The pound-for-pound king is on his top form during his first day of sparring session on Thursday by dominating journeyman boxer Bryan Brooks in four rounds. Brooks was hurt a few times during the sparring session. The sparring practice is in preparation for Pacquiao vs. Clottey fight on March 13, 2010 at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas, Texas.


The 7-time world champion is heavily favored to win in 3 to 1 chance but both Manny Pacquiao and Coach Freddie Roach is not taking any slack. Coach Roach did not allow any media members to film the sparring session or mitt work.

Pacquiao is taking Joshua Clottey very seriously; he believes they have their work cut out for them. He said Clottey is a tough, durable opponent. In 39 fights, the boxer from Ghana has never been knocked out. This record simply mean one thing, Clottey is a very tough opponent.


‚ÄúI feel good. I‚Äôm very well conditioned. My opponent was big. I did well against him. I‚Äôm happy and my coach is happy,‚Äù said Pacquiao. It’s important for him to take his opponents seriously and prepare for them adequately – doing so could make or break the entire match. Luckily, Pacquiao is a veteran and knows how to prepare, and his attitude will benefit him when it comes to the match. Fingers crossed it will, anyway.

Clottey might prove to be his match, with his 39-match record, but Pacquiao is no pushover and has his fair share of experience. Whether you’re a hardcore boxing fan or partypoker is more your thing, this is one match everyone’s going to want to see. It’ll be fast, skilled, and exciting.

“Clottey is strong and sturdy. He can take a punch and has a good defense. This is not going to be an easy fight,” added by the Filipino champ.

Roach said Pacquiao followed the game plan well during the four-round sparring session. He also said Brooks was hurt a few times while sparring with the pound-for-pound king.

“[Pacquiao] did really well. He’s already following the game plan. This was a good sparring partner for Shane Mosley but I don’t think I’m going to bring him back… he got hurt a few times. Manny was too much for him,” he said.

Roach said that the key to beat Clottey is Pacquiao’s quickness. “Don’t stand in front of him. Use lateral movement, in-and-outs and side-to-side pretty much because he’s a big strong guy but again boxing ability is going to win this, not size,” said Roach.

If Thursday’s sparring session was an indicator of how the fight will be against Clottey, then Clottey has his work cut out for him. Watch out for Pacquiao vs. Clottey The Event match on March 13.

Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News

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