A number of fighters names have been thrown out there as possible opponents of Philippines boxing sensation Manny Pacquaio, but it appears now that his camp is currently in negotiations with Miguel Cotto's people.
According to the LA Times, promoter Bob Arum is negotiating terms, including weight -- probably below welterweight -- and purse split. Meanwhile, Shane Mosley says he's the man Pacquiao should be fighting.
Both Pacquiao and Cotto say they would like to fight one another next.
The fight is tentatively scheduled for November 14 in Las Vegas.
It is widely believed that once the fight is officially scheduled, SBG Global plans to offer a line on this bout.
"It is widely expected this would be the most bet on boxing event of the year should it come to fruition in 2009," expressed Tyrone Darnell Black of Gambling911.com. "SBG has advised us that Pacquiao will be instilled a big favorite."
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Fri, 26 Jun 2009
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Sat, 04 Jul 2009
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Source: http://www.gambling911.com/sports/manny-pacquiao-vs-miguel-cotto-november-fight-possible-062209.html
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
143 lbs for Cotto unrealistic – Arum
Top Rank head Bob Arum yesterday torpedoed trainer Freddie Roach’s proposal that Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto has to come down to 143 lbs to get a shot at Filipino pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao.
“That’s not realistic,” said Arum about Roach’s insistence that a catch weight of 143 lbs be imposed for the proposed Nov. 14 showdown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
After conferring with Cotto’s people, led by legal counsel Gabriel Penagaricano, the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champion said he is willing to meet Pacquiao halfway to make the fight happen.
“The catch weight will be 144 or 145 lbs,” said Arum, whose outfit has both fighters under his promotional banner.
Arum also revealed that Mike Koncz, Pacquiao’s Los Angeles-based adviser, has in his possession the proposal that he will present to the 30-year-old puncher later this week. Koncz, Arum noted, will travel back to the Philippines this weekend.
“I spent three to four hours with Mike today and he read the proposal and said he is very confident that Manny would approve it,” said Arum without revealing the details of the documents that Pacquiao and his lawyer Franklin Gacal would review.
“I think the proposal is very fair (to both camps),” added Arum.
Despite Cotto’s difficulties in his last outing against Joshua Clottey, Roach believes Cotto remains a very dangerous opponent for somebody like Pacquiao, who is not a natural welterweight.
Ringsiders have been very vocal about Pacquiao’s demand that a catch weight be set since the welter class has a limit of 147 lbs.
While Pacquiao has fought at welter — his ninth-round stoppage of Oscar De La Hoya last year being his landmark victory — the Filipino only weighed 142 lbs for that fight.
And when Pacquiao fought at the super-lightweight class of 140 lbs against Ricky Hatton last May, he only tipped the scales at 138 lbs. Cotto weighed in at 146 lbs against Clottey and Gacal believes he can still get rid of a few pounds.
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/207790/143-lbs-cotto-unrealistic-arum
Pacquiao vs. Cotto: Weighty Issues
A fight with Manny Pacquiao has become Boxing’s version of the golden ticket. A guaranteed big payday, HBO 24/7, and ppv are in store for whoever Pacquiao chooses to fight next. Floyd Mayweather Jr, Shane Mosley, and Miguel Cotto have all been rumored as Pacquaio’s next opponent.
Mayweather would seem to be the best option of the three. A former pound for pound champion until he retired, “Money” Mayweather has unretired to face familiar Pacquiao foe Juan Manuel Marquez. A Mayweather rib injury has postponed that bout until September, effectively putting him out of the running for Pacquiao.
Shane Mosley is the next likely option, as he is a former pound for pound champion himself. He is also the current welterweight champion, after his one sided knockout of Antonio Margarito in January. A formidable foe for Pacquaio, he has taken to calling Pacquiao out. Mosley has stated he is willing to come down to 144 lbs. to make the fight happen. He has also personally spoken to Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, about the fight. Although Pacquaio would no doubt be willing to fight Mosley, it seems Bob Arum is not warm to the idea.
This leaves Miguel Cotto, the least likely option, as the frontrunner. Pacquiao was ringside as Cotto won a close split decision over Joshua Clottey. Cotto was cut early in the fight, and looked to survive in the later rounds. Clottey outfoxed Cotto during the middle rounds, but seemed to take his foot off the gas in the final frames. A first round knockdown and late rounds comeback propelled Cotto to victory.
Immediately following the fight, Bob Arum announced Cotto/Pacquiao would happen in October. The contracts have not been signed yet, but Arum is moving forward as if the fight will take place. Freddie Roach also seems pretty warm to the idea, but wants Cotto to come down to 144 or 143.
Here is where the main problem lies with this bout. Freddie Roach has been adamant that he wants Pacquiao to continue fighting no higher than 143 or 144. While Mosley has agreed verbally to fight at 144, it is debatable whether Cotto can make this weight safely. Cotto is rather large for a welterweight fighter, and routinely comes in well over 160 on fight night.
The problem with Cotto coming down to 144 or 143 is it may adversely affect his in ring performance. If Cotto struggles with the weight, it may cost him stamina, and may affect his ability to take punches from Pacquiao. Cotto struggled for years to make the 140 lb. limit, and it began affecting his performance then. He was hurt and dropped several times, most noticeable against Ricardo Torres who almost knocked him out. These performances were blamed on Cotto’s inability to make the weight safely.
If you need another example of what can happen to a weight drained fighter, look no further than Oscar De La Hoya. Against Pacquaio, De La Hoya weighed in at 145 but only put on two pounds by fight time. He was unable to rehydrate himself properly, and had to receive several IV’s. In the fight De La Hoya was slow, sluggish, and lethargic. He was dominated and stopped after eight one sided rounds.
If all parties agree and this fight is signed, it may be the weight that determines the outcome. If Roach has his way and Cotto has to boil himself down to 143, the fight may be won before fight night. Roach knows the further down in weight Cotto comes, the weaker he will be. Pacquaio looks to have the much quicker hands of the two, and may have more miles left in the gas tank. Cotto has been in several brutal wars over the last few years, and may be starting to show signs of wear and tear.
At 147, this fight would look to be an almost even match. At 144, Pacquaio would seem to be the favorite. At less than 144, it could become another lopsided Pacquaio blowout.
How low will Cotto go? Only time will tell.
