Pacquiao preparing for 12 rounds

FREDDIE Roach, Manny Pacquiao’s boxing coach, is preparing Pacquiao to fight for the whole 12 rounds against Joshua Clottey in March because he believes it will be hard to send the 32-year- Ghanaian to the canvas.

“You can’t count on knocking this guy out because he’s never been knocked out in his life. He’s got a good chin and he’s a very durable, strong guy,” said Roach. “But I’m not saying we can’t knock him out. I think we will, somewhere along the way. But we’re going to be ready for 12 hard rounds.”

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Although Clottey lost thrice—two from decisions and one by disqualification—he has never been knocked out in his 39 bouts.

Clottey may be considered a weaker opponent compared to Pacquiao’s previous foe Miguel Cotto but the Filipino superstar isn’t taking any chances against him.

“Magaling na boksingero ito (Clottey is also a great fighter),” Pacquiao said in a report posted at the GMA website.

Pacquiao, who came from a 12th round stoppage over Cotto in November, feels that Clottey possesses all the tools that could make their March 13 meeting at the Cowboys Stadium in Dallas a competitive one.

“(He’s a) very defensive fighter. Malakas din at mas matangkad pa kay Cotto. Kaya hindi tayo pwedeng magkumpyansa, (He’s also strong and is much taller than Cotto),” said the 31-year-old Gen. Santos native.

Cotto stands 5’7” and has a reach of 67 inches while Clottey is an inch taller at 5’8” and has a huge reach advantage with 70 inches. Pacquiao is 5’6” ½ and has 67 inches of reach.