PACQUIAO WILL HAVE A FEW SUPRISES IN STORE FOR CLOTTEY
By Jason Aniel
PhilBoxing.com
Sun, 14 Mar 2010
Arlington, TX—With just a few hours before the beginning of “The Event”, Manny Pacquiao is in his final stages of his preparations for his fight against Joshua Clottey. This included a pre-fight mass at the Convention Center at the Gaylord Resort, which concluded a few hours. Manny is expected to sleep for a few hours before eating one more meal and going on a pre fight walk around the hotel with his trainer Freddie Roach.
Many fans and boxing experts forecast a dominant Pacquiao victory over the bigger and stronger Clottey. Pacquiao is expected to win not because Clottey lacks any talent or boxing ability, but because Pacquiao is in great shape—physically and mentally. With seven weeks of hard training and all taking place at Los Angeles, Pacquiao may even be in better shape then he was when he stopped Miguel Cotto in 12 rounds in his last fight in November.
Both Pacquiao and Clottey made the 147lbs weight limit at the weigh-in that took place yesterday and the magnificent Cowboy Stadium. Pacquiao did not have to struggle or reduce to make weight, coming in at 145.75lbs. Clottey came in right at the limit at 147lbs.
After the weigh-in, Pacquiao prayed the rosary in his hotel suite before shooting a quick scene for his sitcom show “Show Me the Manny.” There, he explained that he has a few tricks up his sleeves and some surprises in store of Clottey. If Clottey thinks he’s figured out Manny based on the tapes he watched, then he’s in store for a big shock.
Close to 50,000 seats have been sold and officials of the stadium intend to open up the standing room only section of the stadium. With the 72 feet HD Screen lowered to about 50 feet above the ring, there is not one bad seat in the house. However, surprisingly, despite the big screen, the stadium seems perfect for boxing because there are many great sight lines to the ring itself. Credit goes to Dallas Cowboys owner and co-promoter, Jerry Jones, for having the foresight to envision a stadium that would feature big time boxing.
FILIPINOS FEATURED IN THE NON TELEVISED
Because this is not a typical Vegas fight, many fight fans will venture to the stadium early to catch some of the undercard bouts. Two Filipino fighters will take on tough opposition.
Michael Farenas, 27-2-3 (24 KOs), takes on the toughest opponent in his career in Joe Morales, 20-13 (4 KOs). While the record is far from impressive, Morales has fought many current or former world champions like Rogers Mtagwa, Joan Guzman, Rocky Juarez, Zahir Raheem, and Joel Cassamayor. If Farenas wants to take his career to the next level as a championship contender, he must defeat this experienced journeyman. Despite the record, Morales is not a fighter you can knock out quickly and easily. He will force his opponents to go several rounds. Farenas is part of the Gerry Penalosa boxing stable. Penalosa’s prized pupil, Farenas has quietly made a name for himself as a force in his weight class, and has earned a fight in one of the biggest cards of the 2010.
Youngster, Eden Sonsona, 20-5 (6 KOs), like Farenas, is taking on an experienced journeyman in former world titlist, Mauricio Pastrana, 35-12 (23 KOs). Manny Pacquiao is handling the career of the 21-year-old. Pastrana does have a flare for an upset when he beat rising prospect, Antonio Escalante, in 2007. Therefore, if Sonsona expects an easy fight against a shot Pastrana, then he’ll play into the hands of the unset minded Pastrana.
FOLLOW THE FIGHT AND MORE ON TWITTER
To get updates on results, pictures, and news you can’t find watching on HBO, follow my twitter feed at www.twitter.com/sportnjordan.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Jason Aniel.
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