BOXING HAUTE CUISINE IT IS NOT AND INSTEAD OF A 12 ROUND COURSE OF DELECTABLE DELICACIES THAT PACQUIAO – MAYWEATHER WOULD HAVE PROVIDED A STANDARD CHOICE OF FISH AND CHIPS, HAMBURGER AND CHIPS WITH SALAD OR PIE AND MASH USING GOOD QUALITY INGREDIENTS WILL BE SERVED.
SMILING FACES AT THE WEIGH-IN
Tonight we are to be served boxing fare that could prove interesting when Manny Pacquiao clashes with Joshua Clottey at the Texas Cowboy stadium but this substitute fare falls far short of the banquet we nearly had and provided by Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr. served in what would have been a feast of feasts, in boxing terms that is.
Unfortunately, just as the drums of publicity heralding the matching of the two pound for pound presidential candidates of boxing, Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr., began to reach a crescendo around the World and mega guarantees as high US$25 million were being freely reported, there came the Manny Pacquiao bombshell that he would not give a blood sample to test for drugs close to the proposed fight date, which was demanded by Floyd Mayweather Jr. and
In the then rules of the Nevada State Athletic Commission ( NSAC) this would have been allowed by the venue's location boxing commission, NSAC.
The Texas boxing commission presently also erroneously relies upon the seriously flawed single urine testing for drugs.
Despite the experienced negotiating skills of members of Team Pacquiao and Mayweather a solution could not be found to appease Manny or Floyd Jr. and both boxers decided to accept alternative bouts.
However, it is an ill wind that blows no good and NSAC following serious criticisms by BoxingAction.com on the inadequate dug testing policy of NSAC, which the rest of the media failed to fully address, NSAC , to their credit, without delay changed their drug testing system to the best scientific methodology available.
After tonight’s event Boxing Action proposes to seek the co-operation of the Texas commission to change their inadequate system and graduate to the standard now in place at NSAC.
This is the scenario that allows, by comparison, fish and chips, hamburger and chips with salad or pie and mash using good quality ingredients will be served-up instead of a 12 round course of delectable delicacies that Pacquiao – Mayweather would have provided.
Joshua Clottey (Ghana) is a suitable opponent for Manny Pacquiao but no surprise is expected from him to better what others have failed to do and that is dent the remarkable winning streak that has earned Manny a mandatory entry into the Hall of Fame.
Nevertheless, the publicity reports are suggesting that 45,000 fans will be in the Dallas Cowboy stadium tonight to watch what might the swan song of Manny. It may be this is the reason for the high turnout.
THE FABULOUS DALLAS 'COWBOYS' STADIUM
Oscar e L Hoya has not doubt Manny will have an, “Easy time” against Joshua. Few knowledgeable would disagree with this but, as always, it boxing and there are no certainties.
In an interview with SKY Sports Oscar said, "I think Manny Pacquiao will have an easy time with Joshua Clottey."
"Styles make fights, and his (Clottey's) defence is one where he blocks punches, then he has to bring his hands down to look at you and then throw punches.
"Manny is too fast to stay there in the pocket and receive punches. I believe he will hit him then move side-to-side.
"Clottey will look for him, but he's not going to be there. He (Pacquiao) is going to do the same thing for 12 rounds.
"It's probably going to be an easy fight for him."
He added, "I believe Mayweather is the best boxer, purist boxer, in the sport today. He fights to survive, which is the most dangerous boxer out there."
When asked of Manny has to beat Floyd Jr. to be a true great of boxing and the only candidate in his era to be heralded as the ‘The Greats Ever’, Oscar replied: "I believe so.
Had Oscar not been the co-promoter of Floyd this would be an opinion that would need to be accepted as he has fought both boxers. Nevertheless, it does appear to be a genuine view of Oscar and his reasoning defies denial.
Sadly the obtuse attitude of Manny with regard to acceding to the request to give a blood sample at a reasonable time before meeting Floyd Jr. created adverse publicity and this unfortunate decision will never allow the dark cloud go away.
Without this disturbing question mark there is no doubt the Manny Pacquiao boxing feats of marching to championship victory through weight divisions had to make him a leading candidate for the title of The Greatest Boxer of All Time. It is an astonishing record.
If you add to his feats he has generated revenue of no less than US$200 million in Pay Per View his remarkable record grows even larger.
Due to Manny, Joshua Clottey will become a dollar millionaire and earn his first US$1million purse.
Freddie Roach who has taken Manny from the weight divisions flyweight to seven world titles said, 'Speed is power and Manny is exceptionally fast.'
Unfortunately the USA authorities refused a visa to the African trainer of Joshua, which is extremely difficult to understand and his corner will now be under the command of Lenny De Jesus, whose reputation is based upon his expertise in dealing with cuts.
Joshua is known be temperamental and this could unsettle him. Also with Freddie Roach in the opposite plotting and planning to benefit Manny you need the best available corner advice.
The view of Joshua is: 'I can tell you I've never been hurt and never really felt a punch. I am interested to discover what Manny can do.'
Tonight it will probably be nearer midnight than high noon when Joshua will be given the answer. ~
