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January 15th, 2010 | by Oliver Suarez
Manny Pacquiao’s camp did not waste any time at finding a legit replacement for Mayweather Jr. Considering the circumstances and who was available, Clottey as an opponent for Pacquiao is more than we can ask for.
Clottey is one of the top fighters in the welterweight division and has an impressive record of 35 wins including three loses. What should be noted too is that he’s never been dominated in any of his loses and one can argue that his only legit loss was against Cotto.
He was leading on all scorecards against Baldomir, but was disqualified for a low blow despite not receiving any previous warning. Also, he was winning the first half of the fight against Margarito but injured his hand and lost the fight via a decision, and with Margarito being suspended for the use of plaster in his hands, that loss has been put into question by some people.
Joshua Clottey is a tough fighter with good defense, who is very hard to look impressive against. Some have mentioned that it is an easy fight for Pacquiao since Clottey was beaten by Cotto; but as most boxing fans know that logic doesn’t always hold true in the sport of boxing.
Fans should not be surprise if Clottey puts up a better fight against Pacquiao than Cotto did. For now let’s look forward to this ‘semi-final’ fight as we also await the other fight with Mayweather Jr. against a ‘mystery’ opponent to complete boxing’s version of the Final Four. If Mayweather Jr. selects Paul Williams or Shane Mosley as an opponent, then it can only enhance the interest for the fight.
I asked for the opinions of some of the most respected boxing insiders and as well as fans. Below are their thoughts on the fight.
Kieran Mulvaney, ESPN
“I actually think Pacquiao-Clottey is a pretty good fight. If you’d told me 15 months ago that Manny would be fighting Clottey, I’d have been pretty excited. It’s only disappointing when viewed in the context of what we wanted to see. Clottey, as we all know, is big and tough and he has a strong jab. The problem, of course, is that especially as a fight wears on, he just doesn’t throw enough. That will likely be his undoing against Pacquiao. Clottey may cause Pacquiao some trouble early, a little like Cotto did, but once Pacquiao finds his timing and rhythm; Clottey will have a hard time keeping him off. I think Pacman will dominate the second half of the fight and wind up a comfortable points winner.”
Rolando Bohol, Former IBF flyweight champion
“Hello Oliver, to be honest with you, I’m not interested in this fight Pacman vs. Clottey. Manny will kick his butt. I’m waiting for Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Jr. and this is gonna be the hardest fight of Pacquiao’s career and the fight people have been waiting for.”
Marc Abrams, 15rounds.com
“Could be a very interesting fight. People thought that Clottey, won the Cotto fight so maybe he deserved this fight before. Could be a very difficult fight considering I do believe that a Mayweather fight is possible for the fall.”
The Boxingvoice
“It’ll be interesting fight, and quick night for Pacquiao. Clottey is a great fighter, but just as susceptible to getting hit as Pacquiao… just don’t think Clottey can handle the punches in bunches.”
Michael Marley, Boxingconfidential.com
“Tough fight for both but they will be paid handsomely so they can’t expect something easy. Question before the fans is will Mayweather man up and take a March foe as credible as Joshua. If ever there was a time for a bold, strong move by Floyd it is now. He could take on Paul Williams. Al Haymon can call up himself to make that match, lol. I see a fight with some good exchanges but Clottey fades, as he did against Cotto, down the stretch, late stoppage or wide UD 12 for Manny. Believe it or not, Manny is still coming to his peak.”
Ryan Songalia, Boxingscene.com
“I think it’s utterly pointless.”
Kenneth Ragpala, 8CN
“Clottey is the perfect choice for Pacquiao. I do not think a fight with the safety-first Yuri Foreman would be as exciting, though it is historically significant in terms of boxing achievements.
Pacquiao versus Clottey is a good matchup and would be a great bout to clean the welterweight division. On the other hand, Mayweather is cornered. A fight with Matty Hatton or Paulie Malignaggi will further taint his already tainted legacy. He needs to challenge someone dangerous if he wants to one up Pacquiao - Sergio Martinez of Paul Williams perhaps?”
Brian Wilbur, Ringside Report
“Joshua Clottey is a very good, tough opponent. His boxing style could give Pacquiao trouble, especially his defense. However, I don’t think that Clottey has the power or offensive capability to checkmate Pacquiao. I’ll take Manny by competitive but clear decision. ”
Kevin Riley, Bleacherreport.com
“I’m happy with the match up that Bom Arum has made for Pacquiao. Clottey gave Cotto an excellent fight and many people think he should have actually won that fight. The only thing you have to worry about is how Clottey will respond after that disappointing loss. Sometimes people have a hard time rebounding and competing at the same high level they were competing at before. We shall see how Clottey rebounds.
