Roach slows down Pacquiao training

MANILA, Philippines – Coach Freddie Roach is slowing down World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao's training since he may peak too early for his March 13 fight against Ghana's Joshua Clottey.

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told Philboxing.com that with still over a month to go before the fight, Roach had to "slow him [Pacquiao] up" to avoid peaking early for the bout.

Arum said he is impressed with the conditioning of Pacquiao.

He said Pacquiao is "getting rave reviews on his performance in the gym, and everybody is saying they can’t believe how great he’s looking.”

Arum said it seems that Pacquiao “can [even] fight tomorrow”.

Alex Ariza, Pacquiao's conditioning coach, echoed Arum, saying the 7-division boxing champion seems to get better and better in each sparring session.

“He looked the best that I’ve probably seen him. His footwork, speed, power was unreal,” Ariza said in a report by Inside Sports.com.

Sparring mate hits below belt

During his recent sparring session, Pacquiao nearly knocked down his sparring mate Mike Dallas. This was after Dallas, a 23-year-old light welterweight with an 11-0-1 record, reportedly hit him below the belt by accident.

Ariza said coach Freddie Roach was obviously happy with Pacquiao’s performance. The boxing trainer said things are going on as planned.

Ariza said Roach had “a big smile on his face." "He was happy, and when he and Manny are happy, I am happy,” he added

He said Roach will also bring in another sparring partner to challenge Pacquiao’s abilities.

The new sparring mate is Abdullai Amidu, a welterweight from Ghana who is undefeated in 18 fights, with 17 wins coming by way of knockouts.

The Filipino champ has been dominating sessions with his sparring partners as he prepares to defend his crown against Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas on March 13.

He earlier beat up journeyman boxer Bryan Brooks in four rounds.

Roach said Pacquiao followed the game plan well during the four-round sparring session. He also said Brooks was hurt a few times.

“[Pacquiao] did really well. He’s already following the game plan. This was a good sparring partner for Shane Mosley but I don’t think I’m going to bring him back… he got hurt a few times. Manny was too much for him,” he said.

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: ph.news.yahoo.com

Manny’s Meteoric Rise – Part 2

After winning a paper title, Manny hit the boxing jackpot by landing a fight against De La Hoya. De La Hoya’s last fight was against Steve Forbes, at 150 lbs. Oscar’s trainer said after the fight that he “thought Oscar would have had more power than he had.” If the fight would have been at a higher weight. Oscar had been fighting at 154 or higher for 7 years. Boxing analyst Travis Marks wrote afterwards “The troubling aspect about Oscar’s fight last night was that he was at his best, at least he was at his best at this stage in his career.” He went on “…Steve Forbes was never hurt. Forbes surprisingly was able to land some of the cleaner more effective power punches. The underdog caused a mouse under De La Hoya’s left eye, he puffed up the right eye, and bloodied both Oscar’s lip and nose. No one could have expected that.” Mr. Marks went on “Psychologically De La Hoya can not be a good place. “He finished his column “…last night’s bout points to Oscar having a pretty nasty send off from the square ring.” James Slater wrote about the bout “…De La Hoya’s performance against Steve Forbes left a lot to be desired.” De La Hoya had to lose three more pounds and was seven months older. Travis Marks couldn’t have been more right, in his prediction of Oscar’s send off.

Next up for Pacquiao was Ricky Hatton at 140. Hatton had got knocked out three fights earlier against Floyd Mayweather Jr. After that Hatton battled Juan Lazcano. Boxing analyst Jim Dwyer wrote afterwards

“…I was watching…Ricky Hatton absorb tremendous punishment in the 8th and 10th rounds by light-hitting Juan Lazcano, who hurt Hatton badly in both rounds, in finally dawned on me that Hatton, perhaps, can no longer take a big shot at this stage in his career. Some people are of the opinion that Hatton’s chin was damaged earlier in his career.”

After this Hatton beat the feather-fisted Pauli Malignaggi. Then against Pacquiao he suffered another knockout.

