Top Rank have suggested that the Filipino Phenom Manny Pacquiao 50-3-2 (38) will
defend his WBO welterweight title on March 13th against the tough Joshua Clottey
35-3 (20).
After mediation talks broke down between the Pacquiao and Mayweather camps this week, Top Rank made the following announcement on the promotional companies Facebook page..
“Sorry Floyd…you had numerous chances to make the fight of the century happen. We are no longer waiting for you! Top Rank is pleased to announce that Manny Pacquiao will defend his WBO welterweight championship title in a bout with Joshua Clottey on Saturday March 13 2010! It’s on!
This is a bit of a surprise to most boxing observers who tipped 154lb champion Yuri Foreman to be in the opposing corner to Pacquiao allowing the opportunity to win yet another title at another weight.
No matter what anybody tells you though, this fight has not been officially announced as yet, and until an announcement is officially made, do not count against the Mayweather fight to be resurrected if a change in the contract occurs. Although Clottey is a good fighter, he is merely a pawn in the game if this is a ploy to make Floyd’s camp take the fight.
From the fighting point of view, Clottey seems tailor made for the Pac-Man. Tough, durable and respected by the boxing trade but with very limited speed of hand and foot, he seems an ideal foil for Pacquaio’s speed and power.
By JIMMY LAST (EDITOR)
