Saturday, March 6, 2010

Pacquiao by decision vs Clottey, says Chavez Jr

Even Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., son of the legendary Mexican namesake and champion, sees Joshua Clottey as a tough opponent for reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao.

But when asked to whom he’ll bet his money, Chavez Jr. said it’s on Manny, without batting an eyelash.

“I think Manny Pacquiao will win the bout by decision," said the 24-year old Chavez through an interpreter just as he was about to leave the Wildcard gym in Hollywood after staying for about two hours watching the Filipino southpaw in training.

Wearing a cream long sleeve polo over jeans, Chavez Jr. slipped inside the gym without much fanfare, and quietly observed at the corner as the 31-year-old Pacquiao did his thing inside the ring.

Chavez Jr. admitted he came over just to visit and watch how the charismatic and fearsome puncher from General Santos City trains in person.

“Manny is a great boxer, he has talent and is the best of the best in the world right now," added the light-middleweight prospect, who owns a ring record of 41-0-1, with 30 KOs.

Just as he was winding down with his training, Pacquiao went over to Chavez, had a little chat with him and said “your father was a great boxer." The two later had a photo op together.

As the only seven-time world champion in seven different divisions and current pound-for-pound king, Pacquiao is heavily favored to beat Clottey in their title fight dubbed as “The Event".

Chavez Jr. is also under Bob Arum’s Top Rank promotions just like Pacquiao and Clottey.

Last year, Chavez’ camp made known their intention to face the Filipino ring icon in the ring shortly after the Pacman beat Englishman Ricky Hatton, but the plan never materialized as they want the fight to be made at the 154-pound limit, a catch weight deemed too heavy by Pacquiao and trainer Freddie Roach.

But asked on the possibility of the match finally pushing through, Chavez Jr. smiled and said, “maybe someday."

Chavez Jr. said he’s set to fight in June, although has not been informed yet as to who will be his opponent.

His father, JC Chavez Sr. was a six-time world champion in three different weight divisions – super featherweight, lightweight and super-lightweight. Upon retirement in 2001, he compiled a record of 107 wins, six losses and two draws, including 86 KOs and was ranked No. 24 in ESPN’s Greatest Boxers Of All Time.

source: GMANews.TV

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