Clottey dissapoints the world

Another welterweight comes and goes, with his head down in disappointment as he fails to stop the Pac. Joshua Clottey employed the wrong strategy in the fight and it cost him dearly. Never again will he have a chance to fight one of the top fighters or a world title fight. If he would have thrown at least 150 punches more, it would have been somewhat of an exciting fight. In front of a sell out crowd of 51'000 the 3rd biggest in Texas, Clottey used his favored peek-a-boo defense all night long and only managed a measly 33 shots per round.

I only see clottey going downwards from here. HBO will most likely think twice about broadcasting his fights and Bob Arum will have a tough time negotiating prize money against future opponents. He's a noble fighter with criminal tactics, and i guess it's safe to say we wont hear much more of this Ghanian clamshell again.

Manny Pacquiao Vs. Joshua Clottey : Pre Fight Analysis

Agonizing hours of waiting for this fight has come and gone. This Saturday, Ghanaian tank Josh Clottey will get a chance in a lifetime when he faces pound 4 pound king Manny Pacquiao for the WBO welterweight championship. Will Clottey seize his opportunity and cause one of the biggest upset in boxing history? or will his name be crossed out on Manny's already impressive Hit-List? Read on to find out how i think the fight will unfold.










Joshua Clottey 35-3-0 (20 KO)

built from re-enforced steel, Clottey will be the strongest ever opponent Pacquiao has faced. He has never been knocked out and has only been knocked down once ( got back up from it pretty quickly) against Cotto. His defensive skills are classified as "God given" and he is one huge son of a bit*h. He has a mean uppercut and is the natural welterweight, coming in at 160+ lbs on fight night.















Manny Pacquiao 50-3-2 (38 KO)

Known as the man who revitalized boxing, Pacman is the current P4P king and boy does he have an impressive resume. Barrera, De La Hoya, Morales, Marquez, Hatton, Cotto are some of the big names he has destroyed (De La Hoya, Morales & Hatton all retired after losing to Pacquiao). Possessing ridiculously fast had speed and footwork, his punches come at angles previously not possible. His punching power baffles many critics as he has constantly KO-ed bigger and stronger opponents. Couple that with incredible stamina to last 12 full rounds and a very strong chin (proved against Cotto), he is definitely the hardest challenge of Clottey's career.

Prediction

I think Clottey will put up one hell of a fight, giving Pacquiao a stern test in the welter division. his defense will confuse the Pacman and will force him to rethink his strategies. However, Clottey is not know to have punching power (only 20 KO's in 38 fights) and might not hurt Pacquiao as much as people believe. Pacquiao will throw many more punches and land more clean shots even though Clottey has a good defense. He is the title holder and i think by the 10,11 or 12, we will have a stoppage in Manny's favor. Manny Pacquiao, victory by TKO.

The Scene So Far...

Some disappointments here and there, surprise fights being put together and we are back on course for a great 2010. Lets look at some of the fights that have been announced and how I think they will unfold:

Manny Pacquiao Vs Joshua Clottey


















I have to admit that at first look, this match was a waste of time. The way Pacquiao has been performing lately might suggest he will steamroll past Clottey and hand him a first knockout loss in his career, but the more I look at it, the more I think it might be slightly different. Put yourself in Clottey's shoes. A nobody who after 2 defeats looks like he's going out for good gets a lifeline from the biggest name in boxing, Manny. I'm pretty sure Clottey will train twice as hard and improve as much as he can to prepare himself for the biggest fight in his career. I expect Clottey to step up and make this his best fight ever, but ultimately fall short against the Filipino master. Pacquiao TKO in 10,11 or 12

Floyd Mayweather Vs Sugar Shane Mosley













Well played Floyd to snap up Mosley after the cancellation of the Mosley-Berto fight. not only will this give him more leverage for future negotiations against Pacquiao, it will also silence critics who doubted his commitment in fighting equal opponents. Mosley is still going great and this will make for an exciting fight but i do expect Floyd to extend his unbeaten record. Pretty Boy UD

Bernard Hopkins Vs Roy Jones Jr.














Delusional Roy still thinks the Green fight was stopped to early, despite images of him cowering in submission against the Australian. A long waited (but forgotten) rematch against Hopkins will again see him tasting defeat. Bernard has everything going for him. his confidence is high, racking up impressive wins and looks physically conditioned to dish out a beating against Roy. Hopkins TKO in 4,9 or 10th

Amir Khan Vs Paulie Malignaggi







Determined to establish himself in the US, talks of Khan facing Maidana or Marquez has been heard going around but a fight against Malignaggi is now officially confirmed. Malignaggi, who has notable losses against Cotto & Hatton is a good first fight for Khan and definately an exciting one. His unique Tommy Hearns style of fighting sees him being an excellent counter puncher. Khan on the other hand has lighting quick speed and after his last fight, devastating power. this is a really tough one to call as both fighters are good at what they do, but im leaning towards Khan for a UD or Split

Lamont Peterson Vs Edwin Valero












27 fights, 27 wins and 27 knockouts sees this highly rated Venezuelan looking for a big fight in the US. He wants Pacquiao or Mayweather but is definitely not ready for that. A strongly rumored fight against Lamont is on the cards and what a good match it will be. Valero is quick, strong, and barbaric in the ring while Lamont will be the younger of the two and will be fighting at a familiar weight class. For sheer determination and confidence, im going with a Valero UD on this one.

Miguel Cotto Vs Yuri Foreman









Cotto is one guy who i like to see fight again. when he's good, he brings all the excitement to the ring and wows you with his skills but as of late, he's a shadow of his former self. WBA Light Middleweight champion Foreman has a 4 inch height advantage over Cotto and is much more powerful than when he started. Why would Cotto fight a guy Pacquiao avoided is beyond my question but it is a chance for him to start over. I'm reserving judgment for this as the fight approaches.

Why I Think Pac-Weather Will Happen This Year

So its been twice now that I've said the big fight will happen this year but towards the end, and not in March. How can I be so sure, when everyone else is saying the fight is off? Well let me give you my arguments on why I think they are just buying some time.

Physical Condition

Mayweather has fought only one fight since returning, against Marquez. To fight Pacquiao, he will need to tune up his senses and make himself 100% once again. Both fighters would want to be at their peak going into this fight. Pacquiao could have gotten an opponent who fights like Mayweather to prepare himself, but I guess Clottey would do the job.

Time

March would be too early for a blockbuster fight. A fight in march would leave the rest of the year fairly dull but keeping the fight towards the end of the year would create enough tension and drama to ensure its record breaking success smashes through the roof

The Big Finish

I'm pretty sure both fighters will end their career after this fight (maybe Pac would end it against Marquez). What better way to end your career, than for your last fight to be the biggest fight in the history of boxing. It would leave fans talking about it for years and years to come

Money

Once this fight happens, there is basically no where else for them to go. There wont be an opponent big enough to match them and therefore no more fight revenue. By fighting an additional fight BEFORE the big match, they stand to earn those extra millions.

Promo

Yes this fight is big enough as it is, but both fighters would want to make sure that cover every aspect of promotion that they can for the fight. World tour, HBO specials, you name it. And in order to pull all of this off, they will need time on their hands.

Undercard

They would need big name undercards to compliment this fight, so a longer planning time would allow them to get the best fighters.

Venue

This I think is the only legit problem that's facing both sides. its either Dallas or Vegas. Pacquiao is fighting Clottey in Dallas & Mayweather in Vegas. I think they will analyze both fights and then determine which venue is best.

Tough Glove Awards 2009

Since everyone else is giving out awards for what they perceive was the best in the category, I have decided to do the same, so here are my pics for the 2009 awards:

Best Fight Of The Year 2009

Marcos Maidana Vs. Victor Ortiz

This match had the makings of a Marquez & Velazquez classic. Both fighters constantly pounded each other, scoring multiple knockdowns in a non-stop action packed fight

Runners Up: Paul Williams Vs. Sergio Martinez






Best Round Of The Year 2009

Paul Williams Vs. Sergio Martinez (Round 5)

Both fighters savagely exchange shots in the middle of the ring with a huge left from Martinez that tosses Williams head around like a punching bag

Runners Up: Manny Pacquiao Vs. Miguel Cotto (Round 4)





Best Knockout Of The Year 2009

Manny Pacquiao (Vs. Ricky Hatton)

Pacquiao's devastating left in the dying seconds of the 2nd round floored Hatton to the floor and left him still for a couple of minutes or so. The most devastating 1 punch knockout I have ever seen

Runners Up: Randall Bailey (Vs. Francisco Figueroa)





Fighter Of The Year 2009

Manny Pacquiao

4 lineal championships, titles in 7 weight classes, pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao has revitalized interest in boxing and made it popular once again. His destructive style, lightning speed, and power makes him a must watch fighter no matter who his opponents are.

Runners Up: Andre Ward

Rafael Marquez Vs. Israel Vasquez 4???

Holy shit could it be true??? one of the best trilogies of all time is set to go Tetralogy. News has it that a May 22nd 2010 fight has been signed and sealed and WILL take place. Let me digest this piece of info for a while okay....

WOW...just to underline how big 2010 could be for boxing, this colossal fight was announced and believe me it will be a strong contender for fight of the year 2010. The only way to describe the trilogy is "exceptionally magnificent". Both men constantly pounded each other with flurries of punches it made it difficult to blink or breathe. I thought the first was good, the second was amazing and the 3rd, monumental. Could the 4th be better than the rest? it might not but trust me it will come pretty damn close.