Then in his last outing Manny Pacquiao took on welterweight Miguel Cotto. But he made Cotto fight at a catchweight of 145. Also worth noting, is the fact that Shane Mosley, who’s regarded as the best welterweight, had been practically begging for a fight with Pacquiao. He offered to go down to 143 and a 60/40 purse split for Manny. If that was his opening offer, Manny surely could have gotten an even better deal. Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach was even quoted on Insidefights.com an official partner of Fox Sports as follows: “Shane came to the gym twice to ask me to let him fight Manny… I told him “no” both times, and both times for the same two reasons: First, there isn’t enough money there, and second, you’re too good a fighter.” Cotto on the other hand had suffered a horrendous beating by the possibly plaster-wrapped hands of Antonio Margarito. He took an easy fight and then he fought Joshua Clottey. Cotto-Clottey was an extremely close fight that Cotto won by decision, but some thought Clottey should have gotten the nod. After that bout Frank Lotierzo wrote on thesweetscience.com “The reality is Cotto isn’t an overwhelmingly strong welterweight. Miguel Cotto is no longer the catch and kill style fighter he was earlier in his career.” Teddy Atlas on ESPN following the fight said Cotto “…looked like the ghost of Margarito was hovering over him…it looked like Cotto was in some ways pscyologically suffering.” Then before his fight with Pacquiao an article by Brett Okamoto ran in the Las Vegas Sun, stating “Roach has said many times Cotto hasn’t been the same since taking the worst beating of his career in an 11th round TKO loss to Antonio Margarito.” Roach was then quoted as saying “’… a fighter is …not the same following a knockout like that.” The column continued “Some agree with Roach that the 29-year-old fighter looked different in a 12 round split decision with Joshua Clottey.” Manny Pacquiao went on to prove people right again by battering a Cotto that looked shot for 12 rounds. Now Manny has turned his attention to the Clottey. Yes, the same Clottey that lost to a shot Miguel Cotto.

In review, after his first title defense ended in a draw against Marquez, Manny fought the loser of Barrera-Morales III, Morales again when he was coming off a loss to Zahir Rahim, Oscar Larios coming off a loss, Jorge Solis, Barrera coming off two narrow victories over Juarez and getting dominated in his last fight, a rematch with Marquez that many feel Marquez won, the easiest title-holder at 135, a washed up De La Hoya, a Hatton that could no longer take a punch, and a shot Cotto. Now a fighter who has lost to Carlos Baldomir, Margarito, and a loss in his last fight to Cotto. It seems like Manny Pacquiao continually picks someone coming off a loss or coming off a victory in which it is widely reported that the fighter looked like a shell of his former self in the victory. Now that many consider Manny to be a top pound-for-pound fighter its time he starts taking on opponents like a top pound-for-pound fighter.

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: boxingnews24.com

Manny’s Meteoric Rise – Part 1

Manny Pacquiao is currently regarded by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the game today. So, exactly how did he get there? Here’s an honest look at the rise of Manny Pacquiao. In 2003, Manny Pacquiao was the International Boxing Federation super bantamweight champion with a record of 37-2-2. Both losses were by knockout to average opponents. Marco Antonio Barrera was the champion one weight class above at 126 and widely regarded as one of the best boxers at the time. Pacquiao proved too much for Barrera overwhelming him with power shots. However, Barrera had his training disrupted when he was forced to leave Big Bear, where he was training, in the middle of training due to wildfires. Regardless, Pacquiao came in great shape and did his job and did very, very well.

In his next match he took on the underrated Juan Manuel Marquez. Pacquiao dropped Marquez three times in the first round. Marquez got up every time though and got back in the fight by steadily winning rounds. At the end of the night, the bout was ruled a draw. After that he went back to his home country of the Philippines for an easy match against an opponent with seven losses. Undoubtedly, a great move though, giving his fans a chance to see their now known world champion in action. In the meantime, Barrera had just finished his trilogy with Morales in which he added to his legacy by beating Morales. He also won their second fight. Barrera and Marquez both wanted rematches since their first fight against Pacquiao. So Manny comes back to the states and fights… Morales. Morales had just lost his last fight. It turned out to backfire on Manny as Morales handed Pacquiao the third loss of his career, the first by decision.

