This latest installment of 'Just the facts' reveals the inner workings of two complicated but different fighters. In one corner we have the Ghanian Joshua Clottey, in the other favorite son of the Philippines and perhaps the 'world', Manny Pacquiao. To begin with both fighters have enjoyed a considerable amount of success in the squared ring and have garnered a lot of attention leading up to this fight which will take place a day or so from now. The Pacquiao success story is stratospheric in its dimensions, while Clottey's own rise has been rocky and laden with unfulfilled promise. Both find themselves here without a safety harness to engage in a 'highwire' act which promises to bring spectators to their feet.
Facts that must be discussed to differentiate these 2 pugilists include, speed, power and the experience possessed by their trainers. Intangibles such as behavior under pressure, big fights under the bright lights must also be considered. So let us begin.
In the area of big fights, the Santos City native Manny Pacquiao has appeared in 25 title fights with a 21-2-2 record, including 21KO's. Joshua Clottey has fought in just 6 title fights and has a record of 3-3 with no KO's..
Big Fight Experience: Advantage Pacquiao
When it comes to speed Pacquiao may have the fastest hands in the business (Floyd Mayweather Jr and Sr may disagree) and throws flurries like a 'hard' rain storm, these fast hands along with his fast feet have served him well for over 50 fights. Clottey is more conservative in his punching and has better than average hand speed but is plodding in his footwork and depends more on timing and accurate, precise, punching than speed.
Speed: Advantage Pacquiao
Power may be the area of greatest contention being that Clottey is a natural welterweight, stronger and the bigger man, but with the success that Pacquiao has had against opponents Oscar DLH, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, Clottey may have to concede the power advantage to Pacquiao also. The common opponent between the 2 men was Miguel Cotto, Pacquiao beat him up for 11 rounds forcing the referee to stop the fight in the 12th and Clottey lost to him by a hair. Pacquiao has been able to move up from 106lbs to the 147lb weight class and still maintain his power and KO ability.
Power: Advantage Pacquiao
Training provided to these 2 warriors comes by the way of Freddie Roach for Pacquiao and 1st time trainer of Clottey-Lenny De Jesus. Freddie Roach trainer of 20 world champions cut his teeth as an understudy to the GREAT Eddie Futch and his first world champion was light heavyweight Virgil Hill. De Jesus was the cutman for Wilfred Benitez, Roberto Duran, Hector 'Macho' Camacho and Manny Pacquiao for 4 years. Let's not dismiss De Jesus' who's been in the business for over 40 years because only on fight night will his credentials be authenticated or not. That he is a first time trainer of Clottey for such a big fight doesn't sit well with many experts a fact voiced by Freddie Roach himself who has trained Pacquiao for 8+ years.
Trainers: Advantage Pacquiao
Intangibles key to this fight is the fact that Clottey has found a way to lose in some of his high profile fights (Cotto, Margarito, Baldomir), Pacquiao has always found a way to WIN! Another factor could be that DeJesus will add new vigor, a new commitment to Clottey's fight game and fans may be treated to a rejuvenated and motivated fighter who will put on the performance of his life.
Intangibles: Advantage Pacquiao (he finds a way to win)
All of the advantages in this superfight point in Pacquiao's direction and no one should be surprised if Pacquiao does what he usually does and that is WIN and win BIG! The UNKNOWN here is what does DeJesus bring to this fight? Is Roach underestimating De Jesus? it was Roach who while training Oscar De La Hoya discovered the Golden Boy's weaknesses and later exercised the use of that knowledge to guide Pacquiao to a devastating victory over De La Hoya. De Jesus may now be the benefactor of the same set of circumstances having been in training camps with Pacquiao for several years. What should surprise everyone is if Clottey armed with some inside information is able to top the #1 P4P king, but don't bet on it. I'm picking Pacquiao to win in his traditional way and trounce Clottey over 12 rounds and earn a unanimous decision victory, BUT Clottey WILL have his moments!!
Source: eastsideboxing.com
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