Pacquiao vs Clottey: Road to Dallas

Watch Road to Dallas: Pacquiao Vs. Clottey HBO Countdown Show

Pacquiao vs Clottey
HBO Sports presents: Road to Dallas: Pacquiao vs. Clottey a 30-minute, pre-fight countdown show leading up to “The Event” Pacquiao vs. Clottey, the first ever boxing event at the brand new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas on March 13.

The WBO welterweight title fight, Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) vs. Joshua Clottey (35-3, 21 KOs), will be the first big boxing event of 2010, followed by a mega fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Shane Mosley on May 1st.

If Pacquiao beats Clottey, Mayweather Jr. beats Mosley, and the two boxer compromise on Olympic style blood testing, a possible Pacquiao vs. Mayweather Jr. super fight could happen at the end of the year.

Road to Dallas: Pacquiao vs Clottey will premiere on HBO on Saturday, March 6, right after Boxing After Dark “Devon Alexander vs. Juan Urango” (9:30 pm ET/PT). The special will replay several times on HBO and will also be available on HBO On Demand®, and online, right after it airs on HBO.

Source: NowBoxing.com

Pacquiao- Mayweather: The $25,000,000 Question

Pacquiao vs Clottey
Detroit Boxing Examiner | Bill Shimizu

“I never saw a man who didn’t want to take a $25 million drug test.”
- Floyd Mayweather, Jr. on Manny Pacquiao

Manny Pacquiao’s refusal to submit himself to Floyd Mayweather, Jr’s demand to undergo an Olympic- style drug test for their supposed mega fight, an unprecedented and unparalleled demand in the sport that eventually led to its demise, further polarized the fans of both fighters.

There are actually varying opinions and schools of thought on the merits and demerits with regards to the said drug- testing protocol that the writer decided to forego discussing them for now (but will delve into the issue in a future article) and instead will focus on the other side of the coin, which in this case, is the money question.

Mayweather’s brass character and arrogance wherein he loves to portray himself to be awash in cold cash (hence, the moniker, Money) and a shrewd businessman at the same time (he was on record saying that he “only fights for the money.”) is anathema to blue- collar Michiganders who are modest, do things without much fanfare and quietly take pride in their accomplishments.

"I'm a businessman, with or without him, I'm gonna make $100 million for two or three fights."

Time and time again, he would proclaim that he is very smart, especially when it comes to money matters, and is filthy rich and not ashamed to flaunt his wealth in public. Or is he really?

Let us just dig deeper into his past and current financial situations. In other words, let us pick his pocket apart literally and figuratively-

Recently, right after the New York press con of his upcoming fight with Shane Mosley, Money May was once again seen showing off, counting and stacking some greens inside the tour bus. The celebrity website TMZ obtained a video of the said incident-

Now who are we to say that those dollar bills are not real money?

Unfortunately for Mayweather, a lot of people were skeptical about the cold cash that he was showing off to the public, since there were allegations in the past that he used to shower the crowds with fake $100 bills in various clubs that he frequented in Vegas, which is just one example of his many shenanigans.

In a recent interview with ESPN's Sports Center, he was needled by the two anchors when he refused and did not acknowledge the questions thrown at him about Manny Pacquiao and the so-called "fake money" that Mayweather had been "raining" on people in Vegas night clubs.

There were also cases filed by various banks in the state of Nevada against Mayweather due to him defaulting on some car loans like the one on his prized Mercedes Maybach. There were also reports that he was remiss on paying his homeowners association dues as well as a laughable $300+ bill from his garbage collector. All these things were nothing compared to the millions that he allegedly owes the IRS, which he claims to have already settled.

Money May’s history of money problems is a strong indictment against the persona that he wants the public to believe of him. It is contrary to the picture he is trying to paint that he is really swimming in a sea of greens.

On the other hand, Manny Pacquiao, the target of Mayweather’s never-ending diatribes, is not in financial straits whatsoever. He invests his money wisely and earns as much money from his commercial endorsements as his purses for the times he spends inside the ring.

While $25 million is really a big amount of money, especially for a person coming from a third world country like the Philippines, we should bear in mind that Pacquiao is now a billionaire in his homeland and can live off his earnings for the rest of his life.

Thus, he can easily afford to walk away from a fight with a person that he deems is not worthy of his time and the money that goes with it. Westerners may have a hard time understanding this, but to most Filipinos like Manny Pacquiao, a person’s good name and principle is far more valuable than a mountain of cold cash.

Who do you think between Manny and Money really needs the money the most?

Source: Examiner.com

Pacquiao ready to rumble

Pacquiao vs Clottey
By NICK GIONGCO
March 6, 2010, 7:12pm

LOS ANGELES – Sometime during the fast and furious punch mitt sessions that Freddie Roach did with Manny Pacquiao on Friday afternoon, the top trainer did something that he normally didn‘t.

After constant pounding from Pacquiao’s heavy hands, Roach motioned to his prized pupil to stop, telling boxing’s pound-for-pound king that he has done enough to cap another day of hard work at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

“No more,” a visibly exhausted Roach said as Pacquiao continued to throw punches as the crowd that gathered watched in awe. “Go get some water (for you to drink).”

Pacquiao would not have any of Roach’s excuses, no matter how valid they were.

“I am just warming up,” said Pacquiao as those in attendance laughed.

But Roach still managed to calm down Pacquiao, who still amazed onlookers by training without letup even after two hours of continuous high-paced action.

With exactly a week to go before Pacquiao tangles with Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Pacquiao said he is more than ready, telling a foursome of visiting scribes from the Philippines that “he can’t wait to get to the ring.”

From what took place during the 15 rounds of mitts, it became clearer and clearer that Pacquiao and Roach have all the battle plan all figured out.

As if on cue, Pacquiao would dig a left to Roach’s bodyguard after unleashing his trademark blinding combinations.

“Kill the body,” hollered Roach as Pacquiao was about to unload another barrage.

Roach said the key for Pacquiao is to “win the exchanges” and “stay away” from Clottey’s firing range.

Pacquiao’s superb showing made the day of Roach, who celebrated his 50th birthday.

After the workout, Pacquiao presented his master a cake as some gym rats shared on Filipino culinary delights like lumpia (spring roll), pansit bihon (stir-fried noodles), chicken adobo (stew), and beef caldereta (pot roast).

Source: mb.com.ph

Pacquiao hurts Roach's chin in gym

Pacquiao vs Clottey
By Abac Cordero (The Philippine Star) Updated March 07, 2010 12:00 AM

HOLLYWOOD – For 15 rounds non-stop, Manny Pacquiao went for the kill.

And a good number of times, he caught his master, Freddie Roach, on the chin or just too hard on the body, and made his two-hour workout at the Wild Card Gym look like the real thing.

“Sorry coach, sorry,” said Pacquiao as he backed off after one of his right hooks glanced the chin of his trainer.

But Roach, who celebrated his 50th birthday Friday by putting on his three-inch body armor and working the mitts with Pacquiao, really didn’t mind. He’s gotten used to it anyway. Even if it hurts.

“He hurts me and knocks the wind off me sometimes,” he said.

But it’s all part of his job, and Roach would like to see Pacquiao do the same against Joshua Clottey on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. In fact, he sees Pacquiao winning by knockout.

“Kill the body,” was Roach’s constant reminder during their 15-round session with the mitts. He believes that Clottey, bigger but older, has never been hit to the body as hard as Pacquiao would hit him.

On top of the ring, they worked on the different angles and on running rings around Clottey and at the same time planting solid blows to the side of the body and to the head which they hope would work.

“There’s nothing he can do when you’re not standing in front of him,” said Freddie during breaks that never lasted more than five seconds. “There’s nothing he can do. Take advantage of that.”

They were almost whispering to each other as they map out the plan, always looking for something new, always looking for ways to make things better and making things worse for the opponent.

“We’re not going to leave a pattern,” said Roach on top of the ring. He wants Pacquiao to keep Clottey guessing all night, guessing where his punches are coming from and guessing what his next move would be.

Pacquiao was just having a good time on the ring when Roach, after 15 rounds non-stop, said it’s time to call it a day.

“Uno-mas. Uno-mas (One more. One more),” Pacquiao kept on repeating.

But Roach would have none of it.

“When will you ever get tired? Go get water. I need to rest,” he said.

And then it was over.

“Masaya kami (We’re happy),” said Pacquiao, who earlier in the morning ran up Mount Lee, the tallest peak in Los Angeles, and ended up looking down at the very famous landmark, the Hollywood Sign.

