• Boxing

Pacquiao beats Clottey, says he will fight Floyd "any time"

ESPN staff
March 14, 2010
Manny Pacquiao threw six times as many jabs as his opponent © Getty Images
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Manny Pacquiao overwhelmed Joshua Clottey to defend the WBO welterweight title, before declaring that he would fight Floyd Mayweather Jnr "any time".

The Filipino defeated the Ghanaian via a unanimous points decision after unleashing a glut of rapid-fire punches to which Clottey had no answer. Pacquiao's speed of hand saw him throw six times as many jabs as his opponent, rendering Clottey unable to move out of a defensive posture for much of the contest.

Post-fight, Pacquiao again hinted at the tantalising prospect of a bout against Mayweather Jnr. The two were locked in negotiations earlier in the year for a fight this month, but a contest could not be agreed after a dispute about blood testing. Now it seems that the Pacquiao camp may be willing to compromise, although Mayweather Jnr must first defeat Shane Mosley on May 1.

"It's up to him. For me, it's no problem to fight him. I will fight him any time. He should win against Mosley," Pacquiao said. "If not, Mosley and I will fight. [Mayweather's] style is not a difficult style. He needs to handle his business in his next fight."

Addressing Clottey, who has still never been stopped in the ring, the 31-year-old was gracious in victory. "He's a tough fighter, a good fighter. This was a tough fight," he said - although one judge apparently did not agree, awarding Pacquiao every one of the 12 rounds.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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