What I’m really happy about though is that bob arum went directly back to Jerry Jones after the Mayweather fight fell through. I think that having the fight at Cowboy Stadium is really going to add a lot of excitement and entertainment. People are really going to be looking forward to seeing what Cowboy Stadium looks like with a boxing ring in the middle of it.”
Fans
Mike Gardner
“Honestly I think it’s a shit fight. Clottey just lost against Cotto who Manny killed. Why should he get a title shot? This guy is made to order for Manny. Straight ahead fighter no real defense. But that’s Arum for you. His long time feud with PBF is the real reason that fight didn’t happen. Seriously I spend 10k going to see fights a year I’m not paying a Dime on this one.”
Bruce Santoro
“Well sure I appreciate you giving me a chance to voice my opinion. Frankly I’m angry about it this a poor excuse of a super fight the fans demand a Mayweather vs. Pacquiao and the feeling of people here in my city like mine feel both sides did not do enough to make that fight happen I will not order the Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight because I feel bob arum and top rank are being greedy and want to keep all the money in house or maybe Manny’s test comes back positive for performance enhancing drugs I don’t know but I will not purchase Pacquiao vs., Clottey on PPV”
Francisco Galicano
“Manny is the hot item in boxing right now. Fighting the elite in his weight class should tease Floyd Mayweather Jr. out of his shell and fight for the #1 P4P status or retire with a cloud of doubt hanging over his head, whether or not, he had indeed prevailed over the best fighters in his prime. The end result in this ugly Pac vs. May saga is the creation of a destructive tear in the fabric of boxing promotion that had initiated a protectionist mentality in both houses: TR fighters vs. other fighters except GBP fighters and vice-versa. Of course, he who captures and provide the most money will prevail, leading to the migration of fighters from one house to the other that will result in the enrichment of one house and the total destruction of the other. I cannot say if this is going to benefit boxing as a whole, but I would rather see that Top Rank prevails over GBP because what GBP had done to Pacquiao is inexcusable. In the world of trade and commerce, GBP had committed the worst of mortal sins: Unethical business procedures. Manny taking on Clottey is a good step forward.”
Dennis Katana Oboza
“This is not gonna be an easy fight for Pac, Clottey is durable and he throws more combos than Cotto, plus, he has good endurance as well…and yes i will get the PPV!”
EliezerJavier
“I think Clottey is a tough guy. He’s big, he can punch and he got a good chin. But Manny speed and power still is the key. Again, it is definitely not an easy fight for Manny. I would predict Manny will KO Clottey in 11-12 or win a decision.”
Joey Santana
“Thanks for your interest in my opinion. I actually like this fight. It’s just too bad that most casual fans won’t care. Once again Manny is taking on bigger opposition, who also has a decent fight resume. Clottey fought Cotto, Margarito, Zab Judah and Diego Corrales since 2006. Going 2-2 in those fights, that’s pretty good!! We all know Manny`s resume, But this will be a difficult challenge for him. A lot of people thought Manny couldn`t knock out Cotto, and because Clottey is a pretty big welterweight, people will look at this fight the same way. I personally think this fight will go the distance and Manny will win by outboxing him with a lot of movements and just being better prepared by Freddie Roach. When you are in the ring with Pac, you can`t stop punching like Clottey did with Cotto. Manny doesn`t run out of gas, so Clottey better not either or he`s through!! I have to admit, I haven`t seen too much of Clottey to go on, but then again who has?? He did come off pretty good in the Margarito fight and vs. Cotto alot of People thought He won. (I had it 114-113 Cotto) Like I said, I like this fight, it’s a good challenge for both Fighters. The problem is…… It’s not Pacquiao-Mayweather. It will definitely get attention in The New Cowboys Stadium, ( I was there in November…..its Sick!!!!!) and it may be a great fight for fight fans but it won`t have the luster of a Megafight.”
Sean Morehouse
“Probably a mirror of the Cotto fight. Clottey gets some good shots early in but just not good enough to last. Would buy it if not for Mayweather supposedly fighting on the same night. HBO PPV will put together a much better show than whatever Top Rank is doing on their own. Might try to go to a bar that has both if I can find one though.”