Source: http://insidefights.com/2009/06/22/pacquiao-vs-cotto-weighty-issues/
Mayweather would seem to be the best option of the three. A former pound for pound champion until he retired, “Money” Mayweather has unretired to face familiar Pacquiao foe Juan Manuel Marquez. A Mayweather rib injury has postponed that bout until September, effectively putting him out of the running for Pacquiao.
Shane Mosley is the next likely option, as he is a former pound for pound champion himself. He is also the current welterweight champion, after his one sided knockout of Antonio Margarito in January. A formidable foe for Pacquaio, he has taken to calling Pacquiao out. Mosley has stated he is willing to come down to 144 lbs. to make the fight happen. He has also personally spoken to Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, about the fight. Although Pacquaio would no doubt be willing to fight Mosley, it seems Bob Arum is not warm to the idea.
This leaves Miguel Cotto, the least likely option, as the frontrunner. Pacquiao was ringside as Cotto won a close split decision over Joshua Clottey. Cotto was cut early in the fight, and looked to survive in the later rounds. Clottey outfoxed Cotto during the middle rounds, but seemed to take his foot off the gas in the final frames. A first round knockdown and late rounds comeback propelled Cotto to victory.
Immediately following the fight, Bob Arum announced Cotto/Pacquiao would happen in October. The contracts have not been signed yet, but Arum is moving forward as if the fight will take place. Freddie Roach also seems pretty warm to the idea, but wants Cotto to come down to 144 or 143.
Here is where the main problem lies with this bout. Freddie Roach has been adamant that he wants Pacquiao to continue fighting no higher than 143 or 144. While Mosley has agreed verbally to fight at 144, it is debatable whether Cotto can make this weight safely. Cotto is rather large for a welterweight fighter, and routinely comes in well over 160 on fight night.
The problem with Cotto coming down to 144 or 143 is it may adversely affect his in ring performance. If Cotto struggles with the weight, it may cost him stamina, and may affect his ability to take punches from Pacquiao. Cotto struggled for years to make the 140 lb. limit, and it began affecting his performance then. He was hurt and dropped several times, most noticeable against Ricardo Torres who almost knocked him out. These performances were blamed on Cotto’s inability to make the weight safely.
If you need another example of what can happen to a weight drained fighter, look no further than Oscar De La Hoya. Against Pacquaio, De La Hoya weighed in at 145 but only put on two pounds by fight time. He was unable to rehydrate himself properly, and had to receive several IV’s. In the fight De La Hoya was slow, sluggish, and lethargic. He was dominated and stopped after eight one sided rounds.
If all parties agree and this fight is signed, it may be the weight that determines the outcome. If Roach has his way and Cotto has to boil himself down to 143, the fight may be won before fight night. Roach knows the further down in weight Cotto comes, the weaker he will be. Pacquaio looks to have the much quicker hands of the two, and may have more miles left in the gas tank. Cotto has been in several brutal wars over the last few years, and may be starting to show signs of wear and tear.
At 147, this fight would look to be an almost even match. At 144, Pacquaio would seem to be the favorite. At less than 144, it could become another lopsided Pacquaio blowout.
How low will Cotto go? Only time will tell.
Source: http://insidefights.com/2009/06/22/pacquiao-vs-cotto-weighty-issues/
Quijano: A different Miguel Cotto
UNLIKE say, an Ike Quartey or even a Winky Wright—who practically jabbed another Puerto Rican champion, Felix Trinidad into defeat—Rodel Mayol’s jab is nothing exceptional. Which is quite a pity as such a weapon would have served him well against a fading and bleeding champion with a raucous crowd behind him.
Another legitimate option that was available to Rodel was to actually attack more aggressively, damn the consequences.
This is not to say that I think Rodel didn’t want it that much, but as Exhibit “A”, go watch a video on Manny Pacquiao vs. Lehnololo Ledwaba and you will know what I’m talking about.
"Matod Pa Sa Lola ni Noy Kulas." Join the story-writing contest on Cebuano folklore and win prizes.
Coming now to last week’s main event, John Pope mentioned the possibility that some of the judges might have been influenced or intimidated by the predominantly Puerto Rican crowd who were on hand on the eve of a national holiday, and that Clottey in all probability deserved to win that fight.
I wholeheartedly agree with the first proposition as that prejudice was patent in the Mayol-Calderon bout. But I gave that fight to Cotto because he scored a knockdown in the first round which I gave to him as 10-8 and scored the championship rounds for him which to me was enough to overhaul the middle rounds that I scored mostly for Clottey.
But I noticed something about Miguel Cotto.
COTTO DOESN’T WANT IT. Is it just me or has Cotto become a different fighter? Last Rounder Franklin Mercado first suggested that Cotto may be damaged goods and after that fight, I think I’m inclined to agree.
Of course, we will probably need more fights to validate this, but sadly, there is no beta phase for top-tier fighters. It’s either you have it or you don’t.
Watch the fight again. In the early rounds, Cotto stood in front of Clottey and went toe to toe with the rugged Ghanaian.
His efforts netted him a flash knockdown in the first round. That translates to early success and in the ordinary course of things, what isn’t broken doesn’t need any fixing.
But over the course of the bout, he became less aggressive, and seemed to eschew exchanges. Of course, it could have been the cut. But fighters get cut all the time, and Cotto has been cut before.
I suspect that what made Miguel Angel think twice about standing toe-to-toe were the right hand bombs landing on his chin every now and then, thrown with deadly accuracy by the muscular Clottey.
So he opted to box. And this served him well especially in the championship rounds.
TELLTALE SIGNS. But on two separate occasions, Cotto backed away inexplicably after he had Clottey pinned and covering up along the ropes. And he didn’t just take two or three steps.
He backed up all the way as if he wanted to reset the action.
That to me is a telltale sign of a fighter who lacks faith in his ability to finish a beaten fighter. Or perhaps a diminishing belief in his capacity to endure punishment.
Either way, that’s a bad sign for a fighter.
It is beyond cavil that aside from his impeccable boxing skills and paralyzing power, the ability to bully his opponents and proving to be tougher in dishing out and taking punishment was a huge part of Cotto’s game.
That’s why he was such a terrific fighter and was undefeated prior to the Margarito beat-down. That’s why he beat elite fighters like Zab Judah and Shane Mosely.
But the question is whether the present version of Miguel Cotto is good enough to beat the sport’s pound for pound champion?
LAST ROUND. It’s on my companero Atty. Glen Jumao-as. Cheers!
Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/quijano-different-miguel-cotto
Another legitimate option that was available to Rodel was to actually attack more aggressively, damn the consequences.
