Manny Pacquiao is down to 149 lb

MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is down to 149 lb and in his morning workout yesterday sported a body that should be good enough to withstand anything Miguel Cotto could offer on Nov. 14.
“I’ve never seen him in better shape,” said conditioning coach Alex Ariza as Pacquiao, shirt off, was sprinting across the Rizal Memorial Stadium grounds, racing with his pet Terrier.
Pacquiao woke up a little late than usual and tipped the scales inside his hotel suite at 149 lb, just four pounds over the catchweight limit of 145 for his WBO welterweight title fight with Cotto.
Mediamen, including an HBO crew that crossed the Pacific to get a 24/7 glimpse of the Pinoy icon, had gathered at the parking lot outside the stadium as early as 6 a.m.
Pacquiao spent 20 minutes around the rubber-surfaced track with his sparring partner Urbano Antillon, the upcoming Rodolfo Sumabong of Cebu and “Pacman,” the three-year-old Jack Russell Terrier.
Pacquiao had to be restrained by his assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez from running another lap because chief trainer Freddie Roach, who was not around, had wanted no more than 20 minutes.
“That’s the problem with Manny. Once he breaks that sweat, he just won’t stop. He’s like that little thing that you turn on and it gets going and going and going – very difficult to stop him,” said Ariza.
Pacquiao then did his abdominal exercises as he lay on a mat and was shielded from heat of the sun by a towel held across by seconds, ex-world champ Dodie Boy Peñalosa and Jojo Sta. Terera.
He declared himself fit and ready for battle.
“So far, so good. I’m happy with my training,” said Pacquiao, even if he had to leave Baguio City in a huff before midnight of Sunday for fear that a new super typhoon might catch up with them up there.
“I’m faster that Cotto so I will use that speed the proper way,” said the 30-year-old champ, who had a brief rest back in his hotel before proceeding to the Gerry Peñalosa Gym in Mandaluyong for sparring.
Pacquiao is in his final days of workout in the Philippines, and by Saturday he would have done five weeks, and in the evening will push for Los Angeles where he’ll train two more weeks at the Wild Card Gym.
Ariza said the change of training venue will not stop Pacquiao from working hard.
“It doesn’t make a lot of difference to him. No difference. We don’t skip a beat here. Training is training. A few more days here then we take off and pick up from where we left off in LA,” he said.
In Baguio, the rains kept Pacquiao out of the road for a couple of days, but Ariza said that in a way it worked to their favor.
“Personally it did us some good because he got to rest a little bit more. On the day he skipped the run he sparred much better. Yesterday he did 15 rounds (with the mitts) and he wasn’t even breathing.
“He’s down to 149 but I want him to load up (with protein shakes) because I want him at around 151 by the time we leave for LA. He’s in the best shape I’ve ever seen him,” Ariza said.
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Manny would win over Mayweather

Let’s face it, the biggest match-up to be made in boxing today would be Manny Pacquiao v Floyd Mayweather – the reigning pound-for-pound king against his unbeaten predecessor, back from retirement!
Ricky Hatton, who fought them both, was in Johannesburg last month and I got a chance to interview him.
Hatton, stopped in 10 rounds by Mayweather and two rounds by Pacman, had this to say when I asked him who would win if Pacquiao and Mayweather were to ever get it on:
“I’d like to think Manny would win. I’d hope he’d win because he’s a gentleman, really nice guy, family man. Everything about him I really admire. But as much as I don’t like Mayweather, he’s one hell of a fighter. Mayweather would probably pip him.”
Of course, Pacquiao must first get past Miguel Cotto.
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Manny Pacquiao is still P4P

Despite Floyd Mayweather, Jr.’s blazing return to the ring last week, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao is still entrenched in his position atop the mythical pound for pound (P4P) throne based on the latest rating list of The Ring Magazine.

The reputable magazine, considered the “Bible of Boxing," named Pacquiao No. 1 in its ratings released Sept. 20, a day after Mayweather hacked out a one-sided unanimous decision over bloated lightweight Juan Manuel Marquez in his comeback fight.

P4P king Manny Pacquiao

Mayweather, the former top P4P fighter prior to his retirement in 2007, was rated No. 2, dislodging Marquez from his old spot behind the Pacman. Marquez, who fought Pacquiao in two close encounters, dropped three notches to No. 5.

Mayweather’s reentry into the prestigious ratings created changes from No. 2 down.

Sugar Shane Mosley, who had previously attempted to seal a fight with Pacquiao and even climbed up the ring to challenge Mayweather after the Marquez fight, went up to No. 3 from No. 4. Mosley switched places with previously third-ranked Bernard Hopkins.

After the fifth-ranked Marquez were Israel Vasquez at No. 6 (from No. 5) and Rafael Marquez at No. 7 (from No. 6).

Donaire at No. 8

The only other Filipino in the list, WBA interim super flyweight champion Nonito “The Filipino Flash" Donaire, Jr., slipped one place to No. 8.

Pacquiao’s rival on Nov. 14, WBO welterweight king Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico, occupied No. 9, a one-spot drop, while WBA and IBF junior featherweight champ Celestino Caballero completed the Top 10.

The dispute for the mythical P4P title is expected to be the main beef if and when a megafight is forged between Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr.

Exploratory talks have reportedly started for a possible big-money showdown between the two P4P superstars by next year.

But before that, the Pacman, who was impressed with Mayweather’s dismantling of an overmatched Marquez, would have to take care of his upcoming business against the tough Cotto first. - GMANews.TV
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What Happens to Pacquiao If He Can’t Stop Cotto?

By Manuel Perez: Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2. 37 KO’s) better hope that he can stop Miguel Cotto (34-1, 27 KO’s) as early as possible in this fight, because once Cotto gets his train started, Pacquiao is going to be in for a world of hurt on November 14th at the MGM Grand, in Las Vegas, Nevada. What we’re looking at here is a fighter that has had it easy in his last seven fights (with the exception of Pacquiao’s fight against Juan Manuel Marquez), defeating most of his opponents early on without having to take very much punishment in the process.

Pacquiao has been able to move up in weight recently and still win without getting hit all that much because of his selective match making. Oscar De La Hoya was a light middleweight at the time that Pacquiao fought him and was forced to melt down to 147 to take the fight.

In effect, De La Hoya was a weight drained, older light middleweight. Instead of facing De La Hoya, Pacquiao – if he wanted to prove himself – should have fought either James Kirkland, Sergio Martinez, Paul Williams or Alfredo Angulo instead of a shot De La Hoya. All of these fighters would have been a better test for Pacquiao if he was interested in fighting a light middleweight.

Let’s face it; those guys would have knocked Pacquiao cold if they had fought him even with a weight draining catch weight because they are all in their prime, whereas De La Hoya clearly wasn’t. The same applies to Hatton.

If Pacquiao wanted to fight a light welterweight, why didn’t he fight Timothy Bradley, Kendall Holt or Marcos Maidana instead? All of them were in their prime at the time that Pacquiao fought Hatton and I considered all of them as better fighters than Hatton at this point. For some reason, Pacquiao chose not to fight them. I wonder why?

Now, Pacquiao is going to be fighting Cotto instead of Shane Mosley, Paul Williams and Andre Berto. Although Cotto is still in his prime, there are questions about whether he’s the same fighter he once was after losing to Antonio Margarito by an 11th round TKO last year. Why didn’t Pacquiao fight Mosley, Berto or Williams if he wanted to fight a welterweight?

Cotto may or may not be the same fighter he once was, but I think Pacquiao is in for big trouble if he can’t get Cotto out of there as quickly as possible. Cotto hits much harder than any opponent that Pacquiao has fought before and doesn’t have to load up with his shots to hit really hard. Pacquiao is going to be in for a shock if he can’t score a quick knockout because for once, he won’t be the stronger fighter.

I think Hatton was stronger than Pacquiao but he messed up by getting taken out so quickly and didn’t get much of a chance to show his power in that fight. Cotto has a better chin than Hatton, and will be able to take Pacquiao’s shots early in the fight without folding up. I think Cotto is going to rip Pacquiao apart as the rounds go on after he realizes how much bigger and stronger he is compared to the little Filipino.

This is going to be fun to watch because it will show what would have likely happened had Pacquiao fought a fighter in his prime like Mosley, Williams, Berto, Kirkland, Maidana or Bradley instead of someone on the downside of their careers.

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Arum certifies it: Pacquiao-Cotto for WBO

Paymaster Bob Arum is so concerned about the continuing brouhaha over the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto super bout that he is sunning himself in the South of France.