After this Manny fought a confidence builder against Hector Velazquez, who had 10 losses on his record. Next, Morales being the consummate champion that he is gave Manny a rematch, even though Manny had refused this to Barrera and Marquez. While Pacquiao beat Velazquez, Morales had lost another fight, this time to a Zahir Rahim. Pacquiao got his revenge. Manny went back to fight Oscar Larios in the Phillipines. Larios, like Morales, had lost the last time he got in the ring. Manny then came back to the states and gave Morales a rubber match, which Manny easily won.

Jorge Solis was Pacquiao’s next opponent. Solis was undefeated at the time but still not considered a top tier fighter as he hadn’t been in with anyone of Pacquiao’s caliber. Meantime, Marquez won a lopsided decision over Barrera. Before that, it took everything Barrera had to squeak out two wins against Rocky Juarez. So the great champion, would surely give Marquez the rematch, right? Wrong, he instead chose to take on Barrera again, who had looked poor in his last three matchups. After beating Barrera, there weren’t any big fights out there except for Marquez. The public and Marquez had been wanting a rematch for four years. Finally, feeling the pressure of the public, Manny finally gave in and fought Marquez for a second time. This was an extremely close contest. At the end of the night, one judge gave the fight to Marquez, and two gave it to Pacquiao. There are many who feel Marquez did more than enough to win and clearly got robbed. The public demanded a rubber match. Marquez asked for another fight. Manny ignored them and moved up to 135 and fought the worst title holder at that weight class.

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: boxingnews24.com

Manny Pacquiao Can Fight Clottey Tomorrow, Says Arum

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum says “Fighter of the Decade” and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao “can fight to tomorrow” even as he noted that trainer Freddie Roach’s job is to “have to slow him up.”

Arum told us that he is “getting rave reviews on his (Pacquiao’s) performance in the gym and everybody is saying they can’t believe how great he’s looking.”

The astute promoter said “everything is excellent” in terms of the Pacquiao-Joshua Clottey WBO title defense of the Filipino hero at the $1.2 billion Dallas Cowboys Stadium on March 13 as well as the “Pinoy Power III/Latin Fury 13” fight card on February 13.

Arum said all the fighters on the card which showcases five promising Filipinos against Latino counterparts. He said “all the fighters are in good shape. All the fighters are confident and they are all coming to win” which has stirred a lot of interest both among the Filipino fans and their Hispanic counterparts.

The fights will be telecast in the Philippines by the giant broadcast network ABS-CBN over its pre-eminent Channel 2 at 10:30 a.m. with a replay over Studio 23 at 8:30 p.m. . It will also be telecast globally to Filipinos abroad on The Filipino Channel TFC which is widely followed.

Meantime, Oscar De La Hoya continues to ignore the call of respected, award-winning boxing writer and lawyer Thomas Hauser to sign a waiver that would allow the Nevada State Athletic Commission to release the results of drug tests conducted on De La Hoya when he was fighting, and to allow people associated with the tests to talk publicly.

Arum who was De La Hoya’s promoter has told boxingscene.com he “knows what the history is” adding that Hauser knows exactly what he is alluding to.”

While indicating even in his conversations with us that he was not going to say much about the issue, Arum told boxingscene.com “I know when it happened, how many times it happened. He also pointed out that there was a grace period when they tested fighters for steroids.”

We inquired from the current NSAC executive director Keith Kizer about Floyd Mayweather Jr’s use of the pain-killer Xylocaine which is reportedly banned in 49 US states except Nevada and there was the contention it was the reason Mayweather Jr didn’t want to go to Dallas for a planned showdown with Pacquiao and wanted to fight to be in Las Vegas.