“Lumampas pa ako doon sa sign. That was my longest run in training and it took me more than an hour to get to the top. It was like running a marathon uphill. Grabe talaga,” he said.

Notes: The birthday song filled the Wild Card Gym after the two-hour workout, and Manny Pacquiao presented Freddie Roach with a birthday cake. Roach blew the candles and made a wish: Knock Clottey out...Each of the 87 persons who joined Pacquiao’s weight loss contest had to sign a waiver prepared by Dr. Allan Recto just to make sure that the boxing superstar won’t be held liable if something happens to any of them. Pacquiao has offered $3,000 to anyone who’d lose 15 percent of their body weight inside three weeks. Dr. Recto said it’s no joke. Most of those who joined the contest, you see, are non-athletes, just plain individuals, and trying to lose so much weight in so little time may cause them harm. Some of them are said to be starving themselves to death just to get the money. Based on Dr. Recto’s official list, there are those needing to lose as little as 15 lb and one as much as 40 lb. “We prepared the waiver to make sure no one sues Manny if something bad happens to him or her,” said Dr. Recto. As an icing on the cake, Pacquiao has offered another $20,000 to the one who will lose the most in weight, percentage wise. The final weigh-in is set Sunday. Get the ambulance ready.

Source: philstar.com

Pacquiao vows new technique vs Clottey

Pacquiao vs Clottey
MANILA, Philippines – With or without the alleged injury, 7-division champ Manny Pacquiao said he is all set for his world title defense against Joshua Clottey, adding that he has a "new technique" against the Ghanaian.

Pacquiao said all he is waiting for is the fight date itself which is on March 13 (March 14 in Manila).

"Right now 100% conditioned na tayo, ready na tayo sa fight. Maintain na lang sa kondisyon," said the Filipino champ, who will be defending his World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.

He also said the alleged injury he earlier experienced will not affect his performance against the bigger Clottey.

"Wala namang injury, sore lang ang muscle," he said.

The power-puncher from General Santos City also claimed that he has the answer to Clottey’s larger build—strong punches and skillful defense.

“We’ve created a new technique,” said Pacquiao. “It’s going to be exciting, and a lot of action in the ring.”

The Pacquiao-Clottey fight, dubbed as “The Event” will take place at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

Clottey, for his part, said he is ready to take away Pacquiao’s welterweight title—and Manny’s Filipino fans are afraid that the Ghanaian meant it.

“I’m very, very, hundred percent for sure that I am the only one who can beat him!” Clottey said at a training session for the press at New York’s Kingsway Gym on Thursday.

Lenny de Jesus, Clottey’s trainer, believes Pacquiao is going to pass his prime.

“Pacquiao has been at the top for five years, I think his time is coming. Clottey is ready to fight tomorrow,” De Jesus claimed.

Fight seen to go until late rounds

Pacquiao fans in McAllen, Texas are not taking the fighter from Ghana lightly. Many believe Clottey can bring the scheduled 12-round boxing match to its later rounds.

“Mga ten. Bagsak yan si Clottey,” said Boboy Yongson, one of Pacquiao’s fans.

“I think the fight is gonna go the distance. Pacquiao will win by a close decision,” said boxing promoter Anthony Cavasos.

Foreign boxers also shared their own prediction regarding the outcome of the fight.

Junior lightweight boxer Jorge Luis Teron of the US, ranked 12th by the Word Boxing Association (WBA), said Clottey’s good defense will allow him to hold out: “It’s going to be real hard for Manny to knock him out. I think it might go to a decision.”

National American Boxing Federation reigning lightweight title holder Brandon Rios, also of the US, is confident for a Pacquiao victory before Round 12: “Clottey is a good fighter; he takes a lot of punches. I see a win later, maybe a knockout (for Pacquiao)." With reports from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News; Merpu Roa, Don Tagala and Joseph Pimentel, ABS-CBN North America News Bureau

Source: ABS-CBN.com

Chavez Jr. picks Pacquiao to win by UD over Clottey

Pacquiao vs Clottey
By Roy Luarca
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:26:00 03/07/2010

HOLLYWOOD—THE YOUNG, TALL and good-looking young man slipped quietly into the Wild Card Gym Friday and watches intently as Manny Pacquiao trained.

He stayed for nearly two hours as Pacquiao breezed through 15 rounds of mitts session with trainer Freddie Roach before punishing the double-ended bag and speedball.

After issuing a challenge to fight Pacquiao, unbeaten junior middleweight Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. now seems to have changed his mind.

“Maybe someday,” said the 24-year-old Julio, son and namesake of the former world junior lightweight champion and Mexican legend Chavez Sr.

Chavez, who stands nearly 6-feet tall, told Filipino sportswriters that Pacquiao is a great fighter and without doubt, the world’s best at the moment.

Though Chavez, owner of an impressive 41 (30 knockouts)-0-1 record, picked Pacquiao to beat Clottey by unanimous decision, he thinks the Filipino ring icon is in for a tough defense of his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

“Clottey is also good and tough,” said Chavez Jr., who’s slated to fight in June against a yet to be named opponent after serving a suspension for having traces of a prohibited substance on his system.

Chavez appeared in the undercard of the Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto showdown last Nov. 14, where he was unimpressive in posting a unanimous decision win over Troy Rowland.

His decision over Rowland was in stark contrast with the explosive show of Pacquiao, who stopped the bigger Cotto in 12 rounds to become the only boxer to hold seven titles in as many divisions.

Source: sports.inquirer.net

Mexican pug sees Pacquiao victory

Pacquiao vs Clottey
By NICK GIONGCO
March 6, 2010, 6:41pm

LOS ANGELES – Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., the fancied son of Mexico’s greatest ring warrior, predicted on Friday that Manny Pacquiao will encounter rough sailing against Joshua Clottey of Ghana when the two collide next week in Dallas.

“It’s going to be a tough fight for both fighters,” said Chavez, who didn’t mind waiting for close to two hours for Pacquiao to show up for workout at the Wild Card Boxing Club just to see the Filipino showcase his wares.

Asked whether Pacquiao is going to become the first to deal the Ghana banger a knockout loss, Chavez answered in the negative although he says with conviction that Pacquiao is going to retain the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown.

“Manny on points,” said Chavez, who, once upon a time, had been mentioned as a possible foe of Pacquiao.

Pacquiao and Chavez are both promoted by Top Rank Inc. owned and operated by Bob Arum.

The 5-foot-11 Chavez Jr., who fights in the super-welterweight class, has a record of 41-0-1 with 30 knockouts.

Teased by the Manila-based writers that he might be considered to face Pacquiao in the future, Chavez just smiled before saying his piece.

“Maybe, someday,” said the 24-year-old Chavez, grinning.

Source: mb.com.ph

Just being real: Timothy Bradley calls Pacquiao-Clottey a ‘joke’, claims he’d beat Floyd Mayweather

Pacquiao vs Clottey
Las Vegas Boxing Examiner | Chris Robinson

In the March 2010 issue of The Ring magazine, WBO Jr. Welterweight champion Timothy Bradley goes in depth about his recent success in the sport and the newfound attention he is starting to receive as one of the sport’s finer pugilists. Bradley notes that he feels he came up the hard way much like Shane Mosley in that he came through the backdoor.

As the lengthy interview rolled on Bradley also talks about the love he gets from people in Mexico, fighting in ballrooms for short money and growing up in the ghetto. All the while Bradley refused to pull any punches and was extremely candid during his conversation with the Ring’s Joseph Santoliquito.

Bradley’s upfront nature boiled over when asked his thoughts on today’s current pound or pound king, Manny Pacquiao. When asked by Santoliquito if he would have been willing to fight Pacquiao if the chance presented itself the Palm Springs native was beyond adamant.

“It’s not even about the money,” Bradley stated. “I want to fight the best fighter in the world and I want to see if I can beat him. Manny is human just like I am. All I ask is an opportunity. I worked by butt off to get to the number-one spot just to fight him.”

As the world now knows, Pacquiao is set to face Accra, Ghana’s Joshua Clottey next weekend at Dallas Cowboys stadium. While it is a far cry from Pacquiao-Mayweather, a contest with Clottey has been looked at by many as a suitable replacement. Bradley however, isn’t too keen on the matchup.

“I don’t want to see Joshua Clottey and Pacquiao,” Bradley said boldly. “It’s a joke. Miguel Cotto beat Clottey and Pacquiao crushed Cotto. So what do you think Pacquiao will do to Clottey?”

