Pacquiao Praised Clottey for his Civilized Behaviour Off the Ring

Popular Filipino boxer and WBO lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao is all praise for Joshua Clottey, his new-found opponent after his 'break up' with Floyd Mayweather, Jr.in their botched fight scheduled for March 13 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

In his statement issued after the promotional press conference held at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlngton,Texas, where they will clash on March 13, Pacquiao said Clottey is a real boxing professional. He is not a 'trash-talker' and treats his opponent with respect.

That is what I want in a boxer, he added. Pacquiao said he was present at the Madison Square Garden in New York when Clottey fought Miguel Cotto and is of the opinion that Clottey might have won that fight.

Clottey lost to Cotto on a controversial decision that drew protests from the Clottey team. The Filipino boxing icon said Clottey is a dangerous opponent and has never been knocked out in his professional boxing career. He is also bigger and has an advantage in height and a very strong fighter.'I will not be over confident because Clottey is a good, strong fighter, he added.

The Pacquiao-Clottey match came about after the most anticipated fight between Pacquiao and Floyd Matweather, Jr. failed in the final stages of negotiation due to disagreement of the parties on blood testing protocols.

Asked what will it take Pacquiao to win over Clottey, the Filipino boxer's trainer Freddie Roach thinks speed and power will be Pacquiao's advantage over Clottey. Roach said they are ready to go 12 full rounds with Clottey because he is big, strong guy and a tough fighter.

He has never been knocked out and Pacquiao's goal is to give him his first knock out.

(original article appeared @ Digital Journal )