Philippine Sports News and Updates

ARLINGTON, Texas -- The brand new and extremely modern Dallas Cowboys Stadium easily 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 is being transformed for the welterweight showdown. The fighters' names are flashing all over the place.

The center of attraction is the much talked about huge HD screen, the biggest in the world. Measuring 180-feet wide, the screen alone costs $40 million or P1.8 billion.

“We’ll show Manny Pacquiao fighting, he’ll be about be 72-feet tall and 50 feet above the ring,” said Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.

Filipinos thoroughly enjoyed the experience of walking inside the stadium, taking many pictures from different angles.

“I can’t believe I’m here!” said one Pacquiao fan.

“It’s so beautiful,” said another.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao arrived early at the stadium with wife Jinkee. He hung out in a private suite with his team.

The Filipino champ, who checked out the boxing ring, said he is very excited to fight here.

The popular Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders escorted both Pacquiao and the 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 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.

• ABS-CBN News
• Philippine Sports Central