*Pacquiao vs Cotto...make your pick*

[slip&counter]

Enough talk on these lumbering, limited big lumps.

Its fight week in the FIGHT OF THE YEAR! so lets get this thing started, make your pick.

I've gotta say i want Cotto to win, there is no doubt about that. But I don't like the fact that he's fighting in November from such a physical brawl in June. I don't like that Miguel lives in a Boricua bubble and thinks a nutritionist can play trainer in a high stakes prize fight. I don't like Miguel stepping on a 145 scale which will take 5 natural rehydration lbs from him for the bell. I don't like Miguel measuring off a jab with a scary, lightening southpaw. I don't like Miguel Cotto's eye scar tissue.

To put it shortly...I've got Pacquiao in a rout!

[slip&counter]

poll added.

[threethirteen]

Shame it's not a public poll for after the fight. I've got Cotto by KO in the late rounds. Pac's speed won't count for anything because he doesn't punch hard enough at WW to put Cotto down or keep him off.

[DUNNERS_2009]

Cotto 10/11 with a rib breaking body shot

[TFFP]

Pacquiao by decision.

He'll just be a little too fast on his feet for Cotto, that will be the key. Cotto lacks a right hand to make Pacquiao pay, he's a lefty that fights orthodox so the jab and left-hook is where his power is. That will be a huge problem. His counter-jab will be his best punch but it probably won't be enough.

Pacquiao will find a home straight through Cotto's guard, and he doesn't move his head like Pac does.

[bored]

Cotto Cotto Cotto Cotto Cotto Cotto

Say goodbye to the biggest fight in boxing.

Come on Pacman.

[slip&counter]

damn, i forgot to make it public.

[Mandanda]

I'm going for my man Miguel.

I feel he will stay in there and won't fold up like Manny's recent opposition. Some see him as a plodder who just brawls. I see him him as a supreme box fighter who has a tremendous gauge of range. I feel it may take him a while to adapt to Manny's speed but he's a thinker and once he gets the hang of the job he will start to break Manny down and start to take the fight. His jab is fantastic and with his compact punching and good defensive moves such as the pivot i think he will present many problems for Manny. I'm unsure of him stopping Manny but i think he will hurt him enough to take his will and win the fight.

I see Miguel's lead hook and corkscrew uppercut harming Manny. He can also easily and naturally keep his lead foot on the outside of Manny's without feeling uneasy. I just think he has superior skills to win this. I also feel he can win the battle up close or at range as he won't be scared to through his shots and he's compact which i love and feel benefits him. Manny will give him a great fight don't get me wrong but i just feel this is Miguel's time now.

[threethirteen]

Cotto lacks a right hand to make Pacquiao pay

I think you'll find you're wrong. He's got a solid straight right that he made Mosley pay with several times (see my profile pic for evidence of that). I'm pretty sure he landed it at will against Margarito early on too.

[Snorkel]

Cotto by late stoppage.

Despite all his recent defensive improvements, Pac still lunges in and leaves himself open at times and Miguel is sufficiently quick to capitalise on it. As good as Pac is, I'm not sure he can take too much of Cotto's power, especially if he can establish an effective body attack early on.

I think people are underselling Cotto here on the back of his performances against two monstrous welters. Manny, conversely, is being given a little too much credit for his performances against Diaz, De La Hoya and Hatton. Cotto right now is miles ahead of that trio.

[threethirteen]

I think people are underselling Cotto here on the back of his performances against two monstrous welters. Manny, conversely, is being given a little too much credit for his performances against Diaz, De La Hoya and Hatton. Cotto right now is miles ahead of that trio.

You've got it exactly right. Too many people are looking at the performance and not the opposition. Do they really think Cotto wouldn't have been just as devastating against those three?

[nulty]

Pacquiao. You don't go against the dream team.

[ScouseLad]

I think people are underselling Cotto here on the back of his performances against two monstrous welters. Manny, conversely, is being given a little too much credit for his performances against Diaz, De La Hoya and Hatton. Cotto right now is miles ahead of that trio.

I agree, the "Margo has ruined him" drivel especially is completely insane. Aswell as people using the Clottey fight as "proof he's done". What?!! He fought 3 quarters of that fight with one eye against one annoying awkward underrated bastard. He done great considering the circumstances in my opinion.

Then again I am biased, I've never been up for a fight this bad, it feels like Istanbul and Athens following Liverpool. Theres no way I'll be sleeping after this, if Cotto wins I'll be buzzing for ages, if he loses absolutely gutted which given it'll finish at about 5.30am is quite annoying!

[threethirteen]

ScouseLad, I'm a huge fan too. I was heartbroken after he lost to Margo - I was staying at a friend's in Brighton and we watched it on Setanta by Broadband. I went to bed feeling disturbed at what I'd witnessed. I was pleased for Margo, and then the Mosley fight exposed something very worrying - then I just felt angry.

I agree with all your points. Cotto struggled with an opponent who is much better than any of Manny's last three opponents. The guy is a great fighter, but he's going to lose to Cotto. Cotto is too smart, versatile and strong for Manny's pitter-pat punches at WW.

[Top Dog]

Oh man this is a hard one! I'm thinking Pacs speed but then again Cotto aint exactly slow,mmmmmm, ok Pacman late stoppage, shame cause I like both:?

[kosaros]

Pacquiao late stoppage.

[ScouseLad]

ScouseLad, I'm a huge fan too. I was heartbroken after he lost to Margo - I was staying at a friend's in Brighton and we watched it on Setanta by Broadband. I went to bed feeling disturbed at what I'd witnessed. I was pleased for Margo, and then the Mosley fight exposed something very worrying - then I just felt angry.

I agree with all your points. Cotto struggled with an opponent who is much better than any of Manny's last three opponents. The guy is a great fighter, but he's going to lose to Cotto. Cotto is too smart, versatile and strong for Manny's pitter-pat punches at WW.

I was in awe at an absolute masterclass for the first 5-6 rounds against Margo then it all went wrong! Horribly wrong. I was the same, despite the disappointment I was pleased for Margo to get some recognition and praise, especially after him nearly having me in tears when talking about his dead brother on 24/7 but now...fuck him.

[Snorkel]

I was in awe at an absolute masterclass for the first 5-6 rounds against Margo then it all went wrong! Horribly wrong. I was the same, despite the disappointment I was pleased for Margo to get some recognition and praise, especially after him nearly having me in tears when talking about his dead brother on 24/7 but now...fuck him.


Likewise.

I still believe that had he not had his nose absolutely flattened in round 4, he would've kept Margo at bay for longer and taken a decision. That said, I may be a little biased too.

[Losfer_Words]

Everyone knows how dangerous Cotto will be if he's given an opportunity to land something big and also if he's given rounds to do it. For me, I see Pacquiao getting in and out often and he'll win the fight on accumulation in a mid-late stoppage, IMO.

If Pacquiao wins this, it would be nothing short of sensational: quite apt that that's what Pacquiao is. Win or lose, we're witnessing something else here and we should all enjoy him while he's here.

Pacquiao-Cotto whispers 2 years ago? You must be out of your God damn mind!:lol:

[TFFP]

I think you'll find you're wrong. He's got a solid straight right that he made Mosley pay with several times (see my profile pic for evidence of that). I'm pretty sure he landed it at will against Margarito early on too.
It's not a great punch of his. It's not that powerful compared to the rest of his armoury, I don't think it will bother Pacquiao too much and that is the punch Pacquiao is most susceptible too. Mayweather would beat Pacquiao because of his lead and sneaky counter right hand.

[TFFP]

I bet anything Pacquiao circles into Cotto's right hand. He'll take his chances there and avoid that harpoon like jab and the left hook to head and body.

Whereas Cotto is susceptible to Pacquiao's punches big time. Pacquiao's left hand will punch right down the middle of Cotto's guard, and the hook come uppercut will sneak under like Margarito's did. Cotto gonna get busted up and swelled/cut possibly.

[Bonavena25]

I agree about Cotto's right hand not being an instinctively great weapon, there does seem to be a bit of hesitation there before he throws it.

Having said that, Miguel has shown the ability to stand square on in the past and almost go southpaw himself in order to throw some meaty lefts, so I can see him trying to mix it up.

[JIM KELLY]

i cant see pac destroying Cotto, or winning by a KO, but i would never had thought hatton would get abused in 2 by pac. I would love to see a Cotto win, in style, but money goes on pac..

[TFFP]

True. Kinda risky to try and out-southpaw or get square on against Pac though. Might get put on his ass.

[BoroBoxing1]

I think Cotto hasnt recoverd from the Margarito KO if you ask me, I know he has won a world title since then but it just seems like the old Cotto isnt there anymore, theres just something about him that has changed since that fight, that is why i think Pacquaio is going to get the late stoppage.... I hope i am wrong about Cotto because i really like him as a fighter and respect what he has done in the ring.

[THE KNUCKLE]

Cotto to win by ko mid fight,am i right in saying cottos defeat was later found out that margarito had plastercasts under his gloves that night,so really he would be unbeaten going into this...this guys pure class on his day

[Dunky McCafferty]

I predicted Haye would beat Valuev, & I predict handy Manny will beat Cotto.

[Davro]

It's a shame because I really love Cotto.

But Margarito and his illegal handwraps have taken a lot out of Cotto.

