as a measuring-stick of sorts for Pacquiao. If he dominates and or stops Clottey, the former flyweight sends a message that he is a force to be reckoned with… even for the most durable of fighters ten divisions north of where he started.

A telling Pacquiao victory in this fight might not equal a potential Mayweather win over Mosley, but in succession with his last four fights it will certainly have him looming large should he choose to sit ringside for May 1.

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rob Says:

between pacman vs clottey let the best man win.
Mosley vs mayweather Go mosley, knock that kid to humility once and for all.
March 11th, 2010 at 12:43 am
floydfan Says:

nice but im with the smart money manny by decision
March 11th, 2010 at 1:22 am
RoidFloyd Says:

The fight in Texas will deliver more entertainment per dollar for an economically strapped fan base. Smart money should be on watching Pac v. Clottey instead of Mayweather/Mosley. Clottey is an unknown fighter who will provide an unknown challenge to Pac; Mayweather/Mosley will provide a predicatable run, chase, run fight but with the marquee names. I can wait to hear the sports report for that one. But, seeing drama unfold between two battle tested warriors willing to engage is priceless.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:18 am
Pacroid Says:

Not only is this a measuring stick fight, but it will also serve as yet, another message to Mayweather.

The message being that Manny Pacquiao is going to absolutely decimate Joshua’s Clottey’s high guard and should put even further doubt into Floyd’s mind about whether or not he can withstand a Pacquiao assault should Mayweather opt for a high guard defense against Pacquiao in the event his philly shell does not bode well with Pacquiao’s relentless southpaw attacks.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:39 am
Ace Freeman Says:

“; Mayweather/Mosley will provide a predicatable run, chase, run fight”

Gotta disagree with you there bro. It’s a huge misconception to say that Mayweather runs.

He stands in the pocket and counter punches.

That’s boxing. Not running. And last time I checked, boxing is the name of the game.

I think Pacquiao vs. Clottey is a very exciting match up because of how durable Clottey is, and the fact he’ll be there for Manny to hit.

But Floyd vs. Mosley is also a very compelling boxing match for different reasons. I’m excited to see it as well.
March 11th, 2010 at 2:50 am
Dreamliner Says:

Ace,

Just when I thought you weren’t keeping it even, you go a ahead and totally redeemed yourself.

This will be a good fight, I don’t like the fact that everywhere you here about this fight, they have to mention how much the stadium is worth, like they’re fighting in Fort Knox or something.

I interested to see what Clottey’s weight is the night of the fight. I just watched Clottey vs Corrales again. His style hasn’t changed at all since then. but it shows his discipline!
March 11th, 2010 at 10:36 am
Ricky Tan Says:

I’m a big fan of Pacman but best wishes to Joshua Clottey, a man of class, who is what a true boxer and fighter should be: humble, God-fearing and respectful. Good luck to both and may the best fighter win! I predict Manny with KO in the later rounds if he gets lucky, otherwise Manny by decision since he generally throw more and accurate punches. Otherwise, Clottey has every chance to show an upset with a lucky uppercut.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:14 pm
AKITA Says:

Pacman by TKO on the 10th. Mosley by TKO on the 11th.
March 11th, 2010 at 5:44 pm
jindevil Says:

pacquiao is a very good fighter.he keeps on coming and attack you every time he wants to attack.i think this fight will not go to distance.pacquiao by ko.
March 12th, 2010 at 7:02 am
hs Says:

Ace dont bother, If it was not for pacquio most of these philipinos would watch jackie chan or bruce lee’s movie.Dont dont know anything about boxing. Floyd will out box manny any day anywhere any time.

Manny is a great guy but since he ducked floyd i the boxing community suspect him of using steriod

I would not pay to watch manny vs clottey as i know what is gonna happen, i would rather pay to watch mosely vs floyd
March 12th, 2010 at 7:43 am
duke Says:

Ace its good that you bother about this. Mind some people that boxing and basketball is the number one sport in the Philippines. If Manny was not successful there’s still filipino fans out there for him. Look at Brian Viloria he lost a few fights already but filipino fans still encourages him to fight and support him. It doesn’t matter who; if their fighter is fighting internationally the better to support him.
As for Floyd, he must be afraid; to go that far accusing and insulting then harass with drug tests.(This is like him saying you want to fight me little boy, do all this then come to me for a candy.) No boxer should bow to him. What a joke, his comeback fight is Marquez at 147. Marquez never been there at 147! Cherrypicker!
March 12th, 2010 at 11:41 am
Ace Freeman Says:

It’s all good guys I’m used to it. Any time I defend something about Floyd or Manny I seem to get labeled a hater of one or the other.

