ARLINGTON, Texas — The brand new and extremely modern Dallas Cowboys Stadium stands out here in Arlington.
The $1.2 billion-stadium is the home of the popular Dallas football team, but this Saturday (Sunday in Manila), it plays host to the boxing championship fight of pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey from Ghana.
The stadium was transformed for the welterweight showdown. Flashing all over the place are the names of Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey.
The center of attraction is the much talked about huge HD screen, the biggest in the world. The screen is 180-feet wide, the screen and costs $40 million or P1.8 billion.
We’ll show Manny Pacquiao fighting, he’ll be about 72 feet tall and 50 feet above the ring,” said Jerry Jones, the Cowboys’ owner.
Filipinos heartily enjoyed walking inside the stadium, taking many pictures from different angles.
“I can’t believe I’m here!” said one Pacquiao fan.
“It’s very beautiful,” said another.
Pacquiao and his wife Jinkee arrived early at the stadium. He hung out in a private suite with his team.
Manny, the Filipino champ, checked out the boxing ring, and said that he is very excited to fight here.
The popular Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders escorted both Pacquiao and Clottey to the center stage. Boxing media from all over the world came to hear both fighters.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum introduced the champion and the challenger.
The 32-year-old Clottey said he has done all he can to get into tip-top shape to take everything the 7-division world champion will throw at him.
I never cracked before so I want to test him to see if he can do that but no matter what happens, I will still respect him,” said the Ghanaian.
Pacquiao expressed his appreciation for the respect shown by his opponent.
“I like this match because there was no trash talk from both sides,” he said.
Pacquiao and Clottey were very friendly as they went side by side for pictures.
Fans can hardly wait for the very first boxing fight here at the Dallas stadium where the world’s biggest name in boxing, Manny Pacquiao, will be fighting inside the biggest stadium in America.
And of course, The Pacman himself is looking for another resounding victory to take home to the Philippines.
From the reports of Dyan Castillejo