I spoke to Arum Sunday night as he was visiting South African business mogul Sol Kerzner,
Earlier this past week, Arum did some hiking in Aspen.

While much of Pacland and Cottoland has been in turmoil about whether the Puerto Rican’s WBO welterweight title strap will be on the line and what the contractual weight agreement will be,
Arum says everyone should take a sip of a good French wine and maybe a chill pill.





According to Uncle Bob, negotiations, misunderstandings and controversy attendant to that the foregoing are all ancient history now.

Arum expects to have contracts signed by both challenger Pacman and champion Cotto by Tuesday which is Aug. 11.

Tickets for the mega bout at the MGM Grand will go on sale, Arum told me, on Aug, 17. The general public only has a shot at about 3,000 unspoken for tickets.

“Everything has been decided and agreed to,” Arum said. “Cotto is defending the title and the weight limit be 145 pounds,. There are no disagreements or problems. Now, everything is cleared up.”

Arum’s friend, Kerzner, is hoping that Pacquiao will choose to begin his training for the Cotto bout at his Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas.

Arum said that decision--Bahamas, Vancouver or Mexico--will be solely made by Pacquiao.

Coach Freddie Roach has suggested that his charge start training in the leafy, cool climes of Baguiao, Philippines, where the elevation goes up to 5,100 feet.

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Cotto can't have his cake and eat it too

If Miguel Cotto really wants a piece of the Pacquiao cake, he's either going to have to take it or let it be. What Cotto wants however is to take the cake and eat it as well. 
It's a simple dilemma really. Cotto wants to fight Pacquiao for the money a fight with Boxing's cash cow presents but doesn't want to stake his WBO welterweight crown in the process. 
Well, something's got to give. And if Cotto is truly as confident as he says in knocking Pacquiao out then I don't see why he has to be so stingy with his "ABC" belt. 
Is it a matter of principle?
Cotto has volunteered to relinquish his belt if the WBO insists that he put it on the line against the Pacman. In Cotto's opinion, belts should not be accorded to fights fought at a catch-weight. 



In reality however, such occurances have happened in the past. When Oscar De la Hoya fought Bernard Hopkins in 2004, they fought at a catch-weight of 158, two pounds below the middleweight limit with Hopkins' titles on the line as well as De la Hoya's. Sugar Ray Leonard won two titles against Donny Lalonde in 1988 at a catch-weight. The list goes on.
I am not saying Cotto is wrong in his stand but if he truly feels so all he has to do is "just say no".
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Hall of Fame trainer: Cotto can KO Pacquiao

MANILA - Hall of fame trainer Emmanuel Steward said he is willing to help Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto in his November fight against Filipino boxing hero Manny Pacquiao.
Steward, who has trained Thomas Hearns, Oscar de la Hoya, Lennox Lewis and Evander Holyfield, was reacting to rumors that Cotto is looking to hire him and work in his corner.
He believes that with his help, Cotto can knock Pacquiao out.
"Up until now, nobody [from Cotto's camp] has communicated with me, but I would love to be able to have the opportunity to work with Miguel. If we reach an agreement, I don't have any doubts that Miguel would knock Pacquiao out," Steward told Primera Hora.
Cotto began his training early this week at the Abner “Pin” Cotto Boxing Gym in Aguas Buenas, Puerto Rico.
He will train thrice a week to “establish a pre-training condition” before plunging to full training sessions beginning August 24.
Cotto and Pacquiao have agreed to fight at 145 pounds. The match will take place on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Pacquiao’s lawyer, Franklin Gacal, said that Top Rank Promotions boss Bob Arum has assured them it will be a title fight.

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Arum: Pacquiao-Cotto contract to be inked Wednesday

MANILA, Philippines -- Top Rank head Bob Arum said he has crossed the t’s and dotted the i's for the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto showdown, adding that he is expecting signed contracts from both camps by Tuesday, Aug. 11 (Wednesday, Aug. 12 in Manila).
Speaking to Michael Marley of examiner.com, the ageless promoter said the fight would be held at a catch weight of 145 pounds, and with Cotto’s WBO welterweight title on the line.
"Everything has been decided and agreed to," Arum told Marley. "Cotto is defending the title and the weight limit (will) be 145 pounds."
Earlier reports said Cotto was not keen on putting his welterweight strap on the line, mainly because the Puerto Rican did not want to pay the sanctioning fee required by the WBO.
Cotto also reportedly insisted on a 147-lb weight limit. 
"There are no (more) disagreements or problems. Now, everything is cleared up," Arum added. 
This development opens up a rare opportunity for Pacquiao to become the first boxer in history to win seven world titles in as many divisions -- having previously wrested the WBC flyweight, IBF super bantamweight, Ring Magazine featherweight, WBC junior lightweight, WBC lightweight and IBO junior welterweight crowns. 
Arum added that tickets for the Pacquiao-Cotto bout will be available for sale on Aug. 17.
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Emanuel Steward Says he Can Help Cotto Knock Out Pacquiao – News

By Eric Thomas: Famous boxing trainer Emanuel Steward has made no secret about his desire to train World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Steward made it known that he would be open to training Cotto after hearing about Miguel falling out with his long time trainer. Steward said to Primera Hora, “If we can come to an agreement [about Miguel being trained by Steward], I do not have the slightest doubt that Miguel would knock out Pacquiao.”
Steward has a great reputation for getting quality fighters to the next level. He worked wonders with Wladimir Klitschko, as well as Lennox Lewis. Steward has a reputation for being especially good at training big heavyweights. It’s unclear what he can do with a short fighter like Cotto, who at 5′7″ is small for a welterweight.
“Up to now, nobody (someone from Cotto’s team) has communicated with me, but he I would love to be able to have the opportunity to work with Miguel.”
Steward currently trains IBF/WBO heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko, as well as middleweight prospect Andy Lee and cruiserweight contender Jonathan Banks. However, it looks as if Steward would like to add Cotto to that list. In the past, Steward has trained a number of excellent fighters such as Jermain Taylor, Tommy Hearns and Lennox Lewis, to name but a few.
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Manny Steward Says 'Miguel Cotto lo noqueará'

... Or, in English, “Miguel Cotto will knock him out.”
He’s referring, of course, to Manny Pacquiao, who Cotto is scheduled to fight on November 14. Steward, a Hall-of-Fame trainer who is best known for training Tommy Hearns and Lennox Lewis, is aggressively angling for the job of training Cotto for the Pacquiao fight. Yesterday, in an interview with the Puerto Rican daily Primera Hora, he stated flatly that if Cotto retains his services, there is no doubt in his mind that Cotto will knock Pacquiao out.
Of course, Steward wouldn’t be so publicly clamoring for the Cotto gig were it not for the fact that Cotto recently had an explosive split with his long-time trainer (and full-time uncle) Evangelista Cotto. Tensions that simmered between the two for years finally boiled over this past April, leading to a fistfight that started in a Puerto Rican gym and eventually made its way out to the parking lot, reputedly concluding with Evangelista hurling a cinder block through the windshield of his fighter-nephew’s Jaguar.
Since that incident, Cotto fired his uncle and promoted his nutritionist, Jose Santiago, to be his head trainer, a move that left many in the boxing world scratching their heads. Cotto is known to be very loyal to his circle, but how long can he expect to compete at the elite level without an elite trainer?
Manny Steward is about as elite as they get, and he clearly thinks the time is now for Cotto to step up to the A-list as far as his training goes. He told Primera Hora that he’s a big admirer of Cotto and that he believes there are many ways that he can improve the fighter. Should Cotto take him up on the offer, it definitely would raise the octane level of what is already shaping up to be the biggest and possibly best fight of the year. Not only would there be two superstar fighters in the ring, but each would have a superstar trainer in his corner. And just as Freddie Roach vs. Floyd Mayweather Sr. stole some headlines from the Pacquiao/Hatton fight, no doubt Freddie Roach vs. Manny Steward would become a major storyline for Pacquiao/Cotto
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Steward says he can teach Cotto how to KO Pacquiao

Why does it not surprise me that trainer Emanuel Steward, best known for training Thomas Hearns and former heavyweight champion Lennox Lewis, is trying to work his way into Miguel Cotto's corner for the Puerto Rican's upcoming fight with Manny Pacquiao?

In recent years, aside from his steady tutelage of yawner heavyweight Wladimir Klitschko, Steward has become more of a special guest trainer than a man who sticks with a fighter for several years.

