Can Clottey Clock'em?: Pacquiao vs. Clottey

by Troy J. Hines

A two-headed dragon has emerged in 2010 as the omnipotent purveyor of all things “pugilistic”. However, there is one serious problem. There is only one crown to be worn by the two-headed beast. The “would-be” classic that has deteriorated into a possible late 2010 or early 2011 dream, has been replaced with a few elite fights that should satiate boxing fans—at least for now. Whether one believes the negotiations between Golden Boy and Top Rank eroded due to avoiding the most scrupulous style of drug testing, or to the emotional stress of “offensive accusations”, the reality is that on March 13th Manny Pacquiao (50-3-2)will be facing a “game” opponent in Joshua “The Grand Master” Clottey (35-3-0).

Clottey, a Ghanaian native currently fighting out of the Bronx, is the epitome of tough; a true “throw back”. As if carved out of obsidian by God himself, the durable defense of the “Clottey-shell” makes for an almost impenetrable target. The Art of War says, “Those skilled in defense hide in the deepest depths of the Earth,” and Clottey’s chin stays somewhere near the Earth’s core.

When we refer to “The Grand Master”, we are talking about a man who has never been knocked out. To add insult to injury, his only losses to Antonio Margarito and Miguel Cotto were marginal defeats at best. Against the “Tijuana Tornado”, Clottey fractured his hand in the 4th round of their 12 round bout, and lost by a seemingly narrow margin. Then, against “El Boricua de Caguas”, he did his best rendition of Santa Claus by handing Cotto a “present”, by refusing to fight aggressively in the 11th and 12th rounds.

However, on March 13th in Arlington, Texas at Cowboys stadium, courtesy of Jerry Jones, “The Grand Master” will not be fighting your basic A-Class fighter. He will be facing one head of the two-headed dragon; a legend in the making, Manny Pacquiao.

The Tale of the Tape:

Height: Clottey 5’8” / Pacquiao 5’6”
ADVANTAGE CLOTTEY
Reach: Clottey 70” / Pacquiao 67”
ADVANTAGE CLOTTEY
Age: Clottey 33/ Pacquiao 30
ADVANTAGE PACQUIAO
(*note: Pacquiao has had 17 more fights than Clottey… more experience but more “miles”…)
KO%: Clottey 51.28% / Pacquiao 69.09%
ADVANTAGE PACQUIAO

What can be said about Manny Pacquiao that has not already been echoed from Manila to Washington, DC? Nothing…
• 7 World Titles in 7 weight classes
• Ring Magazine’s current number 1 pound-for-pound Boxer in the world
• Starred as the Superhero in the action/comedy feature film, Wapakman
• The only Filipino athlete to ever appear on a postage stamp
• He could possibly become PRESIDENT of the Philippines

While all of these accolades are outstanding, none of them will help Pacquiao defend and keep his WBO welterweight title. In his defense, a sound jab, agile footwork, and relentless overhand lefts and right hooks may do the job. The bottom line, is the best option for the Filipino southpaw to cruise to victory in this fight, is to box. I repeat—box!

Pacquiao’s fighting style can occasionally abandon, yet sometimes defy logic, and thrives on the crescendo of violence. But Pacquiao does not want to go into “Neanderthal” mode with the heavy handed orthodox fighter from Accra. Standing toe-to-toe, or mistaking Clottey’s broad shoulders for pillows, could be the cause for an upset that would place the crown of boxing solidly on the head of the opposing dragon--Mayweather, Jr.

By contrast, Clottey’s game plan should be the exact opposite. Be a soldier and take chances—be a Ga Warrior. Make no mistake, Clottey will not win a decision in this fight. Unfortunately, too much money has been invested in the inevitable creation of a probable 120 million dollar “show down” with “Money” Mayweather. Keeping it “real”, even if Clottey were to dominate Pacquiao for 7 of the 12 rounds, the judges know what’s at stake; a mega fight that has the possibility of breathing life back into prizefighting.

That being said, Clottey has one chance, and once chance only to win this fight. He has to knock Pacman out. The question is, can he be the “bully”? He will have to straddle the line of disqualification, without getting disqualified, like he did against Baldomir. He will have to reinvent himself as the Clottey we saw fight against the late Diego Corrales. That version of the Ga Warrior has a “puncher’s” chance.

However, the Clottey we have seen as of late seems to fade in his fights, whereas Pacquiao continues to grow stronger. In later rounds, Clottey’s punch output decreases, and he allows his “prey” an exit out of the corner. If Clottey wishes to slay the dragon, he must not take a step backwards, make it an ugly fight, and land early and frequently to the body.

The problem is, Pacquiao might not be there. His footwork is incredible, minus the occasional slide of the rear foot, and he circles opponents like an angry hornet. When you look left, he’s on your right, and when you look right you may find yourself staring upwards into the bright lights. As you ease into the comfort of the canvas, how good it feels to rest. But then it’s too late. By the time you realize you need to stand up, the referee is waving his hands in front of your face & prodding for your mouthpiece.

