Squashed: Catchtweight rumor on Clottey-Pacquiao

Boxing Examiner | Michael Marley

I guess it is one of those "low life" Internet rumors. You know, the kind that make you feel like a greasy porcine individual and make you rush for a cleansing shower.

But it is a persistent one, this rumor that Manny Pacquiao demanded a catchweight contract for his March 13 WBO welterweight title defense against Number One contender Joshua Clottey at the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Tx.

I've just confirmed with a source in rugged Ghanaian Clotty's camp, however, that the bout contract does specify a 147 pound limit, the standard welterweight limit.

Clottey was due back in New York City late Tuesday from Ghana where had had taken a boxing break over the holiday period,

Manager Vinny Scolpino is now mmeting with firming up training camp plans for his fighter.

Can we stop with the catchweight chatter now?

As far as getting the bout, Scolpino said he is very happy.

"I don't know if luck is the right word to use for this," Scolpino said, "maybe it's better to say we're in the right place at the right time to fight Manny. Being in the same stable helped us."

Scolpino and his fighter had differences last year but hashed them out in a hearing before the New Jersey commission and then went into Clottey's bout with Miguel Cotto last June at Madison Square Garden.

Since that bout, Clottey and trainer Samuel Assante have split up.

Source: Examiner.com