We also inquired whether Nevada would consider banning the drug or will Mayweather be found guilty of drug abuse if he uses Xylocaine. We mentioned the fact that Thomas Hauser insists that De La Hoya needs to sign a waiver for results on his drug tests before your time, to be released. It also involved - he says - the right to talk to people involved for public consumption.

In a terse response Kizer said “I think all your assumptions are incorrect.”

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: boxingscene.com

Arum: Over 30,000 tickets already sold for Pacquiao-Clottey

With little more than a month to go for the March 13th clash between World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao and challenger Joshua Clottey, Top Rank promoter Bob Arum is saying “we’ve sold well over 30,000” tickets to the fight, according to Boxing Talk. That’s a phenomenal number for a bout that figures to be mismatch. Clottey, 32, isn’t well known by casual boxing fans, and he’s not exactly been a world beater during his career, losing to Antonio Margarito, Carlos Baldomir and recently to Miguel Cotto.

The tickets appear to be getting purchased on droves by boxing fans who want to see Pacquiao only, even if he’s not fighting an interesting opponent like Floyd Mayweather or Shane Mosley. There are some estimates that the Pacquiao-Clottey fight could end up selling as many as 65,000 tickets by the time the fight takes place. That would be an incredible number for the fight, which will be taking place at the Dallas Cowboy stadium, in Arlington, Texas.

Historically, fights that have taken place in stadiums and sold in big numbers of have been competitive ones with two famous fighters going at it. In this case, Pacquiao pretty much is taking part in a stay busy fight against a good but far from great fighter in Clottey. While Clottey is ranked number #1 by the WBO, he might be perhaps the 10th or 11th best fighter in the division, if that.

However, if boxing fans are willing to purchase tickets just to see Pacquiao fight, there’s no point in him having to take risks by facing dangerous fighters like Mayweather and Mosley, both of whom would have a good chance of beating him.

Arum promotes Pacquiao and stands behind his fighter in regards to the random blood tests that sunk Manny’s fights against Mayweather. Arum says “We [Pacquiao] have no absolute problem with random testing, as long as it’s urinalysis, and as long as it’s done by a legitimate boxing commission.”

The problem here is that Mayweather wants random blood tests for a fight between him and Pacquiao to take place, not just urine tests. Mayweather feels that the blood tests are the best method for checking for performance enhancing drugs. However, Mayweather needs help with the Nevada Athletic Commission, who only mandates that urine be checked for drugs, if he wants to try and push for random blood testing to be taken before a fight against Pacquiao in the future.

Although Pacquiao and Arum are agreeable to a certain amount of blood testing to be taken before a fight against Mayweather, both want a cutoff point well before the fight. In the case of his failed fight with Mayweather, Pacquiao wanted the blood tests to stop 24 days before the fight. Mayweather didn’t agree with this number, and countered with 14 days before the fight.

As for the blood testing, Arum says “Blood testing is very dangerous.” He fears that a nurse could “miss the veins” when drawing blood,” causing the fighter’s arm to be sore for several days after the blood draw. Arum also thinks that the urine testing is “even more effective than blood testing.”

Unfortunately, Mayweather doesn’t agree with Arum on this point. It comes down to whether Arum and Pacquiao will give in on these issues. If not, then Arum is going to have to look for someone else other than Mayweather after Pacquiao finishes up with the Clottey fight.

Mayweather is fighting Shane Mosley on May 1st, and if Mayweather wins that fight, Mosley won’t be a good option for Pacquiao for obvious reasons. But then again, Pacquiao is fighting Clottey, who was just beaten in his last fight, so you can’t really rule out Pacquiao fighting Mosley even if Shane loses to Mayweather.

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: boxingnews24.com

Top Rank Photographer Chris Farina covers Pacquiao and Clottey in camp, can’t wait for March 13th

Joshua Clottey (L) and Manny Pacquiao training (Photo: Chris Farina)

Manny Pacquiao’s WBO Welterweight title bout against Joshua Clottey is a little over a month away and so far there have been varying reports on how each man’s training camp is coming along. Pacquiao is reportedly looking sharp and putting some serious hurt on his sparring partners while other rumors have it that too much of Clottey’s time has been spent focusing on drama outside of the ring for him to be fully focused for a fight of this magnitude.

