The Event: Pacquiao vs Clottey

Pacquiao vs Clottey was made following a breakdown in negotiations between representatives of Pacqiuao and the recently un-retired Floyd Mayweather Jr. over drug testing procedures. Pacquiao vs Mayweather is the biggest fight possible in boxing and was sure to generate a level of mainstream interest the sport has not seen since the heyday of Mike Tyson.

Clottey, 35 (20)-3, who's record includes wins over the late Diego "Chico" Corrales and Zab Judah, found himself in the fortunate position of being the best available welterweight challenger for Pacquiao's WBO welterweight championship after moderation proceedings failed to produce an agreement between Pacquiao and Mayweather.

While some may look at any opponent other than Mayweather as just another day at the office for Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey presents some challenges that make him a threat. Included in Clottey's arsenal are his world-class defense, proven durability against the best (the Ghana native has not been stopped in his 39 professional bouts) and size.

 

Clottey is a welterweight who has been known to step between the ropes closer to the middleweight limit on fight night, while Pacquiao's largest opponent was Miguel Cotto, who faced Pacquiao at a catch-weight two pounds below the 147 pound welterweight limit.

In anticipation of the biggest bout so far this year, the Cypress Chronicle asked some top pros for their take on "The Event: Pacquiao vs Clottey..."

Steve Forbes, former super featherweight champion, and star of ESPN's "The Contender" reality series, thinks it's going to be a tough fight with Pacquiao coming out on top.

 

"I think it's gonna be a tough fight. If Clottey fights like he's been normally fighting I can see Manny Pacquiao winning each round...tough rounds. If he changes his game up a little bit and does some different things I can see an entertaining fight. I got to lean towards Manny because he's been on such a big role. I want to see a good fight, I think it's gonna be a good fight. You got a guy who's not afraid of nothing in Joshua Clottey. I just see Manny Pac winning the fight."

Mike Dallas Jr., an undefeated light welterweight, agrees.

 

"I think Manny should catch him or whatever, but I just think it's gonna be a tough fight, and I feel that Manny should pull it out. Joshua should be right in front of him but I think Manny should pull it out."
 
"Fast" Eddie Chambers, WBO #1 ranked Heavyweight, believes Clottey has a shot, "I like the fight, it's interesting. I see Joshua Clottey's situation as similar to what I'm in. Maybe on a much bigger scale."

 

"He's [Clottey] coming in with nobody really expecting much, with him still being a class fighter, having the ability to be a world champion. He definitely has a legit shot. And I'm pretty sure he will go the 12, but then again you never know with Pacquiao." Chambers awaits his March 20, title shot against Heavyweight Champion of the World Wladimir Klitschko

 

"Pacquiao is definitely an electric fighter and can bring the pain at any time during the fight. I'm looking for Clottey to definitely make it 12, and it will be a good, tough, hard twelve that Pac has to turn in to win this fight."

"The Event: Pacquiao vs. Clottey," is live Saturday, March 13 at 6 p.m. on Pay Per View.