Despite the cut v Clottey, he still didn't seem the same fighter as three fights prior. He's cautious, edgy, defensive, and lacks his granite chin these days. Good luck trying to counter punch Pacquiao.

Thus i can only see a Pacquiao KO I'm afraid, around Round 7 or 8.

[faisal]

pacquiao
cottos an orthodox fighter fighting out of southpaw stance againsrt a pure southpaw hes fucked how is he going to get off with his punches against the fast pacquiao

[JonOli]

Not sure...

I think Pac may be able to null Cotto's leading strong arm by skipping around it. Having said thatthe very few times I've seen Pac caught with a shot, around this weight, it looks like he's possibly felt it.

I'll say Pac on points.

[threethirteen]

Looking at the poll, this really is close.

[BURNLEYBLUE]

Cotto wins this for me. Think he may have to concede the first few rounds, due to pacs speed, and may suffer a flash kd. But I feel Cotto's constant stalking, educated pressure, cutting down the ring off a tight defence, and chopping away with short rights and left hooks to the body when he gets close,will eventually wear down and stop pac late on.

[SteelTownCobra]

Cotto is a step too far for Pacquiao. He can't just keep stepping up and beating bigger and better opponents, it has to end somewhere. Cotto's size combined with his all-round game will be too much and he will stop Pacquiao.

I think.

[Grant1]

Pacquiao TKO.

I reckon probably late, Cotto is taking too many shots.

[bennie]

Filipino sensation Manny Pacquiao continues to challenge the best of the best when he takes on Puerto Rican star Miguel Cotto in a crack at the WBO welterweight title this Saturday in the States.
Little Manny, who turned pro at light-flyweight back in the day, ‘broke’ out of Asia when he stopped Mexican great Marco Antonio Barrera in 11 stunning rounds in Las Vegas in 2003 at featherweight. He continued to light up the nine stoners for years in America, despite stiff competition, and gradually filled out into a dynamite lightweight when he outclassed Chicago’s brave David Diaz for the WBC lightweight crown last year.
Long-hailed as “The Bruce Lee of Boxing” and trained by the immense Freddie Roach out of Los Angeles, southpaw Pacquiao then leapt off the charts when he jumped up to welterweight and pounded Oscar De La Hoya in eight one-sided rounds last December in Vegas, sending the “Golden Boy” into retirement, and when he dropped down a few pounds to light-welterweight and took away Ricky Hatton’s American dream in two vicious-hitting rounds earlier this year. Hatton retired himself afterwards (not officially), now promoting for a living like De La Hoya.
Once upon a time fighters needed to ‘grow’ into a new division but Pacquiao just goes in there and carves his own rules with quick hands, quick feet, heavy hands, both hands. Now he tries it again against the gifted Cotto, a man who won his WBO title with a dominating five-round stoppage of our own Michael Jennings in Madison Square Garden last February – his third world title. Frankly, Chorley man Jennings was out of his depth.
In 35 top-class fights Cotto has lost only to huge Mexican brawler Antonio Margarito in 11 thrilling rounds last year in Vegas. Cotto had his moments but was finally outmuscled and overwhelmed, busted up and bleeding, by a man later found to have used Plaster of Paris on his bandages, so Cotto’s effort – his ‘defeat’ - looks much, much better, make that brilliant, in fact. Essentially, he is still unbeaten.
Cotto represents a major threat to Pacquiao and his recent dazzling run of form because De La Hoya was seriously knocking on when Manny picked him to pieces – indeed, Oscar looked ‘shot’ – while Hatton came out with no defence at all and was torn apart. Cotto, however, is a year younger than Pacquiao at 29 and knows how to work to the points if he fails to budge an opponent, putting his punches together beautifully and hurtfully, particularly to the body. Despite the illegal Margarito beating and a struggle last time out to outscore dangerous and underrated Ghanaian Joshua Clottey over 12 rounds in the summer, Cotto has always beeen ‘class’ and was always two steps ahead of the rugged, aggressive Clottey, for example, everything off the jab as usual, fundamentally complete. One could argue he got in the perfect workout for Pacquiao.
Nothing is perfect, though. There has been ‘trainer’ unrest in Cotto’s camp in the Pacquiao build-up and he does cop more shots than most Puerto Rican greats of the past and marks up, facially, although his chin is pretty solid. He also has real guts and will see this as a great opportunity to make amends for the Margarito ‘sting’. Nothing can be proven but Cotto truly believes he was ‘done’ like the late Billy Collins Junior. One cannot blame him.
The smaller Pacquiao will hold the edge in speed, of course but Cotto’s hands are also fast and he puts them together, as we know. At the risk of repeating oneself, this really is a dangerous match for Pacquiao, who felt, along with Roach, that he had found his true weight when he toppled Hatton so easily at light-welterweight - yet up he jumps to welterweight again (well, up to 145 pounds). It is gambles, gambles, all the time gambles with this kid.
Nevertheless, Pacquiao is the “house fighter” in Vegas (Cotto usually fights on America’s East Coast) where Saturday’s fight takes place and where he enjoys a huge following, and is simply too hot a fighter to disappoint his fans. Expect Manny's quick, sharp, punishing attacks to feature in the early rounds. Cotto’s skill and strength will begin to reduce the gap from the middle rounds but will they be enough to take over?
This is classic "pick ‘em" but with that man Roach in his corner, Pacquiao looks the likelier of the two lads to prevail.

[warrior85]

cotto in 10

[Pottypete]

Pacquiao To win by stoppage.About 7th or 8th round.

[widdy]

pac mid round stoppage,he will have to much speed for cotto,will start backing cotto up after a few fast rounds.
if clottey and margo and even jennings can catch cotto ,a real fast hard puncher like pac can.
ps,i don't think pac is a sensational puncher,but he is one of those who every punch is a jarring sickening one,which make you think 'ouch that hurt,ouch so did that':bbb:good

[TheUzi]

I think Cotto will stop Pac,too strong and too skilled

[peter5]

Tentative pick on Cotto

[ishy]

I think the main obstacle Cotto has to overcome is not Pac's handspeed or southpaw stance but his footspeed.

In Cotto's recent big fights (Clottey, Margarito, Mosely) he's been facing guys that are bigger than him physically and we've been seeing a lot of Miguel Cotto 'the boxer'. However, if he tries to box with Pac I think he will end up losing a points decision.

If Miguel is to stand a chance in this fight then we will need to see the return of Miguel Cotto 'the stalker'. Cotto will be the bigger man in the ring and he needs to use that to his advantage.

For the first two or three rounds he needs to adjust to Manny's speed of both hand and foot and look to work the body. Then he needs to start walking Manny down which is obviously much easier said than done. Cotto needs to be intelligent, calm and composed. Once he has Manny cornered he can't let him off the hook, he needs to make every punch count. My belief is that eventually Cotto will get to Manny and stop him late (rounds 10,11 or even 12) with Manny possibly holding a slight lead on the cards.

I think this could end up like Cotto-Margarito but with Cotto playing the Margo role. Miguel's chin will hold up against Manny's flurries and hopefully he'll wear down Manny with his attacks.

Ultimately, what I'm really worried about is Miguel's susceptibility to cuts. I fear Manny will rip him to shreds and force the doctor to stop it. I''m still going by Cotto TKO though :lol:.


**Obviously, my post has been from a Cotto fan's perspective :good

[slip&counter]

I think the main obstacle Cotto has to overcome is not Pac's handspeed or southpaw stance but his footspeed.

In Cotto's recent big fights (Clottey, Margarito, Mosely) he's been facing guys that are bigger than him physically and we've been seeing a lot of Miguel Cotto 'the boxer'. However, if he tries to box with Pac I think he will end up losing a points decision.

If Miguel is to stand a chance in this fight then we will need to see the return of Miguel Cotto 'the stalker'. Cotto will be the bigger man in the ring and he needs to use that to his advantage.

For the first two or three rounds he needs to adjust to Manny's speed of both hand and foot and look to work the body. Then he needs to start walking Manny down which is obviously much easier said than done. Cotto needs to be intelligent, calm and composed. Once he has Manny cornered he can't let him off the hook, he needs to make every punch count. My belief is that eventually Cotto will get to Manny and stop him late (rounds 10,11 or even 12) with Manny possibly holding a slight lead on the cards.

I think this could end up like Cotto-Margarito but with Cotto playing the Margo role. Miguel's chin will hold up against Manny's flurries and hopefully he'll wear down Manny with his attacks.

Ultimately, what I'm really worried about is Miguel's susceptibility to cuts. I fear Manny will rip him to shreds and force the doctor to stop it. I''m still going by Cotto TKO though :lol:.


**Obviously, my post has been from a Cotto fan's perspective :good

Some very valid points ishypedia, but that highlighted bit is just plain hedge betting. :good

[ishy]

Cuts could play a part but I'm not basing my prediction on it :good

[TFFP]

Footspeed, right. That's why Pacquiao will win, I believe. He'll fight like he did against De La Hoya rather than Hatton, or opponents where he's stronger. Cotto will be one confused bunny.

Although I do hope I've got this one wrong, Cotto is my favourite welterweight.

[TFFP]

People talk about Cotto neutralizing Mosley and Judah's speed. Well, Judah fights for 3 or 4 rounds and was doing a reasonable job until the low blow.

Mosley ain't no fast on his feet guy. Mosley is a gunslinger, he stands with you all day long. He ain't looking to be moving in and out, side to side.

We're talking about Cotto neutralizing handspeed not movers.