One man who was able to witness both fighters in camp this past week was Top Rank photographer Chris Farina. Based out of Las Vegas, traveling is a huge part of Farina’s job and his images over the years have served as proof as to the intimate and up close nature of his job. Farina first stopped by the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles this past Monday and was able to witness Pacquiao in rare form.

“Manny looked pretty good,” Farina says reflecting on the Filipino icon. “We’re still a little bit away from the fight but he looks like he is right on his program. He’s right on point and he hasn’t lost a step at all.”

When asked how Pacquiao’s demeanor was heading into yet another pivotal bout, Farina insists that the seven-division champion is relaxed but also tuned in. It also seems that Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach are exactly on the same page in their preparation for the challenge that Clottey presents.

“Once in a while he gets s a little bit crazy and it’s obvious he’s care free,” Farina claims of Pacquiao. “But it seemed to me that he’s very focused and ready to go. He comes right in and goes right to training. He’s all work. Freddie and Manny have their game plan and they are getting it ready to go.”

Over the years Pacquiao’s time inside the Wild Card has been well documented and on many occasions the facility has had to turn people away during Manny’s training. Farina says that the gym regulars have simply adapted to Pacquiao and the impact he has created over time.

“The gym was very busy,” Farina states. “A lot of people work out at that gym and Manny just always comes in and does his thing. People kind of let him do his thing. They work around him and if they have to leave the gym they will leave.”

Later in the week Farina could be found roughly 2800 miles away, tucked inside of John’s Boxing Gym in the Bronx capturing images of Clottey as he prepared for the March 13th contest. Despite reports that Clottey’s head may not be where it ought to be, Farina believes the former champion is on course.

“He was intense but later on he was all smiles too,” Farina says of the Accra, Ghana fighter. “He kind of broke it up with me and he looked like he was very confident. He was in good shape too. He was hitting the mitts and training hard as ever. Both guys looked ready to me.”

Farina has stated in the past that he often remains so focused on his work that he doesn’t allow himself to get caught up in moment during all of the events he attends. While that may be the sign of a true professional, he still admits that being around both men in their respective camps has heightened his expectations for their bout.

“Of course. I’m chomping at the bit and I can’t wait for March 13th. It’s not just another fight; it’s going to be a show. It’s going to be something spectacular and I can’t wait to be in Dallas when it happens.”

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: examiner.com

Pacquiao braves the cold to train for Clottey bout

MANILA, Philippines – Despite being dubbed the world's pound-for-pound king, three-time Fighter of the Year Manny Pacquiao said he still toils to improve his skills to become an even better fighter.

Pacquiao, a 7-division champion and acknowledged Fighter of the Decade by the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA), said his training camp in the United States is now entering its final 5 weeks before his scheduled bout with Ghanaian boxer Joshua Clottey.

He said that despite the rain and the cold, he still wakes up early to train and prepare for the match.

“Kahit na ako ang tinitingalang kampeon ng mundo, hindi iyan sapat na dahilan upang ako ay hindi tumakbo sa umaga at mabasa ng ulan,” Pacquiao wrote in his February 7 “Kumbinasyon” column on PhilBoxing.com.

He added: “Sa buhay ng isang boksingero, walang day-off, walang dahilan upang pigilan ang paghahanda sa laban kahit gaano kasungit ang panahon."

The Pacquiao-Clottey clash will be held on March 13 at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. Pacquiao’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt will be at stake.

Sacrifices

The Filipino boxing sensation went on to talk about the other sacrifices he has been making.

He said that because of the training, he was unable to be with his eldest child, Emmanuel Jr. or Jimuel, on his 9th birthday. He said he just called up his son to wish him a happy birthday and explain why he could not go home.

Pacquiao said time has passed so quickly since he was a struggling boxer trying to establish a name.

