CEBU, Philippines – They may differ in the number of rounds but some of Cebu’s boxing pundits were unanimous in tabbing a knockout victory for seven-division world champion Manny Pacquiao against Joshua Clottey of Ghana when the two fighters figure in a 12-round showdown for the WBO welterweight title on March 13 (Sunday RP time) at the Cowbows Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
“Pacquiao will win by knockout in round seven,” said topnotch Cebuano promoter Rex “Wakee” Salud before leaving for the United States yesterday to personally cheer for his close associate and business partner.
Just like his brutal destruction of Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto to name a few ring greats slayed by the Pacman, Cebuano ring experts firmly believe that Pacquiao’s blinding speed and sledge-hammer punches would be the determining factor in what is perceived by many around the globe as a one-sided battle in favor of the Filipino sports icon.
“The fight will not last the distance. Manny before eight. Manny is simply too fast and too strong. Clottey is flat-footed and slow but tough. The only way he can survive if he plays rough and dirty,” said ALA Boxing Gym founder Antonio “Bidoy” L. Aldeguer.
ALA’s top executives echoed the same observation. “Pacquiao will win by KO either in 8, 9 or 10 rounds if Clottey comes to fight to win, but is Clottey comes to fight to survive if may go UD (unanimous decision for Pacquiao). Either way, whatever Clottey brings to the ring Pacauiqo will win. He is just too fast for Clottey,” said ALA Promotions president Michael Aldeguer.
“I’ll go for a late round KO for Pacquiao. Clottey might be strong but he is stoo slow for Manny,” said ALA Promotions vice president Dennis Ca?ete.
Cebu City South District Councilor Raul “Yayoy” D. Alcoseba also gave his two cent’s worth on the hotly-anticipated bout, saying that “Pacquiao will emerge victorious by knockout in eight. He’s too quick and strong for Clottey.”
For Alcoseba’s north counterpart, Councilor Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem hints that Clottey may not last six rounds against Pacman, pointing out that Clottey was even knocked down by Cotto in the first round during his previous match.
“Pacquiao will KO Clottey within six rounds or less. Clottey is a very good fighter, but please remember he was knocked down in the first round by Cotto, who was demolished by Pacman. It was not even a very good punch by Cotto, but Clottey just got caught suddenly,” said Jakosalem.
“Imagine when he receives the punches of Pacman he won’t see. No I changed my mind, I’m going for Pacman by KO in less than four rounds,” added Jakosalem in slight jest.
Cebuano trainer Jun Ablaca, when sought for his fearless forecast, said that it’s going to be an easy job for Pacquiao.
“It would be an entertaining fight, but Pacquiao is going to knock Clottey out between the fifth and seventh rounds,” said Ablaca. “Manny won’t have a hard time against Clottey because Clottey is a natural counter-puncher and doesn’t throw punches much.”
Meanwhile, the fights odds are overwhelmingly in favor of Pacquiao.
In a report by The Philippine Star, sister-publication of The Freeman, Vegas bookmakers placed Pacquiao at -800 and Clottey at plus 550. It means that Pacquiao fans need to bet $800 just to win a hundred bucks, while if you’re for Clottey, you put $100 and if he wins you get $550 in return. – THE FREEMAN
