By Ronnie Nathanielsz

“Fighter of the Decade” and pound-for-pound icon Manny Pacquiao has been “rejuvenated” leading up to his showdown against Ghana’s tough Joshua Clottey  in “The Event” at the $1.2 billion Dallas Cowboys Stadium on March 13.

Pacquiao’s trusted adviser Michael Koncz told us that Pacquiao “is really motivated, he is excited to go to Dallas and that fantastic stadium over there. So far 30,000 in ticket sales. These new things in the regimen  like the stadium, the big crowd its rejuvenating him and he’s really excited and training hard.”

Filipino trainer Restituto “Buboy” Fernandez  said Pacquiao was in good condition which he indicated was 90 percent. Fernandez said “he peaked immediately because he didn’t lave a long layoff (from the Miguel Cotto fight) which lasted twelve rounds so he doesn’t have any problems with his condition returning right away.”

When asked about reports that Pacquiao was mauling his sparring partners, Fernandez replied “that’s what happens when he’s in condition and we’re hoping his training will go well all the way.”

Meantime, WBC lightweight champion Edwin Valero, the undefeated Venezuelan knockout artist with 27 KO’s in 27 wins continues to push for an eventual clash with Pacquiao which most fight fans believe will be a far more exciting fight than a Pacquiao clash with Floyd Mayweather Jr.

On returning to Venezuela, Valero who proved he can box as well as punch in his demolition of Antonio DeMarco  said he was “ready to go up to whatever weight Manny wants in order to fight him.” At the same time Valero stressed he would “not require that he be tested for anything . I just want to get into the ring with Manny.”  

He added, “whoever beats Pacquiao becomes the top dog in boxing. Pacman is my main objective for 2010.”

Before taking on Pacquiao, Valero indicated he would like to face Juan Manuel Marquez saying Marquez “is a great fighter and it would make for an exciting bout.”