Tonight's Wbo welterweight title fight is a really tough clash for Manny Pacquiao, and one he could lose.
Joshua Clottey is as hard as they come, a big, strong welterweight who has given the best big trouble.
If Pacquiao gets excited and tries to knock the guy out, as he likes to do, he could be on the wrong end of a shock in Arlington, Texas.
But if Pacquiao boxes on his toes, in and out, he should have too much for Clottey, who, for all his prodigious strength, is comparatively one-paced.
Whatever happens it is going to be an exciting fight. Clottey knows this is his last big opportunity and will come right at Pacquiao.
Clottey does not get discouraged. He hurt his hand against Antonio Margarito but battled on.
He took Miguel Cotto to the edge, losing on a split decision despite going down in the first round.
Ultimately he lost the fight because he switched off. I don't think that will be a factor tonight.
I admire Pacquiao for taking the fight. He is on an incredible run. He has a fantastic engine and has carried his speed and power with him through divisions in a way none has done before.
The subtext to this bout remains the fantasy fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Junior.
Their failure to agree the details has given us two super fights instead of one. Mayweather squares off with Shane Mosley in another fantastic bout, again with Pacquiao looming in the background.
Victories for both keeps the pot boiling, adds a couple of zeros to the contract that will inevitably be signed.
The combination of styles makes tonight's fight a more exciting prospect.
Not as big an event maybe, but greater entertainment once the bell goes.
Clottey has a big jab, throws good combinations and is properly welterweight strong.
Whether he has the class at the highest level to make that bit of difference needed is the issue.
It's Pacquiao for me, but it'll be close and exciting.
Source: mirror.co.uk
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