by John Juan, Jr.
Arlington, Texas – The fight weekend began with the we
igh-in located in the front entrance of the $1.3 Billion Dallas Cowboys, Stadium in Arlington, Texas. About a thousand fans attended to witness Manny Pacquiao’s weigh-in at 145 lbs and Joshua Clottey, noticeable the bigger fighter, at 147 lbs.
Clearly, the excitement from the fight fans was from also experiencing the spectacular Cowboys Stadium and seeing the colossal Jumbotron for the first time. The stadium did not disappoint – it illuminated the night as the Jumbotron and flat screens lit up throughout the stadium. The largest dome stadium in the world was built to perfection with modern art like architecture driven with the latest technology. Among the technology, included a jaw dropping HD Jumbotron by Mitsubishi Electric Diamond System, weighing at 600 tons, 60 yards long, and 72 feet tall.
The stadium setting was fit for “The Event” as the seats begin to fill up fast at 9pm Central Time and as the main event anticipation grows. About 51,000 fans were at attendance creating an electric atmosphere screaming “Manny, Manny, Manny!” with the Philippines and the Ghanaian flag apparent throughout the stadium. Circular screams also came from a cycle of fan waves during the undercard fights. The fans were truly having a good time.
The anticipation grew larger as the Jumbotron played video clips of past battles with Hearns, Hagler, Ali, Leonard, and other hall a fame boxers. Soon it introduced Joshua Clottey with a video montage as he came out of a Ghana song with confidence and smooth dance moves. Manny Pacquiao’s video montage plays after fans yell “Manny, Manny.” Pacquiao walks out of the locker room to Rocky’s theme song, “Eye of the Tiger,” that electrifies the 51,000 fans.
Soraya Simons sang Ghana’s national anthem, and the Filipino rock star Arnel Pineda, lead singer of the American rock band Journey, sang the Philippine national anthem while a Cowboys cheerleading trio led the singing of the Star Spangled Banner. Michael Buffer soon chants his trademarked saying “Let’s Get Ready to Rumble!” then the first round bell rings. Pacquaio was the aggressor of the entire fight throwing three times as many punches as Clottey. Clottey was in a shell of defense during the majority of the fight, as Pacquiao threw combinations after combinations. Clottey landed a couple power punches, but then laid off, back to his shell. He was so committed to his defense cover strategy that Pacquiao, humorously, was able to execute a double punch combo, using his left and right hand at the same time to punch around the blocking gloves of Clottey. The fans screamed and laughed with enjoyment.
The fight lasted for twelve rounds with the same pattern of Clottey covering up and Pacquiao punching away. The outcome of unanimous decision was to Manny Pacquiao with scores of 120-108, 119-109 and 119-109. Clottey was not able to handle the pace and speed of Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao wins his 51st fight and retains the WBO Welterweight Title.
Who’s next for Pacquiao? Mayweather vs. Pacquiao is what the world wants to see. However, Mayweather has to first beat Mosley on May 1st for this to happen with the exclusion to his blood testing demands. We will have to wait and see. I know for sure, if Pacquiao vs. Mayweather does happen, it must be at the Cowboys Stadium with confidence that it will sell out to 100,000 fans and millions will be watching. Manny and Team Pacquiao are ready for Mayweather. Mayweather, do it for the fans and do it for Boxing!
“Black”…….. What you been smoking bro??? The reality is Manny is the P4P KING and Greatest FIGHTER of the Ten years!!! Don’t dislike soooooooo much……..
The ideal fighters of this period(1990-Present) are Floyd and Ricardo ‘Finito’ Lopez. If someone chose Lopez more than Floyd, I could fully grasp, but stating Manny has completed much more than Floyd is bordering on LUNACY. Manny fights shot fighters like Morales and Barrera, and RECYCLED High Rank fighters like Clottey, Cotto and PLASTER Palms. Offer with it.
The finest fighters of this era(1990-Present) are Floyd and Ricardo ‘Finito’ Lopez. If someone chose Lopez in excess of Floyd, I could fully grasp, but expressing Manny has accomplished a lot more than Floyd is bordering on LUNACY. Manny fights shot fighters like Morales and Barrera, and RECYCLED Prime Rank fighters like Clottey, Cotto and PLASTER Fingers. Offer with it.