Joshua Clottey, a career-defining opportunity comes against Manny Pacquiao

[Makers]

For Joshua Clottey, a career-defining opportunity comes against Manny Pacquiao

Clottey, a 15-2 underdog in Saturday’s WBO welterweight title fight, is ready to give Pacquiao ‘the fight of his life.’

March 11, 2010|By Lance Pugmire
LA TIMES

Reporting from Arlington, Texas — Joshua Clottey has already addressed all questions about his desire out of the ring.

Now, as he completes his preparations for Saturday night's WBO welterweight title fight against Manny Pacquiao, the mystery surrounding Clottey is whether the big underdog can produce the performance of his lifetime. Oddsmakers don't think so: Pacquiao is a 15-2 favorite.

Clottey (35-3, with 21 knockouts) was raised with little education in the African country of Ghana. He made daily trips to the sea as a youngster to reel in fish that he would sell to help support a family he described as "transient." But Clottey, 33, had the good fortune to follow his older brother, Emmanuel, into a sport that proved to be his calling.

"Some guy thought I could fight and put some gloves on me," Clottey said, recalling that when he was 6, he was sent into a bout against a larger youth who promptly slugged him in the stomach and caused him to lose his lunch. "I stayed at it. I learned. This was the way I was going to become somebody."

Thirty-eight fights into his professional career, Clottey's ability to avoid the hurtful blows like the one he sustained so long ago most defines him. Fighting against men who yearned for the same path out of Africa, Clottey never lost a pro bout in his native country.

He is made in the tradition of the greatest fighters from his country, boxers such as Ike Quartey and Azumah Nelson: tough, deliberate, balanced.

And driven.

"I see 1,000 kids come through my gym who say they want it, but they're not mentally tough like this guy," said Jimmy Gjini, owner of John's Gym in the South Bronx, where Clottey trains. "This guy's always in shape. He's focused, whether it's hitting the bag or jumping rope. There's never any playing around with him.

"I know Pacquiao's good, but he's human and I think Joshua will shock the world and show everyone the potential he has."

Unquestionably, Pacquiao shares with Clottey the attributes of being fueled by a youthful struggle. What separates the champion is that Pacquiao has showcased his ring skills so superbly in recent brilliant performances that his opponents are relegated to underdog status.

Clottey's edge, however, is the meaning of Saturday night.

Because of Pacquiao's popularity, mammoth Cowboys Stadium is expected to have a crowd of about 40,000 for the fight. But this date was supposed to be a Pacquiao bout against unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr., a mega-fight the boxing world had clamored for with each fighter receiving a $25-million guarantee. A dispute over drug testing, loaded with unquenchable ego-motivated demands, left that bout on the scrap heap.

No matter how the Pacquiao camp talks about the Filipino's unyielding dedication — regardless of his opponent — this bout still has the distinct feel of a consolation event.

Not so for the challenger, who takes pride in spreading the word among friends, family and reporters that his bigger size, discipline and defense will bother Pacquiao and affect the outcome of the fight. Clottey was in Ghana when he learned that the Pacquiao-Mayweather negotiations collapsed. "This is it," Clottey told friends.

"He's going to fight Pacquiao all night," Clottey's friend Bismark Bruce said.

Fight promoter Bob Arum says that although "no one can beat Manny Pacquiao, Clottey will make the best show. He brings it. He's tougher than Mayweather. Any time a little guy goes in with the bigger guy who's already fought everyone, you have to consider the bigger guy."

Clottey is embracing this "Rocky" moment.

"I'm ready to give him the fight of his life," Clottey said. "I'm more focused, more determined because people will see this all over the world and this fight is for my people in Ghana. I want to make them happy. I'm going to win."

"Pacquiao's now fighting a real 147-pounder," Clottey's trainer, Lenny de Jesus, said. "[He plans] to push Manny against the ropes. Manny doesn't fight well going backward. We're going to force the fight, create openings doing so and hit him with strong shots. We'll throw a lot of punches. If he listens, we'll pull it off."

In the view of Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach, Clottey still has to prove he has an answer for Pacquiao's speed advantage and that he can avoid tipping off his punches. In past fights, Clottey has relied on a passive defense when tired, and that probably cost him a close decision loss to Miguel Cotto last June.

"Clottey is very strong — I respect him, but he has a tendency to cover his face too much and go into that shell," Roach said. "Clottey is not as offensive as some of the guys we've fought. You have to throw punches to win fights.

"I think we'll get him before we got Cotto (12th-round TKO). We'll pound him with body shots, and it will be too much. He'll get hit more than he ever has in his life."

Of course, Clottey knows how to take and dodge punches.

It's why he'll be standing in the center of the ring Saturday waiting for Pacquiao, and for his life's work to pay off.

[Makers]

Very little respect for a stronger..bigger fighter in his prime...