[ishy]

Footspeed, right. That's why Pacquiao will win, I believe. He'll fight like he did against De La Hoya rather than Hatton, or opponents where he's stronger. Cotto will be one confused bunny.

Although I do hope I've got this one wrong, Cotto is my favourite welterweight.

I'm more of a Cotto fan but Manny is a phenom, a joy to watch. I would not begrudge him a victory. Hopefully it's close enough to warrant a rematch.

[duranimal]

Gotta be Cotto for me, if he don't bleed then i see him breaking Manny up with body shots around the 9th.

I'am going to the fight & fly out thursday & if anyone here wants an ON-Site poster brought back then PM me & i'll tell yer how much you'll get bled 4:D

[slip&counter]

Do you remember the post fight comments that David Diaz made on the Manny fight? His entire transcript was in the news recently because of the F bombs David Diaz dropped every other word and how Arreola got a suspension for lesser profanity. But anyway David went on to say that he pulled every trick out of his bag to just last those 9 rounds. That basically he was toast midway and that he never saw speed like that, ever. Just saying that maybe David going 9 may be a shaky stool to benchmark.

[threethirteen]

Diaz is a tough hombre, but that's about it. It took Manny nine rounds to get him out of there, when he had neither the power, the skill or the style to trouble Manny. So of course he looked fantastic.

Manny fights the same way every single time, he's just gotten a lot better at it in the last few years. I think the only comparison you can use is Manny vs JMM II. Cause it's the last time he faced a guy with the smarts and ability to actually capitalise on Manny's one-dimensional approach.

If Marquez hadn't have been knocked down, he was out-boxing Manny. In both fights, it was the KDs that let Manny survive. In that fight we saw good timing and positioning were enough to let Marquez land. This is a slowed down, moderate punching SFW Marquez, who was eating shots as he got more aggressive. The Marquez who faced Manny the first time was causing him all sorts of problems with lateral movement, and counter rights.

Cotto is also good at countering, though clearly not in Marquez's league. He uses lateral movement, he has a good use of distance, where it appears he's out of range, takes a step to the left or right and can connect: a trick Marquez used constantly to let him land on Manny with less risk of taking one back.

Cotto's right hand isn't as refined as Marquez's, or as effective as Cotto's left, but he's uses it as a lead very effectively being a converted southpaw. He's scored or started KOs with it, and will often use it to get his opponent in position to bring the left hook round to the body.

Manny's footspeed is excellent, but he still lunges when he throws those straights down the pipe. Yes, he'll be speedy and like an annoying wasp, but Cotto is adept at moving and getting his opponent out of position before they realise what he's done. They're so focused on getting out of range, they don't realise he's moved. Then he'll use uppercuts to the mid-section.

i think we're going to see Cotto back to body-snatching in this fight.

[Bonavena25]

A big question is how will Pacquiao handle Cotto's power. Pacquiao seems to have a good chin but if Cotto lands enough - and I think he will land some serious leather - then it will be interesting to see Pacquiao's reaction and whether his output and footwork drops, which would then have him fighting at a pace more suitable to Cotto.

I think there's a decent chance of that happening, and I think Cotto will pull it out, although the first few rounds Pacquiao will be electric.

[threethirteen]

It's going to be a massively difficult fight for both guys. Cotto is going to really struggle for the first four while he lands enough to slow Manny down. Manny's going to really struggle in the middle rounds when Cotto puts some hurt on him, which WILL happen.

It the final four rounds that are pivotal for me, because Manny either gets on his bicycle and smarts a disciplined tactical boxing match against a guy that could easily time him on the way in, or tries to trade with Cotto, knowing he has faster hands and could maybe get a stoppage.

Cotto will need to run the risk of getting cut up by Manny when he trades, or will need to commit to the body to break Manny to pieces. By doing so, he could get countered over the top and get stopped on accumulation.

It's a thrilling fight: it's just a nightmare to pick with any degree of certainty.

[slip&counter]

I just think Cotto is ripe for the picking, trust me they saw something thats why they made this fight, Those 11 rounds of plaster have left him with scar tissue, he was there for the taking against Clottey, but Josh is too damn inactive with that ear muff shell and is current disposition is one of a cautious, timid and somewhat lazy boxer. He's not someone rises up, engages and start's mixing it up for 3 mins of every round even when he badly needs to, Pacquiao has him hurt or busted up and he's outta there.

[slip&counter]

Cotto is a step too far for Pacquiao. He can't just keep stepping up and beating bigger and better opponents, it has to end somewhere. Cotto's size combined with his all-round game will be too much and he will stop Pacquiao.

I think.

News for you my friend! Pacquiao is just not as small as he's portrayed plus he has improved so much since the early days, before he could never box on the backfoot, he had such a predictable punching pattern, he used to lunge much more into punches, his lateral movement used to be largly ineffective and now he does those things reasonably well. He's a two handed fighter now as well to the point where he's doubling hooks and fainting with that right hand. He's almost unrecognizable from the raw material of the early days plus he carries the weight well. Cotto gets beaten to the punch and peppered all night.

[slip&counter]

In my heart I want Miguel to win this fight because I simply want this PR warrior to have redemption after the brick gloves of that piece of sh*t cheater took something from him that no human or even an 8 figure payday will ever be able to replace. But my head/left brain logic has to go with Manny. While I only see Mayweather being able to pull this off, if Cotto can get into a position where he's clearly walking Manny down from the 6 on..then it's a over. Cotto by ud or late ko.

[BURNLEYBLUE]

In my heart I want Miguel to win this fight because I simply want this PR warrior to have redemption after the brick gloves of that piece of sh*t cheater took something from him that no human or even an 8 figure payday will ever be able to replace. But my head/left brain logic has to go with Manny. While I only see Mayweather being able to pull this off, if Cotto can get into a position where he's clearly walking Manny down from the 6 on..then it's a over. Cotto by ud or late ko.
:goodthats how I see it going.Cotto looks to have 1oo% tunnel vision from what I've seen. Where as Manny?

[dan-b]

Pac KO6. It's going to be quick and brutal in my opinion. And also sad to see, because I love Cotto, but I don't see him having any answer to Pac's speed and it will all be over before he has a chance to get into the fight.

[TFFP]

You guys picking and looking forward to a Cotto victory are going to be sorely disapointed. At least put your money on Pacquiao and save the emotional heartache :lol:

[widdy]

:goodthats how I see it going.Cotto looks to have 1oo% tunnel vision from what I've seen. Where as Manny?
i see it the opposite,we will see(that im right):deal

[BURNLEYBLUE]

i see it the opposite,we will see(that im right):deal
:-(That would would be a first my friend.Bet you would'nt like a tenner on it:bbb

[slip&counter]

Cotto getting countered triple the punches he attempts to throw is a major problem. My prediction is those 8oz Reyes opening up a gash and Cotto can't see those left hands and his face getting battered and his new chief corner man stops the fight to preserve Cotto for his next fight. I heard all the earlier talks about him fighting with cuts in the past but here's the difference; he never fought a offensive force like Manny with a cut who happens to throw punches from Cotto's blind side.

[TFFP]

I've changed from Pac TKO to Pac by decision and now I'm leaning back towards Pac by TKO. Saw a training video and he looks terrific.

[Boro chris]

Pac will have long periods of dominance because of his speed of hand and foot. As someone mentioned earlier he is a phenom and a joy to watch.
However Cotto is very precise/accurate and should give Pac some rough moments. Also his body punching poses a serious threat. All in all a far stiffer test than Hatton/Oscar or Diaz.
Pac clear but tough ud.

[jc]

Im picking Pacman. I used to bring out the size matters argument when picking Manny to lose, however i have stopped doing that, his speed of hand and foot is so amazing he can get away with it. He is also freakishly strong and a powerful, accurate puncher.

I think his speed and southpaw style will be a problem for Cotto. i think his workrate will be a problem for Cotto and even his punch power will be a problem! Cotto is a fantastic fighter but his defence has holes, he has been hurt by lighter punchers and is prone to cuts.

ive got to side with Pac, he has too much going for him.

[slip&counter]

Pac KO6. It's going to be quick and brutal in my opinion. And also sad to see, because I love Cotto, but I don't see him having any answer to Pac's speed and it will all be over before he has a chance to get into the fight.

I've got Pacquiao busting Cotto up in a back and forth trade off, but Manny beating him to the punch, being to quick and basically hitting him more then he gets hit. However I can't see Pacquiao blowing him away in the first half of the fight, certainly not like he did Hatton (who fought the dumbest fight i've ever seen) Cotto is a smart fighter with good defence, who doesn't get impatient and reckless.

Something else to factor into the early round equation is Cotto's ability to switch hit. I'm sure you remember Cotto's fight with a southpaw Quintana and how Carlos was doing what Manny does (obviously not to that level) and thats Circle to the right. So Cotto immediately switched his stance and now Carlos was circling into the power hand which eventually exposed the body for a ko. Cotto will not stay conventional.

Having said that, it could backfire on Cotto because the right check hook that put Hatton in deep water leading to the left that put him to sleep...that's a similar type shot that will be used if Cotto does switch to lefty. Why not implement that perfect check hook, similar to Mayweather but thrown from the southpaw stance, almost as a lead vs. Cotto. But it needs to be short and compact because Cotto is a patient stalker unlike Rick.