With frustration apparent in his voice, Bradley continued to speak about his lack of chances to prove himself in the sport. At the end of the day all the 25-year old wants is a chance to show himself against the world’s best.

“It’s a matter of time that the guys who don’t want to fight me will one day fight me. If Floyd Mayweather doesn’t retire before I fight him, I’ll be the first man to beat him. I don’t want to be cocky; I’m just being real.”

Mayweather’s view

It’s slightly surprising to hear Bradley critique the Pacquiao-Clottey fight, especially off of the basis that Pacquiao crushed Cotto and will surely do the same to Clottey, who wasn’t able to defeat Miguel. The phrase ‘Styles make fights’ instantly pops up in one’s head but Bradley is entitled to his own opinion.

Bradley’s statements did spark my curiosity as to whether or not he would be a better opponent for Pacquiao than Clottey, who has shown himself to be durable and willing on the grandest of stages. Looking for a little bit of insight I asked one of Las Vegas’ top trainers, Jeff Mayweather, for his thoughts on who would be a better matchup for Pacquiao.

“To be honest I think Bradley would give him a better fight,” Jeff stated. “Clottey is primarily defense while Bradley is a little more offensive minded.”

Fair enough, but not wanting to let the subject die down I asked Mayweather who he felt had the better credentials thus far into their career, Timothy or Joshua. On this question Mayweather seems to take a different route.

“Honestly I think Clottey is more proven,” Jeff claimed. “He’s fought the higher caliber competition. Bradley really is in a division where there is nobody around him. I mean he’s a champion but who has he fought?”

In closing I asked Jeff for his opinion on what the future holds for Bradley. I also gathered his thoughts on how Bradley would fair against the likes of Pacquiao, Mayweather, Clottey and everyone else lurking around in the Welterweight class.

“Bradley’s a good fighter and he’s well conditioned. I think if he stays at 140 he can be a champion for a while because I don’t see many people in that division testing him. Now if he goes up to Welterweight that’s another story, I don’t think he’d have as much success there.”

Source: Examiner.com

BOXING: Discourage not in Clottey's vocabulary

Pacquiao vs Clottey
By Robert Morales, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/05/2010 08:50:50 PM PST

Joshua Clottey remembers when, as a kid growing up in Ghana, he got sick to his stomach after being punched there during a street fight. He started training and got his revenge.

"I beat him and I became a boxer," Clottey said.

Not just any boxer, but one who does not discourage easily.

In December 2006, he challenged Antonio Margarito for his welterweight title, but lost a unanimous decision. Undeterred, Clottey began a five-fight winning streak by winning a wide decision over former lightweight champion Diego Corrales.

In the fifth fight of that streak, Clottey won the vacant welterweight championship with a nine-round technical decision over Zab Judah in August 2008. Clottey then challenged Miguel Cotto for his welterweight title, but lost a close split decision last June.

But again, Clottey is not the sort to hang his head. And a week from today, he will challenge Manny Pacquiao for his welterweight belt at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas (HBO pay-per-view).

Not only will Clottey be without his longtime trainer, Godwin Dzanie Kotey, he will be taking on a fighter whose epic rise to stardom has resulted in him being accused of using performance-enhancing drugs.

Clottey's credo: No problem.

Kotey was not going to be able to get a work visa in time to make the fight, so Clottey decided to use his cut man, Lenny DeJesus, who will be trying to match wits with Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach.
Roach was recently named Trainer of the Year for a record fourth time by the Boxing Writers Association of America.

"It is true," said Clottey, when asked if reports he cried upon hearing Kotey would not be in his corner were accurate. "We have been together for a very long time. If he could get his visa, I would fly him here.

"They are not going to give him his visa and I can't wait for him because I have to get ready to fight and my life is on the line. In my other fights, my cut man, Lenny, was pushing me a lot so I thought I would use him as my trainer."

Clottey's manager, Vinny Scolpino, is not concerned because DeJesus has more than 40 years in boxing.

"Lenny has always been more than a cut man," Scolpino said. "He also trains a lot of fighters. He brings a wealth of experience, he knows the business."

Clottey and Scolpino also have no issue with the accusations and insinuations that have come Pacquiao's way regarding performance-enhancing drugs. Pacquiao has fought in Las Vegas 11 times and has never had a test come back dirty.

But Pacquiao's fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. was killed when Pacquiao refused to submit to Olympic-style testing that requires random blood samples and urinalysis.

Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs) said he didn't consider asking Pacquiao for more drug-testing than any state commission requires, meaning urinalysis only.

"I don't want him to do that because I respect him too much," Clottey said. "He is a very nice guy, to be honest with you, and I feel comfortable around him. He is nice and respects everybody and I know where he is from. I don't think Manny Pacquiao is doing that thing.

"If he is doing that thing, he is killing the sport."

Bob Arum, who promotes Clottey and Pacquiao, said if any commission ever requires more than standard urinalysis, Pacquiao will do it. But he would never agree to it as part of a negotiation, which is what happened with Mayweather.

Scolpino is on board with that way of thinking.

"I couldn't agree with Bob more," Scolpino said. "If the commission wants to implement other drug-testing rules, let them implement them. We abide by the rules that are set forth for us, then we move forward.

"Manny is a super champion and we all hope he is doing the right thing. If the commission finds it in their drug-testing - they find it."

Besides, Clottey is not one to look a gift horse in the mouth. He is more the bring-it-on sort. He knows how fortunate he is to have a chance to dethrone boxing's pound-for-pound king. If not for Pacquiao-Mayweather falling apart, Clottey would not be getting this shot.

"A victory would mean very, very more than a lot to me," said Clottey, 32, who these days lives in the Bronx. "That's why I am so happy about this opportunity. He (Pacquiao) 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."

Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) is the favorite. But Arum suggested he wouldn't be surprised at anything that might transpire.

"The more I play it over in my head, I realize how competitive this fight is going to be," Arum said. "Nobody, with any real certainty, can predict this fight. Everybody knows how Manny Pacquiao fights. Everybody knows the angles that he throws punches from.

"Everybody knows that Joshua Clottey is a tremendous defensive fighter and can put a real hurting on an opponent."

Cotto can attest to that.

Source: pasadenastarnews.com

The Accidental Trainer

Pacquiao vs Clottey
By George Kimball

NEW YORK --- You don’t hear much about it otherwise, but the Kingsway Gym periodically gets its moment of fame whenever there’s a big fight in New York -- and sometimes even when the big fight is in, say, Dallas. Its location, at Fifth Avenue and 28th Street, makes it easy to reach for Manhattan-based media types, many of whom are prone to developing allergies at the very mention of words like “Bronx” and “Brooklyn,” and, as boxing gyms go, you’d have to say that it borders on the hygienic, in that the toilets flush and nobody spits on the floor. The interior is sufficiently bright that photographers and TV crews know they won’t have to hump in a bunch of lighting equipment up a flight of stairs from street level, so they like it too.

Of course, the very factors that make it an ideal location for these Media Day extravaganzas are counterintuitive to boxing tradition. A boxing gym is supposed to be dark and dank and, if not foul-smelling, exude that blend of 40 year-old cigar ash, human body odor, rodent excretia, and backed-up plumbing that provides a gym with its own distinctive aroma.

In that respect the Kingsway can only function as an impostor. It doesn’t smell like a gym, feel like a gym, or even look much like a gym in any traditional sense.

On the other hand, on this day at least, Lenny DeJesus looks every inch a trainer: As he waits for Joshua Clottey to go to work he is wearing clean dungarees a zippered jacket over a t-shirt, a jaunty black Kangol cap on his head, and a white towel draped over his left shoulder.

DeJesus is a 64 year-old boxing lifer, one of those guys most boxing fans have seen climb up and down the steps for years without ever knowing his name. On the other hand, you’ve probably read his name a lot in the last two weeks. That was when the March issue of ESPN: The Magazine hit the stands, with a story (“The Substitute”) on Clottey that described DeJesus as a “part-time locksmith and long-time boxing satellite” and conveyed the distinct impression that as he heads into he biggest fight of his life against Manny Pacquiao, the supervisory role in Clottey’s corner had been entrusted to the Village Idiot.

Now it looks like one of the PR minions had instructed Lenny to drop by the wardrobe department and pick up a trainer’s uniform.

1:15: Josh is in the ring

DeJesus stands off to one side and watches Clottey go through the motions while a large Ghanaian named Bruce wields the mitts. The other one-third of the corner DeJesus will be running, an even larger Ghanaian named Kwaku Gyamfi, keeps time. Lenny just watches. He seems to be paying attention, but he issues no instructions.

“Look,” says one member of the fight mob as he watches Clottey’s workout, “Clottey is 32 years old. He’s had almost 40 fights. There’s nothing you can tell him now that’s going to turn him into a different fighter. You just wind him up and let him go.

“And what’s the corner going to tell him during the fight -- other than “Get up, Josh!”

Maybe “Josh! Stay down!”?

1:35: Josh hits the double-end bag

Irish middleweight John Duddy has had a place on the Pacquiao-Clottey undercard since its inception, but he was just added to the Media Day lineup this morning. Half the photographers and most of the print guys seem more interested in Duddy, and they keep watching the door behind Clottey.

In December of 2007 De Jesus was in Duddy’s corner at the King’s Hall in Belfast when the Irishman beat former Commonwealth champion Howard Eastman. Irish Ropes had just begun to shake up the Duddy corner; Don Turner had replaced Harry Keitt, and Lenny was the cut man, taking George Mitchell’s place. Both Keitt and Mitchell are back and De Jesus long since moved along. That is the live of a vagabond cornerman. Hell, earlier in the Filipino champion’s career he even worked as Pacquiao’s cut man.

“There are five things you can do in a corner and I’ve done all of ‘em,” says Lenny. “Not even Freddie Roach can say that. I’ve been the bucket guy, the stool guy, the advisor, the cut-man, and I’ve been the head guy before, too. But mostly I’ve been a cut man.”

It has been nearly 22 years, in fact, since the last time De Jesus was the chief second in a world title fight. He was in charge of Miguel Santana’s corner, and led the celebration when IBF lightweight champ Greg Haugen, his face bloodied from a deep cut to his right eyebrow, failed to answer the bell for the 12th round.

“We had the title for about 15 minutes,” he recalled. “The fight was in Seattle [Tacoma, actually], and after they’d raised Santana’s hand they decided that the cut had come from a butt, so they went back to the scorecards.”

Referee Jim Cassidy said that he was aware of the rule, but assumed that Santana was ahead on all three cards anyway. As it turned out he was ahead on only one of them, and, long after most of the crowd had gone home, a “stunned” Haugen was awarded the decision. The headline in the local paper read “Santana ‘robbed’ as Haugen gets bizarre win,” and the story noted that “Santana’s trainer, Lenny DeJesus, of New York City, thought his fighter had been robbed. ‘My fighter’s hand was raised in victory, and my fighter was awarded this fight!” said the distressed DeJesus.”

“They never looked a replay or nothing. Even the referee told is he knew it was a punch and not a butt,” adds Lenny. “The reason they did it was everybody knew Haugen had already signed to fight Jim Watt in London -- for a lot of money.”

Lenny has been doing pretty well until he says that. And here we thought cut men didn’t have to worry about taking too many blows to the head.

Watt had retired after his 1981 loss to Alexis Argello -- seven years before Haugen-Santana.

1:40: Josh hits the heavy bag

When the gloves are pulled off Clottey, the towel comes off Lenny’s shoulder for the first time all day. He vigorously sets about drying the fighters forearms and hands, sending a spray of sweat that glistens beneath the lights. Joshua is wearing a dark red t-shirt with a baseball on the front. On the back it says “Baseball.”

Does Clottey play baseball? DeJesus is asked.

“I don’t think so,” says Lenny.

After a January press tour that opened at Cowboys Stadium and moved on to New York, Clottey returned to Accra, where he hoped to secure a visa that would have allowed his trainer, Godwin Nil Dzanie Kotey, to work his corner against Pacquiao. Kotey’s previous visa expired in December of 2009, and the security regulations involved in the process had changed dramatically between then and the time he applied for a new one; over Christmastime a Nigerian passenger had attempted to turn himself into a Roman candle on approach to Detroit.

So when Clottey flew back in February to open camp in Fort Lauderdale barely a month before the Pacquiao fight, De Jesus had more or less by default become his trainer.

“I guess I’m it,” he told ESPN’s Chris Jones at the time. Jones did not, it should be noted, seem exactly bowled over when Lenny explained that his “first job will be getting this kid up those stairs and into the ring.”

Lenny assumes that Clottey must have worked while he was back in Ghana. DeJesus, in any case, was there to meet him in Florida, and claims that over the last several weeks the challenger has sparred close to 90 rounds.

“I got the sparring partners,” he says. “They was all lefthanders, too.”

1:45: Josh hits the speed bag

John Duddy shows up, in street clothes, and announces that he is not going to work out.

“Nobody told me about this until it was too late,” he explains. “I already did all my work this morning.”

He does pose for a few pictures with Clottey, and chats amiably with boxing writers. Around the gym, grumbling photographers begin to pack away their equipment.

Over on the other side of the gym, Media Works’ Ed Keenan describes the Clottey camp in Florida.

“I finally went to Lenny and said ‘Look, you have to give me your phone number. I keep setting up these interviews with Clottey, but then he won’t answer his phone.”

“Lenny tells me ‘Aw, mine won’t work either. A few days ago I fell in the swimming pool with my clothes on and my phone was in my pocket.’

“That was last week. He still hasn’t gotten a phone.”

This might mark Lenny as old school, or maybe just stubborn. Just imagine for a moment, for instance, having to make a split second decision which to carry out of a burning building, his training mitts or his cell phone. It wouldn’t even be close.

But Lenny, we felt like asking him, doesn’t a locksmith need a phone, too?

1:50: Josh talks

Albeit briefly.

For the past month the question has been whether DeJesus or anyone else actually had enough time to get Clottey ready for this fight. The groundwork in Florida was by all accounts preliminary jousting, and from a preparation standpoint, the dog-and-pony show at the Kingsway has largely been a wasted day.

Now Joshua Clottey says “I have done all the work I need. I wish I did not even go to Texas for the next eight days. I want the fight to be now.”

Is the tail wagging the dog here, or what?

1:53: Josh done talking

Josh says he’s ready. Lenny says he’s not.

“But that’s not exactly what I’ll say to him,” says Lenny. “Dealing with fighters is dealing like little kids sometimes. If you don’t want them eating candy, you can try to show them how it’s harmful, but if you give them an order -- Don’t eat candy! -- the first thing they’re gonna do is go eat even more when you’re not looking.

“Sure, he needs more work between now and March 13th. He’s fighting Manny Pacquiao! I just gotta figure out a way to make him think it’s his idea.”

Source: thesweetscience.com

DAVID DIAZ RETURNS ON MARCH 13 IN PACQUIAO-CLOTTEY UNDERCARD

Pacquiao vs Clottey
PhilBoxing.com
Sat, 06 Mar 2010

Former world champion David Diaz, Chicago, IL trains at the Jabb Gym in Chicago as he prepares for his his upcoming bout on Top Rank's "The Event" featuring Manny Pacquiao vs Joshua Clottey at Cowboys Stadium on March 13. -- Photo Credit: Tom Barnes - Top Rank.

Source: PhilBoxing.com

Pacquiao media day not the zoo it once was

Pacquiao vs Clottey
I woke up with a sense of dread on Wednesday morning.

The media day for Manny Pacquiao’s March 13 fight with Joshua Clottey took place at the Wild Card Boxing Club that afternoon and it was the last place I wanted to be.

It was nothing personal against Pacquiao or the famous Hollywood, Calif., gym.

I know that media days -- workouts that are open to the sports press to help publicize up-coming fights -- are integral parts of any promotion, especially big events such as Pacquiao’s pay-per-view showdown with Clottey at the new Cowboy Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

However, some of Pacquiao’s past media days have been so unorganized and overcrowded they seemed like sick experiments to determine how many human beings can be crammed into a small room before spontaneous combustion occurs.

You think I’d be used to it by now. I’ve covered every one these press events since they started doing them (either before the first Juan Manuel Marquez bout or the first Erik Morales fight). I’m a veteran of Pacquiao media days, but I’m one who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

I dreaded the search for a parking place (which I found two blocks away from the gym at the corner of Cahuenga Boulevard and Fountain Avenue). I dreaded waiting around for hours in the Wild Card’s parking lot before Pacquiao and his promoter Bob Arum arrived. I dreaded being packed inside the hot, stuffy little gym with members of the media and more than a few nutty fans disguised as working press. I dreaded tripping over video crew equipment, stepping over photographers, and listening to amateur internet bloggers ask the most inane questions.

