Manny Pacquiao looks more like his superhero alter ego in sensational performance against Ghana’s Joshua Clottey

By Steve Galindo III

This past Christmas, boxing’s pound-for-pound best fighter, Manny “Pac Man” Pacquiao released a film in his native Philippines titled Wapakman. In it, Pacquiao played the title role as a single father who miraculously acquires superhero powers. Equipped with a red cape, and the ability to fly (ala Superman), Wapakman would fight crime and rid the city of evil doers.  The film premiered at the Metro Manila Film Festival, where it was met with dismal reviews- many of which suggesting that Pacquiao not quit his day job. Wapakman concluded its two-week run at the film festival finishing in last place at the box office-where it garnered just $43,000 dollars. Last Saturday night, at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, Pacquiao (51-3-38-KOs) returned to his day job, substituted the red cape- with red trunks, and red gloves and reprised his role as a modern day superhero- by successfully defending his WBO welterweight title in a superb performance against a bigger, stronger foe in Joshua Clottey (35-4-20 KOs). And unlike his previous foray as a superhero, this time Wapakman would go on to be a box office smash.

In a number that far exceeded expectations, more than 50,000 people of all races, genders, and creeds crammed their way into Cowboys Stadium, making it one of the biggest events in boxing history. What makes the feat all the more extraordinary is the fact that Pacquiao’s opponent Joshua Clottey was virtually unknown to those outside of the boxing loop. I don’t think that it’s a stretch to say that Clottey will remain unknown due to his uninspiring performance.

Heading into the bout, many described Clottey’s fight with Pacquiao as one that would either make-or-break him. In the span of his 15 year professional career, Clottey had amassed victories over notable names such as Zab Judah, and the late Diego “Chico” Corrales. Despite his successes, Clottey also had a reputation of a fighter that could not win the marquee matchups. That became evident in two hotly contested bouts against welterweights Antonio Margarito, and Miguel Cotto. In both instances, Clottey showed signs of brilliance early on, but ultimately lost on both occasions due to a lack of aggression- which coincidentally enough would be his downfall against Pacquiao.

Against Pacquiao, Clottey never had a chance- or better yet he never gave himself a chance- throwing just 399 total punches compared to 1,231 for the victor. Clottey simply had no answer for Pacquiao’s blazing speed, wicked flurries, and brutal body punches. He did however have an answer for his poor performance. After the fight, Clottey would go on to tell the website myjoyonline.com  that he blamed his performance on a severe case of dehydration, and diarrhea that he suffered from eating Banku and Okra stew, which is a widely popular Ghanaian dish.  Personally, I can honestly believe that Clottey had diarrhea, but it wasn’t from any stew. Clottey was scared, and he fought scared. He decided to play it safe by fighting in survival mode, and shelling up like a turtle. Perhaps fighting in a football field changed up Clottey’s psyche, but somebody forgot to tell him that unlike football- in boxing it’s not defense that wins championships it’s offense, which is why Manny Pacquiao has managed to win seven titles in seven different weight classes, and which is why he defeated Clottey so handedly.

With the win, Pacquiao further cemented his status as both boxing’s main attraction, and its best pound-for-pound fighter, he also sent a strong message to those who have been calling him out, and that is- You don’t tug on Wapakman’s cape. Joshua Clottey found that out the hard way.

 Top Filipino prospect Mercito Gesta returns to the ring April 29

 Boxrec.com is reporting that impressive lightweight prospect Mercito “No Mercy” Gesta will be returning to the ring on April 29^th at the Show Palace in Oceanside, CA. Gesta (17-0-7 KOs) who fights out of San Diego, Ca was last seen in action on February 25^th where he defeated Mexico’s Cristian Favela via unanimous decision in a card that took place at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel in San Diego.

My two pesos

There is no doubt that the May 1^st pay-per-view extravaganza between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Shane Mosley will outdo Pacquiao vs. Clottey as far as ppv buys. It will probably smash it, but let’s not get it twisted, that doesn’t mean that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is a bigger attraction than Pacquiao. That just means that Mayweather had the way more attractive dance partner, it’s like comparing Beyonce to that chick from the movie Precious. As I mentioned above, Manny Pacquiao is the biggest attraction in boxing today, hands down. In the long run Manny doesn’t need Mayweather, its Mayweather that needs Manny, because Money needs Money. If you still don’t buy it, ask yourself this, do you really think that Mayweather could pack a stadium with 50,000 people all by himself?