[slip&counter]

Another thing all of Manny's opponents are a sucker for the right hand faint suffixed with a straight left. See the faint freezes you and then his speed catches you looking. Yes he squares up but he slightly tilt faints then boom comes that laser left hand. Cotto will get cought with that left down the pipe all night.

[sdavi3680]

I want Manny to win, even if it's just to set up a fight with Mayweather. I see it being a late round stoppage. Fight stopped after Cotto's face gets all messed up like it did in the Margarito fight.

[Bonavena25]

This will be one of those hindsight is 20-20 fights. Hard to predict beforehand but afterwards it will seem so obvious. I think whoever wins will win comprehensively.

[hit me HARDER]

Pacquiao TKO 10

[TFFP]

This will be one of those hindsight is 20-20 fights. Hard to predict beforehand but afterwards it will seem so obvious. I think whoever wins will win comprehensively.
Yeah Pacquiao. Just the same as he was for Hatton/De La Hoya yet so many thought differently and then made out like it was completely obvious and not that good of a win for Pac.

[Mazallan]

I do not think Pac has the power to stop decent opponents above lightweight but I think Cotto will struggle like fuck in this fight so expect a Pac decision win.

Hopefully a real ******* though.

[dan-b]

Cotto being patient isn't going to help him here because he doesn't have a great defence and isn't a great counter puncher either. I think he needs to come out swinging and try to hurt Pac. Otherwise I see him eating the straight left all night.

[slip&counter]

Cotto being patient isn't going to help him here because he doesn't have a great defence and isn't a great counter puncher either. I think he needs to come out swinging and try to hurt Pac. Otherwise I see him eating the straight left all night.

It won't matter in the ultimate outcome of the fight, but it prevents your prediction of a early blow out, yes his defence isn't great, but its decent and he's multi faceted although he doesn't do one thing great, he's a all round fighter.

Btw, I understand Roach is a great chief second and Manny also gets the warm fuzzies with his childhood rags to riches friend, Buboy in the corner as his third. But you didn't give me any x's and o's with what will Manny do once Cotto goes southpaw on him as well. Does Manny continue to circle to the right much like a young southpaw Tarver did going against the grain and still circling left vs. orthodox guys...or does Manny lead right, pivot, then fire in the pocket with limited circling?

We agree on the outcome, just want you to put some meat on the bone.:good

[sidthehat]

Just think Cotto's left hook will be the key to the fight. I can't see him missing Manny with it. I can see Manny putting him down early, bit like Torres did but think Cotto is the more adaptable fighter (look at Mosley, Clottey wins). I see him finding a way to dominate Manny, like Marquez did for much of their fights and really wearing him down with hooks to the body. I see a Cotto late ko or decision (or get robbed of one). I could be wrong. Manny's explosive power may be too much for him. At odds of over 5/2 I'm driving the Miguel Cotto express. Just cant wait for this fight.

[threethirteen]

Two punches can catch a southpaw: the straight right lead, and the left hook to the head or the body.

Manny's going to get busted up by both.

[slip&counter]

I could see Cotto trying to out Manny but also taking allot of damage in the process. I repeat: Any one having daydreams of Miguel walking through Manny's hardest stuff better wake up now. We all remember what happened the last two times Manny was "way too small"...lol. Cotto is not only gonna have to fight smart on offense he's gonna have to tighten up his Defense to. Josh Clottey having you in trouble(for what ever the reason) is not a good look. Firepower is a appropriete title for this fight because Manny is to much of a sharpshooter and has enough firepower for Cotto to deal with.

Is this the fight were we kiss the old Cotto good bye or have us remembering what it was before he lost to plasterFace. Once again, who really knows. One thing is for sure, Manny/Freddie wouldn't be taking this fight unless they were HIGHLY confident they can win. Remember Manny's long term plan is fight Mayweather, make insane money and become a politician. Where does taking an unexpected L against Cotto play in that?

[TFFP]

Two punches can catch a southpaw: the straight right lead, and the left hook to the head or the body.

Manny's going to get busted up by both.
Cotto doesn't have a good lead right hand, that is the one that will work for Mayweather. He's left hand dominated, you don't believe me but you'll see when they take the left hand away from Cotto to a large extent and he'll be helpless. The counter jab might work best for him but its hardly enough alone to beat Pacquiao.

[slip&counter]

I just can't wait i'm salivating over this fight, I'd happly wish away the next couple of days of my life for this to get here. Saturday is gonna be the longest day ever! seriously i can't sleep, i've been talking about this to anyone who'll listen and those who won't, totally transfixed, it really doesn't get any better or more exciting then this!

So many intangibles, its crazy. Just like Cotto ain't Hatton, Manny ain't Joshua Clottey. That's what makes this fight so compelling both men are fighting styles neither one of them has faced. Zab and Shane or Chop Chop don't fight like Manny. Eric Morales maybe be the closest thing to Cotto but not even. Manny still makes mistakes but he is not that flawed 6 straight shots little dude no more. He mixes his punches up as well as his footwork.

[TFFP]

Manny Pacquiao will dominate this fight. Here is why ...


1. Circling. Manny Pac will circle clockwise around the ring when he is not engaging. Cotto's excellent jab will become less of a factor, his left-hook to head and body becomes less of a factor. He will have to engineer situations just in order to get his favoured punches off which will present opportunities for Pacquiao.

2. Footwork. How will be able to do the above so effectively? This is why. Manny Pacquiao is one of the best movers today, he is quite a lot quicker on his feet than Cotto. Cotto's timing will not negate Pacquiao's footspeed like he is able to do for handspeed, the handspeed is not so much the issue as footspeed, rather it just adds to Cotto's woes. The only way to negate footspeed is anticipation and even if Cotto has that in his armoury he will be massively hindered as a lefty fighting orthodox against a southpaw because the punches will not be there for him as often.

3. Cotto freezes. When Clottey lead against Cotto, Cotto did not manage to counterpunch him effectively after the jab in the first round which put Clottey over. His preference was to shell up, even before the cut. This will create a situation where Pacquiao knows he can have his way once he is in position without fear of repurcussion, and then he can continue his movement and essentially get in and out, and then laterally without Cotto tasting any success.

4. Cotto's defence. It is serviceable but still not absolutely top notch. When confronted with Pacquiao's attacking arsenal it will likely not hold up. Cotto's guard is not the best technically, it can be punched through and under. The left hand of Pacquiao will be successful, and when that is the case he wins. The hook/uppercut that came to fruition in the Hatton fight will also be successful as a lead instead of a counterpunch, probably later in the fight when Cotto is not functioning so well.

5. Stamina/cuts/damage. They are wearing 8oz gloves combined with Pacquiao's slashing punch technique there is a high probability of a cut suffered by Cotto. I also think with the way Cotto's chin is tucked, and the angle and technique of Pacquiao's punching Cotto could also suffer a nose injury and have breathing difficulties. Even without a cut Cotto's stamina is 'good', but Pacquiao's is great. There will come a point in this fight where Pacquiao has worn Cotto down, or the intensity of the battle will wear him down, enough that Pacquiao realizes he is the stronger man in the ring and at this point Cotto is toast. Cotto can NOT take a backwards step against Pacquiao and win the fight, he doesn't have the defence or counterpunching. I think around 7 rounds this change in momentum in the fight will occur and from then on it the contest is over.

[Kid Lucky]

Pacman to win widely on points.

I think Cotto will pose some questions for Pac in a similar way to JMM who counterpunched him well. Cotto will use his ring intelligence so won't be rushing on and taking shots like Hatton but I just can't see him doing enough to win enough rounds.

[Jack Dempsey]

I'm undecided, I can see a cuts win for Pac, but I can also see a body KO win for Cotto

Strange I know, but everythine I read or hear opinion on this fight I change my mind, thats why I'm looking forward to it so much, its too close to call, hope it lives up to the hype

[BURNLEYBLUE]

I think Pac's ability to hurt Cotto may have been overestimated off the back of the Hatton fight. I see Pac being very fast and mobile early on. But think Cotto will be able to close the distance and make it more his type of fight. Cottos jab and lead left hook are underestimated also,and maybe key. I know one thing for sure, we are going to see Pac in a proper fight,against a big powerful man, who can take a shot.

[threethirteen]

TFFP, as ever your points are lucid and reasonable, but you've fallen in love with Manny and, truthfully, aren't being very balanced in your approach here.

All those things, yep, Manny does them well, but Cotto can counteract them. He cuts off the ring excellently on a moving opponent and he only needs Manny against the ropes once and he can finish it. Manny is on a tightrope here. It's not a wasted old Hatton with no gameplan and no defence, it's a methodical grinder who knows he won't get the early rounds, but will use his timing and own under-rated footwork to get inside with Manny and bull him backwards.

You see this being a clear win for Manny, but you're really discrediting Cotto. I'm not 100% that Cotto will win, but this is going to be a very close fight. Manny always takes punches. Always. Until we see how he copes with Cotto's punches, we don't know hoe things will really go.

[namsu55]

I see the Pacman ending this with a knockout. I won't discuss skills because I'm a little bit blinded by his amazing victories, so I won't bet against him.

[dan-b]

We agree on the outcome, just want you to put some meat on the bone.:good

Will do. There will be no feeling out round, Pacquiao is one of the fastest starters I've ever seen. I can see Pac landing some hurtful shots in the first round, with his right around the side of Cotto's left; he leaves a gap when he blocks and if he throws, the punch can be countered. I could even see a knockdown within the first two rounds, which would be more of a balance knockdown, caused by a straight left as Cotto backs away.