But I grudgingly made my way to the gym anyway because I’m a full-time fight scribe with a Thursday column to write, and hey, Pacquiao is the man right now.

I arrived to the already packed parking lot at 11:00 a.m., two hours before Roach and Arum were scheduled to meet the media. Three hours before Pacquiao was to arrive. There I ran into Rob Peters, the head of Pacquiao’s security and somebody who dreads media days more than I do.

Peters, who has worked for Pacquiao since the Marquez rematch, has the unenviable task of clearing the gym out so the pound-for-pound king can train in private.

It’s a tough job but somebody’s got to do it, and Peters is physically imposing but friendly enough to pull it off without too many altercations. However, even he has his limit, and he’s found it during past media days when he has had to deal with belligerent boxing writers and huge pushy crowds inside and outside the gym.

“I got up this morning with a tight feeling in my chest, like a pain in my heart, and I thought to myself ‘This isn’t good,’” Peters said. “I fear this day the whole training camp.”

Media days are the only time the normally collected Peters has lost his cool.

“It used to really get to me,” he said. “There were a few times I got so mad I didn’t know what I was going to do. A couple years ago I was trying to navigate traffic in the parking lot and the lady from the Thai TV station next to the gym ignored me and ran over part of my foot. I went totally crazy. I was spittin’ mad. It took me half an hour to calm down.”

Ola Afolabi, a long time Wild Card patron, exited the gym about half an hour before the doors opened to the media. The cruiserweight contender took a look at the ever-growing throng of desperate-looking people holding cameras and notebooks in the parking lot and he shook his head.

“If I had known today was Pacquiao’s media day, I wouldn’t have bothered showing up,” Afolabi said. “There’s no point in trying to get a workout in on these days. It’s just too crazy. It might as well be (Barack) Obama’s inauguration. Even before the media is allowed in it’s too packed to do anything because all the fighters are there at the same time, trying to get their workouts in before the gym closes down for Manny.”

Not all of the Wild Card’s regulars dread Pacquiao media days. Pepper Roach, Freddie’s older brother who has worked at the gym as an assistant trainer for more than 10 years, views them as a necessary evil.

“The gym is Freddie’s business and Manny and his media days have been great for business,” Roach said. “Yeah it’s a pain in the ass for everybody for one day but it puts the Wild Card’s name out there on TV and in the papers. People see the gym, they hear about it and read about it and if they want to start working out they come here. If they’re at another gym, they quit that place at come to the Wild Card.”

Roach says the gym’s reputation and respect for his older brother have grown along with Pacquiao’s fame.

“When Manny first came here it was a regular boxing gym and there were two guys who helped Freddie, me and Macka Foley,” Roach said. “Now we got a dozen people working behind the desk, as assistant trainers, and photographers, and we got 200 people trying to workout here every day.”

If the media days are an indication of Pacquiao’s popularity, his trainer and his gym will continue to crossover into mainstream consciousness.

Peters says the media event has grown in terms of numbers and diversity during the past 18 months.

“It’s bringing in much broader types of media coverage now,” he said. “I remember that it was mostly internet writers and Filipino TV for the Marquez rematch, but it’s not such a niche event anymore. Now there are American sports writers from newspapers and magazines. There’s a lot of local TV crews, and it’s not just the sports reporters coming out it’s the news crews.”

“It’s the De La Hoya effect. As soon as Manny beat Oscar everyone took notice. No one thought he could beat De La Hoya, but the folks at the Wild Card knew he would win, and we knew his popularity would skyrocket after the fight. But we weren’t prepared for how much attention Freddie and the gym would get from that point on.”

With only a few months between mega bouts with De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Miguel Cotto and now Clottey, it seemed that things would inevitably spiral out of control.

However, a funny thing happened on the way to what I thought would be Clusterfest 2010; the media was treated to a civil and orderly press event that run quite smoothly.

I was pleasantly surprised. Marie Spivey, the gym manager and Roach’s personal assistant, was not.

She says she used to dread Pacquiao’s media days more than anyone but was confident that the employees of Top Rank and Wild Card had enough experience with the event to make this one tolerable.

“I admit, in the past, I woke up with anxiety on media day,” Spivey said. “I would get up and say out loud ‘I don’t want to go to the gym!’ But I woke up feeling fine today because I knew I’d have help with Rob, Miguel (Salazar) and Fred Sternburg,” she said. “Fred has been a tremendous help during the entire camp. He’s scheduled most of the TV and radio interviews and all of the gym visits from writers.”

Sternburg, a veteran publicist who was hired by Top Rank to handle the media during the Clottey camp, has worked every Pacquiao media day since the first Morales fight. He says just a few alterations made the difference on Wednesday.

“It has been a zoo in the past but we’re a little more organized these days,” Sternburg said. “We convinced Manny to do interviews before his workout so writers who just wanted that didn‘t have to stick around and take up space and we had Roach and Arum go an hour before Manny arrived so everything wasn’t so scattered once it began.

“We’ve also been spacing out exclusive time with Manny and two or three writers from different publications since camp began and I think that’s helped. Some writers got what they needed weeks ago and didn’t need to show up today. We don’t have the same pent-up demand for Manny on media day that we used to have.

“It’s all been done out of necessity because the demand for Manny has become so big.”

How big? Sternburg, who has been in PR business since the mid-1980s, says he hasn’t seen anything like it since Sugar Ray Leonard‘s heyday.

Sternburg worked for Leonard beginning with the hall of famer’s 1987 comeback fight against Marvelous Marvin Hagler until the end of the decade.

He says Pacquiao’s recent run against De La Hoya, Hatton, Cotto and now Clottey remind him of Leonard’s late-career events with Hagler, Donny Lalonde, Thomas Hearns and Roberto Duran. As it was with Leonard, the demand for the Filipino icon is so constant that the Colorado-based publicist has spent most of his time on site since Pacquiao’s camp began.

“This is the closest I’ve been to being an in-camp publicist since I spent several weeks in Leonard’s camp for the Hearns rematch,” Sternburg said. “This camp reminds me of those days because of the celebrities that come by to see Ray, who trained at a PGA resort in Palm Beach, Fla. I remember guys like Burt Reynolds dropping by to watch him.

“We have that sort of thing with Manny now. In the past four or five weeks we’ve had Robert Duval, Ron Perlman, Jeremy Piven, Steven Segal and Jean-Claude Van Damme come by the gym to watch him train.

“They come by to see Roach, too. They all want to talk to Freddie. They think he’s great. And he is!”

As great a guy (and as good a quote) Roach is, even he took a backseat to Pacquiao when the man of the hour (or two) entered the gym with his entourage around 2:35 p.m.

His smile instantly lit up the gym and quickly elevated the mood of what had been rather routine proceedings up until that point.

Within one hour every writer, photographer and video crew in the gym got their time with the humble international star. Pacquiao made it all seem easy, just like he does in his fights.

I wondered if the guy who actually gets in the ring and dukes it out ever feels the kind of anxiety and dread that I felt and discussed with the gym’s employees? If he does he sure doesn’t show it.

RingTV.com co-editor Michael Rosenthal asked Pacquiao if the expectations and pressure ever get to him.

“The pressure is always there,” Pacquiao answered, “but I pray to God, train hard and know that He will guide me.”

Pacquiao’s not the most articulate fighter around but there’s a nobility to his simplicity, and every now and then he says something that can open the eyes of even the most jaded sports writer.

Boxing -- heck, life -- is not as complicated as we tend to make it. I left the gym feeling a lot lighter than I did when I arrived.

Source: ringtv.com

Pacquiao-Clottey insider predictions part one

Pacquiao vs Clottey
Next Saturday boxing pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao will face the rugged Joshua Clottey in a bout for the WBO welterweight championship of the world at the Cowboys' new stadium in Dallas, Texas. In anticipation of the bout, the Examiner will provide readers with analysis and predictions from insiders around the industry.

1. Hervi Estrada (California based Match Maker & Trainer)

"Clottey is just going to put pressure on him. Pacquiao knows how to move to the left and the right. He is going to do a number on him and at the end Pacquiao is going to walk away with a win."

