Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto: Clash of Class!

Published on November 13, 2009 by Reylan Loberternos in Boxing

Tungod, Inabanga, Bohol – When two of the finest, most explosive, and most exciting fighters share the squared circle, one thing is almost certain – it’s going to be a blast! Filipino pride and the world’s best fighter pound for pound Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) aims to add another marquee name in his already imposing list of victims on the way to his 50th professional career win and a record 7th championship in as many weight divisions. “Boricuan Bomber” Miguel Angel Cotto (34-1-0, 27 KOs) of Puerto Rico stands in his way, with nothing less in mind than to bring to a halt Pacquiao’s seemingly unstoppable pugilistic success.

Fight predictions have been cast by boxing scribes and fans alike, as I have also cast mine in one of my previous articles (Pacquiao-Cotto: Let’s Keep It Real!). I went out on the limb predicting Pacquiao to stop Cotto in eight. With all but hours left before the day of reckoning, this writer still considers a Pacquiao victory inevitable. This, however, is not to underestimate Cotto’s abilities. Make no mistake about it. The “Boricuan Bomber” possesses the vast experience and skill set that could otherwise prove me and many others, wrong.

Yes Cotto is younger, bigger, and maybe stronger than Pacquiao. Furthermore, he also has above average defense and possesses destructive power on both fists, probably unseen in most, if not all, of Pacquiao’s previous victims. Unfortunately for Cotto, he’s up against someone who has the extraordinary combination of lightning speed, cat-quick reflexes, all around skill, granite chin, heavy hands, and unparalleled stamina so rare in the sport of boxing. He will have trouble finding his mark, especially with Pacquiao’s constant bobbing and weaving, darting in and out attack that would, more often than not, befuddle him throughout the course of the fight. Pacquiao, on the other hand, with increasing frequency, will connect his stinging jabs, jaw-breaking hooks, and bone-crushing straight lefts from all angles with relative ease.

Unless Cotto succeeds in negating Pacquiao’s overwhelming advantage in speed early on, this encounter will just be Manny Pacquiao – David Diaz all over again in terms of the outcome. Take note that I’m by no means saying that Diaz compares to Cotto at all. I guess everybody will agree with me that the Puerto Rican fighter is so much better than the Mexican bull. But then again, the Pacquiao that Cotto will be facing on November 14th is certainly several upgrades better than the version who annihilated Diaz.

November 14th will be a clash like no other. Pacquiao and Cotto, classy fighters who have always been advocates of fair play, are expected to go to war and definitely have no intentions, whatsoever, of taking prisoners. This is history in the making… so you’d better be around to witness it!

Comments are highly appreciated. You can write them below or send them to reylanloberternos@yahoo.com.ph

Source: http://sportales.com/boxing/manny-pacquiao-vs-miguel-cotto-clash-of-class/