Ray Acosta
“I like the match up plus when do you see a fight in a place like the cowboys stadium. Plus a lot of people will be boycotting any Floyd and GBP. The real story is where HBO gonna put their money. “
(send questions to Oliver for his weekly mailbag to osuarez@fighthype.com, and you can follow him at twitter @sportzhype, Sportzhypeboxing.com.and facebook.)
This entry was posted on Friday, January 15th, 2010 at 5:00 PM.
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January 16th, 2010 at 12:35 AM
[...] FIGHTHYPE \ PACQUIAO vs. CLOTTEY: BOXING INSIDERS AND FANS VOICE … [...]
January 16th, 2010 at 12:26 PM
Lidell’s looping rights
January 17th, 2010 at 1:26 AM
We always watched Manny fight because he always gives us excitements. I thought if you’re a boxing fan you want to see exciting fights, and Manny always delivers.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:33 AM
for me this fight is more Thrilling than Pacquiao vs. Mayweather since Clottey got more punching power, more durable and can fight toe-to-toe against Pacquiao (unlike the back pedalling Floyd). i would say 12 round UD for Pacquiao. yes PPV is a must.
January 17th, 2010 at 1:46 AM
to all this people that think this fight is shit and this is not the fight they want to see.. get fcukin over the pac-may fight. it didnt happen and thats the end of the story.. a fight needs 2 combatant and if one of the guy doesnt want to fight then the fight wont happen. this is the next best thing and u guys just have to live with it.. quit cryin Oh i want to see pac-may fight and thats all i want to see… u guys are acting like a buncha kids.. GET OVER IT. life goes on
January 17th, 2010 at 1:52 AM
This will be a good fight!
January 17th, 2010 at 2:14 AM
This is an exciting match again for us…but sad to say whatever manny did and will going to do for lifting the sport of boxing again still…some people were able to pay him back with disrespect due to baseless accusation…i hope after this one he will go back to us (Filipinos) who loved him fair and square and hopefully wins the election and serve us for the good of our country.
Wish you all the best Ka Manny…we’re behind you all the way!
January 17th, 2010 at 2:16 AM
It was a good strategic move for Manny to face Clottey. Anyone else was either to risky (foreman) or not an elite fighter even worth mentioning (m…g..i). Although I still eventually would like pacman to fight jmm in a rubber match. With clottey he set a caliber that calls for Floyd to match. Any 147 fighter is out of the question for floyd because PAC reigns that weight. His real only challenge to his ego/legacy is at 154 to one up PAC. More respect for PAC to pick a tune up that may knock him out; mannys the man but clotteys definately has a punchers chance especially if pac is baiting the belt. Ultimately we all want pacquiao vs mayweather, so itsFloyds move… check!
January 17th, 2010 at 2:18 AM
I heard that Teddy Atlas is a PEDOPHILE and raped a 7 year old girl. Teddy had threatened the family of his rape victim not to talk, else he will kill them. I’ve got this news from a very reliable source from a common guy on the street that he received an email regarding it. I did not see the email he mentioned but I believe the street guy 100% because he is following exactly the same high standard of responsible journalism like Teddy. Teddy wants to prove to the people that he really care about to those common street guy so he is following the standard of the common street guy. He also loved the chicken and egg story…
But as of now, he is conclusively pedophile and a rapist, he should submit himself to the police authority to prove his innocence, he must submit his sperm cell and have a blood test because only drug addicts can do this kind of crime…
January 17th, 2010 at 4:29 AM
The Pacquiao-Clottey fight is going to be a real fight that will electrify the boxing audience. While Pacquiao-Mayweather was hyped to high heavens, the unethical and baseless press releases by GBP based on the words of someone who we all knew is a drug addict, shuttered all the mega-fight expectation. I personally like fighters who give us the excitement but not the runner/dancer types who may win fights but leave us disappointed. In my opinion, even if there’s a public clamor for another try for a Pacquiao-Mayweather, the man from the Philippines who is the pride and job of that country, should and must desist from getting involved with any Mayweather.
January 17th, 2010 at 4:31 AM
Typo error: “pride and joy” vice pride and job.
January 17th, 2010 at 5:38 AM
Both pacquaio and clottey loss on that fight, and arum is the winner. yepheeeyyyyy
January 17th, 2010 at 6:01 AM
This is really a very entertaining fight. As always in any Pacquiao fight expect the unexpected. If Pacquiao KO’s Clottey expect the PACMAN detractors to be at the …roid issue again and the more little floyd won’t fight the little fighter from the Philippines.
