V8: Pacquiao/Cotto, Pavlik, Jones, Bradley and more!!!

Williams/Pavlik: Who wins the battle at the boardwalk?

Kelly Pavlik (35-1, 31KO's) and Paul Williams (37-1, 27KO's) have come to terms and is scheduled to face off on October 3rd, at the Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall in New Jersey. This is interesting matchup pairs two of the sports perennial rising stars, both in their prime, and both with a major chip on their shoulders. After being humbled by Bernard Hopkins, many argue that Pavlik hasn't been the same, so you can expect the absolute best of Pavlik. Standing across from him, Williams is a fighter that has gone division hopping from weight class to weight class seeking fights, and despite a few solid outings, the one opponent he hasn't seemed to be able to defeat is the one named low risk/high reward. Looks like he finally got past that obstacle, and a victory here could in fact be the gateway to pound for pound contention that he has long coveted. The operative question is...Will this date with the Pavlik finally pay off for Williams, or will the power of the 'Ghost' resurface, once again placing Williams beneath the radar?

Pacquiao/Roach: Does Manny need a little 'space'?

Master trainer, Freddie Roach recently stated in an interview that his plan for Manny Pacaqiuao is to keep him away from powerful puncher, Miguel Cotto. The actual fight plan hasn't been formed and etched in stone but at first glance, it appears that it will involve tons of speed and some shifty footwork - both of which Pacquiao does very well. If there's any fighter out there that could pull this off, It's Pacquiao, but that being said, how do you go 12 rounds against a raging fighter like Cotto and avoid tasting that power? Some of us asked this same question prior to the Hatton fight and we quickly learned that Pacquiao didn't have to avoid that power for 12 rounds because he got the job done in 2. Against a bigger, more driven Miguel Cotto, is it possible that Pacquiao could re-write this script? I can't answer that question, but what I can say is that I sure as hell can't wait to find out.

Can Emanuel Steward be Cotto's guiding light?

Emanuel Steward has been quoted by various sources around the sport lately making sentiments along the lines of him being able to "help Cotto" defeat Manny Pacqiuao. In recent years, each of Stewards' pupils have seen their stock fall in a heavy way, many prior to even winning a title, let alone successfully defending one. The only one of his pupils to prosper is Wladi-K, which non-coincidentally is the only one of those fighters true to their craft. In the case of Cotto, his commitment to the sport is equally as strong, and knowing that he hasn't looked the same since the drubbing he took to Antonio Margarito, it would be wise to realize up front that he won't leave the ring this time around without letting it all hang out. With Evangelista Cotto on the outside looking in, things have been quite dark in the world of Cotto. Can Steward serve as that beacon in the storm to guide him back to the top? Should be interesting to see if this tandem does actually materialize.

Bradley/Khan: Who has the edge?

Timothy Bradley has seen his stock rise recently, despite the odd (and pathetic) outcome of his showdown with Nate Campbell. With a Campbell rematch looking less and less likely, the Bradley focus has apparently shifted across the pond to Amir Khan, a U.K. born fighter who happens to train near Bradley's own backyard. What makes this an intriguing fight is the fact that both fighters in similar stages of their respective careers, standing on the cusp of greatness, yet not quite invited in by the boxing public. Both are evolving quite well, yet both have several questions to answer. Stats are similar so there's no true advantage from that standpoint either. With Bradley being California raised and Khan training out the 'Wildcard' (in Cali), the edge would go to Bradley here. Trouble is, this fight is expected to land in the U.K. Can Bradley defeat another titlist in his own backyard?

Jones/Lacy: Old School....New School....No School?

What two things do Jeff Lacy and Roy Jones Jr. have in common? Well, both loss to Calzaghe, and both find themselves looking for a way back into the mainstream fight circle as a result. With little else to aim for and no other worthwhile fights on the horizon, the two now find themselves in the midst of a self-imposed process of elimination. Of the two, Jones is arguably the better talent, but the power of Lacy could nullify that gift quickly with an undetected, flush shot to the kisser. For one man, the journey in the sport of boxing is expected to come to an end, while for the other, a rare wish in the sport of boxing will be granted, allowing them to live to see another day. Listening to the buzz on the streets, there aren't too many people buzzin' about these two 'hooka's', but we learn time and time again in this sport that the world of relativity is always one KO away. Or is it?

Chambers/Klitschko: Is Eddie ready?

Word recently hit the streets that 'Fast' Eddie Chambers has secured a bout with Wladimir Klitschko, due to take place later this year. For Klitschko, many think it's an easy day at the office, but for those who have watched these two men closely, there's little doubt that this is a risk that may have been improperly calculated. The evolution of Chambers has looked as good as it ever has lately, and having a very slick style with better power than many give him credit for, this could be a fight that ends with a result that few saw coming. The once dead heavyweight division has suddenly found a pulse. After this fight is over, it may have also found a new leader. Wlad-K is the best the division has to offer. A victory over him could place Chambers squarely on that mantle.

Spinks joins Hopkins (likes Pacquiao over Cotto)

Corey Spinks has come out recently in support of Manny Pacquiao over Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, making him the latest contemporary to support the Filipino slugger. Hopkins feels it'll be a cut that gets in the way, Spinks just figures it'll be skill. Good thing this isn't an election, because Pacquiao's number count is beginning to reach the point of no return. Fortunately for Cotto, this fight won't be won or loss in the court of public opinion, but rather sought out in a ring of fire.

Moody Miguel (Cotto)

Miguel Cotto has been very vocal leading up to his showdown with Manny Pacquiao. Everything from his comments to Roach about him "not [being] Hatton and Oscar", to letting Roach and Pacquiao know that they'd "better be ready for war". Apparently, the once quiet demeanor of Cotto has been permanently substituted, replaced instead with a take-no-stuff approach paralleled only by his 'stalk-til-they-can't-walk' ring swag. The latest words from Cotto was a reminder that he "isn't Felix Trinidad". He continued this effort by stating "if I were in a beauty contest I would be waiving and smiling all day, but I'm not. I'm a boxer". The normally reserved Cotto seems to have quite a chip on his shoulder. With the fight against Pacquiao months away, you have to wonder if this should be perceived as mounting pressure, or simply a lava burst forming inside a volcano waiting for the right moment to blow?

Source: http://www.8countnews.com/news/125/ARTICLE/1823/2009-08-12.html