Highlights and Quotes from Pacquiao/Cotto 24/7, Episode 1

In the premiere episode of HBO’s Pacquiao/Cotto 24/7 series, fans were given an inside look at the ins and outs of each man’s life in training camp. The telecast kicked off by showing Pacquiao and Cotto together on September 10th at Yankees stadium as they officially announced the signing of the fight. The contrast in each man’s demeanor was striking as Pacquiao seemed to be smiling and enjoying himself while Cotto was all business, as usual.

Throughout the first episode we were invited into Pacquiao’s training camp in the Baguio City. The damage that was done by typhoon Ketsana was well documented and eye opening at times. The episode also focused a lot of trainer Freddie Roach’s mindset, from his uncertainty to being in the Philippines to his insistence that his relationship with his fighter is as good as ever. As the episode came to a close we saw Roach interacting with Pacquiao and insisting that he was going to be leaving the island to avoid the possibility of running into more trouble from more oncoming tropical storms.


We were first given a look into Cotto’s life as the he began training for the contest in his native Puerto Rico, 35 days before Pacquiao would begin his camp. The show highlighted Cotto’s relationship with family as well as expounding upon the estranged relationship that existed between Miguel and his uncle Evangelista, who is now out of the picture. The show later followed Team Cotto to as they made the move to Tampa, Florida as well. Renting out a mansion, the camaraderie in the team seems to be very tight and Miguel seems to be on point with everything.


While Cotto’s camp is full of a relaxed focus, Pacquiao seems to have much drama and turmoil going on. Still, both fighters appear to be working tirelessly for their encounter in the ring. With so much to cover in just a 30 minute segment, I have highlighted some of the finer quotes from the first Pacquiao/Cotto 24/7. This is what everybody was saying…

“It’s hard. I thought it would be indoor and heated but it’s not. It’s very cold” – Pacquiao said as he swam inside of a pool located outdoors. The distractions in Baguio were deemed to great for Manny to do his roadwork and he instead had to focus on a different workout to get himself fit.

“I feel bad. My sympathy [goes out] to all those people who suffered from the storm.” – A reflective Pacquiao speaking honestly about storm Ketsana and its effects on his people. Pacquiao showed a very serious side of himself and you can tell he will be fighting to do his country justice on the 14th.

“My choice was Vancouver for the training camp but they at least don’t have typhoons. I’m wondering what where doing here a little bit.” – A befuddled Freddie Roach speaking early from camp as he was still trying to adapt to the surroundings of Baguio City.

“The characters are the same. All of the L.A. boys are here. It’s no different. He’s got the whole entourage out here.” – Roach speaking on Pacquiao’s entourage, who all made their way to the Philippines to be with the fighter.

“I hate to say this about a world champion, but he wasn’t that good.” – An extremely blunt Roach said speaking of Ricky Hatton, who was knocked out in two rounds by Pacquiao last May. Before the fight Hatton was perceived as a serious threat to Pacquiao but his abilities as a fighter were very lacking come fight night.

“To see it work was the best night of my life.” - Roach speaking further on the plan that he conceived for defeating Hatton. To see it come to life brought much joy to Roach’s life.

“What passed through my mind was to stop the fight for my benefit and the benefit of my kids.” – Cotto said reflecting on his knockout loss to Antonio Margarito last year. As the 11th round progressed, Cotto began taking serious amount of punishment and decided it was time to call it a day.

“The tears coming out of Miguel’s eyes weren’t normal that night. They were tears of blood.” –Miguel’s father Miguel Cotto Sr. said of watching his son in his only loss.

“The success of any relationship is the communication. Joe and I have great communication. He’s a great trainer who knows his role.” – Cotto says reflecting on the relationship he has with his new trainer Joe Santiago. Cotto seems pleased to be in his new situation.

“Me and Manny’s relationship is strong as ever.” – Roach dispelling rumors that he and Pacquiao aren’t seeing eye to eye.

“He's changed a little because of success, fame, and money, but he’s come along way.” – Roach says reflecting on Pacquiao’s rise to stardom, and how it has affected his fighter.

“He calls the shot pretty much. If I put my foot down he might resent it but would still follow my orders.” – Roach further elaborating on the relationship that exists between him and his fighter. While Pacquiao is often in control, Roach still has his say at the end of the day.

“The storm destroyed the city. The fight with will be dedicated to the people suffering form the typhoon.” - Again reflective, Pacquiao opened up about the devastation of storm Ketsana.

“This right here is what it’s all about.” –A passionate countryman said as he pointed to the Puerto Rican flag during Cotto’s final media day workout on the island.

“I’m pretty proud of my island. Puerto Rico brings a lot of good fighters and to be a part of that is a big honor.” – An obviously appreciative Cotto said of his present status in Puerto Rican boxing.

“I’ve started putting tattoos on my body three years ago and now I have nine.” – Cotto says of his newfound passion in life. It showed a different side to Miguel, one that the often quiet Cotto rarely shows.

“When you receive love in the way my father and mother brought to me you have the knowledge to bring love.” – A sentimental Cotto said this when thinking of the relationship that existed between him and his children.

“I’m not the best husband. We separated three years ago but we’re starting to make the moves towards living together again. Those years away told me how important Melissa is to me.” – Cotto spoke of his wife Melissa Guzman and his willingness to keep their love going.

“Win or lose I’m not going to blame Baguio.” – Roach said when discussing his surroundings and whether it would affect his fighter come fight time.

“We have Castillo in our training camp and he helps me a lot in sparring. He’s a very good boxer and we notice his ability. He can help a lot.” – Pacquiao spoke of sparring partner and former champion Jose Luis Castillo, who added a different dimension to camp.

“I don’t want to make something out of nothing. There was a slight physical confrontation, but nothing like you’ve read online.” – Michael Koncz clearing up any questions regarding the altercation between himself and Pacquiao’s conditioning coach Alex Ariza.

“We’re getting ready for a big fight and maybe everybody’s getting a little on edge.” – A training camp can be a pretty tense environment and Freddie Roach noticed the pressure seemed to be rising amongst Team Pacquiao.

“You have a good group and focused group. You can’t ask for more.” – A content Cotto spoke of the camaraderie that exists between him and his team.

“This camp has been amazing. We came into camp knowing exactly what are goals were. Miguel’s been giving 110%” – Fitness Coach Phil Landman speaking on Cotto’s focus and progression.

“I know the moment I have another opportunity to prove myself I will be the winner. The night of November 14th I’m going to be prepared for him.” –A confident Cotto speaking of what lies ahead.

“I’m breaking camp. The typhoon is coming again and I said ‘what the hell am I doing here?’” – Roach, coming to his wits end, describing his desires to leave the Philippines and return back to the Wild Card Gym.

“I think if we stay here we have a chance of getting stuck here.” – Roach speaking one on one with Pacquiao, describing his urges to return home. While Pacquiao seemed eager to stay and continue training, Roach was uncertain of their safety due to the possibility of more incoming storms.

Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-22973-Miami-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m10d25-Highlights-and-Quotes-from-PacquiaoCotto-247-Episode-1