2. John David Jackson (Former Two-Time World Champion & Top Trainer)

"The kid has a shot. He just needs the right-fight plan and then he needs to execute it. He’s strong and he’s durable. He has the right style to beat Pacquiao. He has to go to the body and attack the body and he can’t wait for Pacquiao because Pacquiao will definitely land those bombs on him. It’s an interesting fight. To me it’s not so much what Pacquiao does, but what Clottey does. He has to apply the pressure, constant pressure, three minutes of the round. Clottey has to be the aggressor, but it has to be affective aggression. He can’t go in there and try to knock Pacquiao out. I think Clottey has to be smart, keep those hands up, move that head side to side and break him down at the body. Pacquiao cannot do two things. He can’t fight off the ropes and he cannot fight on the inside. Those are the two things he has to do to offset Pacquiao. Looking at the kid, he’s definitely durable and he’s definitely tough so he has a shot, but it depends what type of fight he brings to the table.”

3. Nigel Collins (Editor & Chief of Ring Magazine)

"I think the most dangerous thing is Clottey’s head. Clottey’s head is like a helmet. Even some of the big fights that he wins, like when he beat Zab Judah, he was way ahead and winning the fight, but it was stopped on butt, and we all saw what happened to Cotto. There was a fight against Agapito Sanchez that Manny had years ago that was a real dirty fight and Sanchez was disqualified. Manny doesn’t like that kind of dirty fight so I think that is the main danger to Manny, but I think Clottey is a good fighter and Manny is a great fighter and the great fighter usually wins."

4. Henry Ramirez (Trains stable of fighters that includes Chris Arreola)

"For the first six rounds I wouldn’t doubt if it was three rounds even. After the first five or six rounds you are going to see a very close, almost a dead even fight, but I think ultimately after that, you are going to see Pacquiao really start to adjust and take command the way he seems to be doing lately. I think you are going to see him win going away like an eight to four decision. I could see him sweeping the whole second half of the fight. What would really be impressive is if he could stop Clottey. I don’t see it, but you really can’t doubt Pacquiao at this point in time!"

5. Timothy Bradley (WBO 140 Pound Champion)

"Pac-man, Pac-man all day, easy fight."

6. Andrew Parsons (FightFanNation.com Staff Writer)

"Clottey is going to come prepared as he always does. I just doing think he is going to being able to avoid those swift and quick punches that Manny throws from all angles. Manny just seems to be getting better and better. Only a highly skilled tactician like Floyd Mayweather has a chance to beat Manny at this point-and even Mayweather’s talents are in question against the great Pac Man. I am picking Manny Pacquiao by ninth round stoppage over a very game and determined Clottey."


Listen to FightFanNation.com's radios show every Tuesday. To hear the show and listen to Ring Magazine's Editor and Chief Nigel Collins discuss Manny Pacquiao's greatness click here.

Source: Examiner.com

Team Pacquiao Prepared for Clottey

Pacquiao vs Clottey
By Jason Pribila

Two weeks before stepping into the ring to defend the WBO welterweight title for the first time, Team Pacquiao hosted a media conference call on Friday. As they tried to focus on the road to Dallas that will lead to them to the challenge of Joshua Clottey, they did their best to leave Floyd Mayweather Jr. in the rearview mirror… for now.

“To be frank, we had to overcome disappointment,” admitted Top Rank President Bob Arum. “People were looking forward to a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight. That is clear. Manny has a huge fan base. He has crossed over. Our job is to present Joshua Clottey as he is: A bigger guy. A stronger guy. A real test for Manny Pacquiao. That is what will sell this fight.”

Unfortunately for Arum, it is not Freddie Roach’s job to sell tickets or PPVs. Therefore when the esteemed trainer was asked to break down the fight, everyone could count on receiving Roach’s honest opinion. And recently when it comes to his prized pupil, Roach has been nothing short of Nostradamus.

“We have watched a lot of tape on Clottey. We know his characteristics, we know his mistakes, and we know his habits,” Roach said. “I know Clottey is a big strong guy and a great fighter, and we respect him; but with Manny Pacquiao I feel that he’s going to overwhelm him with his speed and his combinations, and I do believe he will be the first person to stop him before the 12th round.”

Adding to Roach’s confidence is the fact the this will be the second straight fight that he will be matching X’s and O’s with a trainer that is comparatively a novice.
Training Clottey for the first time will be Lenny DeJesus, a veteran of the fight game for over forty years. Dejesus has worked corners with legends like Angelo Dundee and Eddie Futch, and worked with champions like Roberto Duran, Wilfredo Benitez, Joel Casamayor, and one Manny Pacquiao. However, despite his lifetime of experience, DeJesus worked primarily as a cutman; not the head trainer.

“Lenny DeJesus used to work as a cut man for Manny Pacquiao,” Roach explained. “He knows us pretty well, but we have changed a lot since then. He thinks he’s going to face the old Manny Pacquiao, but that’s not going to be the case. I respect him and he’s a good boxing guy.

Am I a better trainer? I don’t know, but I have the better fighter.”

It is hard to believe that it was only two years ago that Roach was leading Pacquiao to the ring for the highly anticipated, and closely contested rematch against Juan Manuel Marquez. Even harder to believe is that fight took place at Super Featherweight (130 lbs).

Following the Marquez fight it was no surprise that Pacquiao moved up to the lightweight division. Three months later he challenged and stopped David Diaz for the WBC version of that title. That night at Mandalay Bay seemed as if it would mark the beginning of a potentially long, and brilliant run at lightweight.

Less than two years later Pacquiao has not only moved up two weight classes, but he has stopped everyone in his path. On March 13 he will face a man that will resemble a middleweight when the opening bell rings. And he is a big favorite.

To me, that is the story of this fight. That is what makes this fight more than a consolation prize. And that is what the media should have been discussing with Manny Pacquiao during this call. Instead they wanted the pound for pound champ to either look back prior to, or beyond Clottey.

Looking back, of course, was to revisit the failed negotiations with Floyd Mayweather Jr. and the accusations that were made against him.

“I don’t want to talk about or think about blood testing. I want to focus on the Clottey fight, “Pacquiao said.

Although that plea fell on deaf ears, follow-up questions did reveal Pacquiao’s feelings about whether or not a bout with Mayweather was inevitable.

“I don’t really need Floyd Mayweather because what I have achieved in boxing is good enough for me, and people know that by comparing my achievements in boxing to his achievements.”

While those sentiments are not what the boxing world wanted to hear, Pacquiao’s response to the retirement rumors should be well received.

“I am not saying retire,” Pacquiao confirmed. “This is my last fight before the election. It is hard to say right now when I’m going to retire, but this is my last fight before the election and I’m very excited about it.”

A relieved Bob Arum added, “He is not saying he would retire after the Clottey fight, quite the contrary. Obviously one of these days he is going to retire. After the election he may retire or he may fight. He is leaving the options open.”

Pacquiao provided another clue that he is not ready to hang up the gloves when he was asked, “What type of boxer can beat you?”

“When I’m old, “Pacquiao responded.

With the top spot in the division currently being held by 38 year-old Shane Mosley, it is safe to say that March 13 will not be the last we see of the 31 year-old Manny Pacquiao.

Source: secondsout.com

Pacquiao vs. Clottey seems a lot more fun than Mayweather vs. Mosley

Pacquiao vs Clottey
DALLAS, TX - While I wish the May 1st Mayweather vs. Mosley fight well, I believe Pacquiao vs. Clottey will be the more exciting fight. It's certainly the better promotion.

Already over 38,000 fans have bought tickets to see the live fight at Cowboys Stadium and sales will approach 50,000.

Mayweather vs. Mosley will do the normal 16,000 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, NV.

But it was exciting to watch the first 20,000 tickets fly out of the Cowboys Stadium box office the first weekend and the next 10,000 sell with virtually only word of mouth; neither publicity nor advertising in place yet.

Now Dallas - Fort Worth fans know they have a big - time event on their hands within easy driving distance at the greatest sports palace ever built. Cowboys Stadium gives this event a lot of credibility.

The professional manner in which Cowboys owner Jerry Jones handled not getting the proposed Pacquiao vs. Mayweather bout showed style and grace on his part. Oh sure he was fighting mad, but he's mature enough to know how and when to pick his professional fights.

Sans the brief skirmish at their press conference, Mayweather vs. Mosley has been about exciting as watching paint dry. Now we are five weeks out from that fight and the promotion has not hit its stride yet. Pacquaio vs. Clottey seems to be having a lot more fun.

Would you rather listen to Roger Mayweather babble on about blood testing or watch real bravery and watch Manny Pacquiao belt out a tune on Jimmy Kimmel Live?

Mayweather vs. Mosley will do well on pay-per-view. Maybe close to two million subscribers. Pacquiao vs. Clottey will top over one million.

