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Filipino Sports Examiner | Dennis "dSource" Guillermo
He isn't one of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people for nothing.
After only 3 hours, more than half of the 40,000 available seats for Manny Pacquiao's March 13 bout with Joshua Clottey at the Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas have been sold.
From the media coverage to the fan turnout during the press conferences in Dallas and New York, what was supposedly a contingency match-up is looking more like that fight of the year if the Pacquiao-Mayweather clash can not be made.
Who said Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his crew's baseless steroids accusations have affected Pacquiao's status as the boxing's biggest draw?
What's makes the feat all the more impressive is that Pacquiao is selling tickets amidst fan disappointment that the mega-fight between him and Floyd Mayweather Jr. is not happening. Also, he is doing it while having a dance partner who is not a big draw. Clottey may be a tough opponent but he does not have the type of following like Cotto, Hatton and Dela Hoya.
Throughout all the rumors and controversy that surrounded Pacquiao, the people have recognized the universal truth about him: His fights are well worth seeing.
Top Rank chief Bob Arum told ESPN's Dan Rafael,
"Ross Greenburg and I are very gratified that the public has responded like they have, and we are happy for our partner (Cowboys owner) Jerry Jones," and added that more tickets can be made available if the demand calls for it.
Steroids accusations or none, people have decided to stand behind the Filipino slugger for all the right reasons- the excitement and action he brings to the table. He is innocent until proven guilty and as long as he is on top of his game and he is able to compete and sanctioned by the governing bodies, he will continue to scintillate and capture fight fans' imaginations.
Speaking of controversy, Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s trainer and uncle Roger Mayweather will be a guest at the Boxing Truth Radio Show tonight at 6pm Pacific Time. You can tune in to the show by visiting this page or logging on to www.TheBoxingTruth.com.
Source: Examiner.com
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