As much as I love knockouts, I believe this fight goes the distance. All Pacman needs to do is box. In addition, by boxing and learning patience, Pacquiao will be preparing himself for the future. Pacquiao will do his job and keep the dream of a mega fight with Floyd Mayweather, Jr. firmly intact. On March 13th boxing fans will hear the baritone voice of Michael Buffer exclaim, “…and STILL the WBO Champion of the World, “The Pride of the Philippines” Maaannyyyyyyyyy PACQUIAO!!!”

Boxing's Rising In The Land Of The Rising Sun: Japanese Prizefighters

By Troy J. Hines

6,781 miles away from the political epicenter of the world, Washington, D.C., lays 4 major islands of the 6,852 that make up the archipelago Nippon-koku or Japan. Like its 4 major islands, Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku, 4 major boxing gyms (Kyoei, Yonekura, Misako, and Teiken) in the “Land of the Rising Sun” are developing devastatingly talented prizefighters.

Japan is historically and culturally connected with all things brave. Take a moment to examine the Samurai code in feudal Japan, Kamikaze aviators from WWII, the Shinobi and the art of stealth, and of course Sumo wrestling. Who doesn’t love watching 300 pound men “bulldoze” each other in a diaper? In all seriousness, Japanese boxers have established themselves as a dominant force in the Strawweight through Junior Featherweight divisions, and have done so in an entertaining manner.

As a frame of reference, Japan’s first boxing gym was built in Tokyo in 1921; 2 years after Jack Dempsey won the World Heavyweight title from Jess Willard. Thirty-one years later, Japan produced its first World Champion, Yoshio Shirai, who captured the Flyweight crown from Salvador (Dado) Marino in 1952. Shirai was literally a “diamond in the rough”, as he was lucky to be alive, as this occurred 7 years after the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

The smooth orthodox pugilist from Tokyo passed away at the blessed age of 80 years old in 2003. He will remain a legendary figure for the sport in Japan, and in the hearts of boxing fans, forever. Shirai remains a source of inspiration for the 40+ World Champions that the home of the cherry blossom has produced, since his hand was raised in victory.

The most dominant years of Japanese prizefighters was in the 1960’s and early 70’s. Masahiko Harada, current president of the Japanese Boxing Commission (JBC), captured championships in the flyweight (1962) and bantamweight (1965) divisions. As a matter of fact, in the early 70’s, “The Land of the Rising Sun” simultaneously had 5 reigning World Champions. To name a few, Guts Ishimatsu, Koichi Wajima, and Yoko Gushiken, all played a part during this “golden era”, echoing the voice of recognition when it comes to Japanese boxing.

The early 2000’s seem to be making a heroic attempt to be heralded in the same manner. The short list of the current and rising pugilists from Japan include Nobuo Nashiro (current WBA Super Flyweight Champ), Takefumi Sakata (Former WBA Flyweight Champ), Toshiaki Nishioka (current WBC Super Bantamweight Champ), Koki Kameda (WBC Flyweight Champ), and Hozumi Hasegawa. Hasegawa, a fan favorite, is the current WBC Bantamweight Champion, and has defended the title 10 times.

The 29 year-old southpaw touts a record of 28-2-0, and is as technically proficient as any top prizefighter in the sport. Hasegawa knocked out his last opponent, Alvaro Perez, in the fourth round and cracked many boxing pundits Top 10 P4P list—including my own. In addition, Hasegawa was voted Japanese Boxing MVP for the second year in a row by the JBC. Recently there have been talks of Hasegawa traveling across the Pacific and continuing his career in the U.S. Hopefully, this will lead to a bout between the champion from Hyogo, and Golden Boy’s promising Mexican prospect, Abner Mares, who is managed by Frank Espinoza of Espinoza Boxing Club (also manages Israel Vasquez, Martin Castillo, Carlos Molina, Ronny Rios, etc.).

With the 2012 London Olympic Games 2 years away, watch for Japan to make a serious statement in the lighter divisions. Media networks like TBS, TV Tokyo, TV Asahi, Fuji TV, and NTV are having a tremendous impact on the popularity of the sport with the youth. In addition WOWOW, the first private satellite broadcasting station in Japan, features 5 hours of boxing programming per week that generally features National as well as World Champions.

Contrary to popular belief, “boxing’s rising”—especially in Japan. It is always promising when boxing champions begin to emerge in all parts of the world. It reinforces the desire for all things to grow, as it continues to expand its fan base and marketing potential. With a global collective effort, boxing has the chance to turn fans on the periphery into real fans of the “sweet science”. Like a samurai walking from city to city conquering souls for the Shogun with the sword, boxing will conquer the hearts of potential fans around the world with its hands. God Bless Japan.