This is not to say that I think Rodel didn’t want it that much, but as Exhibit “A”, go watch a video on Manny Pacquiao vs. Lehnololo Ledwaba and you will know what I’m talking about.
"Matod Pa Sa Lola ni Noy Kulas." Join the story-writing contest on Cebuano folklore and win prizes.
Coming now to last week’s main event, John Pope mentioned the possibility that some of the judges might have been influenced or intimidated by the predominantly Puerto Rican crowd who were on hand on the eve of a national holiday, and that Clottey in all probability deserved to win that fight.
I wholeheartedly agree with the first proposition as that prejudice was patent in the Mayol-Calderon bout. But I gave that fight to Cotto because he scored a knockdown in the first round which I gave to him as 10-8 and scored the championship rounds for him which to me was enough to overhaul the middle rounds that I scored mostly for Clottey.
But I noticed something about Miguel Cotto.
COTTO DOESN’T WANT IT. Is it just me or has Cotto become a different fighter? Last Rounder Franklin Mercado first suggested that Cotto may be damaged goods and after that fight, I think I’m inclined to agree.
Of course, we will probably need more fights to validate this, but sadly, there is no beta phase for top-tier fighters. It’s either you have it or you don’t.
Watch the fight again. In the early rounds, Cotto stood in front of Clottey and went toe to toe with the rugged Ghanaian.
His efforts netted him a flash knockdown in the first round. That translates to early success and in the ordinary course of things, what isn’t broken doesn’t need any fixing.
But over the course of the bout, he became less aggressive, and seemed to eschew exchanges. Of course, it could have been the cut. But fighters get cut all the time, and Cotto has been cut before.
I suspect that what made Miguel Angel think twice about standing toe-to-toe were the right hand bombs landing on his chin every now and then, thrown with deadly accuracy by the muscular Clottey.
So he opted to box. And this served him well especially in the championship rounds.
TELLTALE SIGNS. But on two separate occasions, Cotto backed away inexplicably after he had Clottey pinned and covering up along the ropes. And he didn’t just take two or three steps.
He backed up all the way as if he wanted to reset the action.
That to me is a telltale sign of a fighter who lacks faith in his ability to finish a beaten fighter. Or perhaps a diminishing belief in his capacity to endure punishment.
Either way, that’s a bad sign for a fighter.
It is beyond cavil that aside from his impeccable boxing skills and paralyzing power, the ability to bully his opponents and proving to be tougher in dishing out and taking punishment was a huge part of Cotto’s game.
That’s why he was such a terrific fighter and was undefeated prior to the Margarito beat-down. That’s why he beat elite fighters like Zab Judah and Shane Mosely.
But the question is whether the present version of Miguel Cotto is good enough to beat the sport’s pound for pound champion?
LAST ROUND. It’s on my companero Atty. Glen Jumao-as. Cheers!
Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/quijano-different-miguel-cotto
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
HBO, Top Rank Punching For Pacquiao PPV Bout In November
Two days after announcing the postponement of its big July 18 Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez fight, HBO along with boxing promotion company Top Rank Inc. is close to lacing up the gloves for a Nov. 14 PPV event featuring Manny Pacquiao.
Sources close to the situation said that sport's recognized pound-for-pound champion Pacquiao would fight World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miquel Cotto in November. Cotto is coming off a 12-round split decision win against Joshua Clottey this past Saturday on an HBO televised boxing telecast.
World Boxing Association Welterweight champion Shane Mosley has also been discussed as a potential opponent for Pacquiao. HBO Sports senior vice president Mark Taffet would only say that the network has talked to Top Rank about a Nov. 14 fight featuring Pacquiao, but no deals have been finalized yet.
HBO has yet to reschedule the Mayweather-Marquez fight, which was postponed Monday after Mayweather suffered a rib injury during training. Sources indicate the fight could be rescheduled for September.
Source: http://www.multichannel.com/article/294716-HBO_Top_Rank_Punching_For_Pacquiao_PPV_Bout_In_November.php
Sources close to the situation said that sport's recognized pound-for-pound champion Pacquiao would fight World Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miquel Cotto in November. Cotto is coming off a 12-round split decision win against Joshua Clottey this past Saturday on an HBO televised boxing telecast.
World Boxing Association Welterweight champion Shane Mosley has also been discussed as a potential opponent for Pacquiao. HBO Sports senior vice president Mark Taffet would only say that the network has talked to Top Rank about a Nov. 14 fight featuring Pacquiao, but no deals have been finalized yet.
HBO has yet to reschedule the Mayweather-Marquez fight, which was postponed Monday after Mayweather suffered a rib injury during training. Sources indicate the fight could be rescheduled for September.
Source: http://www.multichannel.com/article/294716-HBO_Top_Rank_Punching_For_Pacquiao_PPV_Bout_In_November.php
5 Reasons Why Manny Pacquiao would beat Miguel Cotto
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Top Rank Promoter, Bob Arum, has recently stated that he is working on a match up between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. The terms are not yet agreed upon, but its possible that the fight can happen as early as Nov. 14th. Assuming the fight is made, here are 5 reasons why Pacquiao would be victorious over Cotto.
Speed – Its an old boxing adage that “speed kills” and right now no one has more speed than Manny Pacquiao. Its not just that Manny is fast with his hands, but as seen in his match with Oscar De La Hoya, he also has fast feet. Cotto was able to keep up with Shane Mosley’s hands, but doesn’t have the quickest pair of feet in town. He is often caught against the ropes and that would play right into Pacquiao’s speedy hands.
Wear and Tear – Cotto took a brutal beating against Antonio Margarito and even though he got by Joshua Clottey, he still showed signs of weariness in the later rounds. That would be a sure fire way to lose against a top conditioned athlete like Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao would apply relentless pressure that Clottey was unable to do to finish the job. Cotto also backed away in the later rounds against Shane Mosley, if he does this against Pac-man its lights out!
Chin – Cotto was knocked down several times at 140 pounds and one of the main reasons he moved up was that it gave him more strength to take a punch. If he comes back down to 143 pounds to face Pacquiao, some of that weakness may resurface. Meanwhile Pacquiao hasn’t been stopped in over ten years and has a proven ability to take a punch.
Skills – Since Manny’s loss to Eric Morales several years ago, he has improved significantly. He has learned to knock opponents down with either hand whereas before he relied heavily on the straight left hand. Cotto has great skills but has shown vulnerability when faced against a pressure fighter. This lack of ability could be a major factor in the fight.
