Manny Pacquiao with Joshua Clottey. (Photo by Val Cuenca, ABS-CBN News)

MANILA, Philippines –World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao may be ahead of Joshua Clottey in terms of sheer popularity but according to a sports analyst, the Ghanaian is capable of pulling off an upset against the beloved Filipino boxer.

“[Clottey has an advantage] hindi sa istilo kundi sa sinasabing intangibles,” said analyst Dennis Principe during the Punto Por Punto segment of “Umagang Kay Ganda” on Thursday.

Principe cited that Clottey could turn out to be "hungrier fighter" compared to 7-division champ Pacquiao when the 2 clash on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) at the Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

He stressed that Clottey is different from the opponents defeated by Pacquiao in the recent years. The Filipino's past opponents include Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton and Miguel Cotto.

“Lahat ito kinalaban ni Manny nasa tuktok na, nakatikim na ng sarap ng buhay. Mararangya na ang kanilang gamit, bahay, kotse,” explained Prinicpe. “Etong si Clottey, wala pa sa puntong iyon.”

He said that Clottey could power himself to victory if he grabs the chance to hit the jackpot of superstardom.

Although the Ghanaian is a former International Boxing Federation (IBF) welterweight champion, Boxing FanHouse said his purse will exceed $1 million for the first time because of the Pacquiao bout. (boxing.fanhouse.com/2010/03/05/joshua-clottey-working-his-butt-off-for-manny-pacquiao/)

“Pinakamalaking motivation sa isang boxer ay yung hirap ng buhay. Kaya sila pumapasok ng boksing dahil sila’y salat, sila’y hirap sa buhay,” said Principe. "Ito ang pinakamalaking motivation na sa tingin ko puwedeng gamitin ni Clottey kung gusto niya magkaraoon ng pagkakataon."

Retirement?

Meanwhile, talks of Pacquiao’s impending retirement surfaced days ahead of his clash with Clottey after his trainer, Freddie Roach, said he wants his ward to retire early next year.

Manny Pacquiao during one of his training sessions. (Photo by Val Cuenca, ABS-CBN News)

The 31-year-old could be in the twilight of his career even if he is the reigning pound-for-pound king and the only 7-division world champion in history.

Even Pacquiao’s fans and sports analysts have already voiced out their concern about the looming retirement.

“Kung sa sayang at sayang din lang, talagang nakakapanghinayang dahil kailangan na kailangan ng boxing si Manny,” said Principe.

He said purists, those who are delighted to witness a great fighter like Pacquiao, would definitely want to see more from the Filipino boxing sensation.

But one concern is the possibility of seeing Pacquiao fighting even beyond his peak.

“Tayong mga Filipino, treasure natin itong si Manny. Ayaw natin makita na aabot sa punto na titigil siya sa boxing dahil hindi na puwede, dahil binubugbog na dahil ginagawa ng stepping stone nung ibang mga up and coming fighters,” said Principe.

“So it's a choice between hahayaan ba natin ibigay si Manny sa mga nangangailangan sa boksing or tayong mga Pilipino na makita natin na matapos ang kaniyang career na nandoon siya sa taas, walang tumalo sa kaniya.”

Still at his peak

Former Filipino boxer Pretty Boy Lucas seemed to be unable to make up his mind when asked if Pacquiao should retire or not.

“Puwede na rin mag-retiro kasi naabot na niya lahat ng pangarap niya sa buhay pero magaling pa rin siya. Puwede pa ring ipagpatuloy pa rin niya… kasi kalakasan pa niya,” he said.

Lucas, who retired in 1995 after suffering a career-ending injury similar to what Z Gorres experienced, predicted that Pacquiao will win over Clottey.

“Kaya pa ni Pacquiao ‘yan. Basta po tinamaan sa katawan ‘yan, lalong mangingitim ‘yan,” joked Lucas.

Former boxer 'Pretty Boy' Lucas says African boxers can't handle body punches.

He said Africans are good fighters. He, however, pointed out their common weakness: “Mahina ang katawan.”

Pacquiao legacy

Roach earlier said should Pacquiao win over Ghanian Clottey, the only rightful final opponent for Pacquiao is Floyd Mayweather, Jr.

Principe, however, noted that Pacquiao does not need Mayweather, whom he was supposed to fight on Saturday if only their negotiations did not crumble.

“‘Di ko nakikita na kailangan pa ni Manny si Mayweather kung baga sementado na ang legacy ni Manny. So ano pa ang dahilan para siya magpatuloy kung ang ating iisipin ay pantiliin yung mataas na pagtingin kay Manny ng buong mundo?”

Several viewers also shared their sentiments through the Punto Por Punto segment.

Fifteen-year-old Joshua Bolotaolo from Imus, Cavite said, “Para sa akin kung kaya pa ni Pacquiao, go lang, alang-alang sa ating bansa.”

Wenjie San Jose of Antipolo, on the other hand, thinks that the Filipino boxing icon consider hanging his gloves after Clottey.

“Dapat lang mag-retire na si Sir Manny after 2 fights kaysa hindi niya ma-enjoy ang tunay na buhay. Aanhin niya ang fame at yaman kung sakitin at matanda ka na at magulo tagapagmana. Darating ang araw na yan. Good luck nalang God bless,” said San Jose.