Pacquaio vs. Clottey will triple the 16,000 fans at the MGM Grand.

Golden Boy Promotions, the promoter of Mayweather vs. Mosley, seems to believe they are owed ticket sales, while Top Rank and Pacquiao vs. Clottey are fighting for ticket sales.

At the end of the day though, the winner of Pacquiao vs. Clottey has somewhere to go next. Mosley is already 38. Mayweather just turned 33 and is almost out of his prime. If Mayweather beats Mosley, as he should, he still may never face Pacquiao.

So Mayweather has nowhere to go next. He has painted himself into a corner.

I sensed the buzz for March 13 at a Media Day for Dallas prospect Roberto Marroquin yesterday. He's really an eight - round fighter but to get him on the televised portion of the card he had to take a six - round fight.

A pretty decent representation of Dallas - Fort Worth media and friends attended the event at the new Maple Avenue Boxing Gym. I get the impression the local media here is waiting for something big to happen.

It will next week when the main event fighters and international media arrive at DFW International Airport. Clottey has an "open to the public" workout day Monday and Pacquiao follows with his on Tuesday.

This fight week will be a lot of fun.

Source: Examiner.com

Joshua Clottey Working His Butt Off For 'A Miracle' Against Manny Pacquiao

Pacquiao vs Clottey
A native of Ghana who is preparing for a March 13 challenge for the WBO welterweight (147 pounds) crown held by seven-division champion, Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs), Joshua Clottey (35-3, 20 knockouts) of the Bronx, N.Y., spoke to FanHouse recently from his sleeping quarters near his training facility at Fort Lauderdale's Contender Gym in Florida.

This is the third of four diaries for Clottey that will appear regularly on FanHouse as the 32-year-old Clottey enters the most lucrative and biggest fight of his career, one that will be aired live on HBO pay per view.

Diary No. 1

Diary No. 2

Training videos

Fight of Joshua Clottey's Life

Bad things just kept happening to one of boxing's good guys.

The initial thing was Joshua Clottey's first major fight against future world champion, Carlos Baldomir, in November of 10 years ago, when he was disqualified for head-butting in the 11th-round of a matchup he needed only to stay on his feet to win.

Clottey, to this day, believes he was the victim of foul play against Baldomir, but he never thought that it would be the story of his career.

"That was a very, very, big frustration for me. We were dealing with two promoters. Frank Maloney, he was the one who had the money. The other promoter, Panos Eliadis, loved us African guys. Too much for Maloney's tastes, in seemed like.

So Maloney was jealous because we always surprised him by winning. He didn't like that," said Clottey, who is 32.

"The day of the fight, I went to the bathroom, and I saw Maloney, and Baldomir's managers and trainers talking. Then and there, I thought to myself, 'Something bad's going to happen,'" said Clottey. "I think they did something to the referee, because he was all over me. You know, everything that I'd do, he warned me too much. It was painful to me."


Next up was his December, 2006 loss to Antonio Margarito, during which he led early before his two, injured hands betrayed him over the course of a unanimous decision loss and his bid to win the vacant WBO welterweight (147 pounds) title.

"I had planned out a good gameplan for Margarito, and it was working so perfectly. You could see the surprise in the place and in his face when I was winning, because nobody knew me. They didn't know me as a big fish. They were like,

'Wow,' where is this guy from?" recalled Clottey.

"But the first hand, my left, one, just went out on me. The knuckle in my left hand was experiencing a sharp pain," said Clottey. "And then I started to throw the right hand, and I was really trying to throw, but the pain was just too much in that one also."

Clottey rebounded, however, earning the IBF crown over southpaw, former world champion, Zab Judah via ninth-round technical decision stoppage in August of 2008.

Clottey was then informed that he would get a break against WBO king, Miguel Cotto, but the IBF would force him to give up the belt if he took the challenge rather than facing an organization mandatory.

With Cotto being his largest, career pay day, and a shot at seemingly endless possibilities in victory, Clottey bit the bullet and bagged the IBF crown.

Then, Clottey lost June's disputed, split-decision to Cotto (34-2, 27 KOs), against whom he suffered a flash knockdown from a first-round left hook.

"After the fight with Cotto, I was shocked, and I was so, so, so sad. Because I felt like what they did to me was something," said Clottey. "I thought that I won the fight, and that they just took the fight away from me. I was really
tired of these things happening to me in championship fights."

But it only got worse after the fight, when Clottey split with trainer, Kwame Assante, over money.

"On Sunday or Monday, I was having a discussion with the trainer [Assante,] and he just came out and started talking and telling me things [about paying him] that I don't even know anything about," said Clottey. "It's great in that he's the trainer, and that he's going to make so much money. But now, it's not going to go to him, because of his selfishness. Now, he's gone."

Adding to the problems, however, was the fact that two successive opportunities -- one against WBA welterweight super champion, Shane Mosley, and another opposite former titlist, Carlos Quintana -- fell through.

"You know, about that, there was yet another very big frustration. But I kept thinking to myself, 'One thing about life is that good things always come to good people,'" said Clottey.

"All of those fights that we talked about where they said I lost, and the fights that fell through, I figured that it had to end sometime. You never know what is going to happen," said Clottey.

"When they called off the fights, I just kept on training, and was continuing to think about the next option," said Clottey. "I'm patient, I'm very respectful to everybody, I'm very nice to everybody. I push myself. So, you know, I thought, 'Good things happen to good people."

This time, Clottey was right.

For in early January, things began to look up for a dejected Clottey, who received an offer from Top Rank Promotions' CEO, Bob Arum, to face seven-division champion, Manny Pacquiao, for anotther chance to earn the WBO crown.

More than that, the 31-year-old Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 knockouts) represented the largest career payday for Clottey (35-3, 20 KOs), who arrived from his Ghana in New York in mid-January and informed FanHouse that he had signed the contract for the fight an hour earlier.

Nicknamed, "The Grand Master," Clottey's purse will surpass $1 million for the first time, with an upside to the pay-per-view.

But there still would be hurdles for Clottey, who was in need of a new trainer.

Clottey thought that for sure that he had had the perfect one in Godwin Nii Dzanie Kotey, a legendary father figure to his fighters who had worked with Clottey's countryman and former welterweight star, Ike Quartey.

But Clottey would receive yet another blow when Kotey was denied a work Visa to the U.S.

"That was very disappointing," said Clottey, who wept openly about the decision, "because I have my trainer in Ghana, and he doesn't get a Visa to come, that was unexpected."

Manager, Vinnie Scolpino, suggested Lenny DeJesus, who had worked as Clottey's cut man and an assistant to Assante during Clottey's loss to Cotto.

They had known of each other from John's Gym in the Bronx, where Clottey has trained, and DeJesus, worked with other fighters.

"That's why I chose Lenny. The training is going fine, because it's easy with me to connect with anybody. Lenny, he's a nice person. He talks to me. Lenny talks to me about boxing. Whenever your manager or your trainer feels for you, it's good. It's not like they just want money," said Clottey.

"Lenny's the guy who in it for me. So I love it that he's there for me, because I can go into the ring and fight. I'm okay with him, I'm nice with him," said Clottey.

"Lenny can tell me things like, 'Go into the ring, go to his body.' If I go to the body, and it doesn't work, I have to change my whole plan in the ring," said Clottey. "So sometimes, the trainers talk, and they work good the way they're talking, they become heroes."

Clottey said that he and DeJesus are on the same page.

"Everything is fine with me and Lenny," said Clottey. "We're nice, we're cool. I'm so happy with him."

And since he first received the call from Top Rank offering the bout with Pacquiao, Clottey has been looking for, and, finding positive signs.

The first one, said Clottey, is the fact that Pacquiao did not request a catchweight of 145 pounds, something that is a big help since Clottey has fought several times at weights higher than 147.

"They never talked about me moving to a catchweight. We're fighting at the welterwelterweight limit, so it's like, a miracle," said Clottey, who can concentrate more on technique than simply wearing himself down cutting weight.

"But you can't just be there and pray to God, 'Oh, God, I want money to buy food and eat,' and God will come from heaven and give you money," said Clottey. "No, have got to continue to work your a** off and go to work. So I know that I'm going to go there and that I'm going to be in a fight."

In Pacquiao, Clottey is facing a man who simply seems to have forgotten how to lose, and whose focus is unflappable.