I like both dudes a lot and have for years.

They both have their positive and negative attributes, but as a fan of boxing they are both favorites of mine for what they do in the ring.
March 12th, 2010 at 2:03 pm
adam from Auz Says:

i just wish floyd and manny would fight, the boxing world deserve to know who the best fighter in the world is. and at the end of the day i think manny and floyd in there own minds are a little uncertain these guys make so much money off the fans buying there fites they owe it to the boxing world.
March 12th, 2010 at 3:45 pm
Pugilist Says:

I am absolutely amazed at the number of folks who think Pacquiao will stop Clottey. Margarito likely with loaded gloves couldn’t even stop Clottey. Pacquiao taking twelve rounds to stop a shell shocked Cotto (Cotto could’ve finished) isn’t that impressive. Cotto has been hurt in practically every fight he has been in. Even feather fisted Paulie Malignaggi rocked Cotto.

I don’t see how folks can say Mosley is the tougher opponent than Clottey. Mosley spent the past year avoiding Clottey. But, that seems to get swept under the rug for some reason. I empathize with Clottey because if he was from Puerto Rico instead if Ghana. He would have never loss to Cotto, and would be a much bigger name. But, Ghana’s poverty and geo-politics has hurt him with sports writers and promoters. Clottey’s loss to Cotto was a classic “Business Decision”. I am afraid we may see a repeat of against Pacquiao.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:21 am
Ace Freeman Says:

I’d say it’s far from a foregone conclusion. In all likelihood, Pacquiao will win a decision.

But no one is unbreakable.

Look back to Andrade’s last fight against Bute. Prior to that no one would have seen something like that coming.

Sometimes it’s the punch you don’t see coming that makes a big difference, and with Pacquiao’s speed and the way he’s using angles these days, it wouldn’t shock me to see him surprise Clottey.

Clottey being stronger than Mosley is definitely a subjective notion, but there’s no doubt Mosley has a more well rounded game and is currently a more elite opponent. Clottey did well against Margarito, but Mosley destroyed him. Mosley has a much more versatile attack, is much quicker handed, and a bit better of a boxer. He knows what it takes to win titles in multiple divisions and has more championship experience.

By no means is Clottey a poor opponent, but he’s not Shane Mosley.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:38 am
Race Police Says:

“hs Says:

Ace dont bother, If it was not for pacquio most of these philipinos would watch jackie chan or bruce lee’s movie.Dont dont know anything about boxing. Floyd will out box manny any day anywhere any time.

Manny is a great guy but since he ducked floyd i the boxing community suspect him of using steriod

I would not pay to watch manny vs clottey as i know what is gonna happen, i would rather pay to watch mosely vs floyd”

That was a racist comment.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:07 pm
tramyer Says:

,,,rock the world!!! Pacman rules in sports of boxing’..not only a best boxer but to show how greatness a man can be without trash talking to anybody’ as the world will remember manny’s legacy likewise his example as a good person in & out of boxing. His legacy will inspired future athletes:

the best asian fighter that ever lived!!! the Philippine Icon of goodwill!!! the best decade fighter of the world!!! the first boxer who wins 7 championship in 7 diff. division!!! and the first lineal fighter champion and most of all the Best Pound for Pound Champion of the world!!!
,,,hail to the king Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao!!!…

Good luck! may the best man win!!!
HONESTLY my prediction is…Manny wins by 10rd KO.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:19 pm
duke Says:

True Ace, Manny’s has come a long way. Clottey is a durable guy but Manny seems to know how to use his abilities and brain to make a fight, a fight. If the outcome favors Manny which I think he will; this fight is a prelude to the winner of the Floyd/Shane winner. If Clottey performs really well, it could be a square dance among the four.
March 13th, 2010 at 1:28 pm
Pugilist Says:

Clottey not only has an excellent chin, he has a good guard. No matter what angle Pacquiao uses his punches will be grazing a lot of forearms. Lets hope the judges actually appreciate this.

