Arlington, Texas. March 13. 2010. It was not an easy win for Manny Pacquiao as he failed to stop Clottey on the 8th round. That was what his trainer Freddie Roach predicted. It was a convincing win alright but it took all of 12 rounds for him to retain his crown as WBO’s World Welterweight Champion.
The judges’ decision was unanimous in favor of Pacquiao but it took them sometime to decide if Clottey won even a single round. This writer viewed the entire fight “live” inside the auditorium of Blacktown Workers Club which now has 3 big video screens. All those present never doubted that Pacquiao won all rounds but were somewhat disappointed that he did not score a knockout or even a knockdown.
Clottey fought wisely. He was very careful in protecting his face with his arms and gloves. He used the ropes to prevent him from being knocked down by the several punches he sustained from the defending champion. It resulted in several body punches that were delivered by Pacquiao that must have hurt him quite a bit. But he was strong and he never showed any sign that he was hurt or really affected by the Pacman’s lightning blows.
In one instance, Manny Pacquiao received a warning from the referee after he delivered a simultaneous double whammy using both his fists on Clottey’s head. It sent everyone laughing in amusement at Pacquiao’s sudden unconventional punch.
“Clottey is not an easy opponent. He is very strong,” Pacquiao commented of the Ghanaian. “He took a lot of punches and never appeared to be hurt.”
With Clottey out the way, Pacquiao’s victory could set the stage to reopen talks between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather’s camp. “I want that fight because the people want to see that fight,” Pacquiao said.
Will the fight with Mayweather ever materialize? This writer has strong doubts because there are indications that Mayweather is really afraid of the Pacman.