“Parang kailan lang, baby pa lang ang aking anak, ngayon ay malaki na at malapit nang magbinata. Parang kailan lang, nagsisimula pa lang ako na gumawa ng pangalan sa ibabaw ng ring at hinarap ko ang lahat ng mga kalabang ipinalaban sa akin ng aking manager at promoter," he said.

“I have sacrificed a lot of blood, sweat, aches and tears before I became Fighter of the Decade. I thank the Lord God for giving these blessings. I will not stop to fight and fight harder so that I can give more joy and excitement in the ring to all of my fans. They are the reasons why I try to become better and better each fight.”

Worthy recipient

He also mentioned that his awards, such as the Fighter of the Year and Fighter of the Decade honors, push him to "fight more and improve more, so I can give more entertainment to all of the boxing fans throughout the world.”

Pacquiao wrote in an earlier “Kumbinasyon” column that he wants to prove that he is worthy of the recent recognitions given by the BWAA.

“Kailangan ko ring patunayan na ako talaga ang karapat-dapat na makakuha ng award na ito sa pamamagitan ng pagpapalabas ng isang panibagong obra-maestra sa ibabaw ng ring. At kailangan kong lumabas na kahanga-hanga.”

He said that proving himself on March 13 will not be as simple because he will be facing a tough opponent: “Marami ang nagsasabing magiging madali lang para sa akin ang laban na ito pero para sa akin, lubhang mapanganib ang sagupaang ito dahil na rin sa taglay na lakas, laki at bilis ni Clottey.”

He added, “Dahil sa mas maliit tayo sa laban, mas magiging mahirap na manalo kontra sana sa mga kalabang kasinlaki natin, gaya ng mga laban sa 135 pounds.”

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com

Will Pacquiao’s dominant sparring sessions transfer over to the Clottey fight?

If his sparring sessions are any indications, Manny Pacquiao looks scary and dominant. A warning to all potential sparring partners, Pacquiao will hurt you and this should also be a serious concern for Clottey and any future opponent of Pacquiao. Not only is he in great shape, but he is also completely focused. But, will his dominance in the sparring sessions transfer over to the Clottey fight?

Bryan Brooks
Pacquiao’s first sparring partner, Bryan Brooks, took such a beating in 4 rounds of sparring that Freddie Roach said he won’t be bringing him back.

“[Pacquiao] did really well. He’s already following the game plan. This was a good sparring partner for Shane Mosley but I don’t think I’m going to bring him back… he got hurt a few times. Manny was too much for him. He did whatever he wanted too. He was playing with him a little bit. He likes to play with his audience a little bit.”

Source: boxingscene.com

Joseph Benavidez
Joseph is a 2009 National Golden Gloves light-welterweight champion who just turned pro. He’s 17 and stands at 5’11”. He went two rounds with Pacquiao, According to reports, Manny just toyed with him the whole time.

• “He toyed with the guy. He was supposed to be a phenom,”.. Winchell Campos, Philstar.com
  

Mike Dallas
Dallas is an undefeated light-welterweight with a record of 11-0-1. He’s 23 yrs old and came out of his sparring session with Pacquiao beaten and almost knocked out twice.

• “Dallas was groggy in the second round as Manny was really going after him. While he (Dallas) was a lot slower than Pacquiao, he was coming forward and getting hit and nearly knocked him out” .. ABS-CBN’s Dyan Castillejo

Others
Pacquiao has also beaten up on long-time sparring partner Ray Beltran. Coming in shortly, will be Abdullai Amidu, the welterweight from Ghana who is undefeated in 18 fights with 17 wins coming by way of knockouts.

Shannon Brown Sacramento, CA “Do you think that Pacquiao’s sparring dominance reflects of what he will do to Clottey?” Shannon, yes I do. What this tells me is that Pacquiao is in tremendous shape. He’s mentally and physically focused on beating Clottey. Make no mistake about it, Pacquiao isn’t looking to outpoint Clottey, he’s looking to knock him out.