Trainer – many casual boxing fans don’t seem to realize the importance of a good trainer. However it’s the trainer that sets up the game plan and studies the opponent’s flaws for months before the fight takes place. Manny Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, earned his second Trainer Of the Year award for the two perfect game plans against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton. On the other hand, Miguel Cotto has had much turmoil in his camp and split ways with his long time trainer just before the fight with Joshua Clottey. Will Cotto’s camp be able to put together a strategy like Freddie Roach? The answer is most likely a resounding No.
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Source: http://www.liverpuncher.com/articles/5-reasons-why-manny-pacquiao-would-beat-miguel-cotto.html
Bob Arum Appears to be a Sure Winner in a Pacquiao-Cotto Match
he Pacquiao-Cotto match appears to be certain as both boxers have 'instructed' Top Rank's Bob Arum to put together a contract for their scheduled fight on November 14, 2009.
With both fighters asking Bob Arum to work on the details of their fight, now scheduled for November 14, it appears that Arum will emerge as a sure winner in what seems to be a penultimate fight of the pound-for-pound king before he tries his hand in politics.
Both fighters are under contract with Bob Arum. Therefore whoever wins doesn’t really matter much to Arum as his Top Rank promotions will be in control of both fighters fight purse.
In a report by SFGate.com, Arum said:
"I hope to put it together this week, to get an agreement on terms," Arum said in a telephone interview from his Top Rank headquarters in Las Vegas.
Arum identified the two major points of negotiation as weight and the purse split.
With Arum’s mandate from the contending boxers, it appears that the Pacquiao-Cotto match is almost certain and it will happen again at the MGM Grand garden hotel on November 14 this year.
With this development, the Pacquiao-Mayweather match may have to take a back seat for now. Mayweather is scheduled to face Juan Manuel Marquez on Julu 18 but that appears to be uncertain for now because of the reported injury of Pretty Boy while on a training session
The long anticipated Pacquiao-Mayweather match may be possible early next year but only if Mayweather emerge as the winner in his encounter with Marquez. Mayweather has to put up a good fight in order to prove to the world that he is still a major crowd drawer.
It was reported lately that the reported injury of Mayweather was just a ploy because of the dismal ticket sale for his July 18 date with Juan Manuel Marquez.
If the Pacquiao-Mayweather match happens early next year, it will most likely be Pacquiao’s last professional fight as a boxer. The Filipino boxing superstar is widely rumored to pursue his plan to run for a congressional seat in his district in southern Philippines.
Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274225
With both fighters asking Bob Arum to work on the details of their fight, now scheduled for November 14, it appears that Arum will emerge as a sure winner in what seems to be a penultimate fight of the pound-for-pound king before he tries his hand in politics.
Both fighters are under contract with Bob Arum. Therefore whoever wins doesn’t really matter much to Arum as his Top Rank promotions will be in control of both fighters fight purse.
In a report by SFGate.com, Arum said:
"I hope to put it together this week, to get an agreement on terms," Arum said in a telephone interview from his Top Rank headquarters in Las Vegas.
Arum identified the two major points of negotiation as weight and the purse split.
With Arum’s mandate from the contending boxers, it appears that the Pacquiao-Cotto match is almost certain and it will happen again at the MGM Grand garden hotel on November 14 this year.
With this development, the Pacquiao-Mayweather match may have to take a back seat for now. Mayweather is scheduled to face Juan Manuel Marquez on Julu 18 but that appears to be uncertain for now because of the reported injury of Pretty Boy while on a training session
The long anticipated Pacquiao-Mayweather match may be possible early next year but only if Mayweather emerge as the winner in his encounter with Marquez. Mayweather has to put up a good fight in order to prove to the world that he is still a major crowd drawer.
It was reported lately that the reported injury of Mayweather was just a ploy because of the dismal ticket sale for his July 18 date with Juan Manuel Marquez.
If the Pacquiao-Mayweather match happens early next year, it will most likely be Pacquiao’s last professional fight as a boxer. The Filipino boxing superstar is widely rumored to pursue his plan to run for a congressional seat in his district in southern Philippines.
Source: http://www.digitaljournal.com/article/274225
Arum: It's up to Cotto to seal deal
MANILA, Philippines - It’s now up to Miguel Cotto if he wants to fight Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 14.
It all depends on whether the vacationing WBO welterweight champion from Puerto Rico would agree to the terms soon to be laid down on the table in front of him.
“I hope to put it together this week, to get an agreement on terms,” Bob Arum of Top Rank, which promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, told fighthype.com yesterday.
Pacquiao, who has given Arum the go-signal to put up the fight, flew home from New York Monday evening, and went to Bohol yesterday afternoon to join the family vacation. He should be in Gen. Santos City today for the birthday party of his brother, Roel.
The main issue in the negotiations will be the purse split – how much Cotto would be willing to get against the reigning pound-for-pound champion from the Philippines.
After Pacquiao demolished Ricky Hatton last month, Arum announced that Pacquiao is now the greatest fighter out there, the new face of boxing, the sport’s main attraction.
The Top Rank president said anybody who fights Pacquiao next should be treated like all the fighters Oscar dela Hoya faced when the American Olympic champion was still the main draw.
And that means getting 30 to 35 percent of the purse, just as much as Pacquiao got when he fought Dela Hoya last December. In short, Cotto should be open to that.
Then there’s the weight issue.
Pacquiao’s trainer, Freddie Roach, said a month ago they’d fight Cotto if he comes down to 142 lb, but the 28-year-old champion, who’s never fought under 145 lb since 2006, said no.
Cotto said he can’t make it lower than 145. But the prospects of fighting Pacquiao and earning a paycheck that’s quite hard to find these days, should make Cotto change his mind.
Because if he doesn’t, there’s Sugar Shane Mosley, the 38-year-old WBA welterweight champion who’s willing to sacrifice everything just to earn a date with Pacquiao.
In fact, Mosley’s handlers, led by Richard Schaefer of Golden Boy Promotions, feel that the pride of Pomona in California should be Pacquiao’s next opponent, and not Cotto, on vacation after his close, bloody win over Josh Clottey last Sunday.
“Cotto has a deep cut; Shane’s ready to go.’Sugar’ Shane Mosley is the best fighter in that division. He can punch more, he has more speed. Shane really wants this fight and is willing to make concessions,” Schaefer pitched.