Cotto makes some adjustments in round three and uses distance to avoid the best of Manny's work who will be limited to throwing rights to the body. Cotto has some success with the jab but the left hook is nullified as Pac circles to his left and darts in and out.

The result of Cotto's adjustments is that he's now become negative and this spurs Pac on to be more aggressive. 5th round is bad for Cotto, he has punches come through the guard and he's on the backfoot. In the 6th, being the warrior he is, Miguel tries to stand toe toe but this just plays into Pac's hands, who beats him to the punch. The straight left again puts him down, but this time he's hurt. He gets up but his unwillingness to hold or spoil means he eats more leather and is KO'd.

[Mr Butt]

pac possibly stoppage around the ninth maybe on cuts

[threethirteen]

Trainers pick - from Ring TV.

Joe Goosen

I have this curious feeling that Cotto can do better against this particular southpaw than people think he will. I remember watching Cotto beat Ricardo Williams Jr. in the amateurs. (Editor’s note: Cotto won a 28-22 decision against Williams at a USA-Puerto Rico dual meet in Tacoma, Wash., in 2000.)

I’ve never seen anyone dismantle such an unpredictable, athletic southpaw as Ricardo Williams the way Cotto did that day. Williams was an incredible amateur boxer, one of the best in the world at the time, and Cotto handled him. He’s been on my radar ever since.

Rudy Hernandez

I like Cotto by late stoppage.

I think Cotto is pound for pound the best fighter at the moment. He can fight on the inside, outside, against the ropes, southpaw, and he handles himself like a true veteran when hurt.

Manny has looked great against (David) Diaz, (Oscar) De La Hoya, and Hatton, but come on, his last competitive fight was against Marquez. None of Pacquiao’s last three opponents can compare to Cotto. Of course, he looked fast and strong in those fights, but who was he fighting? De La Hoya had been off too long and Father Time caught up with him. Think about this, “Pacman” hit Oscar with everything but can you tell me if at anytime, De La Hoya was on shaky legs? Sure he was puffed up, but remember, fighters in their thirties start to show the effects of punches, just ask Julio Cesar Chavez. As for the Hatton fight, well if (Floyd) Mayweather could knock him out it was a given that Pacquiao, being more aggressive, would stop him earlier. And Diaz? Well, he was just out of his league.

Eddie Mustafa Muhammad

I see Cotto winning by knockout.

Everything was set up to favor Pacquiao in this fight, including the weight, but I think that catchweight of 145 pounds will bite Pacquiao in the ass. Having Cotto come in a pound or two lighter than usual will only make him faster.

Cotto is going to go to the body, he has to do that to slow him down. Simple jabs -- doubling and tripling them up -- will get him inside as he applies pressure. He’s going to keep Pacquiao backing up and when Pacquiao counters, he will counter the counters. Pacquiao still comes in with his chin held high. I think Cotto can catch him.

Ronnie Shields

I'm picking Cotto by decision.

People underestimate the jab of Miguel Cotto and his boxing skills. He’s a better boxer than he is a power puncher, and I think he’s going to have to use that underrated skill against Pacquiao because (Pacquiao has) got so much speed and he’s such a smart fighter. Pacquiao will out-speed (Cotto) in the early rounds but Cotto will catch up to him and once he does that, and Pacquiao feels the power, I think Cotto’s size advantage will take over.

Shadeed Suluki

I still think Cotto is a dangerous fighter, more than what people think. I think he can handle the southpaw stance, and when he beat Shane Mosley, he proved that he can fight and box a stronger and faster opponent and make adjustments. Pacquiao is talented but he’s not the smartest fighter in the world. It’s just that he’s so fast and explosive and can throw so many punches that makes him dangerous.

John Scully

I think Freddy Roach is an exceptional strategist and will have a great plan in place for Manny to follow. I believe the plan will be to stay off the ring ropes, keep Miguel turning in circles and to use very fast, sudden strikes. I think Manny will follow the plan, pick his shots and surprise Miguel with his hand speed and power and win a decision over 12 rounds.

Naazim Richardson

Pacquiao is strong and has that hand speed. He could cut Cotto open, which would be a problem. All things being equal, Cotto is capable of beating Pacquiao. Him having a new trainer, though, I’m not so sure. Cotto didn’t seem to have a set strategy when he fought Joshua Clottey. No one looks too good against Clottey but he didn’t seem to have a set strategy. He needs that to deal with Pacquiao. So I lean toward Pacquiao in this fight. I think that his connection to his corner is a little stronger. It’s an excellent fight, though.

Henry Ramirez

(Based) on his string of wins and everything else he’s got going for him -- the incredible hand speed, great footwork, and what I’m sure will be a solid game plan from Freddie Roach -- I have to favor Pacquiao.

Ken Adams

I think Cotto will get stopped on cuts by the middle or late rounds. Pacquiao won’t get him out of there early because Cotto has learned some lessons in those hard fights. I know he’ll survive and make some adjustments when he gets hurt, he‘ll and move a little if he has to, but Pacquiao will keep catching him and busting him up. (Pacquiao is) quicker and more explosive and that will be the difference.

Robert Garcia

I’m picking Pacquiao by knockout.

It’s a really close fight on paper, but I think Pacquiao is too fast and too strong right now. I know that Cotto is a real welterweight, and Pacquiao isn’t, but I still think Pacquiao is the stronger fighter.

Interesting stuff. Thoughts?

[trotter]

I've finally made my pick, Cotto decision for me.

I can see Cotto timing Manny on the way in and discouraging him. Making Pacquiao fight Cotto's fight.

But I think Manny will stay on the outside enough to avoid a KO.

[threethirteen]

I can see Cotto timing Manny on the way in and discouraging him. Making Pacquiao fight Cotto's fight.

Agreed. Though I see a late rounds stoppage. It'll be tit for tat till round 9, then Cotto takes over.

[pijo]

I'm sticking with my original pick of Pac in the fifth. I have had so many scenarios go round in my head but I've decided to stick with this. I just see Pac being to quick of hand and especially foot.

I've been watching their previous fights all week and I am well pumped for it. I just hope it doesn't end on cuts early which I feel may happen.

I hope to fook I am wrong though, I hope Cotto stops him late in a great fight.

[Grant1]

50-49.

Closest we've had in a while.

[LHL]

WAR COTTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cotto by TKO in the 8th i think.

[threethirteen]

50-52 in Cotto's favour right now. Ring TV's H2H assessment of the fight concludes with Pac by close UD:


Outcome: Both men will start the fight carefully, respecting the other‘s power and skill, but Pacquiao will strike first, buzzing Cotto with right hooks and left uppercuts. However, just when it appears that Pacquiao has Cotto reeling, the welterweight titleholder will counter the in-coming southpaw with left hooks, right crosses and choice body shots, which hurt Pacquiao and back him off.

The middle rounds will be a tactical battle in which both fighters look to establish their jabs and take control of the center of the ring. Cotto’s patience and poise will win out as Pacquiao grows impatient and attempts to bomb the bigger man from mid-range. Cotto will catch Pacquiao with his jab as the smaller man rushes in, but just when it appears that the Filipino hero will be backed up and trapped along the ropes he will explode forward, catching and rocking the Puerto Rican star with body-head combinations. Cotto is able to survive these wobbly moments by either clinching when Pacquiao is in close or by switching to southpaw as he maneuvers out of harms way.

Both fighters will sport battered faces going into the championship rounds, but Cotto’s cuts and lacerations will be more severe than Pacquiao’s and the blood that pours into his eyes will prevent him from applying the kind of pressure he needs to win the final two rounds.

Prediction: Pacquiao by close decision.

[trotter]

50-52 in Cotto's favour right now. Ring TV's H2H assessment of the fight concludes with Pac by close UD:


I don't like that analysis, I don't think Pac will try to take the centre of the ring, don't think he'll attack from 'mid-range', can't see much clinching

I can see Cotto holding a high guard and countering, fighting a very disciplined fight, though he'll be willing to exchange when Pac engages him

This might be more of a tactical fight than many expect, with fits and starts of explosive action

[threethirteen]

I don't like that analysis, I don't think Pac will try to take the centre of the ring, don't think he'll attack from 'mid-range', can't see much clinching

I can see Cotto holding a high guard and countering, fighting a very disciplined fight, though he'll be willing to exchange when Pac engages him

This might be more of a tactical fight than many expect, with fits and starts of explosive action

There's no sense in Pac standing his ground unless Cotto has stung him and Manny wants to regain some respect, so I agree. But if you read the whole article, the strengths analysis is pretty much spot on.

I think it'll be Manny with the serious cuts in this fight, and probably bad swelling to the right side of his face. That Cotto left hook will land. Manny will circle to the left, block Cotto's range-finding right hand lead, possibly go for a left uppercut and then left hand will swoop on in.

Body or head, it doesn't matter - he's going to get busted up.

[ishy]

British fighters/trainer/journos make their pick: [Only registered and activated users can see links]

Cotto
Michael Jennings
David Price
Dominic Ingle
Junior Witter
Ryan Rhodes
Danny Flexen (from BN)
Nick Bond (from BN)
Darren Barker


Pac
George Groves
Adam Smith
Joe Gallagher
Liam Walsh
Jim McDonnell

[kosaros]

I hope all the people that are picking Cotto put their money where their mouth is because he is at great odds.

