PACQUIAO VS. COTTO: WHO WOULD HAVE THOUGHT?

By Oliver Suarez | November 13, 2009

Like most fans, I can't wait for Saturday to come to see the most anticipated fight of the year. In a couple of hours, I will be on my way to Vegas to join the festivities. But as I was getting my stuff ready, I couldn't stop thinking of the fact that nobody would have taken this matchup seriously a couple of years ago. Most boxing analysts would have probably scoffed at the idea and proclaim to be a mismatch in favor of Cotto. It was a fight only thought to be possible on a video game.

Now, the fight is actually about to happen, but this time, Pacquiao is heavily favored. It's a testament to how unpredictable life can be. Manny is now considered by many as the pound-for-pound king in boxing, while Cotto is suddenly thought of as a damaged fighter who is on the downside of his career. Don't count out Cotto just yet though. As quick as luck can change for the worse, it can quickly change for the better just as fast. Manny was on the same boat as Cotto a few years ago. After emerging with only a draw, despite knocking down Marquez three times in the first round, and losing to Morales in their first fight, some thought his days as an elite fighter were over.

But Pacquiao was able to put his career back on track by refocusing and becoming a more well-rounded fighter. While watching the 24/7 episodes, it is apparent that Cotto is focused and is on a mission to regain his status as the best in the division. He's taken out all negativity and possible distractions to make sure that his camp stays on track. He replaced his uncle with Joe Santiago and decided to train in Tampa.

The importance of the fight for both fighters cannot be underestimated. Manny Pacquiao can become the only 7-time divisional champion in history and secure his place along the all-time greats. Miguel Cotto, on the other hand, must win this fight or face the thought of being completely written off and becoming irrelevant in the division.

With so much at stake, Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao will both definitely come at their best and considering their styles, the fight should be one for the ages. No matter who wins the fight, the real winners will be the sport and the fans.

Source: http://fighthype.com/pages/content6205.html