“This is the fight people want,” said Schaefer, a master negotiator.
Mosley said he’s willing to go down in weight, anything in between 142 and 147, and get 40 percent of everything. He has also dangled his WBA belt.
But Arum, of course, wants Cotto vs Pacquiao, saying only if, and that’s a big if, they don’t come to terms shall they consider Mosley.
Source: http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=478380&publicationSubCategoryId=69
Cotto fight details still to be cleared
Before parting ways in New York on Sunday, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum left word that he’ll come up with something concrete in two week’s time regarding the Filipino’s Nov. 14 fight.
While Arum has temporarily booked Pacquiao to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in an all-Top Rank affair at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, there are major issues to be resolved, tops on the list are the revenue split and the catch weight.
“Bob told us he will connect the dots in two weeks time,” said Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal, who arrived in Manila with Pacquiao late Monday night via Northwest Airlines.
Cotto is coming off a hard-earned 12-round split decision over Joshua Clottey and the shaven-skulled puncher told the Puerto Rican press upon arrival at the Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan that negotiations have yet to start.
“Nothing is concrete right now,” said Cotto. “But if terms are accepted, I will accept the fight (with Pacquiao).”
The Puerto Rican press also asked Cotto if reports are true that Emanuel Steward, the discoverer of Thomas Hearns, is being eyed to join his training team.
Cotto did not deny or confirm the report, saying he is open to anything that will help enhance his future performances.
If there is one sure thing at the moment, Gacal said it is the fact that “Manny won’t fight Cotto at 147 lbs. He’s just too big (at that weight class).”
Arum said that “reason will (eventually) prevail” and the two will likely meet halfway, say 143 or 144 lbs.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) that Shane Mosley is also being looked at as a possibility despite his supposedly lack of a fanbase.
If Arum fails to match Pacquiao and Cotto, “we’ll reach out to Shane,” Arum told Lance Pugmire. Golden Boy Promotions said Mosley is “willing to make concessions.”
Meanwhile, Pacquiao flew to Bohol late Tuesday afternoon to reunite with his kids and from picturesque province, the pound-for-pound will proceed to General Santos City using the private plane of former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson.
Pacquiao left his kids there for the whirlwind visit to New York and promised them that he’ll be back shortly for some more bonding time after it was cut short by his quick trip to the Big Apple.
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/207088/cotto-fight-details-still-be-cleared
While Arum has temporarily booked Pacquiao to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in an all-Top Rank affair at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, there are major issues to be resolved, tops on the list are the revenue split and the catch weight.
“Bob told us he will connect the dots in two weeks time,” said Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal, who arrived in Manila with Pacquiao late Monday night via Northwest Airlines.
Cotto is coming off a hard-earned 12-round split decision over Joshua Clottey and the shaven-skulled puncher told the Puerto Rican press upon arrival at the Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan that negotiations have yet to start.
“Nothing is concrete right now,” said Cotto. “But if terms are accepted, I will accept the fight (with Pacquiao).”
The Puerto Rican press also asked Cotto if reports are true that Emanuel Steward, the discoverer of Thomas Hearns, is being eyed to join his training team.
Cotto did not deny or confirm the report, saying he is open to anything that will help enhance his future performances.
If there is one sure thing at the moment, Gacal said it is the fact that “Manny won’t fight Cotto at 147 lbs. He’s just too big (at that weight class).”
Arum said that “reason will (eventually) prevail” and the two will likely meet halfway, say 143 or 144 lbs.
The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) that Shane Mosley is also being looked at as a possibility despite his supposedly lack of a fanbase.
If Arum fails to match Pacquiao and Cotto, “we’ll reach out to Shane,” Arum told Lance Pugmire. Golden Boy Promotions said Mosley is “willing to make concessions.”
Meanwhile, Pacquiao flew to Bohol late Tuesday afternoon to reunite with his kids and from picturesque province, the pound-for-pound will proceed to General Santos City using the private plane of former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson.
Pacquiao left his kids there for the whirlwind visit to New York and promised them that he’ll be back shortly for some more bonding time after it was cut short by his quick trip to the Big Apple.
Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/207088/cotto-fight-details-still-be-cleared
Arum finalizing Pacquiao-Cotto for Nov. 14
A Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto super fight tentatively scheduled for November 14 in Las Vegas is being worked out, according to Pacquiao’s promoter Bob Arum.
“I hope I can put it all together this week and get Manny and Miguel to agree on the terms,” Arum said, referring to the catch weight and the purse sharing.
Freddie Roach, who was at ringside with Pacquiao and Arum for the Cotto-Joshua Clottey World Boxing Organization welterweight title fight on Saturday night, wants a weight limit of 142 to 144 pounds as a condition for Pacquiao fighting the bigger Puerto Rican.
Cotto successfully defended his WBO title via a hard-fought, split decision against the rugged contender from Ghana.
Pacquiao earlier told this reporter that he does not mind fighting either Cotto or Shane Mosley, the World Boxing Council welterweight titlist.
As the reigning best boxer in the world pound-for-pound, Pacquiao deserves a bigger share of the purse, Arum said.
In fact, Mosley, who insists that Pacquiao should fight him because he is the best fighter in the division, has agreed to go down in weight to 144 pounds and a 40 percent share of the purse to Pacquiao’s 60 percent for his Pacquiao matchup to happen.
The Filipino icon, who just weighed 138 in his sensational second round knockout win over British star Ricky Hatton, is likely to ask the same concessions to fight Cotto.
The 30-year-old Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 knockouts) is about the same height as Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), who has not fought below the welterweight limit since June 2006.
Arum said Pacquiao-Cotto would be a thrilling matchup because they are about the same size and both are puncher-boxers who love to trade punches with opponents in the middle of the ring.
Pacquiao, who started fighting at 108 pounds and won titles in six different weight classes, fought Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds (the welterweight limit) in December, and then returned to junior-welterweight (140) to stop Hatton in a second round knockout last month.
Mosley as second option
According to Arum, Mosley remains an option for Pacquiao’s next fight, and said Pacquiao is also receptive to the idea of fighting him.
“Shane’s a terrific fighter, but for now he’s the second choice,” Arum told Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times. “If we can’t put together a Pacquiao-Cotto fight, we’ll reach out to Shane.”
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions which promotes the 37-year-old Mosley, called the push for Pacquiao-Cotto “ridiculous” since Mosley knocked out Antonio Margarito in January and Margarito knocked out Cotto last summer.