[Broxi]

I hope all the people that are picking Cotto put their money where their mouth is because he is at great odds.

Already put a small bet on Cotto but I vote for a Pacquiao decision here because he's proved me wrong too many times lately that he's making me look like a jackass.

[TFFP]

TFFP, as ever your points are lucid and reasonable, but you've fallen in love with Manny and, truthfully, aren't being very balanced in your approach here.

All those things, yep, Manny does them well, but Cotto can counteract them. He cuts off the ring excellently on a moving opponent and he only needs Manny against the ropes once and he can finish it. Manny is on a tightrope here. It's not a wasted old Hatton with no gameplan and no defence, it's a methodical grinder who knows he won't get the early rounds, but will use his timing and own under-rated footwork to get inside with Manny and bull him backwards.

You see this being a clear win for Manny, but you're really discrediting Cotto. I'm not 100% that Cotto will win, but this is going to be a very close fight. Manny always takes punches. Always. Until we see how he copes with Cotto's punches, we don't know hoe things will really go.
I'm not trying to give reasons for how Cotto could win, there are reasons for that and you have mentioned some of them. slip&counter has done a solid job of presenting both cases. He could catch Manny and Manny could be fucked...how do we know? He could time Pacquiao and counter better than I imagine.

That is just my definitive pick and reasoning.

[threethirteen]

I'm not trying to give reasons for how Cotto could win, there are reasons for that and you have mentioned some of them. slip&counter has done a solid job of presenting both cases. He could catch Manny and Manny could be fucked...how do we know? He could time Pacquiao and counter better than I imagine.

That is just my definitive pick and reasoning.

Fair enough. You're just picking the wrong guy ;)

[TFFP]

Fair enough. You're just picking the wrong guy ;)
If I'm wrong print that page off and frame it. Its not happened often on the big fights of late. :p

Even when I'm wrong I'm right, I picked that oaf Froch...but I did express doubts.

[NO MAS]

I think that Pac Man wins this on handspeed with a late stoppage in Rounds 8 or 9...:yep

I just don't think that Cotto will have shifted the shellacking he took off Margarito out of his system so soon to be going in with an elite fighter such as Pac Man...:bbb

I think that Cotto hits hard and that could be his undoing after 5 Rounds if he has not had it his own way...:yep

Will Cotto suffer the same fate as Hatton been a victim of his own aggression...I think he will, but it won't be as early as Hatton...:think

[threethirteen]

If I'm wrong print that page off and frame it. Its not happened often on the big fights of late. :p

Even when I'm wrong I'm right, I picked that oaf Froch...but I did express doubts.

When I've picked on big fights, I'm usually right too. I picked Froch, though i thought Dirrell won too.

I'm pretty sure I've generally agreed with you in the past too... but I just can't see Manny winning this, no matter how much I like the guy. I just think his opposition has flattered him with their level of incompetency in his last three fights.

Not too long till we find out though.

[Dan684]

Pacquiao late stoppage. It wont be a'la Hatton as Cotto doesn't jump into his punches the way Ricky does, he prefers to stalk his opponent. More an accumulation of crisp clean hitting shots.

[ConcretePete]

I think that Pac Man wins this on handspeed with a late stoppage in Rounds 8 or 9...:yep

I just don't think that Cotto will have shifted the shellacking he took off Margarito out of his system so soon to be going in with an elite fighter such as Pac Man...:bbb

I think that Cotto hits hard and that could be his undoing after 5 Rounds if he has not had it his own way...:yep

Will Cotto suffer the same fate as Hatton been a victim of his own aggression...I think he will, but it won't be as early as Hatton...:think

You clearly watched the Tyson interview on sky news last week, cause that the only other time iver ever heard anyone under 60 use this phrase.

[Olu G. Rotimi]

Time to make your call. I fancy Cotto Bigtime. Cottoc by knockout in round 8.

[slip&counter]

I'm undecided, I can see a cuts win for Pac, but I can also see a body KO win for Cotto

Strange I know, but everythine I read or hear opinion on this fight I change my mind, thats why I'm looking forward to it so much, its too close to call, hope it lives up to the hype

stop being a big girl and make a pick damn it. :good

WAR COTTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cotto by TKO in the 8th i think.

X's and O's, meat on the bone please.

TFFP, as ever your points are lucid and reasonable, but you've fallen in love with Manny.

I think you're the one who's "fallen in love" with Miguel mate.:good

Time to make your call. I fancy Cotto Bigtime. Cottoc by knockout in round 8.

Put some clothes on your arguement. :good

[threethirteen]

I think you're the one who's "fallen in love" with Miguel mate.

he is a fine specimen, that's for sure.

[slip&counter]

If i'm Cotto i would really have to think about switch hitting in this fight early on. in fact, i would probably be inclined to spend the last 2 minutes of each of the 1st 5 rounds strictly as a southpaw for spacing. when Manny starts bouncing and throwing the hands up, it means he's finding a rhythm and usually doesn't come till the last minute of a round. southpaw should also nullify that hybrid right check Pac pancaked Ricky with. Like i said earlier it could backfire but its all i can think of lol How do all think it would impact on the fight if Cotto switch hits?

Also I hate to bring up the F word (foul) but if Cotto is to level some of the playing field in those first couple of rounds from the Bruce Lee speed coming his way, i have to go low blow, rabbit in a clinch and the third infraction causing the point being back south in the family jewels, Cotto can probabily space these out over the first three rounds and do it professionaly so it doesn't seem like survival mode, but can a nutritionist trainer implement an Angelo Dundee with Ray Leonard or Nazim Richardson with Sugar Shane technique? hmmmm

[slip&counter]

Just got done watching Cotto vs Zab, this is when I knew Cotto was special. He took all of Zab's tools away shrunk the ring from 18 to 8 foot ring lol See that's the thing that worries me slightly is the fact Cotto can walk through a helicopter blade to get his game started. I specifically remember yelling at the TV that night "Zab circle the other way". Zab ran outta gas after shooting his load like he always does. Zab circled into Cotto punches all night, If Zab didn't get off the first 4 he was toast. The guy Miguel's fighting on Saturday won't tire that's for sure.

Manny's goofy movement will tire Cotto. Stamina is one of Cotto's problems, those stamina issues better not resurface in this fight or it's curtains! We know Manny never gets tired, 20 foot ring, 8 oz gloves, no real wars, i'm almost convinced Manny wins this lol

Two guys who had comparable speed are Judah and Mosley, but Zab like i said circled into Cotto punches and Shane walked into them and is really just a fast brawler. Manny does square up when he throws that infamous left but this is the lions den. that faint right hand followed by the straight left will do alotta damage. I just think Cotto will be bombarded with punches every time he attempts to throw one. I have to admit though that Cotto has the ability to cut the ring off like he did in that Zab fight. But Manny's movement and slipgame is very good and most importantly he won't run outta steam. Manny is not staying still he can't afford too.

Cotto's timing could cause Manny problems especially against a straight right followed by a left hook to the body that can change the dynamics. But Manny's supreme movement and footwork will negate this, also remember Pacquiao doesn't need a ko. He can salt and pepper Cotto to the bell rings.

All those picking Cotto are focusing on Manny's flaws too much as if Cotto doesn't have any. Cotto can be methodical in a negative sense and he gets tagged in all his fights. When he goes backwards its more outta survival then combat effectiveness, if he goes into survival mode in this fight its over! I think Cotto will stalk Manny I don't care what nobody says. Cotto is not a waiter like JMM he needs to apply pressure early so he can lay his foundation (jab). And to me the fight comes to Manny and his herky jerky awkward sideways punches finds Cotto early and often. The speed factor is the ultimate difference.

[slip&counter]

Did you all notice the weigh-in time is 6pm US time? DAMN! So that means probabily closer to 6:30ish when Cotto actually hits the scale. Team Pacquaio and spineless jellyfish Bob doing everything they can to limit Miguel's pasta, gatoraide and evian rehydration time lol! If I'm Miguel the second I complete the scale and do the little post scale stare down, I'm going straight to the casino Noodle Bar and stuffing my pie hole with straight starch and carbs. And I'm making fat boy mgr dude mix me an egg white shake...pronto!

[antcull]

Cotto TKO9 while Manny is ahead on points....this is gonna be one step too far for him. Cotto will be able to take punishment from Manny and he will get to him. People seem to just assume that Pac will able to stand up to Cottos shots, I don't think he will....

It will be a very close fight though, certainly no domination by either fighter. Can't wait. Hope Cotto makes weight OK

[dan-b]

Did you all notice the weigh-in time is 6pm US time? DAMN! So that means probabily closer to 6:30ish when Cotto actually hits the scale. Team Pacquaio and spineless jellyfish Bob doing everything they can to limit Miguel's pasta, gatoraide and evian rehydration time lol! If I'm Miguel the second I complete the scale and do the little post scale stare down, I'm going straight to the casino Noodle Bar and stuffing my pie hole with straight starch and carbs. And I'm making fat boy mgr dude mix me an egg white shake...pronto!

I think you're looking for a conspiracy where there isn't one. A common theme on here at the moment.

[threethirteen]

When he goes backwards its more outta survival then combat effectiveness, if he goes into survival mode in this fight its over!