He is running for congress, has made a movie, been the focus of features in major, crossover magazines, and even delivered food to his native Filipinos during a typhoon -- a move that briefly interrupted his training only days prior, but, nevertheless, did not affect his performance in his 12th-round knockout of that dethroned Puerto Rico's Cotto as WBO champ.

Pacquiao has been named Fighter Of The Year for the past three, and was recently honored as The Fighter Of The Decade, owing largely to an 11-0 record that includes eight knockouts since a March, 2005 loss to Erik Morales at super featherweight (130 pounds).

Pacquiao is in his 22nd, consecutive bout under Freddie Roach, who has been named a Four-Time Trainer Of The Year, and under whom Pacquiao is is 19-1-1, with 15 knockouts since June of 2001.

But for Clottey, there are just too many things that are positive for the Grand Master not to believe that this is not part of the grand, master plan.

"I never expected for me to be fighting on pay per view this early, and I never expected to be fighting with Manny Pacquiao this early, and I never expected to be fighting in March this early in the year," said Clottey.

"And you know one thing, I don't like any thing being around me when I'm training. That's the only thing I think about is the training. Nothing makes me happier now than thinking about the training and the fight, and believe me, I've trained so, so, so, so hard," said Clottey.

"When I'm in the gym, that's the time I fight more. My mind has always told me that "Everything is going to be fine,' and it might not work out the way that I want it to," said Clottey. "But I never expected to be in such a huge fight like this, which is the biggest pay day of the year. It's like a miracle, like something is being worked out. It's like a miracle, something is coming, and I'm so happy."

Source: boxing.fanhouse.com

Clottey will use Roach's words to defeat Pacquiao

Pacquiao vs Clottey
The National staff

* Last Updated: March 05. 2010 10:58PM UAE / March 5. 2010 6:58PM GMT

Joshua Clottey will use his feud with Freddie Roach as motivation for next weekend’s daunting WBO Welterweight championship bout with Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino pugalist.

The 32-year-old Ghanian is one of many admirers of Pacquiao, who is a seven-weight world champion, but that respect does not extend to Pacquiao’s trainer, Roach, after the American’s verdict that his charge will knock Clottey out when they meet at Cowboys Stadium on March 13.

“I’m going to fight because of somebody,” Clottey said, as he prepares for the bout in New York. “I’m fighting Pacquiao, but I’m fighting somebody else outside the ring. Nobody knows. I’ll let everybody know after the fight. It’s my secret.”

However, it appears the mystery man is none other than Roach, if Clottey’s manager, Vinnie Scolpino, is to be believed.

“He wants to beat Freddie Roach. That’s his motivation,” Scolpino said. “He wants to put him in his place. He beats Pacquiao, he puts Freddie in his place, too.

“Roach says he [Pacquiao] is going to knock him out.”

Scolpino said Clottey was offended by the prediction.

“I’m in the best shape of my life,” said Clottey, a former IBF Welterweight champion, whose record stands at 35 wins with three losses and one no contest.

Pacquiao, named Fighter of the Year for the last two years and Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America, is making his first defence of the title he won by stopping Miguel Cotto in the 12th round of their fight last November in Las Vegas.

Clottey gets his chance to claim arguably the most prized scalp in boxing because of the Filipino’s fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr falling through over arguments on dope testing.

* With agencies

Source: thenational.ae

Mind control: Manny Pacquiao invades Floyd Mayweather's head

Pacquiao vs Clottey
HOLLYWOOD—Like the proverbial blind squirrel who occasionally finds an acorn, I can get lucky.

On Thursday, I had such good fortune in my decision to skip the Shane Mosley-Floyd Mayweather outdoor, public-invited (as you can see from this photo only a few hundred people bothered to show up) event hard by the Staples Center.

I figured that Mosley has little to say that is newsworthy, especially after the dog and pony show had already been to New York and Washington, D.C., and that Mayweather would zip his normally flapping lips on the subject of Manny Pacquiao.

So, when I attended Megamanny's Thursday workout and saw none of the familiar Pinoy media personnel there -- Chino Trindiad of GMA, Nick Giongco of Manila Bulletin and their colleagues -- I figured the lads had taken a shot at pursuing Mayweather.

Now, Examiner colleague Dennis Guillermo reports that Mayweather refused to speak to any Filipino media, at least on anything involving Pacman.

(Historical context, you young-uns might like to know that NEITHER Joe Frazier nor Muhammad Ali ever refused to talk about the other guy.)

Guillermo quotes Trinidad, who works the Pacman beat the way ABC TV bird dog Sam Donaldson used to cover the White House, and was apparently told that L'il Floyd refused to do any big talking about Manny, the only guy extant who can whip him, “so close to the fight.”

Give us a break in White Gorilla Land, will ya?

See DSource on Mayweather's moronic, self imposed Pacman question ban.

See Ricardo Lois on May 1 bout being "best America has to offer."

Mayweather won't discuss Pacquiao on March 4 when his fight is TWO MONTHS away?

Geez, Louise, I didn't know Pacquiao was such a tender, sensitive topic for The Mouth That Bored.

Does this mean Roger and Floyd Sr. will also refuse to let Pacman's name cross their blubbering lips at least until May 2? One can only hope so.

Look, I'm a white guy American, not a Filipino. Although I try.

But no one likes to go where they are not wanted or where they are treated rudely or hampered in doing their job.

The nerve, the audacity, the unmitigated gall of the Pinoy media compatriots wanting to ask boxer Mayweather about another boxer and a possible fight which is projected as the biggest financial windfall ever. Imagine, asking a boxer boxing questions.

Is this some kind of invasion of personal privacy?

Mayweather's no-Pacman talk stunt is as moronic as President Obama coming out at a press conference and saying, “Okay, ladies and germs, I will not take any questions today on health care or the economy. You got anything else? Oh, yeah, nothing on Iran, either.”

I mean, what would remain, asking “Bam Bam” if he thinks LeBron will dump Cleveland to go to the Knickerbockers?

I've got a big news flash for L'il Floyd. Outside of a prospective bout against Pacman, you're not that compelling.

I'm not calling for any Flocott or Floydcott, anything like that. Mosley remains a gentleman of the highest rank, albeit not the brightest lamp.

And Mayweather-Mosley can't be badmouthed as a matchup although it may disappoint in terms of solid action over 36 minutes.

But, if I was Filipino or just a Pacquiao fan, I would consider dodging this bout, in person or on PPV TV.

I mean, come on, it's “too close to the fight.”

You can give Mayweather your attention, your patronage on May 2, when it won't cost you anything.

Meanwhile, don't blame any Mayweather minion.

When he throws a tantrum like this one, it's best to leave him in his crib and let him cry it out.

At Pacman's camp, he takes daily questions about Mayweather just as he took some on the Jimmy Kimmel Show on national television Wednesday night. Flipping channels, you could see Floyd ducking all Pacman questions from Michael Wilbon on ESPN.

Guess Manny is really inside his head, huh?

This invasion might just be getting started.

Source: Examiner.com

First-round KO will make Roach happy

Pacquiao vs Clottey
HOLLYWOOD— the sooner the better.

Sticking to his prediction that Manny Pacquiao is going to knock challenger Joshua Clottey out, Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach said Thursday he’d be glad if it comes early in the fight.

“If he (Pacquiao) gets him in the first round, then I’d be much happier,” said Roach, who expressed satisfaction with the way the Filipino seven-time world champion performed against sparmates Abdullai Amidu of Ghana and David Rodela at the Wild Card Gym here.

“But that (first-round knockout) is unlikely to happen as Clottey had never been knocked out,” said Roach, who insists that the Ghanaian is certain to fall in the later stages.

“It won’t go 12 rounds. The game plan is in place and Manny’s going to implement it.”

Roach said he and Pacquiao have watched tapes of Clottey in action and they have everything figured out.

“We compare notes and we know how to fight him,” added Roach.

Though he initially planned to limit Pacquiao’s sparring to 100 rounds, Roach said he’ll raise it to 142 on the insistence of the seven-time world champ.

In his successive stoppages of David Diaz, Oscar De La Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto, Pacquiao sparred at least 150 rounds.

Team Pacquiao will leave for Dallas via a chartered plane on Monday, well in time for Pacquiao’s defense of his World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against Clottey on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in nearby Arlington, Texas.

Roach said Clottey’s going to be overwhelmed by Pacquiao’s speed and power as the Ghanaian hasn’t fought anybody in the mold of Pacquiao, who’s going to “swarm all over him.”

Source: sports.inquirer.net