Examiner.com

Pacquiao is eager to test his power (AP Photo)

Freddie Roach recently went on the record to say he thought Manny Pacquiao could finish Joshua Clottey inside 9 rounds. The odds are saying that the most likely outcome is a decision victory for Pacman, but does he have what it takes to finish Clottey?

The tough Ghanaian has thus far never been finished, and will hope his size and strength will prove too much for Pacquiao's own brand of Pinoy power. He has been knocked down several times, but usually from bigger punchers than Pacquiao, who at this weight relies on volume and speed rather than single punch power.

Joshua's handlers have said that he will enter the ring at no more than 155lbs, although someone of Clottey's size could probably pack on more weight after the weigh in than this. With Clottey's stamina being an issue in some of his fights though, the decision to bulk or not to bulk will have to be carefully considered. If he enters the ring at 175lbs he might have the strength to tire Pacquiao out. On the other hand he might get tired sooner himself and become a sitting duck.

Clottey's main problem seems to be that he tires in the late rounds of a fight, and often becomes sluggish and sloppy as he does so. With Pacquiao's rapid fire offense, this might end up costing Clottey if he isn't careful. While Pacquiao lacks one punch knockout power at welterweight, several rounds of unanswered punches will take its toll on anyone, regardless of how big and tough they are.

As for Clottey being a danger to Pacquiao, a lot might come down to how well the Filipino mega star can handle a full welterweight, and a big one at that. Clottey isn't regarded as a big puncher, but eventually the difference in size and strength might become telling, especially if Clottey comes in much larger than Pacquiao on the night of the fight. Roach and team will probably be hoping that Pacquiao's blistering early pace will wear Clottey down before the later rounds, and leave him defenceless for Pacquiao to finish off.

Another big danger though is Clottey's tendency to resort to butting and low blows if he isn't getting his own way. Numerous fights Clottey has been involved in have resulted in severe cuts to his opponent, and especially so as he tires in the later rounds.Pacquiao has also been known to struggle against opponents who don't fight fair, and will have to be on his guard against the sometimes head butt happy Clottey.

Sean Finney, Pittsburgh PA: "Pacquiao just doesn't hit that hard at welterweight, his only hope of putting Clottey down is if he hits him with everything he has in the later round when Clottey has ground to a halt. Even then Clottey might be able to ride out the storm, he's taken a lot of abuse in fights before and not been stopped yet"

Manvel Obedjian, Pittsburgh PA: "I don't see Clottey standing up to Pacquiao's assault all night. Eventually he'll probably get tired and start his fouling anyway. The fight might even end with a cut stoppage"

Michael Warner, Pittsburgh PA: "Pacquiao doesn't even need to go for the knockout against Clottey. He's much faster, he throws a hell of a lot more punches and he will only get faster as Clottey slows down"

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