Pre-Fight Musings from a Post-Fight Plastic Surgeon

As many of you may know, I continue to have the honor and privilege to tend to the wounds of fighters. I do this mostly for Bob Arum’s Top Rank Boxing, but have also done this for mixed martial arts matches as well. While this does not make me an expert, (trust me, I don’t claim to be), it has given me an opportunity to see these men over the years from multiple perspectives. It has really been a dream come true to have the opportunity to contribute to the sport of boxing. I have been fortunate, as the fighters I have worked on have truly all been champions, some have belts to prove it, and others are working their way up the ladder. They have consistently been brave and amiable, even those who might have lost that evening. They know that this type of injury goes along with the rest of the sport. Pacquaio and Clottey, the two men who will collide in the ring this Saturday in Dallas, are excellent fighters at the top of their game. I have been fortunate to have spent time with both men.

One is Manny Pacquiao, a true champion in a record seven titles in seven weight classes. He was the first fighter I was ever called on to suture wounds. Most recently I had to drain a hematoma (blood collection), from his right ear after his fight with Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand Garden Arena. This was done to prevent a cauliflower ear. Pacquiao’s ear healed well and it is not a concern for his training or fighting. His boxing skills continue to mature under the guidance of arguably the best trainer in the business, Freddie Roach. Pacquiao’s power continues to increase as he progresses in weight class, and it has not impacted his blinding signature speed. With his extensive study and review, Roach has added hitting from unorthodox angles to Pacquiao’s ample armamentarium. His opponent often will never see a punch coming, and then when he tries to respond with a punch in kind, Pacquiao’s agility and speed have already taken him out of harm’s way.

The other pugilist is Joshua Clottey. I have seen his career progress over the years. He has lots of power and can tolerate an enormous mount of punishment. I was called upon to repair the wound of his opponent, Zab Judah, in a spirited contest at the Palms’ Pearl Event Center a couple of years ago. Clottey’s performance against Miguel Cotto was a tremendous effort. Clottey showed ring generalship, and was often the aggressor during the fight. Many in attendance thought that he won the contest; however the 10-8 first round in Cotto’s favor proved too much to overcome. I was in the dressing rooms in the bowels of Madison Square Garden after the fight. Clottey was visibly (and vocally) upset. Someone took him aside and said, “Don’t be a sore loser. Everyone saw how you did. You’re a good fighter, and someday you will get another big shot.” How prophetic those words were, as he is about to take the stage with a boxing legend in a venue that will easily hold 45,000 fans, not to mention the millions watching around the world.

Pacquiao and Clottey are both talented fighters and good men. This is another fight where, thankfully, no “trash talking” or disparaging comments have been made from either side. They are both professionals who choose to make their statements in the ring. They know they are indebted to their fans and both men will deliver the fight of a lifetime in “The Event.” I have personally seen both Pacquiao and Clottey take time out to pose for photos and sign autographs for fans despite other pressing engagements. As people they are both considerate and amiable out of the ring. In the ring they are both uncompromising and relentless.

I hope that no one will need the services of a plastic surgeon.

Best wishes to both fighters. I can’t wait for Saturday night’s bell…

HBO To Broadcast Classic Pacquiao and Clottey Fights Where Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Roth Assisted Boxers

LAS VEGAS, NV. HBO Sports, in association with Bob Arum’s Top Rank Boxing, will broadcast the Pacquiao vs. Cotto and Clottey vs. Judah fights in order to prepare boxing fans for “The Event,” Pacquiao vs. Clottey, on March 13 in Dallas, TX. Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Roth played an integral post-fight role in both of the previous matches.

Las Vegas Plastic Surgeon Dr. Jeffrey Roth was called on to repair Judah’s eye wound in the Clottey vs. Judah fight. This cut was significant enough to cause a 9th round stoppage and give Clottey the victory by TKO. Dr. Roth closed the wound, and later explained the treatment at the after-fight press conference:

Dr. Jeffrey Roth also was also called upon after the intense Pacquiao vs. Cotto match. Pacquiao required drainage of his ear. This was done to prevent Pacquiao from developing a “cauliflower” ear deformity. Dr. Roth later described the issue and its treatment with the international press (at 2:29 in the clip):

“It is an honor and a privilege to be called upon to treat these champion boxers,” says Roth. He adds, “The fighters have uniformly been great to work with.” If the past fights can say anything, it is that the upcoming fight should be something to see. It is the hope of all involved that after “The Event” in Dallas, Texas, no one will need the expertise of a plastic surgeon.