So with Cotto looking to make somewhere between $12 to $15 million dollars on November 14th for squaring off with Pacquiao, Steward has publicly expressed his interest in working with Miguel for this fight and stated he could teach Cotto how to knockout Manny.

"If we reach an agreement, I have no doubt that Miguel would knockout Pacquiao," Steward told Carlos Gonzalez of PrimeraHora.

The opportunistic Steward also made it clear he had not been contacted by Cotto to work his corner for the bout, which is now being led by Joe Santiago.  Cotto dumped his longtime trainer and uncle Evangelista Cotto

Just another twist in the growing story leading up to Pacquiao - Cotto. before his bout with Joshua Clottey earlier this year and replaced him with Santiago.
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Can Cotto Win a Decision Against Pacquiao? – Boxing

By Manuel Perez: The more I think about this fight the more I realize that WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto has only one chance to win the bout and that’s by knockout. Let’s face it, Manny Pacquiao is much more popular than Cotto and like Oscar De La Hoya before him, will probably have the judges siding with him if the fight is close.
I think even if the fight is pretty much a landslide victory for Cotto, I still see Pacquiao getting the nod by the judges. The reason is because Pacquiao is the money fighter and boxing judges recognize that he’s bringing in the big cash to the sport, if not always the superior performance. The only way I can see Pacquiao losing by a decision is if Cotto knocks Pacquiao down at least three time to four times.
Knocking him down twice won’t get the job done, because I can still see the judges giving the fight to Pacquiao regardless of how dominating Cotto is, so it’s going to take at least three, possibly four knockdowns to do it. The knockdowns can’t come all in the same round because this will give the judges an excuse to score the other rounds to Pacquiao and give him the decision.
It’s sad that boxing is more of popularity contest than actual combat, but that’s the way it is unfortunately. When you have a fighter that is considered to be a big money maker like De La Hoya and Pacquiao, boxing becomes a lot like professional wrestling where it’s very hard to unseat the champion barring a knockout or an injury of some sort.
To beat Pacquiao by a decision and thus overcome the popularity factor with the judges, Cotto is going to have to rip Pacquiao to pieces and make him look like a pathetic fighter. Pacquiao will have to look like a wretched creature by the time the fight is over, covered with blood, cringing and sad looking before I believe that the judges will give Cotto a victory.
That’s not to say that the judges are corrupt, but it goes like that when you have a fighter that is more popular. Judges are human and they just naturally want to gravitate to the more popular fighter, ignoring the fact in a lot of cases that the more popular fighter just took a beating and lost the fight, case in point, Pacquiao’s fight with Juan Manuel Marquez last year in March.
Pacquiao was dominated by Marquez for the entire fight, with the exception of a knockdown that Pacquiao was able to score late in the bout. For many American boxing experts and fans alike, they saw Marquez easily winning the fight. The judges, though, scored it for Pacquiao, the more popular fighter.
It’s was bad for the sport that the judges and the many boxing experts didn’t agree on the decision, because it seemed like such a cut and dried case of a victory for Marquez. Yet, Pacquiao ended up winning the fight, which further shows how hard it is for someone to beat a popular fighter like Pacquiao.
I expect Cotto to win the fight, but I have my doubts that he’ll ever be able to win a decision with the judges, and that’s really sad. The good thing that comes of things like this is that a fighter like Pacquiao can only win a certain amount of gift decisions before the public tires of it and the judges finally wake up and get a clue. The judges will figure it out sooner or later that Pacquiao’s ability doesn’t match his popularity and won’t give him the benefit of the doubt when he gets dominated like he was against Marquez. My hope is that they do this sooner rather than later.
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Pacquiao Revamped

By Trevor Weis: Manny Pacquiao is dead. The brawling aggressor has changed, evolved; he’s not the Filipino slugger that caught our attention—he’s become the Living Legend that captures our hearts, our respect, and speaks to us on some inexplicable level; he’s become something else completely… He has sprinted full-speed ahead since his humbling loss to El Terrible in 2005, leading us boxing purists on a 10 fight, 4 year winning streak. One thing is certain: he is paying us back for our loyalty.
This new Pacquiao has speed, power, and technical soundness that have yet to be rivaled. The one-handed brawler with a big left has evolved into a thinking, tactical machine with shotgun power in either hand. It’s not often a Saint becomes a demon—but in that ring, he breathes fire.
Ricky Hatton was wondering how he ended up on his knees before he even realized he ate a sharp right hook. Mayweather picked Hatton apart in ten. Pacquiao ran a train over him in two. Mayweather won a debatable split decision over De la Hoya; Pacquiao pushed the Golden Boy into retirement inside eight brutal rounds. And one must admire Mayweather’s technical and defensive ability—he doesn’t make exciting fights, but he knows how to win. The undefeated technician left the ring with his mouth running. He returned on the morning of Pacquiao’s big fight to talk himself up as the returning king; without saying a word, Pacquiao let everyone know who wears the crown right in the center of the ring.
When Pacquiao steps into the ring against the Puerto Rican Bull, Miguel Cotto, he will be challenging a legitimate welterweight champion, a top-10 RING Magazine pound for pound fighter, and a naturally bigger man. Floyd Mayweather should be taking notes right about now…
All I read about is why Pacquiao isn’t fighting Mosley, whether it’s fear or “cherry-picking.” Maybe Pacquiao doesn’t want to hear about how old and weight-drained Mosley would be, or how Mosley was out-pointed by Cotto in a unanimous decision in 2007. In fighting Cotto, Pacquiao is trying to beat the man that beat the man; even though I can see no way to fault Pacquiao should he emerge victorious, I’m sure on Sunday, November 15th, the blogs will be riddled with “Cotto was damaged goods.”
Maybe we should praise Pacquiao for the feats he’s reached, the wars he’s waged, and the bigger boxers he’s bested. Everyone has weaknesses, even Manny. Just because Pacquiao and his three-time trainer of the year, Freddie Roach, can create and execute a near flawless game plan, that doesn’t make him a cherry-picker. It makes him dangerous.
The post De La Hoya era belongs to Manny Pacquiao, boxing’s biggest draw and most marketable star. Mayweather can contest the loss of his throne, but cannot rightfully reclaim it until the ruler of boxing has been unseated.
Instead of contesting his recent wins, dissecting the weaknesses of his defeated opponents, and criticizing him for demanding catch weights when challenging naturally larger and stronger opponents, all I have to say is this: how blessed we are to have a champion, a courageous warrior like Manny Pacquiao.
With humility, grace, and undeniable skill, Pacquiao is paving his own way in boxing history.
All hail our King.
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Roach: We don't need the fight if the title is not on the line

"If Pacquiao wants the fight to be for the title, it will have to be at 147 pounds". That was WBO welterweight titleholder Miguel Ángel Cotto’s vehement declaration when interviewed by Puerto Rican newspaper Primerahora last week. Cotto does not believe that a catch weight of 145 lbs. merit staking the title he valiantly defended against Joshua Clottey, all bloodied and bruised with a nasty gash practically the whole fight. That is his prerogative and no one can take that away from him. It may also be a concession tactic. Wisely using the title belt to boost his purse share completely mindful of how important the belt is to the whirlwind from the Philippines.

Meanwhile, there is no way in hell that Manny Pacquiao will budge and go north of 145 lbs. "We don't need the fight if the title is not on the line," so asserts Freddie Roach. A title win will give the Pac-Man a record breaking 7 titles in 7 weight classes. That will separate Manny from Oscar Dela Hoya and will move a few spots closer to Sugar Ray Robinson in the all-time greatest list. It is not ludicrous to assume that team Pacquiao will not make the date with Cotto if Cotto’s not bringing the trinket.

So what now? Top Rank’s Bob Arum is trying to work this out before the scheduled kick-off news conference on September 10 at Yankee Stadium. The only solution is to get Cotto to stake his belt. Arum, a member of the distinguished hall of fame, knew better going into the negotiations that there are historical implications if Cotto defends his title against Pacquiao yet played it down and instead declared that "nobody in the US cares about the belts". He was not mindful of Pacquiao’s legion of fans who clamored for the title supporting their idol’s quest for boxing immortality and a permanent place in the sweet science record books. Pacquiao is a definite shoo-in to the hall of fame and will most likely get every vote when his time comes. The chance to take this record-shattering recognition is arguably a step above it. This is unheard of and will take another generation to break, if that’s even possible.

So let’s work on a hypothetical. Let us say the November 14 fight is not yet signed while Cotto will stand by his pronouncement and Pacquiao eventually backs off their scrap. Who are Pacquiao’s alternatives? Who are the other title holders that can give Pacquiao a shot at the unbelievable 7 division titles?