That's one thing that worries me - he backs up to have a think about what to do next. That's not a good idea against someone as explosive as Manny, cause as soon as Cotto backs up, Manny will throw. But maybe Cotto's been looking for that - Marquez used that to get opportunities to make Manny over-extend and tag him.

On Zab though, do you not think he blew his wad because Cotto was landing absolutely thudding jabs, and good shots to the body in the first three rounds? It seemed to knock the resistance out of him, the same way Mayweather did two fights previous.

It's just a fascinating fight. There are various scenarios because I think they both have parts of their game that cancel the other's out. I'm ridiculously excited for a genuine 50-50 superfight!

[antcull]

Did you all notice the weigh-in time is 6pm US time? DAMN! So that means probabily closer to 6:30ish when Cotto actually hits the scale. Team Pacquaio and spineless jellyfish Bob doing everything they can to limit Miguel's pasta, gatoraide and evian rehydration time lol! If I'm Miguel the second I complete the scale and do the little post scale stare down, I'm going straight to the casino Noodle Bar and stuffing my pie hole with straight starch and carbs. And I'm making fat boy mgr dude mix me an egg white shake...pronto!

The weigh in is 3pm Vegas time :good

[threethirteen]

The weigh-in is contractual. If Arum or Roach changed it, believe me, Cotto would sue the arse off them.

[Little Tyson]

Pacquaio to KO him. Looking at both training videos, Pacquaio looks a mile ahead in the speed department. The closer it gets the closer it is to call. Gonna be a war.

[Maza1987]

50-50% wise, practically

[mountaintrekk]

Manny was brutally knocked out in the first round in my dreams last night. It was like watching a real fight and I was genuinely worried for Manny's well being until minutes after I woke up. But my dreams usually turn into just the opposite. So I am hoping for a mid-round KO for Manny. The prediction is instinctive more than anything else.

[djoc175]

Taken from GF:

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[djoc175]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[Beeston Brawler]

Latest from Betfair......

Pacquiao stoppage 5/6
Pacquiao decision 9/2
Cotto stoppage 4/1
Cotto decision 10/1

What's your thoughts guys?

I've already got £30 on Pacquiao by KO - prior to the weigh-in.... the prices haven't moved at all.

[icemax]

Pac needs to find a new rug maker...that wig looks ridiculous

[TFFP]

Pacquiao isn't much smaller. On fight night he may be though :D

[servo]

Cotto.

[slip&counter]

Today is gonna be the longest day ever!

[Mandanda]

Today is gonna be the longest day ever!
I second that Slip :yep

[phonk]

Pacman by KO

We're really going to see what the Margarito KO did to Cotto tonight

[djoc175]

[Only registered and activated users can see links]

[TFFP]

My confidence in the Pacman is not wavering.

[Farmboxer]

Wait 'til I give my prediction, after the fight.

[Darni187]

I think we will find out alot about Manny in this fight, how will react to a 145 live fighter landing clean on his chin and body?. ODH was dead at the weight and Hatton never really got into the fight, so i feel Cotto will answer these questions.

I am going for Cotto win via late TKO, but you can never count Manny out he is top talent.

[Ilesey]

Cotto on points. All the Pactards will cry robbery.

[theuppercut]

Cotto at 16/1 to win rounds 10-12 is tempting.

[Dan684]

Pac late stoppage. Accumulation of fresh, crisp punches will eventually wear him down. Also Pac's leteral movement and the way he can throw 3/4 punch combo's and be off to either side will give Cotto problems IMO. Like the way he dropped Hatton first time.... I know Hatton went down but that first KD when Pac threw the right hook, he was stood right off at Hattons side before he was even going down, if Hatton wouldn't have fell Pac would have been perfectly positioned to catch him flush 3/4 times before Hatton would have had time to move and I see this being difficult for someone who stalks like Cotto to be able to deal with.

Cotto's chin/stamina are not De La Hoya esque either so I can't see him taking a beating like that and surviving , although I doubt very much he'll getting put out on his back and he doesn't tend to jump into punches a'la Hatton.

[Akxtinguish]

Pac late stoppage. Accumulation of fresh, crisp punches will eventually wear him down. Also Pac's leteral movement and the way he can throw 3/4 punch combo's and be off to either side will give Cotto problems IMO. Like the way he dropped Hatton first time.... I know Hatton went down but that first KD when Pac threw the right hook, he was stood right off at Hattons side before he was even going down, if Hatton wouldn't have fell Pac would have been perfectly positioned to catch him flush 3/4 times before Hatton would have had time to move and I see this being difficult for someone who stalks like Cotto to be able to deal with.

Cotto's chin/stamina are not De La Hoya esque either so I can't see him taking a beating like that and surviving , although I doubt very much he'll getting put out on his back and he doesn't tend to jump into punches a'la Hatton.

I was going to write down my prediction/analysis but after reading this I'm just going to quote you and second what you said.

Pacman's fast, powerful and moves very well. He'll be ahead on the cards throughout the fight, and possibly get a TKO towards the latter rounds if Cotto gets desperate.

[BURNLEYBLUE]

Reading through this thread it's just brilliant how this fight has divided everyones opinion. I've felt,right from the offset that Cotto would prove to strong,both physically and mentally for Pac and I've seen nothing to change my mind.But I certainly would'nt be putting my considerable sum of beer tokens on it.I will however be having a fun bet. Having just watched the final 24/7 and Bob Arum saying the fight takes him back to the 80's and the days of the 4 horsemen, it got me comparing tonights fight with those legendary battles. My dream now envisages a bruttle 3 round war the of the Hagler Hearns kind only more savage:nut Cotto is cut and on the end of some blistering combos in the 3rd. But at the end of a lightening 3 punch combo, Pac leaves himself to square on. The final right hook leaves him wide open to a peach of a left hook counter. Pac does a chicken dance and retreates to the ropes. Cotto moves in for the kill, and 2 more crunching left hooks and a right hand has Pacman sprawled out in his own corner. The ref waves it over.
5 quid on Cotto ko rnd 3 @ 40/1:good
Can't fucking wait for this fight. You just know it's going to live up to expectations. Who the fuck said boxings dead:bbb

[D-MAC]

I'm gonna go for a late stoppage from Cotto.

Pac on top over the first three or four rounds, while Cotto gets his timing right. Then Cotto takes over, taking out Pac around the 10th round.

If Cotto can establish his jab, then it will be curtains for Pac. But thats a big "IF".

[Chatterer]

Hi guys and what a great site. What a fight we have on our hands which leads me to think it will be a draw. Its soooooooo hard to choose.

[Dan684]

Burnley looks like your beer tokens have been used already this morning :lol:

Lay off the sauce :deal

[Beeston Brawler]

Wait 'til I give my prediction, after the fight.

Will you remember to spell the fighters names correctly this time..... or will it be Pacquio vs Cotto - in lieu of Haye vs Valouev?

[GazOC]

After Oscar and Hatton I'm going to pick against Pac one last time and going for Cotto to win in the 6th -8th rounds. If Pac proves me wrong this time I'm never picking against him again, even if he fights David Haye.

[Beeston Brawler]

Cotto 9/2 for stoppage and 12/1 points.

Pfft...........

Might lay off a bit of that £30 on Pacquiao KO with a few on Cotto KO. This ain't going the distance IMO.

[GazOC]

Will you remember to spell the fighters names correctly this time..... or will it be Pacquio vs Cotto - in lieu of Haye vs Valouev?


He's fucked for a pick, they are both brown.

[GazOC]

Hi guys and what a great site. What a fight we have on our hands which leads me to think it will be a draw. Its soooooooo hard to choose.


I havn't checked but you can usually get 33/1 on a draw if you fancy a cheeky fiver.

[Akxtinguish]

After Oscar and Hatton I'm going to pick against Pac one last time and going for Cotto to win in the 6th -8th rounds. If Pac proves me wrong this time I'm never picking against him again, even if he fights David Haye.

Not even if he fights Mayweather next year?

[GazOC]

Not even if he fights Mayweather next year?

I can't mate, by that time I'll def. owe him the benefit of the doubt!!

[trotter]

Cotto 9/2 for stoppage and 12/1 points.

Pfft...........

Might lay off a bit of that £30 on Pacquiao KO with a few on Cotto KO. This ain't going the distance IMO.

Well, since Cotto moved up he's not stopped so many guys. He didn't before either.

I think Manny's opponents since he left 130 have been atrocious defensively. Can he stop a guy who has only previously been stopped by a dubious, brutal beating from Margarito, with a bad injury to boot?


I think points is a good possibility


I would say that, I've had a tenner on Cotto points lol

Considering making it a more considerable bet, I'm quite confident on this one.

[Beeston Brawler]

There is that.... I'm not so sure Cotto is the same fighter that he was prior to the beating - though he did look great at the weigh in.

He won't be able (IMO) to outbox Pacquiao either and he doesn't have a high output really..... nor is he that good at cutting off the ring against elite fighters.

You are right on the defensive element - Diaz was slow and hittable, DLH flatfooted, Hatton :-(

I might put £3 on Cotto pts - those to me are the two more likely outcomes, guaranteed to be up either way!

[trotter]

There is that.... I'm not so sure Cotto is the same fighter that he was prior to the beating - though he did look great at the weigh in.



Yeah, I wanted to see the weigh in, and it swung it for me.

Cotto looks absolutely tremendous, best I've ever seen him.

Manny looks great - but he always does, Cotto has looked unhealthy before on the scales and it's shown in the fight.

