Okay, so every man and his dog is picking Pacquiao (is there any need for this thread? LOL) But there are still some intangibles to make it intriguing though, I guess i'm just trying to find anyone going for Clottey. You all know my pick and it has not change. I do worry that the whole world is picking Manny (seems almost too easy). I think Clottey needs to let his hands go (sounds cliched) but it's so important. One thing he can't do is follow Pacquiao around like he did Cotto or he'll either get stopped for the first time or lose on a embarrasingly onesided decision. He needs to watch the JMM fight and control the fight with the lead right hands. You have to off set Pacquiao's rythm. He can not sit and watch or he'll be a sitting duck because we all know those mcflurries will be catching the judges eye even if they're only hitting arms and gloves. All that being said we are asking Clottey to be something he's not. The same disposition that has made Josh a noble little master in the art of equalizing and parrying an attack with those head phones is the pendulum swing to his bipolar inability to flip the switch and create sustained offense (one eyed Cotto, no head movement Margarito, and hell even Zab in spots where he admires work from 2 rounds ago and watches the paint dry). All the tools are there but the carpenter chooses not to work when it's raining. Fait accompli, beyond alteration. :-(
Pac with a wide UD. Just too busy and good, but Clottey has a solid chin and a very good defence - he will see it through to the end.
I really think Pacquiao could stop him somewhere between the 8th and 11th, I could see Clottey quiting on his stool.
I'm concerned about Clottey's preperation for this one. I'm concerned he might get stage fright walking out in that arena. I'm concerned if that happens and he freezes up Pac and Roach will sense it and get a big lead early on. Pac is too professional to let this one slip away and his movement alone will be too much for Clottey. On the build-up to a fight a lot of people start thinking 'what if' and start imagining all these scenarios regarding the underdog. This has a degree of inevitability about it. Pac by a wide decision but... If Clottey comes in at the weight that I think he will and if somehow he can cut that ring off and get Pac backed up and begin to bully him then he has a shot of an upset. Pacquiao can become reckless at times and indisciplined, not seen it much of late, but it is in him. But I can't see the upset happening. Can't see the boxing gods allowing it.
I can see a late rounds mercy stoppage as well. Clottey does get lazy.... Pacquiao will just tee off on him if that happens. The value bet is Pacquiao on points at nearly 2/1 however.
wow, Dan I have heard a ninth round draw touted earlier by someone else, thats quite freaky exact round and everything. Clottey dosent have any tools to trouble Pacquiao IMO. Clottey puts that shell up but Pacs accurate and fast shows will puncture it. Clottey lacks the foot or hand speed to counter punch Pacquiao and is too slow footed to get on the inside as Pacquiao controlls range well. I cant see how Clottey wins, and if Clottey wins, i will eat my hat
I think Clottey will get pulled out late. He wit get anything going when the gloves are up, and will be beaten to the punch when he tries to throw. A tough opponent, but stylistically it favours Pac big time. I can see Clottey pasting the distance too, one thing I can't imagine is a genuine stoppage. Clottey is too tough and and a good, solid fighter. Is Soto vs David Diaz on the undercard? If Arum has any sense he'll match the winner (Soto pts IMO) against Valero, or is the Peterson fight signed and sealed?
One thing the styles and physicalities of both fighters pretty much guarantee: some bad head clashes :deal