Cotto Uses Underdog Status For Motivation To Beat Manny

Most of the boxing world has listed WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto as the underdog in his upcoming November 14 clash with pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao. Cotto has been the favorite to win every one of his past fights, including last July's loss to Antonio Margarito. Trainer Joe Santiago told Primera Hora that Cotto is using his underdog label for motivation to win.

"Miguel uses the public perception of Pacquiao being the favorite to work harder. Miguel has the hunger and desire to show that he is one of the best fighters in the world. This has been the case in the past and the same thing will show again against Pacquiao," Santiago said.

Santiago said a win over Pacquiao will erase any doubts about Cotto's status as a major player who is still in his prime. There are some questions as to whether Cotto recovered from the beating he took from Margarito.

"In June of this year against [Joshua] Clottey, Miguel showed that he has a big heart and I have no doubt he will do so again. Miguel, at the time, is very anxious already to get the to the night of the fight night and show the world what he can do in the ring," Santiago said.

Source: http://www.boxingscene.com/?m=show&id=22965