After winning the WBO welterweight belt from Miguel Cotto on November 14 last year, Manny Pacquiao will defend his title against Ghana challenger Joshua Clottey in the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Boxing Enthusiast was hoping for a Manny Pacquaio and Floyd Mayweather Jr. bout on March 13. But after months of negotiations, both Parties failed to agree on the terms of the fight. Joshua Clottey may not be as good as Floyd Mayweather Jr., but it won’t be a walk in the park for Pacquiao. 

Joshua Clottey’s fought Miguel Cotto on June 13, 2009 and failed to win the WBO welterweight title. He hasn’t entered the ring since then. Clottey has won the last 5 match before losing to Miguel Cotto on June 13. Zab Judah was among those he defeated and is a speedy lefty like Pacquiao. 

Freddie Roach believes that his prize student would win by knockout by the ninth round and be the first boxer to stop Joshua Clottey before the 12^th round. “Clottey has a strong chin but Manny would break him down to the body “says Roach.  Speed is still the main game plan for Pacquiao and Roach.  Clottey is very effective on the ropes and will throw uppercuts from that position. Spending time on the ropes during his match with Cotto is something Pacquiao would like to prevent when he faces Clottey. Pacquiao would also need to be more cautious against Clottey’s headbutt. Clottey was disqualified for frequently headbutting Carlos Baldomir in the 11^th round of their bout. On the 3^rd round of his fight with Miguel Cotto, Cotto was cut by an accidental headbutt.

The bout is set at 147 pounds. Manny Pacquiao is still underweight while Clottey is still trying bring down his weight to 147 pounds before the weigh in. I couldn’t wait to see them square it off in the ring. I do believe that Pacquiao would emerge victorious. But he should take him lightly. One wrong move or only one big uppercut  from Clottey could turned the table against him.