As predicted by Boxers and Writers Magazine, Manny Pacquiao prevailed in his World Boxing Organization (WBO) Welterweight Championship title defense against challenger Joshua Clottey on March 13. His latteral movement and excessive speed and power proved too much for Clottey, but he was unable to put him away. Clottey seemed to be planning to mount a major attack throughout the bout, but his constant procrastination and Pacquiao’s relentless pressure prevented its manifestation. Clottey did land occasional punches, particularly well timed uppercuts, that occasionally stopped Pacquiao in his tracks, but never in a devestating manner. Pacquiao always adjusted immediately and neutralized the effectiveness of Clottey’s efforts, winning every round on one judge’s score card and 11 out of 12 rounds on those of the other two. This is another successful prediction from Boxers and Writers Magazine, but the next epic Welterweight title fight, the defense of the World Boxing Association (WBA) Championship by Shane Mosley against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. is a tougher call to make. It will take some examination of past fights to make a prediction before the contest, scheduled for Saturday, May 1 at the MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas, NV. It would be unwise to presume Mayweather will have no problem getting by Mosley, who is arguably the most talented fighter he has ever faced, and it is also foolish to dismiss Mosley because of age. But if Mayweather can get by him, Mosley does serve as the perfect preparation fight for Mayweather in preparation for Pacquiao. Of course Pacquiao has said he’s ready and willing to fight either of them.
As far as the fight scheduled for tonight, Saturday, April 3 between Bernard Hopkins and Roy Jones, Jr. at Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, look for Hopkins to win.
By
Mark Connor
© Copyright 2009, Mark Conno
