Manny Pacquiao will be defending his WBO welterweight belt for the first time on Saturday night against Joshua Clottey. The fight takes place in the new Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Pacquiao, 50-3-2 and 38 KOs, won the title when he beat Miguel Cotto in 12 rounds last November. His run of success over the past two years has helped him gain his world title in a seventh different weight class. However, the Filipino has lost some of his speed and power as he has moved up through the ranks compared to when he won the WBC flyweight belt. His hand speed has worn down the likes of Cotto, Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, David Diaz, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Jorge Solis and Erik Morales.
Clottey, 35-3 and 21 KOs, has been on a tear lately. The Ghana fighter won the vacant IBF welterweight belt over Zab Judah in nine rounds in August 2008 and has trumped other top boxers like Diego Corrales, Felix Flores and Shamone Alvarez. His only losses have come against Carlos Baldomair, Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto, all on points. But, Clottey is a slow starter and counter puncher, which could be costly against the fast-starting Pacquiao. Clottey tends to fade in the later rounds while Pacquiao picks up the pace.
Most fight pundits predict a one-sided point win for Pacquiao, but some are backing Clottey on his strength and possible complacency by Pacquiao. Clottey has been competing at this weight level for most of his career but Pacquiao may not be used to the additional weight. Titan Bet is offering some great odds on the fight. They are listed below.
Titan Bet WBO Welterweight Odds
Manny Pacquiao: 1.14
Draw: 34.00
Joshua Clottey: 5.50