WBA’s Sugar Shane Mosley

Financially, for Pacquiao, he is the closest to Cotto if they get the same alleged split of 65-35. For Arum, it will be far off having to share the promoter’s commission with Golden Boy.

Chances of breaking the record? Probably less than against Cotto if we base it on their last fight. Mosley convincingly punished Antonio Margarito. It can be argued that Margarito was not mentally in his game that night having been caught with elements of plaster of paris before the fight. Regardless, Sugar Shane made himself daunting to future opponents in that fight.

The pluses for Pacquiao. Barring a Richard Schaefer intervention, it will not be difficult to negotiate with Mosley who has been practically on his knees begging for a fight against the pound for pound king. To offset the potential financial setbacks when compared to arguably a more lucrative Cotto fight, Mosley might agree to a slightly modified share of the pie.

The catch weight will not be an issue either. Mosley already stated that he can go as low as 140, but of course we all know that is unreasonable. Pacquiao will not even accept having to put Mosley in such a predicament because it will also tarnish his title quest. A catch weight of 144 lbs. sounds equitable enough.

As for the trinket, it’s already a foregone conclusion that Mosley will put his belt on the line.

Among the alternative titlists, Mosley is the obvious leader and one with name recognition even to casual boxing fans.

WBC’s Andre Berto

By the time this article is published, it is possible that Berto and Mosley are off the fall and winter market. Golden Boy’s premiere negotiator and CEO, Richard Schaefer is scheduled to meet Lou DiBella in New York to work on a potential unification fight between the two 147-lb. champions.

If they finalize a deal, Cotto gets extra bargaining power on his stance. Pacquiao then has to significantly compromise just to include Cotto’s belt. Nevertheless, if Berto and Mosley do not happen, what can Berto offer to the king?

First of all, staking his green belt. Don Jose Sulaiman will be more than happy to have the WBC sanction another Pacquiao title fight. The return of the prodigal son will again be bringing considerable bounty to the coffers by the form of sanctioning fees.

Berto, even at 70-30 share will potentially get his career-high earnings. Coming out of nowhere to get a shot at Pacquiao and getting his first PPV appearance is an opportunity that is difficult to refuse. Agreeing on a catch weight will be the possible quandary in the negotiation. Berto never went below 145 lbs. in his pro career. He even went above middleweight in his pro fight and continued as a junior middleweight in at least a dozen fights.

Pacquiao’s chance against Berto is more than decent. Berto is quick and has power but he has problems against sharp shooting southpaws. He narrowly beat hard-luck Luis Collazo. It might be difficult to knock Berto down but Pacquiao can get a decision win against him.

IBF’s Isaac Hlatshwayo

Who the heck is Isaac what? Yeah, yeah. This South African titleholder is like the David Diaz of the lightweight division when Pacquiao knocked the Chicago native out last year. Hlatshwayo is the least popular champ in his weight class and the most beatable too.

If things do not really work out against Cotto, and Mosley and Berto agrees to fight then Hlatshwayo is Pacquiao’s only option to a seventh division title. This has a very diminutive chance of happening but deserves to be pointed out as Hlatshwayo still has a major sanctioning body title to brag.

Hlatshwayo last week just captured his IBF title against Delvin Rodriguez by a close split decision. If not for Rodriguez running out of gas in the second half of the fight, it would have been the Dominican getting a possible yet improbable shot to the Pacquiao sweepstakes.

So for the three major negotiating points - title, purse and catch weight. Hlatshwayo will definitely stake his title. Getting a 10% slice of the pie will still be by far his biggest earnings. Catch weight of 143 lbs will be trouble-free. His last appearance in the US, prior to last week’s fight, was against Kendall Holt at lightweight.

Pacquiao’s chances of winning? Close to a guarantee. Hlatshwayo does not have knockout power and will not be skilled and quick enough to catch Manny. Pacquiao has the potential to stop him early. Hlatshwayo’s upside is his stamina and a tough chin. If he can withstand Pacquiao’s left straight then going the distance is already a victory by itself against the pound for pound king.

Even at 90% purse share, the pound for pound king will not get his usual PPV earnings. To come close to getting decent PPV buys, this will need a strong undercard which is not really promising when reviewing Pacquiao fights of late.

By the way, to see Hlatshwayo in action, SNY will be re-airing the Hlatshwayo-Rodriguez fight but the schedule is yet to be reported.

Back to Cotto

With all three titleholders, especially Mosley and Berto, having a negotiable chance to win in this year’s last offering of the Pacquiao sweepstakes, Cotto better start softening his stance. He is jeopardizing his chance of earning the biggest payday of his life. Not mentioning the chance to beat the best fighter in the world today.

It is not just the pay, it is the opportunity to push him higher in the boxing elite ranks and potentially obtain another lucrative fight early next year against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. if he overcomes the odds against Pacquiao.

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Pacman wins over Cotto

Pacquiao will soften Cotto in 3rd round just like what he did to Ricky.
Although Cotto is Cotto,Ricky is Ricky.With the hand-speed the agility of Pacman, Cotto will just like Oscar Dela Hoya, standing and waiting the punch of pacman.Eventhough Pacman is a road show with the good descipline and determination pacman can adjust easily.

Cotto should train ahead for he knows what is the capability of his opponents.Pacman fights and defeated mexican legends,and now to obtain his 7 wins to be in the history of boxing he will surely knock-out Cotto.

It's a battle between boxing history of who can stop pacquaio or will the 7 straight wins will swept in boxing history.

But you cannot determine fate, who knows cotto could deliver a good punch that will knockout pacman.

since im a pacman fans, that 1% could not happen...


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Distractions may trip up Mayweather and Pacquiao

Distractions, that’s what some wishful thinkers say will bring down Manny Pacquiao.
He’s making movies. He writes his Kumbinayson newspaper column. He is gearing up his political machinery for a run for elective office in Sarrangani.
He hobnobs with others who are rich and famous. For tax purposes, he may begin training in the Bahamas or Mexico. Those plans seem uncertain.
His Nov. 14 opponent, the formidable WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, is already in the gym and has begun the arduous work for their big PPV bout.
But I’m beginning to think (always a dangerous action for the WG) that it is archenemy Floyd Mayweather Jr. who is the real, bona fide distracted fighter on the eve his key comeback bout Sept. 19 against Pacman nemesis Juan Manuel Marquez.
Let me explain why, treehuggers, Pachuggers and those of you like the poor shut-in Floydfan#1 who simply need a warm hug.
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Mayweather-Marquez fight lost among the Pacquiao-Cotto conversations

Or should I say Pacquiao-Cotto is a press conference while Mayweather-Marquez is a conversation. If there is any doubt left as to who the real pound-for-pound and face of boxing is, all anyone really has to look at is the hype created by the proposed Pacquiao-Cotto fight compared to the Mayweather-Marquez clash announced last May.
Even at the absence of a signed fight contract, boxing fans are already eating the proposed Pacquiao-Cotto mega-fight up while Floyd Mayweather Jr. is desperately stirring up controversy and attention towards himself with controversial comments on top of the other and yet little interest has been generated for his comeback fight against Marquez. You can say Floyd is a "mom-and-pop" while Pacquiao is a corporation. And before Mariah Carey starts tripping on me for using her analogies, I guess it's plain to see that Manny Pacquiao right now is the spoon that stirs the boxing soup. And if boxing was indeed soup, it's fair to say it's sinigang flavored right now because of Pacquiao.
Every move he makes, and does not make is followed by unprecedented media coverage. Ironically Pacquiao has been scarce in terms of interviews and sound bytes as he has opted to have his team to handle most of the media dealings which leaves me to wonder how long Mayweather can live under the Pacquiao shadow.
Coincidentally, Pacquiao and Cotto's proposed November 14 bout is in jeopardy and if Money plays his cards right, this would be the perfect opportunity for him to finally silence all the critics together with the people he considers as "idiots" that shower Pacquiao with what to him sounds as annoying flatteries and baseless acknowledgment.
Time to pay Marquez some step-aside change and they can have him fight someone like Joan Guzman instead, who coincidentally was signed by Golden Boy this week. If Floyd wants to stay significant and insist that he is boxing's cash cow and top dog, he needs to prove it in the box office by staging mega-fights the world wants to see. Sadly, the world has not responded to his "Number One vs Numero Uno" fight accordingly.
It's time to change the script and go straight to the main thorn in his paw. Why risk waiting for 2010 and the fight not to happen. If Pacquiao ins't someone he is concerned with, then why can't he seem to stop talking about Pacquiao? Let's face it, this is the one fight the world wants to see with Fedor and Lesnar in the wings as a close second. If the powers that be truly want this fight to happen, allow me to pose the question. What better time than now?
And for Floyd, the fastest way to reclaim his throne is to unseat the current king himself. If he truly is confident of his abilities, then why wouldn't he want to do it? Especially with all the riches that will come with it.
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Boxing: A True Warrior Sport

