Clottey to come forward

Joshua Clottey is predicting fireworks when he meets Manny Pacquiao in Dallas on Saturday, live on Sky Sports 1&HD1.

Filipino hero Pacquiao was due to face Floyd Mayweather Jr in a pound-for-pound showdown before he pulled out following a row over drug testing procedures.

Ghanaian grinder Clottey has stepped in and he will fight for the WBO light welterweight title against the Pacman in front of 40,000 fans at the new $1.1 billion Cowboys Stadium in Texas.

Now based in the Bronx in New York, Clottey has proved a tough opponent in the past and his 35-3 record does not include a stoppage defeat - something which Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has promised to change.

Clottey though says it will be far from a battle for survival against Pacquiao, and believes it will be an exciting battle with him too promising to come forward and attack.

Exciting

"It will be an exciting fight, as they are predicting," said Clottey.

"I'm always coming forward to face my opponent and fight like a man, not like I just come in like that, I come forward with timing.

"Everything is in my head, I'm always looking, and the truth is I'm a forward fighter."

Former IBF light welterweight champion Clottey has been a stubborn man to fight in his career, but has crucially never managed to beat the best around.

Pacquiao is a big favourite to continue his magic run despite being at a disadvantage in size and strength.

Clottey has also lost to Miguel Cotto, who was destroyed in 12 rounds by Pacquiao in the Filippino's last fight.