The Pac-Man Cometh

Nobody has been as dominating in the sport of boxing over the past four years as Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao aka Manny Pacquiao.  The Pac-Man has been absolutely steamrolling his opponents with a wicked combination of speed and power.  His record at 50-3-2 consists of 38 knockouts, most of them later in his career.  He has had 4 straight KO's--the last three coming against well-regarded opponents:  Miguel Cotto, Ricky Hatton and Oscar de la Hoya.  And after watching these fights, one can easily argue that he is out of their leagues.  It is not his fault that he is in a different stratosphere.  The most worthy opponent is undoubtedly, the undefeated Floyd Mayweather Jr.--but we all know about the meltdown of that would-be megafight.

Pacquiao's last loss was almost five years ago to Erik Morales--a fight he later avenged with an eight round KO in 2006. 

All of this brings us to tonight's match against Ghana's Joshua Clottey (35-3, 1 NC, 20 KOs).  Clottey has seen the tough life in the slums of Bokum--growing up wtih 10 people in 1 room with 1 bed, sleeping in shifts.  He has made his way from the concrete rings and torn gloves of West Africa to the relatively easy streets of the Bronx. 

Clottey is no slouch.

There is some reason for hope that he will put up better resistance than the previous big names who met the canvas at the fists of Pacquiao.  Clottey's last fight against Miguel Cotto was scored a loss, by decision.  But if you watched that bout, it could easily be argued that he won, or at least that it was a draw.  Dethroning a champ like Cotto without a knockout is risky business, and it did not pay off for Clottey.  Notably, Pac-Man did KO Cotto when they met.

Clottey's other losses have come with a valid explanation--disqualification after an intentional head butt versus Carlos Baldomir (he was winning) and the other to Antonio Margarito, when he broke his hand. 

This sets up potential for an exciting match at the new $1.3B dollar Cowboys Stadium in Dallas.  The exciting, flamboyant power of Manny P against the defensive "not enough respect" attitude of Clottey.  The smart money is Pacquiao--evasive, quick and always gunning for the knockout.  Simply put, there is not currently a more impressive boxer, in any weight class (especially given the pseudo-retirement of Mayweather).  But do not be surprised if the fearless 33 year-old from Bokum puts up one of the best defenses the Pac-Man has ever seen.

The prediction here--the Pac-Man cometh.  And the Pac-Man taketh. 

Manny Pacquiao by 9th round KO.