Top 5 advantages: Cotto vs. Pacquiao

November 14 is three months away. And the buzz is already here. We assess the advantages each fighter has over the other.

TOP 5 ADVANTAGES: MIGUEL COTTO [34 wins, 1 loss]

1. Manny Pacquiao is shooting movies, tv shows, and commercials. Miguel Cotto has been in training for nearly a week, three months in advance of the November 14 showdown. (It is important to note, however, that the Puerto Rican is no longer working with his regular trainer.)

Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach anticipates an eight-week regimen for the Filipino to be conducted after the promotional roadshow. The added training should boost Cotto's stamina.

How much will the extra training tip the balance of power between these two fighters?

Welterweight Profile: Miguel Angel Cotto

2. Cotto has fought, and beaten, bigger (as well as fast) opponents.

Antonio Margarito stood at 5'11" with a 73" reach, compared to Manny's 67" reach. Granted, Cotto lost at the hands of what now appears to be suspect gloves of Margarito.

Shane Mosley, Carlos Quintana, Joshua Clottey, Zab Jjudah, Ricardo Torres. These were all impressive conquests by the Puerto Rican. Cotto out-boxed the speedy and powerful Mosley, and outclassed the quick Judah.

Is this a walk-in-the-park for the Pacman?

3. Pacquiao is training outside of the U.S. for at least half of his training regimen. Due to taxation rules in the United States, it appears Manny will have to temporarily set up quarters in Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, or possibly the Philippines, in order to train against Cotto. The Filipino is superstitious and typically prefers the same routine prior to a fight. Water and air quality differs by country. The food intake can also provide a variation in diet. (Mango in Mexico is vastly different fro from mango in the Philippines.) Weather and dietary differences can provide for adjustments. The Pacific Northwest and Vancouver, Canada, for instance, is famous for its constant rain and inclement weather. Could this induce cold and flu symptoms?

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-4514-Houston-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d6-Top-5-advantages--Cotto-vs-Pacquiao

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-4514-Houston-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m8d6-Top-5-advantages--Cotto-vs-Pacquiao