I agree Shane is more well rounded than Clottey. But, I think Margarito is an unfair comparison. I’m sure Margarito’s head was in a different place when he was fighting Mosely. Margarito was likely scared out of his mind thinking about the ramifications of getting caught cheating. Clottey fought the 2nd half of the Margarito fight with damaged hands. Yet, he still was robbed in the end. Most fighters would have quit with the injuries Clottey had.

Unfortunately short of knocking Pacquiao out. Sadly, I am 100% sure Clottey will be robbed tonight. There is too much money in a Pacquiao/Floyd-Mosely fight. The propaganda that will be used to justify this robbery is already being put out by the media. Pacquiao is busier, Clottey fades. Who cares if you are busy if your punches are landing on forearms. Those are the excuses that will be used to justify the robbery that is hours away from occurring.
March 13th, 2010 at 2:15 pm
the expert Says:

@Race Police

and you think you know a lot??

well then tell us some…

for you to know i watch cotto fights, shane, Nonito, Floyd when he was unretired (well some of his fight like judah – the weak all talk) and many more…

You talk like that like you’re so sure on what you are saying well…hmmmm…

I have no brains for you talk to my hand… piss off.. i mean peace ahahaha
March 13th, 2010 at 2:16 pm
Pugilist Says:

Freddie Roach on Pacquiao’s opponents

De La Hoya
Freddie Roach – Hoya-Pacquiao 24/7
“When I saw the needle tracks on his arm. I knew we were going to win the fight”.

Ricky Hatton
Freddie Roach on Pacquiao-Cotto 24/7
“I hate to say this about a former world champion, but he’s not a very good fighter.”

Then there is the whole catch weight nonsense with Miguel Cotto. These are the fighters (paper tigers) the Pacquiao legend has been built upon. We all know the controversy surrounding the Marquez fights. And, Erik Morales was past his prime after the first Pacquiao fight.

A strong case can be made Pacquiao has never defeated a great fighter. Yet, the media will have you believe he is the greatest fighter of all time. Is Pacquiao even the greatest Filipino boxer ever? Ceferino Garcia and Francisco Guilledo have something to say about that.
March 13th, 2010 at 2:30 pm
Ace Freeman Says:

“A strong case can be made Pacquiao has never defeated a great fighter.”

No, it can’t.

He obliterated Barrera, knocked out Morales twice, out-pointed Marquez, one-punch KO’d Hatton, stopped Oscar De La Hoya, and battered Miguel Cotto with ease.

I’ve seen a lot of media allude to him being one of or the best of this era, which does put him in the company of the all time greats. I haven’t seen much of them (if any) suggest he is the greatest fighter of all time.

It’s one thing to suggest he’s over hyped. It’s another to attempt to discredit him and his opposition to do so. The same can be done with any fighter if you want to put a microscope over their resume to look for reasons to complain about.

Pacquiao has a very strong overall resume, and is without a doubt one of – if not the best fighter of this generation.
March 13th, 2010 at 3:58 pm
Pugilist Says:

Ace I agree with you those guys are/were great fighters. But, they were not great fighters at the time Manny beat them. Freddie Roach said himself Hatton was not a great fighter. Hatton was nearly KOed by the Hispanic Causing Panic Juan Lazcano before the Manny fight. Barrera and Morales were worse for wear by the time Manny beat them. Freddie Roach even said he didn’t think Cotto would ever be the same due to the Margarito beating. If Manny man handles Clottey that will make a lot folks believers. But, if this ends up being a replay of the Cotto-Clottey shenanigans boxing suffers. Not trying to take anything from Manny at all. But, something is wrong when the media proclaims Pacquiao to have slain a God with needle tracks on his arm in De La Hoya. A De La Hoya who looked rudimentary at best against Steve Forbes.
March 13th, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Ace Freeman Says:

“Not trying to take anything from Manny at all.”

When you insinuate he has never beat a great fighter, you are.

I’ve heard this argument before, and it can be said of just about any great fighter in history if your intent is to tear their resume apart looking for problems with opponents not faced, and excuses for opponents they did face.

That group of fighters, over a huge span in weight with all the stoppages = a great resume. One of if not the best of this current area, and in the company of the all time greats.

Some people definitely take it a step to far, but that’s no reason to demean Pacquiao’s accomplishments.

Just my opinion.
March 13th, 2010 at 5:49 pm
kentox10 Says:

pacquiao by tko round 11.
March 13th, 2010 at 9:11 pm

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