Cotto edged Mosley by unanimous decision in 2007.
Pacquiao had originally wanted to wait for the winner of the July 18 Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez match before making his choice for his next fight, but that fight is now indefinitely postponed because of Mayweather was injured in training.
Mayweather’s camp reported Sunday that he had suffered a rib injury last week in training.
But boxing experts say the timing was curious amid rumors that promoters are having difficulty selling tickets for the fight scheduled next month at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Schaefer he is working on a new schedule for September.
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/june/17/yehey/sports/20090617spo1.html
“I hope I can put it all together this week and get Manny and Miguel to agree on the terms,” Arum said, referring to the catch weight and the purse sharing.
Freddie Roach, who was at ringside with Pacquiao and Arum for the Cotto-Joshua Clottey World Boxing Organization welterweight title fight on Saturday night, wants a weight limit of 142 to 144 pounds as a condition for Pacquiao fighting the bigger Puerto Rican.
Cotto successfully defended his WBO title via a hard-fought, split decision against the rugged contender from Ghana.
Pacquiao earlier told this reporter that he does not mind fighting either Cotto or Shane Mosley, the World Boxing Council welterweight titlist.
As the reigning best boxer in the world pound-for-pound, Pacquiao deserves a bigger share of the purse, Arum said.
In fact, Mosley, who insists that Pacquiao should fight him because he is the best fighter in the division, has agreed to go down in weight to 144 pounds and a 40 percent share of the purse to Pacquiao’s 60 percent for his Pacquiao matchup to happen.
The Filipino icon, who just weighed 138 in his sensational second round knockout win over British star Ricky Hatton, is likely to ask the same concessions to fight Cotto.
The 30-year-old Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 knockouts) is about the same height as Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), who has not fought below the welterweight limit since June 2006.
Arum said Pacquiao-Cotto would be a thrilling matchup because they are about the same size and both are puncher-boxers who love to trade punches with opponents in the middle of the ring.
Pacquiao, who started fighting at 108 pounds and won titles in six different weight classes, fought Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds (the welterweight limit) in December, and then returned to junior-welterweight (140) to stop Hatton in a second round knockout last month.
Mosley as second option
According to Arum, Mosley remains an option for Pacquiao’s next fight, and said Pacquiao is also receptive to the idea of fighting him.
“Shane’s a terrific fighter, but for now he’s the second choice,” Arum told Lance Pugmire of the Los Angeles Times. “If we can’t put together a Pacquiao-Cotto fight, we’ll reach out to Shane.”
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions which promotes the 37-year-old Mosley, called the push for Pacquiao-Cotto “ridiculous” since Mosley knocked out Antonio Margarito in January and Margarito knocked out Cotto last summer.
Cotto edged Mosley by unanimous decision in 2007.
Pacquiao had originally wanted to wait for the winner of the July 18 Floyd Mayweather Jr.-Juan Manuel Marquez match before making his choice for his next fight, but that fight is now indefinitely postponed because of Mayweather was injured in training.
Mayweather’s camp reported Sunday that he had suffered a rib injury last week in training.
But boxing experts say the timing was curious amid rumors that promoters are having difficulty selling tickets for the fight scheduled next month at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
Schaefer he is working on a new schedule for September.
Source: http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2009/june/17/yehey/sports/20090617spo1.html
Hall of Famers Should Fight Hall of Famers-No to Cotto-Pacquiao
After watching this past weekends fight between Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey, I thought 2 things. One was how much I admire Miguel Cotto as a fighter. He is tough, he has heart and he is skilled. But I was also thinking to myself, was that a hall of fame performance. Was that worthy to earn him a fight with Manny Pacquiao? Now Cotto may one day be Hall of Fame worthy, which I think he will eventually be. But he isn’t today. Pacquiao should be looking elsewhere for a challenge.
Manny Pacquiao is the best fighter of his generation; he has won titles in 6 divisions and has been a 4 division lineal champion. He only has few fights left. He should settle for nothing less then legacy fights. And while Cotto is an excellent fighter, he is not yet a legendary fighter. What Pacquiao needs is fights against legends. Anything less then Floyd Mayweather Jr, Sugar Shane Mosley or a 3rd match against Juan Manual Marquez would be unsatisfying. Let’s examine the prospects.
Floyd Mayweather Jr
Positives: This is the biggest monetary fight in boxing. It would be the former Pound for Pound vs the Current Pound for Pound. It is the biggest fight that could be made in boxing. And it would do well over 1 million buys in the PPV market. It is the sort of Mainstream fight that would draw in mainstream fans, which is what boxing needs.
Drawbacks: Mayweather style is hit and don’t get hit. Which will make for a non-fan friendly fight and could be difficult for Manny. The money factor would be an issue too, would Manny or Floyd take less money. I doubt it.
Sugar Shane Mosley
Postives: The best combination fight in boxing. Has the potential the be the whole package. A great fight, a mainstream draw, and a box office hit. It would be another match-up of a former pound for pound king vs the current pound for pound. Would be historic as well as Mosley is considered by most as the Welterweight Champion and a current top 5 pound for pound fighter. Manny could win his 7th title in this 7th Weight Class.
Drawbacks: Mosley will 38 when the fight would take place. Would he get old overnight? Does not sell tickets well when on his own.
Juan Manuel Marquez
Positives: A 3rd match between the 2. Would be a great fight on paper once again. Could become one of boxing’s great trilogy’s. Manny would not have move up in weight and both fighters are around the same size.
Drawbacks: Not a PPV blockbuster, has little US appeal. While a great fight it will be hard to sell to regular sports fans
Miguel Cotto
Positives: Good action fight. Most winnable fight on Paper for Pacquiao. Cotto has a title belt. Cotto while the bigger man, Pacquiao is the much faster fighter. Cotto is a good boxer evidenced by his close decisions over Mosley and Clottey. His defensive is not the best, and can be hit.
Drawbacks: Least accomplished of the other 3. Outside of New York and Puerto Rico is Cotto really a mainstream draw? This fight will do the least for Pacquiao’s legacy. Will there be huge build up with the US national media? No.
Verdict
There are 2 answers here. Mayweather is the best fight for the money. I think both men could clear 20 million a piece. It would be the biggest fight in the sport in since Julio Cesar Chavez-Pernell Whitaker. A forgettable fight with a horrendous decision. Do we really want to see that type of fight again?
