Manny Pacquiao will defend his WBO welterweight title against Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Texas on March 13 in a fight promoters are hoping will rival the Super Bowl.
The Filipino was originally scheduled to face Floyd Mayweather Jr, but after a high profile dispute over blood tests derailed the bout, Pacquiao will now take on the tough Ghanaian in his first defense of the title he won from Miguel Cotto.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is enthusiastic about bringing the biggest name in boxing to Texas.
“I have wanted to bring a major boxing event to North Texas for many years, so why not bring in the biggest and the best?” asked Jones.
“Manny Pacquiao is boxing’s number one pound for pound attraction and the world champion. Manny defending his title against Joshua Clottey is not just a great fight, it’s a great event, and one we can showcase to the fullest in Cowboys Stadium. We’re going to promote this like it was the Super Bowl.”
Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank has every confidence in Jones’ ability to sell-out the 111,000 capacity stadium for the 31-year-old’s debut as reigning world welterweight champion.
“Jerry Jones knows exactly how big and important this event is which is why it was so easy to put this deal together,” said Arum.
“As a lifelong Giants fan I had to receive special dispensation from Steve Tisch, the Giants’ Chairman and Executive Vice President, to bring this event to Cowboys Stadium and he blessed the deal.
“If Jerry could sell me on Cowboys Stadium and the North Texas market, you know he is going to have no problems selling out Cowboys Stadium on March 13. We are ready to roll up our sleeves and promote Manny’s debut as World Welterweight Champion.
“Manny Pacquiao is the lone star of boxing. There isn’t a more appropriate place in the world for him to fight!”
Both Pacquiao and Clottey faced Cotto in their last outing in the ring. Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs) lost a disputed split decision to the defending champion, while Pac Man (50-3-2, 38 KOs) battled on to a 12th round technical knockout.
With a combined record of 85-6-2 (59 KOs), Pacquiao and Clottey have a winning percentage of 91 percent and victory by knockout of nearly 70 percent which should ensure a thrilling encounter in Texas between the reigning world champion and the number one contender.
