In as much as he has high regard for Manny Pacquiao, Joshua Clottey wouldn’t think twice engaging the Filipino World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion in fierce exchanges once only the two of them are inside the ring.

Boxing, according to Clottey, is nothing but business.

“I’ll make sure that if I throw a few [punches] it’s going to connect. And I’m going to cause damage. I believe in that,” Clottey told reporters who gathered around him shortly after Wednesday’s final press conference for his 12-round fight with Pacquiao at the Dallas Cowboys Stadium this Saturday (Sunday in Manila).

“If he’s going to throw a thousand punches, then I’ll block a thousand punches. And that will get him thinking I’m not going to back down. I’m not going to go backward. I’m going to stay there. I’ll make him fight. I want him to fight for the first time.”

Without being indifferent to Pacquiao’s vaunted power, Clottey said he can’t wait to finally come face-to-face with the Filipino superstar for him to personally test once and for all if there is any truth to the Pacman’s legendary speed and strength.

“I want to see if I’m gonna feel Manny Pacquiao’s punches. Call me crazy, but I just want to see that,” said the challenger from Ghana, who holds a two inch advantage in height (5-foot-8) and one-and-a-half inch in reach (68) over the seven-time world champion.

As usual, Pacquiao, wearing a black-red jacket with matching fedora hat, was gracious to his Ghanaian opponent, whom he referred to as a “very nice person” in a manner opposite to his menacing personality inside the ring.

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