It's no secret Manila turns to the TV set whenever "Pound-for-Pound King" Manny Pacquiao takes to the ring. This Sunday, March 14 (Manila time), his upcoming clash with Ghanian Joshua Clottey at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, is set to be one of the most intriguing fights after his match against Floyd Mayweather Jr., fell through over disputes over drug testing protocol.

An excerpt from HBO's "Road to Dallas", analyzing the upcoming showdown between Pacquiao and Clottey.

Pre-fight Analysis

Time magazine called the March 14 bout "The Letdown" after the Pacquiao-Mayweather fight fell through, but they're not writing off Clottey just yet. His three losses were all contestable, according to Philboxing.com. His first loss was due to a disqualification. His second was caused by a hand injury. His final loss in June 2009 against former welterweight world champion Miguel Cotto (who Pacquiao defeated last year) was a matter of close scores and a split decision.

Sportswriter Tyler Curtis pinned Pacquiao against Clottey and weighed their strengths. He says that although both fighters are capable of enduring major beatings, Pacquiao is faster, more consistent, more powerful, and more experienced. Clottey, on the other hand, is bigger, more confident, better in defense, and delivers more precise body punches.

Still, boxing critics such as ESPN's Dan Rafael think Clottey is just a slight hurdle for Pacquiao. The "Super Bowl of boxing," according to Rafael, was if the People's Champ and Mayweather finally go head to head.

The Event

"I'm very excited to fight in Cowboys Stadium, especially because this is the first fight there... It's an honor to fight in Dallas. I can't wait until Saturday. This is for the fans. This is my chance to show them what I can do," Pacquiao told Reuters USA.

Unlike the HBO Mayweather-Mosley fight in May, which will be held in Las Vegas' 17,000-seater MGM Grand, the Pacquiao-Clottey fight will held at the Cowboys Stadium. The venue, with a whopping seating capacity of 45,000, is quickly selling out. ESPN reports that as of March 9, 41,000 tickets have already been sold for the fight.

Promoter Bob Arum predicts that all tickets would be sold out before fight night. He also told ESPN that he's excited that the large venue would eventually open up boxing to a larger base of sports fans, saying, "I love Las Vegas… but the tickets are limited by the size of the arena and they generally go to the high-rolling casino customers. Here, the sales pitch is about the public... You cannot be a major sport if all your big events are in one city where people have to come from all over to attend the event."

"I think Manny will be the first to knock him out," Freddy Roach told Reuters USA, "I have a lot of confidence in my fighter. He's sparring with guys who fight quite a bit like Clottey."

Clottey dismissed this statement and told Reuters USA that beating Pacquiao and Roach would be his motivation. "We all know Manny Pacquiao. When he comes, he starts throwing. I'm just ready. My body can take it… When he throws on me, I will block him and that will confuse him. He'll throw 30, and I'll throw four. The four will connect. The 30, I'll block most… I will wear him down, for sure."

Pacquiao told Reuters USA his game plan against Clottey for Sunday's big fight, "You cannot underestimate Joshua Clottey. He's a good fighter, and he's bigger than me, and I have to be very focused in the fight… My quickness will be the key, my speed."

The Event will be televised this Sunday, March 14, on GMA-7. SPOT.ph lists the places where you can cheer on the Pacman, or Clottey, if you prefer: