By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com was advised by Freddie Roach, trainer of Manny Pacquiao, that his fighter is a full time welterweight and plans to stay at 147-pounds for the remainder of his career. If a challenge presents itself from a lower weight division, like a Timothy Bradley, the opponent in question would have to move up in weight to face Pacquiao at 147-pounds.
The upcoming fight with Joshua Clottey, on March 13, is Pacquiao's third fight at welterweight. Pacquiao stopped Oscar De La Hoya at 147 in December 2008. He went down in weight for a fight with Ricky Hatton last May, but went right back up welterweight to fight Miguel Cotto at an agreed-upon weight of 145 last November.
"No, he will not return to 140. Manny is going to stay at welterweight. He has the power and he has the speed. Manny will stay at 147 and defend his welterweight title," Roach said to BoxingScene.
