Source: (The Philippine Star)
DALLAS – This time, referee Kenny Bayless will be watching Manny Pacquiao from ringside.
He said he will watch closely as the heavy hitter from the Philippines faces a big test against Joshua Clottey.
“I think it’s another big step for Pacquiao to be fighting a guy so tough and so strong,” said Bayless at the lobby of the Gaylord Texan Hotel Friday evening.
The American referee is in town for Saturday’s card, dubbed “The Event,” not to officiate the Pacquiao-Clottey title fight but the one between Alfonso Gomez and ex-world champion Jose Luis Castillo.
It’s Rafael Castillo who will be the third man on the ring Saturday. – Abac Cordero
Bayless had officiated four of Pacquiao’s fights, including the big ones against Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.
Bayless was also there when Pacquiao knocked out Erik Morales in 2006, and when Pacquiao outpointed Juan Manuel Marquez in 2008.
On all four occasions, he said he witnessed how great Pacquiao truly is on top of the ring.
“I’ve refereed four of Manny’s fights and every time I’ve gotten in the ring with him I’m amazed with what he was able to do. The most recent was with Miguel Cotto. I thought that was going to be a tough fight for him but Manny came out on top,” he said.
Bayless has nothing much to say about Clottey because he’s never worked any of his fights.
“I’ve never been in the ring with Clottey. So, I don’t know exactly what he can bring. But he can bring it, too, so I’m anticipating a good fight,” he said.
Understandably, he refused to pick a winner.
“The reason why I chose to come is because I’m anticipating it to be a good fight. It’s hard to say. I just want to see a good showing by both fighters. It’s the old saying that the best man will win,” he said.
Did he ever wish to be in there for this fight?
“Not really. I’ve been blessed. Whenever I get the call, I’m ready, and if I don’t get it, maybe I’ll get it the next time. Still, I had to be here.”
Posts
0 comments:
Post a Comment