Rafael Marquez Vs. Israel Vazquez I Highlights (Marquez won TKO)



Rafael Marquez Vs. Israel Vazquez II Highlights (Vazquez won 6rd KO)



Rafael Marquez Vs. Israel Vazquez III Highlights (Vazquez won Decision)

2010 Promises To Be BIG

What a year 2009 was. Amazing fights, shocking results, comeback victories and we ended the year with a spectacular fight between Paul Williams & Sergio Martinez. So can 2010 go one step further and make it the best year boxing has ever seen? there is a huge potential of that happening, so without further a due, let me introduce to you my 10 super fights of 2010, and the chances of it happening.

Andre Berto Vs. Shane Mosley

What a way to start the year of with this January 30th bout between two top welterweights fighters. An experienced Mosley looks to register another upset win over a younger opponent but Berto has racked up some big wins recently and will use this fight to propel him into boxing superstardom.

Chances of Happening: Confirmed Bout (30th January, 2010)

David Haye Vs. Vitaly/Wladimir Klitschko

The Klitschko Brothers are poised to shut the "Trash King" up once and for all as both Haye & either Klitschko's eyes a summer spectacle in 2010. Could the reign of the Klitschko brothers come to an end in the hands of Haye? Which of the brothers will he eliminate first? sources in the sport are pointing towards Vitaly in what could be a remake of the Rumble In The Jungle

Chances of Happening: Very Good

Miguel Cotto Vs Antonio Margarito II

When Margarito was caught using illegal wraps right before the start of the Mosley fight, Miguel Cotto's blood would have surely started to boil. He might have been beaten by a cheating Margarito and whats more, he was battered. I'm very sure he has his sights on setting the records straight and a rematch against Margarito would please fans of both fighters.

Chances of Happening: Good

Ricky Hatton Vs Juan Manuel Marquez

Hitman Hatton has taken a big break after the embarrasing loss against Pacquiao but looks set to return to the ring in 2010. There have been a few names thrown about, but none looks more appetizing then a fight with Manuel Marquez. For starters, both fighters have lost against Pacquiao and Mayweather, both are looking to get a big money fight once again, so why not go head to head? Marquez struggled at 140+ against Mayweather and Hatton will need a collosal workout to get back in shape, and appoint a new trainer. Theres alot to be done if this fight were to take place

Chances of Happening: Slim

Paul Williams Vs Kelly Pavlik

I am in full support of a rematch between Williams & Martinez after their excellent super-fight in December '09, but after Williams takes on Kelly Pavlik. Why? Pavlik has a proven KO record compared to Martinez, is of the same height as Williams and about the same age. If it happens, this fight will be an exciting one to watch

Chances of Happening: Good

Amir Khan Vs. Breidis Prescott II

In another case of an embarrasing loss, Khan would want to forget his fight with Prescott forever. Or does he? improving ever since and working with one of the best trainers in the sport, Khan dispatched Salita in round 1 and is now looking to the future. He does have his eyes on a rematch with Prescott and again, what better way to re-inforce your resume than to avenge your loss right? This fight intrigues me and has the looks of thrilling fight.

Chances of Happening: Slim

Floyd Mayweather Jr. Vs. Manny Pacquiao

Here we go. The "supposedly cancelled" fight that the whole world wants to see. Shrouded by the disagrement in regards to blood testing, this fight has been called off and both figter are allegedly looking for alternatives. C'MON GUYS, this fight will happen THIS YEAR. Maybe not in March but it will happen THIS YEAR. This could all be a promotional method to get as much coverage as possible. I think both fighters will have a tune-up fight and then face off against each other in the 4th quarter of 2010. Reputation, money, careers, hell even the future of boxing is at stake in this fight so do you really think they are gonna risk it all just because of a few drops of blood??? I don't think so

Chances of Happening: Very Good

Victor Ortiz Vs. Marcos Maidana II

This fight was a non-stop, adreneline pumping fight that went either way up to the 6th round. Both fighters scored knockdowns more than once and finally the doctor had to stop the fight in 6th, giving a TKO victory for Maidana. I think a rematch will be a sell-out, but both fighters might just be looking away.

Chances of Happening: Very Slim

Manny Pacquiao Vs. Juan Manuel Marquez III

Pacquiao has made his retirements intentions public as he plans to run for congress. Well that's fine but only do it when you have finished your business with Marquez. it just has to happen right? would Pacquiao want to go out knowing that he didnt really prove himself against Marquez? This fight could also be one reason why Marquez is still boxing. he wants to end it with Pacquiao.

Chances of Happening: Good

Timothy Bradley Vs. Joshua Clottey

I'm hearing alot from this Bradley guy and how he should get a shot against Pacquiao or Mayweather. Well why not prove yourself first. Pitting him against one of the meanest welters around, Clottey will test Bradley to the limit and prove if he does deserve a shot with the big leagues

Chances of Happening: Probably Not

Other Noteworthy Fights

Paul Williams Vs. Bernard Hopkins
Floyd Mayweather Vs. Shane Mosley
Kevin Mitchell Vs. Juan Manuel Marquez
Luis Collazo Vs Andre Berto II