[Makers]

March 13, 2010 - Pacquiao vs Clottey

3/13/2010 10:30 PM

Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey

1401

Manny Pacquiao

-625

1402

Joshua Clottey

+480

3/13/2010 10:30 PM

Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey total rounds

1403

Over 9½ rounds

-175

1404

Under 9½ rounds

+150

[Makers]

Boxing	EXIT
March 13, 2010 - Pacquiao vs Clottey Fight Outcome

3/13/2010 10:30 PM

Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey

1405

Pacquiao to win by KO TKO or Dq

-135

1406

Pacquiao to win by Decison

+150

1407

Clottey to win by KO TKO or Dq

+700

1408

Clottey to win by Decision

+1300

1409

Draw

+3500

[Makers]

Tonight's fight will Pacq punch

By GEORGE WILLIS
NY POST
Last Updated: 5:33 AM, March 13, 2010



ARLINGTON, Texas -- Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey stood face-to-face in the center of Cowboys Stadium yesterday, posed in the traditional boxing stare down after weighing in for tonight's WBO welterweight championship fight.

Clottey looked slightly taller and more chiseled, but that matters little to Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach, who have made a habit of dominating bigger foes like Oscar De La Hoya and Miguel Cotto.

"Size doesn't win fights," Roach said. "Skill does."

Pacquiao (58-3, 38 KOs) has shown plenty of skill in recent bouts, capturing back-to-back Fighter of the Year honors with an impressive run of victories over former world champions like Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Angel Cotto.

Having won a sanctioned or linear championship in a record seven weight divisions, Pacquiao has parlayed a bright smile and lethal fists to become an icon in the Philippines and the savior of his sport.

"He has broken into the general conscience of people around the world," said Bob Arum, whose Top Rank promotes Pacquiao. "He truly is a crossover star."

All that could come to an end in tonight's pay-per-view ($49.95) showdown against Clottey, a rugged slugger from Ghana, who was the second choice after talks of a Pacquiao fight with Floyd Mayweather fell through over blood-testing for performance-enhancing drugs.

Clottey, who is based in The Bronx, yearns for the type of respect Pacquiao has gained.

"If I beat Manny Pacquiao, I'm going to be very much happy because he is the best fighter out there," Clottey said. "He is the man now and he's giving me a chance to fight him, and if I beat him, I'm going to be on top of the world. It will be very important to the people in my country."

Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs) is known for his tight defense -- elbows and arms tucked tightly against his body, his gloves protecting his chin. He is economical with his punches, almost to a fault, preferring to land when he can do damage instead of punching for show. He likes to lure his opponents into an offensive flurry, waiting for an opening to unleash his powerful uppercut.

"I will throw punches that cause damage," Clottey said.

Pacquiao, meanwhile, is a southpaw blur of ferocity -- always on his toes, bouncing like a piston while firing punches from all angles. Occasionally, Pacquiao may want to feel Clottey's strength, something he did against Cotto. But few have been able to deal with Pacquiao's blend of speed and power, and unless Clotty tags him early, this is a fight Pacquiao should win easily.

"He's good at what he does, but he does the same thing over and over again and he's very predictable," Roach said of Clottey. "He's going to try to change for this fight, but once he gets in he will revert back to it. We are 100 percent ready for his style. He's resilient. The beginning of the fight is going to be very hard because he is a very good opponent and he likes to fight. We will break him down and I am confident the fight will not go 12 rounds."

It's hard not to agree with Roach, who predicted the quick KO of Hatton and the late stop of Cotto. Pacquiao will run for a congressional seat in the Philippines in May, prompting some to speculate this might be his last fight. But why quit when things are just getting good.

PREDICTION: Pacquiao by decision.

[Makers]

Live updates

http://boxing.fanhouse.com/2010/03/1...round-updates/

[Makers]

Joshua Clottey entered the ring wearing a bright, glittery red robe trimmed in white. Dancing to music and with members of his entourage waving the Ghanian flag. One of them gave the throat-cutting gesture. Clottey's trunks are red with gray trim.

Manny Pacquio's first music was "Thuder Struck" by AC-DC, which switched to "Eye Of The Tiger" by Suvivor.Pacquiao, wearing a red robe with blue and yellow trim, climbed the ring post in his corner and waved to the cheering crowd. Pacquiao's trunks are read with white and yellow.

Michael Buffer: Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!!!

