Who are we kidding? Pacquiao vs. Clottey isn’t exactly the blockbuster we were all hoping for, but its still a fight worth watching. After Pacquiao destroyed Miguel Cotto and Floyd Mayweather Jr. made short work of Juan Manuel Marquez, the only fight that made sense, was Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.

But after the two sides were unable to agree on blood testing, boxing fans are left with Pacquiao vs. Clottey which will take place Saturday, March 13 at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium. No disrespect to Joshua Clottey, but he’s not on the same level as Manny Pacquiao. At least the sports book odds suggest so, with Pacquiao currently listed as a hefty (-650) favorite for this showdown.

Clottey is a 34-year old veteran, who up until this point in his career, has yet to fight anyone in the same class as Pacquiao. A win Saturday would put Clottey on the map, but it will be a tall task for the native of Ghana.

To put things in perspective for a minute, Pacquiao made short work of Miguel Cotto. The same Cotto defeated Clottey, albeit in a controversial decision, that most ringsiders said was a travesty. Even still, Clottey had his chance to make a statement with a win against Cotto, but he lacked the fortitude to close out the fight.

Leading up to this fight, there’s no reason to suggest an upset. Pacquiao is the faster, more experienced fighter, who has made a name for himself delivering in big fights. This is by far Clottey’s biggest fight to date, and one has to wonder just how he’ll handle the bright lights associated with the big stage.

In reality, Manny Pacquiao has everything to lose and nothing to gain by taking this fight. The only way I can see Clottey coming out victorious is if Manny takes him lightly. But Manny has yet to take anyone lightly during this run, so don’t expect him to do so now.

These two fighters are just on different levels, and while Clottey may be able to hang early, I’m not quite sure if he has the necessary tools to come out victorious. Clottey is a warrior, and he’ll come to fight, but in the end, he’ll meet the same fate as those who have come before him. PICK: Manny Pacquiao by eighth round knockout. Good luck to all.
 

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