Boxing, one of the most ancient sports in history, is turning off many afficionados because of the ongoing fiasco in the Pacquiao-Cotto fight overture. Sure, it`s been agreed upon by the two gladiators verbally, but is it really the perfect match to make? No doubt, it is an exciting battle between these two excellent fighters, but without a welterweight championship belt on the line, it is more like a tune-up fight for either protagonist.
Miguel Cotto, all of a sudden, does not want to put his WBO welterweight strap on the line against the King of boxing, no. 1 pound for pound hero, Manny Pacquiao " well, not if the fight is below the 147 pounds maximum welterweight limit. First of all, Cotto agreed to fight the Pacman at a catchweight of 145 lbs. The latter is basically risking everything for this duel, including his lofty throne as the pound for pound Lord. And what does Cotto offer to the table for this fight? Nada, zilch, absolutely nothing but disreputable and timorous aura of vincibility. It makes us wonder if there is truth to the incriminations toward the champion Cotto being a damaged commodity.
Pacquiao already indicated that he wants Cotto`s welterweight title included in the contract, and recently, Pacman`s astute trainer and seer Freddie Roach, has shown the same interest as his prised pupil. However, Top Rank`s big boss Bob Arum seems to be ignoring the Team Pacquiao`s incomplicated demand. It cannot be considered a convoluted request because even the Golden Boy Oscar De La Hoya fought at a catchweight of 158 pounds versus Bernard Hopkins for the middleweight championship belts involving all four major boxing organizations (WBA, WBO, WBC, and IBF). Sugar Ray Leonard and Don Lalonde also fought at a catchweight for a super middleweight title back on November 7, 1998.
If Cotto is not willing to stake his welterweight belt for this combat, then Pacman should also not be forced to wager his pound for pound domain to an unworthy opponent like Cotto. Mosley is still waiting in the wings and very amenable to inconsequential contract adjustments just to fight Pacquiao. Perhaps it is not too late to consider Mosley as Pacman`s next deserving rival for pound for pound supremacy. These two fighters have the talents, followers, and warrior spirit to make another boxing championship saga " and that is much more appealing than a non-title bout between the People`s Champ Manny Pacquiao and the Boricuan pride yet reluctant welterweight defender Miguel Angel Cotto.
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Floyd trainer hails Pacquiao

MANILA, Philippines -- While Floyd Mayweather Jr. continues to verbally lambaste Manny Pacquiao, his uncle and trainer is slowly becoming a believer of the Filipino ring icon. 
Roger Mayweather initially thought Pacquiao would get smothered by much-bigger foes Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. But the current pound-for-pound king proved him wrong. 
"I did think that Ricky Hatton would whoop Pacquiao. Obviously, I was wrong," Mayweather told fightfan.com.
Mayweather, much like his nephew and his brother Floyd Sr., is known for his penchant for trash-talking -- a widely acknowledged trait of the Mayweather boxing clan.
But this time, he has some good words for Pacquiao, who is slated to face his fourth "big" opponent in welterweight star Miguel Cotto this November.
"He's (Pacquiao) got some serious balls. Fighting Miguel Cotto… De La Hoya… Ricky Hatton. All of those guys are much bigger than he is," the corner man said.
Pacquiao, who debuted as a flyweight (112 lbs.), has fought his last three fights in the lightweight (135 lbs.), welterweight (147 lbs.) and junior welterweight (140 lbs.) divisions against David Diaz, De La Hoya and Hatton, respectively. 
Mayweather, however, is not completely sold on Pacquiao, saying he is not banking on the General Santos City-based southpaw to beat Cotto. 
"I don't think he's going to beat Cotto," he said. "He's fighting a guy who can make the weight, and who's a pretty good puncher. I've got to see him beat Cotto… I've got to see it with my own eyes."
And if Pacquiao rolls over Cotto like he did with De La Hoya and Hatton? 
"I'll be amazed," Mayweather quipped.
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Pacquiao may train in Canada

Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum is luring Manny Pacquiao to the Bahamas for the first half of his training camp for the November 14 duel with Miguel Cotto but the Filipino fighter might end up going to Canada, Mexico — or even the Philippines.
Owing to an Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulation called the Substantial Presence Test, defined as a calculation that determines the resident or nonresident status of a foreign national for tax purposes in the US, Arum said Pacquiao has to spend the first four weeks of training outside US territory and the Bahamas, which is 45 minutes by air from Florida, turned out to be perfect choice.
“Manny’s going to love it there,” Arum said on Wednesday, stressing that a high-ranking executive of the high-end Atlantis Resort in the capital city of Nassau, is more than willing to host Pacquiao and his training team.
“The weather is similar to that of the Philippines and everything there will be first-class,” said Arum, who turned a bit annoyed when told about the possibility of Pacquiao opting to stay in the Philippines.
Arum said he can also train in Mexico but the language barrier might turn Pacquiao off.
“Manny has to be near the US because we will maximize the pay-per-view,” said Arum, noting that “it will all be up to Manny” to decide where to train.
Even chief trainer Freddie Roach is not leaning towards a training camp in the country “because of too many distractions.”
Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal said Vancouver in Canada appears to be a good choice, not only because it is also near the US but because of the large number of Filipinos residing there as well.
Roach wants an eight-week training camp for the Cotto fight and regardless of where Pacquiao spends the first four weeks, they would resume training at the Wild Card in Hollywood a month before the bout.
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Close Pacquiao polls: It's Cotto Nov. 14 for WBO crown

his just in: promoter Bob Arum is under consideration by the American Dairy Association for its annual top award for 2008.

It may be an udder delight because Arum is uncowed but he could win Milkman of the Year honors for the way he has been filling bucket after bucket after bucket with all this Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto drama.

I hesitate to rain on a Pacland Pacquiao Poll in which fervent fans are lining up in record numbers to render their nearly unanimous opinion that the Pinoy Idol should dump WBO welterweight champion Cotto and seek out willing--even desperate--Sugar Shane Mosley as his next foe.

By throwing cold water on the Pacand Poll, I am also dousing my raging fire on a Pacquiao Poll here on Examiner.com and on Boxingconfidential.com.

I know this makes me a party pooper of the worst sort but, folks, it’s time to take a chill pill, eat some balut and hit the hammock.

Pacman will be in the ring against Cotto Nov 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The WBO welterweight crown will be on the line and some weigh in arrangement will be made to satisfy both.

Playing the peacemaker and the conquering hero, Yankee fan Arum will make this snooze news public on Sept. 10 at Yankee Stadium with Cotto and Pacman sitting at his side.

It will be Arum’s biggest pinstripe moment since he promoted Ali-Norton III at the old stadium in 1977.

So forget about Sugar Shane Mosley. He can sit in mothballs next to Bernard Hopkins over at Golden Boy.

Arum tipped his hand by revealing only 3,000 fight tickets will be offered to the general public. The rest are spoken for, going to the MGM and other casinos and to the greedy scalpers who will pimp them for recorrd numbers.

Relax, Pacfans, the foe will be Cotto and it take place with Manny being able to break his “tie” with Oscar de la Hoya, to capture a world title in a seventh weight division.

That’s the boxing truth.

Everything else is just smoke and mirrors.
Keep voting if you wish but i think the moving finger has writ and writ large on the wall.
For the record, despite the Other Manny and Big Papi revelations, I remain throwing my hands in the air like a true playa...
Cradle to grave, baby, Boston Roid Sox all the way!
We even cheat better than those Damned Yankees.
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Wanted: Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr... But Junior Witter first says Devon Alexander

Devon Alexander is focused on defeating Junior Witter on Saturday to win the vacant WBC light-welterweight title. Not lost on Alexander is bigger and better fights to come if he defeats Witter.

Alexander who faces Witter in California, knows that defeating Witter will bring him better fights. Alexander wants to fight guys like Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Unbeaten in 18 fights, Alexander recently stated in regards to fighting Witter: "I'm not stopping my undefeated run for anyone."

Alexander added that if he loses against Witter, he will never get the chance at the fights he wants, Pacquiao and Mayweather Jr. "I'll never have a chance at the biggest fights in the world against Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao unless I win this," said Alexander.

