Start spreading the news...Manny's back in town!

No major boxing event is official without the perfunctory New York City press conference, and Thursday's splash will be in grand fashion at the new Yankees Stadium and is open to the public.

I could go negative here and raise the question, "Why isn't Manny fighting there?" Maybe he will soon, is my answer. He could join the legends that have fought next door at the imploding, old Yankee Stadium such as Muhammad Ali, Joe Louis and Sugar Ray Robinson.

I'm assuming Pacquiao will be in great physical shape when he steps into the ring November 14. He doesn't get too heavy between fights and is in his physical prime now anyway.

So, it is, you know, the mental aspect. Does he trust his limo driver? Anyone in the small inner circle telling spies what he just ordered for dinner - in case weight is a problem? Sparring partners selling secrets? Is he just tired and ready to rid himself of this new pressure and annoyance of being internationally idolized.

While Miguel Cotto is a pro and will give a solid effort, does he have anything left to give other than a two or three round spurt before Manny puts him away?

Six months, even a year ago, Cotto would have been more of a challenge but recent fights have taken it out of him in my opinion.

This is not to knock a Pacquiao victory or effort to say the opponent wasn't a challenge.

On the contrary, Pacquiao gets his opponents out of there with precision. And he fights the best available for the most part.

But this was an easy fight for promoter Bob Arum to make as he has the rights to both fighters. Cotto might even be the fan favorite at the Bronx presser in the world's media capitol.

However, Cotto is damaged goods and Arum already chose to defend the honor of "The Plasterman," Antonio Margarito over Cotto. Arum has chosen to wait out his suspension or have him fight in Mexico.

However, the public has told him they would buy Cotto, off of his Clottey effort, to be a worthy challenger of Pacquiao.

So let's get beyond this for our purposes here.

I'm thinking Roach's choice of a Mexican high - mountain training locale would have been best for a fighter who is fighting distractions. Cut him off totally from friends, family, hanger's on and local newspapers and other demons.

Why make him now fly back in several days over a dozen time zones right back smack into the same distractions he needs to physically be separated from for his own good?

I don't get. I hope even at this late hour, they have a change of heart and train in Mexico.

Pacquiao may win November 14, and even make it look easy, but this is a ridiculous, uncalculated risk being taken, probably by non -boxing people. If not this fight, but down the road it could come back to haunt Team Pacquiao.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-11372-Dallas-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m9d7-Start-spreading-the-newsMannys-back-in-town