FILIPINO superstar will find Joshua Clottey far more superior than Ricky Hatton whom he disposed in two rounds. In fact, he is tougher than Puerto Rican Miguel Angel Cotto although the Ghanian who he will fight on March 13 in Dallas, Texas after his aborted fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Clottey has far more superior defense than both Cotto and Hatton and has sturdier chin.
If Team Pacquiao thinks Clottey is a walk in the park, they better watch out.
Coach Freddie Roach was right. Clottey is passive opponent. He stands in the middle of the ring and suspect lateral movement. What he lacks in that department, he makes it up with his big punches and big built. Plus the fact that he has never been stopped in 35 fights – winning 32 of them (20 by knockout). Even Antonio Margarito failed to kayo him. And his other loss, via decision – to Cotto – was highly competitive he could have won that one.
Of course, Manny had already stopped many unbeaten fighters before and owned the singular honor as the only guy to legitimately knock down and stop Erick Morales (twice).
Clottey’s ability to take a punch against Manny’s relentless attack will be put to real test.
In Manny, he will find his defense not enough. Like many others before him, he will find that Manny’s accurate punches come from unorthodox angles thrown with the ‘baddest’ and meanest of intentions, not just hello taps.
He will also have to cope up with Manny’s unrivaled speed over twelve rounds and, for added measure, prove that he could counterpunch and throw that jab effectively.
Otherwise, Clottey will have his face and body beaten to a pulp.
While many will be disappointed it will not be Mayweather the Filipino beakbuster will face, Clottey will provide a very entertaining matchup for the Filipino and fans will be thrilled by Manny’s display of firepower.
No wonder HBO decided to cover the event instead of waiting for Mayweather to decide who is the American going to fight.
HBO’s decision to have the Pacquiao-Clottey on PPV only proves Manny’s drawing power.
This is sweet revenge for Manny as Floyd is left with his hands full.
He can’t take just any average Joe’s in boxing. Even a fight with Shane Mosley will not be enough to take the luster from Manny’s shining star.
Well, for Clottey, chance for an upset which is possible bu not probable.