All quotes used in this report from SportingLife.com.

***

For much more coverage, including ringside reports, exclusive ringside photos, plus tons of Free Video, more late breaking news, and more, visit our homepage now: DoghouseBoxing.com.
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Cotto vs. Pacquiao In Jeopardy? – News

By Eric Torres: As reported by some media outlets, the proposed mega fight between Miguel Cotto & Manny Pacquiao On November 14th might not go forward. The reason is simple, but not so simple. Manny Pacquiao is now demanding that the fight be for Miguel Cotto’s Welterweight title. Manny Pacquiao is on the verge of being the first seven time world champion in seven weight divisions and the prospect of that clearly has Freddie Roach wanting the fight for Cotto’s Title.
Cotto and I quote, states “If Pacquiao wants the fight to be for the title, it will have to be at 147 pounds… My decision is final and firm.” But Pacquiao’s camp is equally insistent that the fight remain at 145 with the title at stake. “We don’t need the fight if the title is not on the line,” Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, told The Manila Bulletin. “I want Manny to do this for a reason. I want Manny to win seven world titles. Titles are overrated but I would like to see Manny do this.”
My question is why all of a sudden is this coming out, especially after the fight had been announced? Surely, Manny Pacquiao’s camp was fully aware of the title not being up for stake when the fight was announced, Bob Arum has been stating this all along, or is Manny starting to reconsider the fight altogether with Cotto, who at 145 will be only one pound lighter than the 146 he weighed in at for the Clottey fight?
Is the stance by Cotto a relevant one as well? Should a challenger such as Manny Pacquiao (who IS the challenger in this case) be dictating the terms without any challenge from the actual champion, in this case Miguel Cotto?
Cotto, in my OPINION, has swallowed his pride and has taken a lot of abuse the last few weeks since this fight has been announced . He has taken abuse from Pacquiao’s fans and from Manny’s camp as well. He has not been given the respect by the boxing community and has been seen as the weakest opponent for Manny to fight, hence the reason Pacquiao did not jump on Shane Mosley’s proposition to give into Pacquiao’s terms.
It seems Cotto is finally getting aggravated by all of this and putting his foot down. Miguel has settled on the demands of coming down weight to 145, Cotto has given in on the purse of the fight, which from all accounts will be a 65-35 split for Pacquiao. Miguel has given in on the location of the fight which will take place At the MGM Grand in Vegas. I know what some of you are going to say ” Manny is the Pound for pound king, he should call all the shots” But I disagree. That is a STATUS given to a fighter by the fans and boxing experts, NOT AN OFFICIAL BELT. Miguel Cotto holds a Belt and is the reigning WBO champion in the welterweight division, which the last time I checked is at 147 pounds nothing more.
It would be a hypocrisy for the World Boxing Organization to strip Cotto of his belt( which has been the buzz), when Cotto has a legitimate right to state, that if you want to challenge the champion of a specific weight for his belt, you fight him at that weight. If Cotto wanted to fight Manny for his junior Welterweight title I am sure that Manny would say the same thing. Its common sense folks. If Manny wants the fight for Cotto’s belt, then it should be at Cotto’s 147 that is where the belt resides not at 145, which is fair and only right especially if the roles where in reverse.
I am a huge Manny Pacquiao fan quite possibly one of the biggest, but I am a huge fan of boxing which supersedes any fighter. I am starting to think that Freddie Roach and Pacquiao are starting to realize that they might have bitten off more than they can chew. Just a day before this title situation, in which Pacquiao has created, Miguel Cotto recently sent a stern message to Freddie Roach after Freddie had some bold prediction about the outcome of there proposed showdown.
I quote, “Hey Roach, I have some news. I am not Oscar De La Hoya at the end of his career. I am not the overrated Ricky Hatton. Roach knows what he will be facing on November 14th, it will be a war.” Have these words finally sunken into the heads of everyone in Pacquiao’s camp? They know that Miguel Cotto will not budge on this title situation and are NOW saying that without the belt they do not need Cotto. Is this their way out of the fight? Who knows, but the timing of all of this in relation to Cotto’s stern warning have to make you think.
Life is about challenging yourself and others when you are a fighter not taking a short cut to glory. I have to say that in THIS case Manny is trying to take a short cut to glory. He wants the rewards of a belt that is in a higher weight division, without actually allowing the champion to fight at that weight. I would hope that this is not just a ploy to get out of this fight with Cotto because I admire Manny Pacquiao’s body of work.
It would be a shame as well for Cotto to be forced to do something that makes complete sense on his part as well. I have a solution to all of this, Manny if you want to make history and win Cotto’s belt then do it the right way, allow Miguel Cotto to fight without a catch weight and then you would have earned a title the right way.
Cotto has given into all of your demands( and he is the champion), now it is up to you to look into yourself and think long and hard whether you are going to fight your own battle or whether you’re going to have your lawyers or the WBO fight your battle for you. Fans of boxing, Cotto is not fighting Pacquiao for his junior welterweight title he has been there done that, it is the other way around. Manny Pacquiao is fighting for Miguel Cotto’s Belt!
In closing boxing fans. If this fight is canceled then it leaves me with this sad conclusion. Someone that I love as a fighter ( Manny Pacquiao) is nothing more than a bully outside the ring in his negotiating tactics and when FINALLY faced with tough opposition, not only inside the ring, but now outside from Cotto he wants to threaten the fight from moving forward, It seems a little too familiar to why he has not fought Juan Manuel Marquez again. That is a cowardly act that threatens us boxing fans the opportunity to see what can be one of the greatest clashes we have ever seen.
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Would Hatton Have Beaten Pacquaio if Ricky was Better Prepared?

By Liam Santiago: Ricky Hatton was in absolutely no state to be going anywhere near a boxing ring on May 2nd, in Las Vegas to take on Manny Pacquiao. His trainer, Floyd Mayweather Snr, proved to be as much use as a chocolate fireguard. Ricky may as well have had Homer Simpson in his corner. For what it’s worth I honestly believe the result would have been different if the circumstances were. As I have said before, I am a massive Manny Pacquiao fan and admire his abilities. His speed and power is amazing. But a peaked Ricky Hatton is also amazing.
Anyone who knows the slightest thing about boxing understands that if a fighter is over trained and pushed to extreme limits, which brings the boxer past his peak, it can have devastating effects. Was this the case with Ricky Hatton? Yes, probably. However, I do have many reasons to support this claim, which I am sure many people reading this might be rather shocked. Mayweather let Hatton go past his peak.
Hatton should have realised this as well as Floyd, but that’s why Floyd was there. The trainer paid very little attention to Hatton in training, even less as the fight got nearer. In sparring sessions Mayweather would show while Hatton was already in the seventh round. On fight night, Ricky couldn’t find him. He showed up not long before Ricky went out to fight. Tell me if I’m wrong, but, is this any way to prepare a boxer for a fight with the fight voted as pound for pound king? Not only was Hatton physically past his peak, he was mentally destroyed. He had no focus, which showed in the way he boxed.
Also, in his previous fight Hatton looked amazing against no.2 ranked light welterweight champion, Pauli Malignaggi. Of course, Pauli is no Pacquiao, but Hatton dominated that fight. He was superior in every aspect. The difference between this fight and the Pac-Man fight? Hatton was focus and mentally prepared for this fight, also he had not sailed passed his peak. Lets say, for what it’s worth, the Hatton the stopped Malignaggi turned up to fight Pacquiao. I honestly believe that the Hitman would have stopped Pacquiao. You have to understand, at the top level in boxing every single detail can have an affect. A lot of big details had an affect in Vegas and it showed in the result.
I suppose it’s just unfortunate for the Hitman that he chose the wrong trainer. If he stuck with Billy Graham, Hatton might be at the top of boxingnews24’s pound for pound ranking instead of Juan Manuel Marquez, followed by Hopkins, with Cotto in fourth place. Who knows. What I do know is Hatton needs to get back in the gym and train to become the best light welterweight in the world again. Who knows, we might see a Pacquiao-Hatton 2. I doubt we would have the same result though. I very much doubt that indeed.
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Pacquiao vs Cotto: Doesn’t anybody fight for BLOOD anymore?