Round 1: The crowd is screaming "Manny, Manny," even before the round begins. Clottey paces and Manny gets final instruction from trainer Freddie Roach. Pacquiao jabs and goes to the body. Clottey's hands are held high. He looks bigger. Pacquiao is still throwing. On the ropes, Clottey is covering up. Clottey throws a short jab. Pacquiao fires away at the body. Clottey still has not answered. Clottey is blocking shots, but there is no offense. Pacquiao's counter right lands over a lazy jab by Clottey. Clottey lands a short right. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 2: Same thing to start the second. Pacquiao is throwing, Clottey is catching. Clottey uncorks a couple of jabs. Pacquiao lands to the head and body. Clottey tries to come forward. Pacquiao backs him up. Clottey digs to the body and to the head. Pacquiao goes to the body and the head and the body again. Clottey answers similarly. Pacquiao digs to the body and head. Clottey lands once to the head. Pacquiao is digging around Clottey's guard to the ribs, but Clottey's punches that land to the head are accurate. Pacquiao's round, 10-9

Round 3: Clottey may be feeling the body shots that Pacquiao is landing. Clottey comes back. Pacquiao's activity has Clottey backing up. Clottey is taking shots to the midsection and ribs, but comes back with a left-right. Clottey's not going anywhere. Clottey lands a hard right hand that pops back Pacquiao's head. Clottey is briefly pinned in a corner but he's blocking shots. Clottey begins to answer back. Telltale signs that Clottey could be trying to wear down and discourage Pacquiao for a trap in the later rounds. Clottey lands to the head. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 4: Clottey has more pep in his step to start the round. Clottey lands a lead right. Clottey loops in another right. Pacquiao digs a right to the body but takes a one-two to the head. Pacquiao throws two hands -- around each of Clottey's guard -- and is warned by referee Rafael Ramos. It is apparent frustration that he can't get to Clottey's head consistantly. Pacquiao lands a five-punch combination on the ropes. Many of the punches are landing on Clottey's arms, yet Pacquiao, nevertheless, keeps throwing because they're more than Clottey's offering. Clottey lands a right-left to the body. Pacquiao closes to the head. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 5: Pacquiao is winning simply on activity. Clottey lands twice to the body. Clottey lands a right to the head. Overhand left from Pacquiao. Clottey clearly has it in the tank but seems to be saving up? Pacquiao right hooks twice to the head. Clottey lands a short right. Clottey lands a left to the head and a right. Pacqauio lands a five-punch combination. And then Pacquiao lands four punches before the bell. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 6: Clottey is clearly trying to wear down Pacquiao with pressure, but he's got to throw punches if he wants to keep from digging a bigger hole for himself. Clottey throws a right. His back against the ropes, Pacquiao takes three punches, but punches his way out. Pacquiao keeps up his punch output. A four-punch combination finds Clottey hard to the head and body. Clottey lands a hard right that jars Pacquiao. Pacquiao digs to the body. Clottey finds Pac-Man with a right and then a left. Pacquiao nails him three times along the ropes. Clottey lands a left at the bell. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 7: Clottey goes to the body early. Clottey doubles up on the left and lands a right. Pacquiao continues to lead to the body and go to the head -- around Clottey's defense. Pacquiao chases Clottey to the ropes, but takes a hard right. Clottey goes to the body and the head. Pacquiao lands a five-punch combination to the body. Clottey can't sustain any consistancy on punch series'. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 8: Clottey lands a looping right hand. Pacquiao's still boxing and maintaining distance. Pacquiao digs five right hands that split Clottey's guard. Clottey is warned for a low blow. Pacquiao takes a couple of seconds of recovery time. More body shots from Pacquiao. A nice right hand from Pacqiao. A head butt. No damage. A hard right and a left from Pacquiao. Several punches follow. Pacquiao closes strongly, uncontested. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 9: Clottey doesn't answer as Pacquiao jabs at his defense. Clottey comes forward but nothing. The PacMan just wails away at whatever he can find available. Clottey finally goes with a right, left, right combination. But the PacMan comes back. A six-punch combination by The PacMan is punctuated by a right hand. Pacquiao does it again, and again. Clottey is baffeled by Pacquiao's speed, apparently. Clottey is a sparring partner at this point. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 10: Clottey needs to throw caution to the wind, but instead, he's riding a downward spiral toward defeat. A right hook from Pacquiao lands hard. A left to the body from Pacquiao.Clottey is within range to counter, but does not. What must Clottey be thinking? Clottey tags PacMan, but doesn't followup. Clottey leaps in and lands a right. Clottey lands a right uppercut and another right. PacMan comes back, however, and gets busy again. Pacquiao chases Clottey to the corner and continues landing. Pacquaio's round, 10-9.

Round 11: Clottey is coming forward with intensity. Pacquiao still is outboxing him. Clottey lands two hard lefts. PacMan comes back. Clottey lands an uppercut. PacMan drives him to the ropes with a six-punch combination. Pacquiao closes by chasing and out-landing Clottey. The crowd is in a frenzy at his resolve and sustained energy level. Pacquiao's round, 10-9.

Round 12: A hard right from Clottey and then a head butt. Clottey lands a long right hand. Clottey lands a left to the body and one to the head. Pacquiao doubles a left hook to the body and head and follows with a right hand. Clottey is being outworked again. PacMan takes a left hand. They exchange down to the bell, and when the bell sounds, PacMan is in Clottey's face, jumping up and down as if he still wants to go some more. Pacqauiao's round, 10-9.

Duane Ford had it 120-108, Levi Martinez, 119-109, and, Nelson Vazquez, 119-109, all for Manny Pacquiao by unanimous decision.