Pacquiao vs. Clottey/Mayweather vs. Malignaggi = A Disappointment

By Shaun Campbell: Boxingnews24 today reported that Manny Pacquiao is likely defend his WBO welterweight title against Ghanaian Joshua Clottey. The former International Boxing Federation champion Clottey will no doubt be thrilled with the announcement that Pacquiao’s proposed “super fight” with Floyd Mayweather fell through. For boxing fans though it’s a totally different story. A disappointment, a letdown, a disgrace. Why pick an opponent who, while putting in a good effort again Miguel Cotto was eventually beaten. And the world saw what happened when Cotto faced the “Pac-man”.

Is Pacquiao vs Clottey the most attractive fight Bob Arum could find? They may as well have staged a 3rd contest between Pacquiao and Marquez, which would have probably been a more competitive fight than this one. This bout looks set to be happening on March 13th. With no disrespect to Clottey, what chance does he have to beat a man who so convincingly outclassed Miguel Cotto? It seems as if the bout will have to happen in March, which rules out the chance of Pacquiao facing the winner of Mosley vs Berto, which is a shame but the winner of that fight surely has to fight Floyd Mayweather.

Speaking of Mayweather, it is possible he will be fighting either Paulie Malignaggi or Britain’s Matthew Hatton. Both fighters a genuinely nice guys and no disrespect to them, but the difference in class is staggering. Malignaggi and Mayweather and two defensively minded fighters would like to hit and move, therefore their styles probably wont result in an exciting fight. Mayweather is a master of making exciting fighters, fight an ordinary fight. People will eventually lose interest in the dream match Pacquiao/Mayweather and focus on other fights which could possibly be made. Every day that passes where Pacquiao and Mayweather don’t fight, they’ll be losing money.

Clottey and Malignaggi are decent fighters, but they aren’t in the class of Pacquiao or Mayweather. So whether this is promotional hype or genuine problems that can not be settled, it is a disgrace.