By Mark Vester

A stunning number. Moments ago, HBO's Jim Lampley announced to the live pay-per-view audience that Manny Pacquiao's defense of the WBO welterweight title against former champion Joshua Clottey has drawn 50,994 boxing fans to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

A very good sign that boxing is alive and well, and a very good sign that Pacquiao is a mega-star attraction in the sport. The attendance figure is probably going to tempt Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones to do his best to lure away more fights from Las Vegas.