Clottey tough to beat — Roach

Freddie Roach will be very surprised if Manny Pacquiao takes out Joshua Clottey in a quick and explosive manner on March 13 in Dallas.

While Roach has no doubt that Pacquiao is going to beat Clottey, the celebrated cornerman believes the Ghanaian banger can’t just be beaten easily and swiftly.

“No, I don‘t think it‘s going to be short,” said Roach recently from the Wild Card Boxing Club where Pacquiao has been showing fiery form the past five weeks when asked whether the Filipino fighter can get the job done early.

Reiterating that Clottey is not only big and strong but has a good defense as well, Roach said Pacquiao’s awesome speed and sheer talent would take its toll in the late rounds “where I expect Clottey to quit.”

In Pacquiao’s last four fights, Roach accurately predicted the rounds when victory would come.

Pacquiao needed nine rounds to flatten David Diaz, also similarly went the same number against Oscar De La Hoya and was right on the button when he bragged that Ricky Hatton would fall in less than three. Hatton lasted just two rounds.

Against Miguel Cotto, Roach was again correct in saying the Puerto Rican will push Pacquiao to the limit. Pacquiao stopped Cotto in the 12th round.

Meanwhile, over at Clottey’s training camp in Florida, it’s been reported that his preparation has also gone full blast and that the 5-1 underdog has been pushing himself to the limit. Top boxing website fightnews said Clottey is “ripped and ready.”

Source: mb.com.ph