Jerry Jones wanted to bring a big-time prizefight to North Texas and, not surprisingly, that's exactly what he did. Of course, it's not nearly as "big-time" as the original fight he had in mind--Pacquiao-Mayweather, which crumbled in an all too characteristic manner for major boxing--nor will it draw the mega-dollars and mega-attention Jones had in mind.
But it is a major fight, and it does involve Manny Pacquiao.
According to a press release issued today, Pacquiao will fight Joshua Clottey on March 13 at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, with the WBO welterweight title.
Pacquiao, of course, is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world with few true challengers for this title at this point. One of them was Floyd Mayweather Jr., but due to politics and a disagreement over drug testing, that dream fight will likely stay that way. And boxing traditionalists wonder why their sport is being so thoroughly beaten by mixed martial arts.
Jones offered $25 million for that match-up, and was turned down. For a probably more marginal price, he landed his consolation prize, and is reportedly excited over the prospect of a major boxing match.
"I'm proud to be sitting here with Bob [Arum, CEO of Top Rank Promotions] and Todd [duBoef, president of Top Rank], and we're having a really good visit," said Jones. "We are really just now getting into our business here, but we're excited about doing this fight. Personally, I am very, very, very excited to be holding our very first boxing event."