By P.H. Burbridge - The Miguel Cotto – Manny Pacquiao fight has hit a bit of a snag. A major snag actually! We were led to believe by Bob Arum that this showdown was a done deal and that November 14th was all systems “go”. I think most of us just assumed it would be for Cotto’s WBO title so to find out that the title wasn’t even part of the initial discussion is a bit puzzling. My question is why would Manny Pacquiao fight Miguel Cotto if the title wasn’t on the line? I thought the whole point of him moving up in weight was to make history so I’m a little surprised that this is even being discussed at this juncture. It should have been ironed out right when these talks began. Bob Arum is acting puzzled about all this in the press but he must have known that the lack of a title belt had the potential to upset Pacquiao. AND, from Team Pacquiao’s perspective why wasn’t this addressed earlier? Arum and Pacquiao’s advisors were going back and forth for weeks on the terms of this deal before Manny accepted it on principal so how could this have been overlooked? Isn’t that why you guys came to the table in the first place?

There’s plenty of blame to go around.

Now, we have this situation where Pacquiao is insisting that the title be on the line so he can challenge history and is offering to pay ALL the sanctioning fees himself. Interesting! Miguel Cotto is playing a very shrewd game here. He could be painting Pacquiao into a corner so that he can walk into the ring at the welterweight limit thusly removing any advantage Manny Pacquiao could have physically but more importantly psychologically going in to this fight. A little gamesmanship from Miguel… I like it and I have to be honest that it never even occurred to me until I heard about it but it makes all the sense in the world. I have to tip my hat to Miguel and his team. It’s damn clever.

Here’s an important piece of this. This is a voluntary defense. It’s not mandatory. The WBO can “sanction” this fight BUT what they CAN’T do is force Miguel to agree to these terms.

That’s the bottom line.

Cotto has the luxury to say “if you want the welterweight title Pacquiao then let’s fight at the welterweight limit!” If you just want to fight me for the sake of fighting me then I’ll meet you at 145 lbs as per our verbal agreement. What does Manny say? “I want the welterweight title but I want to change the division’s weight specifications so I have an advantage!” He can’t say that (at least not publicly) and Cotto knows it. Cotto has put the burden on Pacquiao. The WBO as you would expect want the sanctioning fee for this huge fight so of course they’re all for getting this deal done. They’ve already gone ahead and ranked Manny as their #1 contender even though the only fighter Pacquiao has beaten at the weight is Oscar De La Hoya who wasn’t even ranked by the WBO at welterweight. Frankly, De La Hoya wasn’t ranked at welterweight by any sanctioning body. He was ranked only at 154 at the time. The primary reason Manny was awarded the #1 ranking was to legitimize this fight which obviously would put the WBO in line to collect that healthy sanctioning fee. You have to ask yourself “how come the WBO is the only sanctioning body ranking Manny at welterweight?” Are they so much more advanced than the WBA, IBF and WBC in terms of how their rankings work or in their assessment of a fighter OR do they have some kind of financial agenda? I think the answer is fairly obvious.

Now that Cotto is playing hard ball Manny’s goal of winning a 7th world title has unexpectedly added to Cotto’s negotiating power. Miguel is currently holding some very strong cards. He can get a bigger percentage or he can get himself an agreement to weigh in at the welterweight limit. Either way he’s way ahead.

The WBO, Bob Arum and especially Manny Pacquiao have got a mess on their hands. The WBO cannot fix this problem for Arum and Pacquiao.

If the champion (Cotto) relinquishes his title then HOW can the guy he’s fighting win that title? The challenger can’t win it by beating the ex-champion which is what Cotto would be. The WBO would have to designate a fight between #1 and #2 for the vacant title. WBO president Francisco Valcarcel is citing the Oscar De La Hoya-Bernard Hopkins fight which was fought at 158 lbs for Hopkins middleweight crown as it’s precedence for sanctioning this fight but the only problem with that logic is that Hopkins AGREED (voluntary defense) to put his title on the line under those terms. Valcarcel is comparing apples and oranges here. The WBO can’t force Cotto to defend its title at the 145 weight limit. They can “sanction” it but not enforce it. Cotto so far hasn’t agreed to do it and unless Pacquiao is made the mandatory challenger the WBO cannot enforce their own by-law which requires a champion to defend or sign to defend the title by a specified deadline. But, again even if they did do that they still couldn’t drop the welterweight limit down to 145 lbs. That was a side deal made between Cotto and Pacquiao and as far as Cotto is concerned it has NOTHING to do with the WBO. And, he’s right. Cotto is right. Arum and Team Pacquiao have put this fight in jeopardy.

The WBO wants this fight as much Arum does but they can’t get into the realm of dictating terms a fight contract especially if that contract stipulates that their champion fight outside of their OWN acknowledged weight limit. This is all in the hands of Miguel Cotto. The WBO has already done everything they could to set the stage. They’re the only sanctioning body out of the big four who rank Manny at welterweight. The WBC lists him at #1 at 140, the WBA lists him at #2 at 140 and the IBF doesn’t rank him at all in their 140 or 147 lb world rankings. There’s no question as to why. The second Manny Pacquiao and Bob Arum showed interest in fighting Miguel Cotto the WBO suddenly ranked him as their #1 contender. No other sanctioning body would dare rank Pacquiao at welterweight being that he just won the IBO title at 140 lbs. Now, the WBO will come back with the expected “these rankings are at OUR discretion” but it’s at our discretion as fans to say “you guys have zero credibility in these matters!” AND, “we’re not going to support your future world champions because your belt means nothing!”

They’re on shaky moral and ethical ground and they know it.

Miguel Cotto used some pretty strong language in saying “"145 pounds is not a weight class. If the WBO does not like my decision, I will give them back their title. I have no problems with that!" That’s what he recently told Carlos Gonzalez of PrimerHora. If he’s serious then there’s no rationale or ETHICAL way that the WBO can award Manny its welterweight championship should he beat Cotto. There’s no way the WBO can say “yes, Cotto relinquished the title so he no longer represents the WBO as its world champion BUT if you beat him (Manny Pacquiao) then we’ll make you our world champion anyway!”

Bob Arum made some statements early on indicating essentially that this fight didn’t need a title but my sense is he should have checked in with Pacquiao first. Now, he’s got a mess on his hands and very few realistic options.

Team Pacquiao clearly doesn’t want to do business with Shane Mosley who just came short of begging Manny for a fight!

There are a number of good reasons for that but the primary one has to be the beating Shane put on Margarito. Suffice it to say that Roach is more comfortable with Cotto.

But, now Cotto is the one dictating terms and unless Bob Arum can change his mind then he has Manny Pacquiao right where he wants him.

In a corner!

And keeping him there is Miguel Cotto’s best chance at winning.

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Cotto tells Pacquiao to prepare for war

Miguel Cotto spoke with Primera Hora in Puerto Rico (link via BoxingScene.com) and had some stern words for his November 14 opponent, Manny Pacquiao:

"I have some news for Freddie [Roach]: I am not Oscar de la Hoya, who was caught at the end of his career, and I am not overrated like Ricky Hatton. Roach knows what Pacquiao will be facing on November 14. It will be a war."

Cotto usually isn't a big talker, but he seems pretty hyped for this one, and he should be. If he beats Manny Pacquiao, it does massive wonders for his career. He's going against the best, and he knows it. A war is what we all expect, and I don't think Cotto will fail to do his part in delivering one.
I also will say again that I do think this is potentially the biggest test of Manny Pacquiao's career. I don't agree with Cotto that Hatton is or was overrated, really, but yeah, Oscar was at the end, and Freddie Roach knew it. I'm not saying Cotto is a better boxer than Juan Manuel Marquez, or even the first incarnations of Erik Morales or Marco Antonio Barrera that Pacquiao met, but this is a heavy, probably max weight for Pacquiao, and Cotto's legit.
As for the title situation, Cotto isn't budging:

"If the WBO doesn't agree with my decision, then I will gladly deliver to them the title. I do not have any problems with that. The WBO has the legal authority to dismiss me as champion and I will gladly deliver them the title. [WBO president] Paco Valcarel knows better than anybody that 145 is not a division. If Pacquiao wants the fight to be for the title, it will have to be at 147 pounds."