The best fight if you want to include everything is Sugar Shane Mosley. It brings a legendary fighter, action fight, money, mainstream appeal, and legacy. Ask anybody honestly the question, what is the best fight to watch? Pacquiao-Mosley would be one for the ages. You just have to convince Bob Arum, Freddie Roach, and others to make the right fights. Anything less then Mayweather or Mosley is unacceptable.
Source: http://www.boxing24.com/hall-of-famers-should-fight-hall-of-famers-no-to-cotto-pacquiao/
Manny Pacquiao is the best fighter of his generation; he has won titles in 6 divisions and has been a 4 division lineal champion. He only has few fights left. He should settle for nothing less then legacy fights. And while Cotto is an excellent fighter, he is not yet a legendary fighter. What Pacquiao needs is fights against legends. Anything less then Floyd Mayweather Jr, Sugar Shane Mosley or a 3rd match against Juan Manual Marquez would be unsatisfying. Let’s examine the prospects.
Floyd Mayweather Jr
Positives: This is the biggest monetary fight in boxing. It would be the former Pound for Pound vs the Current Pound for Pound. It is the biggest fight that could be made in boxing. And it would do well over 1 million buys in the PPV market. It is the sort of Mainstream fight that would draw in mainstream fans, which is what boxing needs.
Drawbacks: Mayweather style is hit and don’t get hit. Which will make for a non-fan friendly fight and could be difficult for Manny. The money factor would be an issue too, would Manny or Floyd take less money. I doubt it.
Sugar Shane Mosley
Postives: The best combination fight in boxing. Has the potential the be the whole package. A great fight, a mainstream draw, and a box office hit. It would be another match-up of a former pound for pound king vs the current pound for pound. Would be historic as well as Mosley is considered by most as the Welterweight Champion and a current top 5 pound for pound fighter. Manny could win his 7th title in this 7th Weight Class.
Drawbacks: Mosley will 38 when the fight would take place. Would he get old overnight? Does not sell tickets well when on his own.
Juan Manuel Marquez
Positives: A 3rd match between the 2. Would be a great fight on paper once again. Could become one of boxing’s great trilogy’s. Manny would not have move up in weight and both fighters are around the same size.
Drawbacks: Not a PPV blockbuster, has little US appeal. While a great fight it will be hard to sell to regular sports fans
Miguel Cotto
Positives: Good action fight. Most winnable fight on Paper for Pacquiao. Cotto has a title belt. Cotto while the bigger man, Pacquiao is the much faster fighter. Cotto is a good boxer evidenced by his close decisions over Mosley and Clottey. His defensive is not the best, and can be hit.
Drawbacks: Least accomplished of the other 3. Outside of New York and Puerto Rico is Cotto really a mainstream draw? This fight will do the least for Pacquiao’s legacy. Will there be huge build up with the US national media? No.
Verdict
There are 2 answers here. Mayweather is the best fight for the money. I think both men could clear 20 million a piece. It would be the biggest fight in the sport in since Julio Cesar Chavez-Pernell Whitaker. A forgettable fight with a horrendous decision. Do we really want to see that type of fight again?
The best fight if you want to include everything is Sugar Shane Mosley. It brings a legendary fighter, action fight, money, mainstream appeal, and legacy. Ask anybody honestly the question, what is the best fight to watch? Pacquiao-Mosley would be one for the ages. You just have to convince Bob Arum, Freddie Roach, and others to make the right fights. Anything less then Mayweather or Mosley is unacceptable.
Source: http://www.boxing24.com/hall-of-famers-should-fight-hall-of-famers-no-to-cotto-pacquiao/
Roach Will Demand Weight Limit for Pacquiao-Cotto Showdown
For those of us that watched the Cotto/Clottey fight this past Saturday, boy were we entertained. I know I was. The fight had blood, guts, a tackle, and some serious soul searching. For the record I had Cotto winning the fight 114-113. If you wanted to argue that Clottey won the fight, you could do that. After all, had it been Cotto who got thrown down and then rabbit punched one may wonder if points would be deducted to Clottey. If you want to argue that Cotto won the fight you could also do that. After all, when you are fighting Cotto at MSG you best fight a full 12, Clottey to me didn't do enough in the final 2 rounds. If you haven't knocked down Cotto by the 10th. Then you best trap him and punch away for the final 2. To me it also looked like Clottey was looking for an easy way out, the tackle was a tackle but by no means was it a Lawrence Taylor tackle.
Over all, the fight was very close and could have gone either way, but no one should be screaming robbery. Clottey should have followed up on his work rather than fighting in spurts almost as if to stand back and admire the damage. Note to Clottey: next time bring a camera in the ring with you, the picture lasts longer, oh and also drink whatever Kobe Bryant is drinking and finish the job. If you got a guy with a busted eye, then let the leather fly. I'm not trying to be harsh on Clottey, it's just that if you are already questioning whether or not you will get a fair shake before the fight even starts, and then you best try your best to take it out of the judge’s hands. Clearly to me it seemed like every time Clottey let his hands go he would hurt Cotto, Clottey didn't do that enough so because of that, the fight was tougher than it had to be.
A month ago, I predicted that the fight would go to Cotto by Split Decision. I also mentioned that the fight could have a Mosley/Cotto ending, where you had Mosley chasing Cotto in the final 2 rounds. Clottey also chased Cotto in the final 2, but the difference was that Mosley threw shots and continued to throw, Clottey didn't. For those of you that didn't read my prediction from a month ago, here it is.
Miguel Cotto vs. Joshua Clottey- Cotto can outbox the tough Clottey by taking the gas out of Clottey early so in the later rounds when Clottey tries to go into second gear there won't be enough gas left in his tank. To achieve this, Cotto must go to the body hard, and must start early. Clottey is an animal who is at his best when countering, Clottey has a high guard that seems to block anything coming in. I don't believe that I have ever seen Clottey hurt, but then again I have never seen him in against someone with bone crushing power like the power belonging to Cotto. Cotto's best chance on winning this bout is to use the same plan that he used when he faced Margarito, to control the pace of the fight with constant movement. However, Cotto must add a lot more bodywork in this war than he used against Margarito. It is imperative for Cotto to stick and move because if the Boriqua Bomber comes to bomb away, I can see Clottey countering Cotto with a big right hook and stopping him in his tracks. Clottey is an excellent fighter, the only knock on him is that sometimes when he counters, Clottey tends to take a step back to admire his work. My advice to Clottey would be to follow up on your work, finish the painting that you are painting first, then afterward you can admire your masterpiece. I think that Clottey will win the fight but Cotto will get the nod. This has the makings on being like the Cotto/Mosley fight, in that fight, I felt that Mosley won the fight by taking the last 2 rounds, but Cotto got the nod because some of those middle rounds were too close to call. I can see the same thing happening here. Clottey would need to knock out Cotto to win or knock him down at the very least in order to get some breathing room on the cards. This fight has a De La Hoya/Quartey feel to it, Cotto as the boxer, slugger De La Hoya, and Clottey as the high guard, laser stiff jab Quartey. Cotto by Sd.
