GRAPEVINE, Texas—Many of them have tasted the power of Manny Pacquiao’s punches and came up short.
Now, these world champions are convinced Pacquiao will again emerge victorious in his defense of the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against Ghana’s Joshua Clottey on Saturday (Sunday n Manila).
Oscar De La Hoya, the former poster boy of boxing who hasn’t fought since Pacquiao made him quit in his stool on the eighth round, told it would be an easy victory for Pacquiao despite Clottey’s edge in height and heft.
Marco Antonio Barrera, who was stopped by Pacquiao in the 11th round in San Antonio in 2003 and was beaten anew in their return bout in 2007, picked Pacquiao to win by unanimous decision Friday.
The Mexican great, however, told the Manila-based sportswriters, that if it turns to be a knockout victory for Pacquiao, it would come in the ninth round.
Chicago’s David Diaz, who will try to regain the World Boxing Council lightweight title against Mexican Humberto Soto in the main supporting bout, also batted for a victory by Pacquiao, his tormentor by knockout in 2008.
World beaters who weren’t able to do battle with Pacquiao but were familiar with his exploits also gave the seven-time champion in as many divisions the nod over Clottey.
Former World Boxing Association welterweight champion Antonio Margarito said Pacquiao would win, but did not elaborate.
Jorge Arce, the reigning WBO junior bantamweight titlist, said Pacquiao will win by unanimous decision.
As expected, former champions Gerry Peñalosa and Brian Viloria batted for a victory by their countryman.
Penalosa said Clottey should fall in the last three rounds while Viloria predicted a knockout for Pacquiao in the sixth and seventh rounds.
Though boxing historian Bert Sugar picked Pacquiao to win, he didn’t discount the possibility of a Clottey victory.
Referee Kelly Bayless noted Pacquiao’s tremendous improvement in the fights he has officiated, but opted to stay neutral.
source: sports.inquirer.net
Now, these world champions are convinced Pacquiao will again emerge victorious in his defense of the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown against Ghana’s Joshua Clottey on Saturday (Sunday n Manila).
Oscar De La Hoya, the former poster boy of boxing who hasn’t fought since Pacquiao made him quit in his stool on the eighth round, told it would be an easy victory for Pacquiao despite Clottey’s edge in height and heft.
Marco Antonio Barrera, who was stopped by Pacquiao in the 11th round in San Antonio in 2003 and was beaten anew in their return bout in 2007, picked Pacquiao to win by unanimous decision Friday.
The Mexican great, however, told the Manila-based sportswriters, that if it turns to be a knockout victory for Pacquiao, it would come in the ninth round.
Chicago’s David Diaz, who will try to regain the World Boxing Council lightweight title against Mexican Humberto Soto in the main supporting bout, also batted for a victory by Pacquiao, his tormentor by knockout in 2008.
World beaters who weren’t able to do battle with Pacquiao but were familiar with his exploits also gave the seven-time champion in as many divisions the nod over Clottey.
Former World Boxing Association welterweight champion Antonio Margarito said Pacquiao would win, but did not elaborate.
Jorge Arce, the reigning WBO junior bantamweight titlist, said Pacquiao will win by unanimous decision.
As expected, former champions Gerry Peñalosa and Brian Viloria batted for a victory by their countryman.
Penalosa said Clottey should fall in the last three rounds while Viloria predicted a knockout for Pacquiao in the sixth and seventh rounds.
Though boxing historian Bert Sugar picked Pacquiao to win, he didn’t discount the possibility of a Clottey victory.
Referee Kelly Bayless noted Pacquiao’s tremendous improvement in the fights he has officiated, but opted to stay neutral.
source: sports.inquirer.net
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