I say good for Cotto. If Pacquiao wants the welterweight title, give up the two pounds. Or fight Shane Mosley, I guess, who I think at this point would be thrilled to put his 147-pound strap on the line with a 145-pound weight limit. Cotto signed an extension with Top Rank, gave up two pounds, and now he's saying that enough is enough. Not everyone will agree, of course, but I think he's doing the right thing. He's conceded enough and done enough to make this fight happen. It's also nice to see someone else taking a stand against the bogus sanctioning bodies. Cotto has his mind set, and he's willing to do what it takes -- giving up his title -- to stand with his beliefs.
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I’m Stripping Pacquiao of his Pound for Pound Spot

By Liam Santiago: Recently, I posted an article on boxingnews24’s new pound for pound rankings. I placed Manny Pacquiao at number one which, looking at the whole picture, I feel I might have been wrong to do. So, I am stripping Pacquiao of this number one spot, for now. I will watch the Cotto fight and make a decision. If he beats Cotto comfortably and I feel the weight drop for Cotto has played no part, I will put him back at no.1, bow down and apologize.
However, for now, Juan Manuel Marquez takes the top spot and Bernard Hopkins follows him to number 2. Pac-Man now stands at no.3.
Ok. I am expecting some seriously abusive comments for this. But, let me explain. The two fight Pacquiao had with Marquez were very close and many boxing experts, such as myself, saw Marquez as the winner. Marquez recently destroyed Diaz in the 9th round of an all out war. I don’t feel the De La Hoya victory for Pacquiao helps his claim for my top spot what so ever. De La Hoya was dead at the weight and Pac might as well have been punching a punchbag in that ring. However, I have to give him credit for beating Hatton. Although at the end of his career and he was over trained and mentally weakened by trainer, Floyd Mayweather Snr. Hatton was in no state to fight that night. Who knows, if he was better mentally prepared he may well have knocked Pacquiao out early on in the fight.
I simply don’t see Pacquiao as great as others do. I know I am not alone in thinking this. Not all that long ago Joe Calzaghe claimed Pacquiao was not that great, also ‘he’s lost 3 fights and drawn a couple, which matters alot’.
I just don’t see that Pacquiao has done quite enough to deserve that top spot where Marquez has. Bernard Hopkins beats Pacquiao to no.2 because the man is simply untouchable. Schooling Kelly Pavlik at the age of 44. Wow. Pacquiao is 30 and plans to retire soon, Hopkins 14 years his senior and still demolishing anyone in his way. Hopkins looks set for a fight with undefeated Chad Dawson if he beats Johnson, which I see Hopkins winning easy.
So this is how Boxingnews24’s rankings stand now:
1.JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ
lightweight
2.BERNARD HOPKINS
light heavyweight
3.MANNY PACQUIAO
catchweight fighter
4.MIGUEL COTTO
welterweight
5.SHANE MOSLEY
welterweight
6.CHAD DAWSON
light heavyweight
7.NONITO DONAIRE
flyweight
8.PAUL WILLIAMS
light middleweight
9.VITALI KLITSCHKO
heavyweight
10.KELLY PAVLIK
middleweight
As many boxing fans may have heard Paul Williams and Kelly Pavlik look set to square up in their next fight. Bernard Hopkins might soon fight Chad Dawson. Miguel Cotto boils down to fight Manny Pacquiao. So three fight where both fighters are in the rankings. Should be interesting.
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The Showdown 07.31.09: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao Part 2

Stamina:

It is difficult to knock a man's stamina when he throws as many punches as Pacquiao does. So before I get hate mail claiming that I have about as much Boxing knowledge as one of the kids from "Jon & Kate Plus 8", understand I'm not claiming Pacquiao is weak in this category. Rather, I'm just pointing out that against Marquez and Morales (first fight), Manny lost some crucial rounds down the stretch.

This is in comparison with Floyd Mayweather, who could be described as a fitness fanatic, who regularly spars over 12 rounds with weights attached to him. Also take into account, he has been able to overcome early adversity and use his superior conditioning to take over fights as he did against Ricky Hatton and Zab Judah.

So to all those Pacquiao fans, don't take this as a knock against your boy, but rather an endorsement of the magnificent athletic abilities of Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Winner: Floyd Mayweather

Corner:

Since taking over the reigns of his nephew's career, Roger Mayweather has been able to craft Floyd's skills into near perfection. Floyd was always a remarkable talent but early on in his career it seemed the young man simply coasted on natural ability, while he was under the direction of his father, Floyd Sr. Following Roger's ascension, the change in ability was soon apparent as Floyd was able to dominate the overmatched Diego Corrales in a surprising blowout that few could have seen coming.

Freddy Roach and Manny Pacquiao's relationship together follows much of the same story. Roach took a raw talent and turned him into a champion. When Manny hit a brick wall in the form of Erik Morales, he transformed him once again into a more accurate and versatile fighter who currently sits atop the P4P rankings.

So both men have been well served by their trainers but it is hard to go against Freddy Roach in this case. Floyd Mayweather has always been carefully prepared for fights, but Freddy Roach is in a league of his own right now when it comes to his fellow trainers, and I do not know many who would argue that. His career will eventually challenge that of Emmanuel Steward, Ray Arcel, and Angelo Dundee, and if one would want to argue that matter just look at what he has done in the past five years. No disrespect to Roger, but this is not even close. Manny will be as well prepared as he possibly can be when these two finally meet.

Winner: Pacquiao.

So now that we've sifted through several categories, it is time for who I believe will win if these two ever meet up in the ring. This one was not easy, and as I've stated in previous columns, it is sometimes quite hard to try to set aside your own personal feelings/biases, and make an objective choice. Let me start, by saying that Manny Pacquiao is one of the finest ambassadors one could ask for when it comes to this sport. He has been a gentleman both inside and outside the ring, a righteous man who knows his roots, and a pleasure to watch in the ring. Those words would be difficult to say about Floyd Mayweather.

So it pains me to say that I feel Floyd Mayweather is the better fighter at this pint. It's a simple choice to me when one look's at it objectively. Manny may be a monsoon of offense, but he also has problems with aggressive counter punchers as was the case when he fought Juan Manuel Marquez. Would you not say that Floyd's skills are even better than those of Marquez? If you said yes, then it becomes difficult to see how Manny will be able to overcome this obstacle. I think you would see Manny possibly sweep the first three or even four rounds, but as he has done in the past, Floyd will begin to exert himself as the rounds pass. If that happens, Manny will begin to wear down and weaken as he did against Erik Morales in their first meeting and by the time the fight is in the championship rounds, I think Manny will be fighting with nothing but sheer determination and that is not going to get him far against the likes of Money Mayweather. I expect an 11th or 12th round stoppage and once again Floyd Mayweather would be back atop his throne, as the best in the sport.
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Cotto has strong words for Team Pacquiao

For fight fans around the globe looking to learn exactly where the endless negotiations between Pacquiao and Cotto have gone, yesterday marked the spot.
Several comments were launched from the Cotto camp. Unfortunately, none were too positive for the Filipino faithful, as it relates to Pacquiao's quest to make history.
Holding a blunt and very candid position, Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto informed a local news source that "if Pacquiao wants the fight to be for the title, it will have to be at 147lbs. I won the title at the welterweight limit, and that is 147lbs".
Cotto was also bold enough to state that he would "gladly return the belts if the WBO wants to strip [him]".
This realization shines light on the original inclination of mine earlier this week that negotiations were basically fast-tracked, and that key issues had yet to be resolved, but the announcement was made a bit prematurely by Arum, which in essence put pressure on the fighters to conform.
Where does this leave Pacquiao's shot at history? Unfortunately, down in the dumps, which is the same place he tossed Shane Mosley's request to face him. (Perhaps a big mistake). A request that would have landed him not only the shot at history, but also a much easier negotiation path, as Mosley had genuinely conceded to the lower weight, lower paycheck, and all other demands desired by Team Pacquiao.
It seems that Arum's goal of keeping things in-house has backfired, and in a strange way, Cotto 'stuck' it to him as well.
Cotto managed to extend his contract by taking the fight, but he won't be putting the strap on the line, which gives everyone what they want in the deal except Manny Pacquiao, the one who probably deserves it more than any.
With all the hoopla about straps and weight, the true fight lies ahead. Few seem to be thinking clearly, but even if the belt is on the line, this doesn't appear to be a fight that will come easy for the talented Filipino.
Among the many comments Cotto made yesterday, he found time to conveniently warn Roach and Pacquiao, stating "I've got news for [them]....I'm not an Oscar De la Hoya who's at the end of his career or an overrated Ricky Hatton. This will be a war"!
With 3 months plus to wait and a lot of drama unfolding in the mean time, the only thing that does seem certain is that history will be made one way or the other on the night of November 14th.
That history will either be Pacquiao winning a record 7th world title in a 7th weight division, or Cotto making Pacquiao suffer a historical defeat at the dismay of millions.
Both men have a strong chance, and when that bell finally rings, the Hollywood antics end, and two Vegas vigilantes begin....the hard way!
Stay tuned.
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