So where does Clottey go from here? I for one would love to see him get a crack at Andre Berto. Or even someone like Luis Collazo. Come to think about it, Berto has unfinished biz with Collazo, the right thing to do would be to somehow land a rematch with Cotto. Collazo on the other hand is still waiting for Berto to do the right thing and give him that much deserved rematch. I have a hunch that Clottey like Collazo may find himself waiting and waiting and waiting. The biggest fight for both Berto and Clottey outside of Mosley, would be to face each other, So Clottey have Bob call Lou and let's make it happen.
Now on to Cotto, so where does the Boriqua Bomber go now? Pacquiao, you say? No way come on, cut it out, stop it already. For starters, Freddie Roach is no dummy, Pac-Man versus Cotto will not become a thought unless Cotto can drain himself to the bone and fight Pacquiao between 143-144 pounds. How many of us seriously think that Cotto who was killing himself making 140 will agree to a fight against Pacquiao at that weight? Also I would like to add that please do not be fooled into thinking that Pacquiao would kill Cotto since Clottey gave Cotto a war. For starters, Clottey and Pacquiao are two completely different fighters. One is a machine that is outside of a tackle impossible to hurt, and the other is a come forward guy who has been hurt and can be hurt, you and I both know who is who. Money wise, the biggest fight is #1Pacquiao and #2Mayweather. #1 is not going to happen unless Cotto can get below 144, so scratch that from your imagination. #2 how I could list the reasons why it won't happen, but truth is that I am now laughing so hard at the wise cracks as to why it won't happen that my ''ribs'' now hurt. Cotto vs. Mosley 2 the rematch! Note to Shane: Since you are the champ and you dominated the man that beat Cotto, make the fight in L.A. or Las Vegas.
Source: http://www.diamondboxing.com/newsstory.php?list=8044
Miguel Cotto is now the logical next opponent for Pacquiao!
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Apparently a Pacquiao vs. Cotto clash for this fall became the frunt runner while Miguel Cotto was still engaged in combat with Joshua Clottey last Saturday night in New York. Manny Pacquiao’s presence loomed large at ringside for the bout and he sat next to Top Rank boss Bob Arum. Reports are now circulating that Pacquiao was impressed with Cotto’s fan base at Madison Square Garden, and evidently he saw something he liked watching Cotto at work.
Arum has stated Pacquiao asked him to make a fight between the two star fighters while they sat watching the action. With Floyd Mayweather Jr. injured this week, Pacquiao vs. Cotto is now the most logical option for all involved. It is highly unlikely Mayweather would opt to return off nearly two years of inactivity straight into the lion’s den against Pacquiao. With the Mayweather option now seemingly out of the equation for this fall, an all in-house Top Rank clash between Pacquiao and Cotto looks increasingly certain for Nov. 14 in Las Vegas. Arum has apparently received the green light from Manny, and reports are now circulating the fight is heavily in the works. Despite all you read, it still remains uncertain Cotto’s nasty cut suffered last Saturday in combat will be fully healed in time, but for now the wheels do look as though they are in motion. Pacquiao vs. Cotto at a catch weight below 147 looks like it will be boxing’s biggest fight this fall.
Source: http://fightfan.com/2009/06/miguel-cotto-is-now-the-logical-next-opponent-for-pacquiao/
Miguel Cotto deserves better than Arum , Top Rank
Dignity and pride. Two words that describe Miguel Cotto. You never hear him trash an opponent and you don't hear him make excuses. Miguel Cotto is and has been the consummate professional his entire career.
So why does it seem that Cotto is being treated as the red-headed stepchild. His fights are entertaining and big draws in New York.
Now his promoter, Bob Arum, has pretty much sealed the deal for Cotto to fight boxing's number one draw, Manny Pacquiao. Is this a golden parachute gift for the years of service to Top Rank or is it a lamb being led to slaughter? Arum recently said that this was an even fight. Remember a couple of years ago when Floyd Mayweather versus Arturo Gatti was considered an even fight by some people. It just wasn't so.
And now Cotto is becoming the Puerto Rican Gatti. He boxes well and is highly intelligent , but he seems to be taking a beating in recent years. Gatti changed from slugger to boxer with good results until he ran into Mayweather. Cotto has become more of a boxer since moving up from junior welterweight. The results have been mixed. His fight with Shane Mosley could have been a draw and he couldn't seem to keep Margarito off of him last year, illegal wraps or not.
So why doesn't his promotional team step in and take control. Let him know that it would be more beneficial to become the aggressor in fights? Bob Arum hardly uttered a word in Miguel's defense after the Margarito debacle. However, you could find him with his lips firmly planted on Margarito's backside even when his fighter was caught red and illegally handed.
It could be because there have been rumblings that Cotto will not be back with Arum when his contract runs out at the end of the year. Cotto has taken the high road and refused to engage in a media war of words with his promoter. Cotto was lucky to escape with a win on Saturday night. The consenus has been that Miguel didn't win the fight as much as Joshua Clottey lost the fight. Can you imagine Pacquiao not throwing punches the way Clottey did in some rounds? Me neither. It is hard to think of Pacquiao not being active the whole three minutes of any round. So how is this an even fight?
Miguel Cotto has been a major plus for boxing and deserves the same in return. Here's hoping that Miguel can hold his own against Pacquiao and give the fans a memorable fight and move on to Golden Boy where they appear to know how to treat their fighters. Remember Manny was all set to sign with Oscar when Arum threatened legal action against Golden Boy Promotions. Maybe it's because a former boxer knows what other fighters go through and is willing to stand behind them through the tough fights. Here's hoping Miguel is able to go twelve rounds with Manny, win or lose, and have the last laugh on Bob Arum.
Source: http://www.examiner.com/x-8557-Norfolk-Boxing-Examiner~y2009m6d15-Miguel-Cotto-deserves-better-than-Arum--Top-Rank
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