January 17th, 2010 at 6:31 AM
manny picked his opponent and trains
i think floyd already picked an opponent and already training before he will annouce who he will fight.
typical floyd, he always wants advantage ^_^
January 17th, 2010 at 6:39 AM
i would love to see this fight MANNY can deliver an exciting fight with a good opponent like clottey its a big chance to him to prove that he is not just a replacement if he wins against the pacman….
January 17th, 2010 at 7:55 AM
People forget how damn strong Clottey is. He totally stomped and retired Corrales before his untimely accident. Plus Cotto’s will was the only thing giving Clottey problems. Cotto was manhandled for most of the fight. Clottey definitely has a chance of hurting or knocking down Pacqiao, but may most likely lose to Pacqiao’s resiliance and energy as reflected in the past three fights. —This is Pacqiao’s most dangerous fight maybe even icluding Mayweather. The Cotto decision was a gift to Cotto and robbery to Clottey.
January 17th, 2010 at 8:09 AM
My friends and I will definitely buy this PPV. Mayweather and GBP should realize that Manny is the top dog here, and we invite all Pacman fans to do the same and show our support to Manny.
January 17th, 2010 at 8:35 AM
I will surely watch this fight. It will be exciting. There will be no running around. Two warriors will collide. No pillow fight.
January 17th, 2010 at 8:36 AM
The other boxer???? should be fighting ana julaton to level the playing field. LOL!!!
January 17th, 2010 at 8:46 AM
I CAN SAY ONLY ONE THING. WE ARE LIVING IN THE TIME OF THE LEGEND. IM SO HAPPY THAT I HAVE WITNESS THE ALL TIME GREATS “MANNY PACQUIAO”.
BRING IT ON MANNY!
January 17th, 2010 at 9:56 AM
this fight will once again prove that manny is a fearless and first class fighter, not the chicken that mayweather is. manny is wading into ever dangerous waters just to prove that he is who he is, the pound for pound best of our generation.
January 17th, 2010 at 12:06 PM
clottey is a durable fighter but i doubt if he will last long in this bout, once he get knockdown it will be the end, clottey was flash knock down by cotto and the latter fails to follow up, pacman will not let that chance pass, on his cotto bout, after the knock down he relaxes and waits for a one punch knock out, i believe he wont do the same against clottey, he’ll finish him ASAP.
January 17th, 2010 at 12:24 PM
Here is ESPN’s website where you can file your complaints..https://r.espn.go.com/members/contact/index Lets flood them with complaints vs. Atlas and see how they react to the issue..PACTARDS ATTACK!!!
January 17th, 2010 at 2:58 PM
I’m gettin’ my $60 for the PPV ready for this fight! Any Pacman fight is a must-see for me. I can’t wait too see how the fabulous Cowboys Stadium would look like! One suggestion to Jerry Jones: Why not host a soccer game….Texas have the Houston Dynamos and FC Dallas!!! or has it happened already?
January 17th, 2010 at 11:40 PM
Pacquiao will starts training after the press conference of his upcoming fight at the famous Wildcard Gym of Freddie Roach in Hollywood. It seems like Pacquiao will going to have a busy schedule again for the following weeks (does he ever been idle?).
While all of this hectic activities are happening on Manny’s camp, people are wondering about Floyd Mayweather’s plan. His camp has been silent lately, wether he is preparing for his next bout or he is currently concocting a new Anti-Pacman campain.
Whatever it is nobody knows, he always surprises us anyways…
But guess what so does Pacquiao, just in a different way.
Get the latest Pacquiao-Mayweather separate ways saga at THEGREATESTFIGHT.COM
January 18th, 2010 at 12:52 AM
KFC, now we know is not hard any more but an easy fight for Pacman.
KFC avoided him coz he’s cherry picker P4P. KFC knows what he can do and what Pacman can do too.
So KFC back down from the fight. He lost his nerve. He lost his face. He lost his safeguarded record, it vanishes like a
smoke.He knows not what hit him.
KFC knockout himself.
January 18th, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Well-written. Thanks. As someone who has struggled with an addiction myself, I really appreciate this site.
January 30th, 2010 at 9:14 PM
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February 2nd, 2010 at 1:35 AM
Yeah youre right! Im looking forward to more of such discussions on your blog. Thanks. Regards, Lorna
March 5th, 2010 at 1:57 AM
clottey is very talented and hard looking person fighter, it is joshua clottey can beat manny pacman.. i thinh so. let see the ringside. i favor from the great hands speed and hard punch KO.