Nicholas Barnes Rancho Cordova, CA “Should Clottey be scared of how good Pacquiao looks in training?” Clottey should have been concerned in the first place for having to face the best boxer. But, now he should be absolutely terrified because Manny is so dialed in and physically dominant right now. He’s taking good sparring partners and destroying them. He’s toying with them. He’s “firing on all cylinders” which should scare any man especially his opponents. I have absolutely no doubt about it, Pacquiao will dominate Clottey come March 13th.

Let’s close the article with the following quote from Alex Ariza, Pacquiao’s fitness guru:

“He looked phenomenal today. He looked the best that I’ve probably seen him. His footwork, speed, power was unreal.”… source: Boxingscene.com


For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Clottey training not picking up, say reports

Confident Roach declares Pacquiao already in good

MANILA, Philippines—Online boxing sites are buzzing with rumors that Joshua Clottey has yet to kick off his training for the biggest fight of his career, with several distractions getting in the way of the New York-based Ghanaian.

Two popular writers from Examiner.com reported that Clottey continues to train at half pace because his trainer of choice, Godwin Dzainie Kotey has yet to be granted an American visa and still cannot join the former world champion in training.

Vinny Scolpino, Clottey’s manager, says a statement will be forthcoming during the week.

Clottey will face Filipino ring icon Manny Pacquiao on March 13 in Arlington, Texas, and while the reigning pound-for-pound champion has been doing runs, hitting the mitts and trading leather with sparring partners, Clottey reportedly has yet to move his training camp.

When the fight was announced, Clottey’s camp had announced they were heading south to leave the cold New York climate so they will have a better training atmosphere.

“He’s training in the Bronx yet he is supposed to shift his camp down to the warmer climes of my old residence, Fort Lauderdale,” boxing expert Michael Marley posted on his blog Sunday.

Some reports have it that Clottey has already changed zip codes but hasn’t gone full steam ahead yet in his training for Pacquiao pending the arrival of his trainer.

Five meals a day

Pacquiao, on the other hand has been relentless at the Wild Card gym, with his weight no longer a cause for concern in his camp.

“[Manny] is already in good shape,” Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach said in an interview with Fightnews.com.

Roach added that Pacquiao now even has to eat a lot so as not to lose too much weight during the training period.

“We have to keep the weight up and feed him five meals a day just to keep it up,” said the topnotch trainer.

“He is doing great in sparring and we are studying his game plan as we watch Clottey tapes. He’s not ready to fight yet but we have about four and a half weeks until fight night and he will be ready then.”

Not a word has leaked out of Clottey’s camp, which hasn’t even reacted to Roach’s prediction that Pacquiao will be the first person to knock Clottey out.

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source:

Francis T.J. Ochoa
Philippine Daily Inquirer

PACQUIAO MONDAY WORKOUT PHOTOS

2/1/10, Hollywood,Calif. -- Seven-time world champion and "Fighter of the Decade" Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (R), General Santos, Philippines hits the mitts with trainer Freddie Roach at the Wildcard Boxing Club as he prepares for his upcoming World Welterweight championship against Joshua Clottey,Ghana. Top Rank's "The Event", will be held on Saturday,March 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas,Texas and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View. -- Photo Credit: Chris Farina - Top Rank.


Seven-time world champion and "Fighter of the Decade" Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, General Santos, Philippines hits the speed bag at the Wildcard Boxing Club as he prepares for his upcoming World Welterweight championship against Joshua Clottey, Ghana. Top Rank's "The Event", will be held on Saturday, March 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas,Texas and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View. -- Photo Credit: Chris Farina - Top Rank.


Seven-time world champion and "Fighter of the Decade" Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (R), General Santos, Philippines works with strength and conditioning coach Alex Ariza (L) at the Wildcard Boxing Club as he prepares for his upcoming World Welterweight championship against Joshua Clottey, Ghana. Top Rank's "The Event", will be held on Saturday, March 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Dallas,Texas and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View. -- Photo Credit: Chris Farina - Top Rank.

For more Pacquiao vs Clottey updates, visit http://pacquiao-vs-clottey.cebuspace.com/.

Source: philboxing.com