I think Cotto will look a lot bigger than Manny when they face up tonight.

[threethirteen]

I just think, looking at Cotto at the weigh-in, and his interviews leading up to the fight - he's so focused, so prepared. He needed a tough opponent in Clottey to know if he could take it, and he did. He kept cool and changed up his game plan, even with a serious cut, and out-boxed a bigger man.

He just looks like he really NEEDS to win. To silence all the people who say he's damaged goods.

I am ridiculously excited about this fight - all things considered, it's a potential classic.

[safc1990]

I'm still going for Cotto, however I'm no longer predicting him to win early. I see Pacquiao taking the first 3 or 4 rounds, possibly having Cotto in trouble in the process. Then after that I see Cotto's boxing skills taking over, as great a fighter as Pacquiao undoubtedly is he is not a great ring technician, and Cotto stops him in the 9th after a load of body shots causes a deal of accumulation damage to Pac.

However I also have a feeling cuts could play a big role in the fight, as Cotto may still bear the scars of the Margarito fight (tonight will be the main test) and in the past Pacquiao has become even wilder then normal when he sustains a cut. I can't wait. :happy

Also anyone notice how surprised Roach seemed that Cotto made 145 and still looks in terrific shape?

[ScouseLad]

Also anyone notice how surprised Roach seemed that Cotto made 145 and still looks in terrific shape?

Yep, they obviously wanted 145 for a reason so hopefully it backfires, bigtime.

[Two Shakes]

Cotto by clear UD or late TKO.He looks like he's got his MOJO back again.:good

['Ben']

Pacquiao KO 7.

[zulander]

i really have no idea. Cotto wasnt mega impressive last time out but did enuff just, Paq has been on a roll for ages but surely it has to come to and end soon? no idea have gone for cotto on some controversil points job but wouldnt be surprised to see a paq stoppage

[Olu G. Rotimi]

stop being a big girl and make a pick damn it. :good



X's and O's, meat on the bone please.



I think you're the one who's "fallen in love" with Miguel mate.:good



Put some clothes on your arguement. :good
Speed does not win fights. Skills win fights. As my friend Uncle Roger Mayweather will tell you speed don't mean shit.A key observation is to see how Cotto has dealt with real good speedsters, southpaws and boxer punchers throughout his career such as Zab Judah, Mosley & others. Cotto will stop Pacman tonight because he will get to him, force Pacman to change his tactics and put his lights out.
If Freddie the Joke Coach Roach thinks Cotto is akin to Hatton then the poor man is deluded.The world will find out tonight that Cotto is a better boxer and technical fighter than Pacman.

[dan-b]

Speed does not win fights. Skills win fights. As my friend Uncle Roger Mayweather will tell you speed don't mean shit.A key observation is to see how Cotto has dealt with real good speedsters, southpaws and boxer punchers throughout his career such as Zab Judah, Mosley & others. Cotto will stop Pacman tonight because he will get to him, force Pacman to change his tactics and put his lights out.
If Freddie the Joke Coach Roach thinks Cotto is akin to Hatton then the poor man is deluded.The world will find out tonight that Cotto is a better boxer and technical fighter than Pacman.

When has he ever said that, or even aluded to that? Your boy would kill for a "joke coach" like Roach, maybe then he'd stop doing that ridiculous thing where he jumps back and wobbles, stiffly, from side to side in an attempt to showboat.

[Olu G. Rotimi]

stop being a big girl and make a pick damn it. :good



X's and O's, meat on the bone please.



I think you're the one who's "fallen in love" with Miguel mate.:good



Put some clothes on your arguement. :good
Speed does not win fights. Skills win fights. As my friend Uncle Roger Mayweather will tell you speed don't mean shit.A key observation is to see how Cotto has dealt with real good speedsters, southpaws and boxer punchers throughout his career such as Zab Judah, Mosley & others. Cotto will stop Pacman tonight because he will get to him, force Pacman to change his tactics and put his lights out.
If Freddie the Joke Coach Roach thinks Cotto is akin to Hatton then the poor man is deluded.The world will find out tonight that Cotto is a better boxer and technical fighter than Pacman.

[TFFP]

Speed doesn't mean shit is one of the dumbest quotes I've ever heard coming from a top trainer. Do you think Zab Judah was a world class fighter for any reason other than speed? Was he a great technical, skilled fighter? No.

How was Manny Pacquiao always a ferocious fighter before he even learnt under the guidance of Roach how to box effectively? It was because he was a phenom as an athlete combined with punch power.

Speed matters in boxing. It's not going to be handspeed that is Cotto's main obstacle but footspeed.

[nulty]

I'm changing my earlier pick. My final pick having thought long and hard is Cotto to win by knockout and not just to win but to make it look easy.

[antcull]

Fuck It! Just whacked £20 on Cotto KO/TKO at 11/2.......good price I reckon :yep

COME ON COTTO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

Untelevised undercard starts in 20 mins, couple decent prospects on there I think

[ScouseLad]

I am shitting myself, this is the most nervous ive ever been before a fight.

[threethirteen]

Me too. I keep seeing all the different outcomes in my head, but I have a suspicion now that Cotto has all the answers for Manny... as long as Cotto comes forward.

[JIM KELLY]

Scouselad..
^
lol..you aint fightin buddy..kidding, i know man, i get like that when Buffer begins the Intro..damn..few hours until Fireworks!!

[ScouseLad]

Scouselad..
^
lol..you aint fightin buddy..kidding, i know man, i get like that when Buffer begins the Intro..damn..few hours until Fireworks!!

After 3 hours of staring into space, can barely keep your eyes open you're suddenly wide awake and buzzing your tits off!

[ScouseLad]

Me too. I keep seeing all the different outcomes in my head, but I have a suspicion now that Cotto has all the answers for Manny... as long as Cotto comes forward.

I really hope so mate. My one lingering doubt is not anything bad about Cotto it's just Pac is a phenomenon, a once in a lifetime fighter. But he is human, he does have his faults so heres hoping.

[JIM KELLY]

i wasn't so nervous for the haye fight, tella lie, i was but it quickly faded away..

hatton v pac
oscar v pac
shane v margareto
nard v pavlik
cobra v taylor
^ those fights of recent times i was nervous as fuk.

[threethirteen]

I really hope so mate. My one lingering doubt is not anything bad about Cotto it's just Pac is a phenomenon, a once in a lifetime fighter. But he is human, he does have his faults so heres hoping.

I just see Manny in the JMM rematch, completely baffled by Marquez stepping back and drawing him in. It was a thrilling fight, but Manny looked like a novice and Roach didn't seem to have any real advice other than for Manny to not let JMM back him up.

That was the last fight where the other guy had the tools and the brain to offer Manny a challenge. Cotto, while not as good as JMM overall, is very smart and is a more versatile all rounder than Manny, because he can't rely on speed as his primary tool.

In return though, Cotto has been slower to set his feet, leans in as he throws combos, and seems to want space to think more when he backs off.

It's going to be incredibly tense in the early rounds while the pattern of the fight is set. Can Manny do enough damage early to cause Cotto trouble? Can Cotto do the bodywork he needs to slow Manny down for the mid to late rounds? Or will they both cancel each other out in a tit for tat exhibition.

The more I think about it, this could be VERY like Pac-JMM II. But if Cotto's landing the bodyshots that Marwuez landed? Pac is finished.

shane v margareto

I was nearly shaking and, when Shane finished him off, I think i must have made my neighbours jump with the yell I let out. What a performance.

[JIM KELLY]

can this fight ever end up like the hatton/pac fight? can pac impose his power and speed so early on?
Unless Cotto fights out of the norm..then yeah, but we all know cotto..

good luck guys!!

[JIM KELLY]

u guys watching the pre-undercard live??

[JonOli]

..

[threethirteen]

81-67 for Cotto.

[SteelTownCobra]

Cotto is a step too far for Pacquiao. He can't just keep stepping up and beating bigger and better opponents, it has to end somewhere. Cotto's size combined with his all-round game will be too much and he will stop Pacquiao.

I think.
This is 3 times now.

Last time I was convinced Hatton was too big, too strong. After the event I put it down to Hatton being predictable and lacking in defense.

This time. Cotto. Too big. Too strong. Tough, clever.

Bollocks.

I've always been a Pacquiao fan, ever since he stopped the great Erik Morales in fight 2 (in a great fight) of 3.

But this is something else. Ex flyweight world champ totally destroys the world's best welterweight?

Pacquiao is something special.

[Top Dog]

43 percent of the folk on this site talk shite, Cotto by ko, gies peace:D

[izmat]

43 percent of the folk on this site talk shite, Cotto by ko, gies peace:D


LOL i think majority predicted a Hatton win over Pacman last time round :patsch

[kosaros]

43 percent of the folk on this site talk shite, Cotto by ko, gies peace:D

Yet almost 35% of us know what we are talking about :D;)

[Davro]

Trainers pick - from Ring TV.

Joe Goosen



Rudy Hernandez



Eddie Mustafa Muhammad



Ronnie Shields



Shadeed Suluki



John Scully



Naazim Richardson



Henry Ramirez



Ken Adams



Robert Garcia



Interesting stuff. Thoughts?

I think those quotes goes to show that Cotto needs proper coaching.

Roach called this shit months ago. He acknowledged Cotto's skills but knows the fight is won in management, fight planning and preparation. He said Santiago wasn't wise or experienced enough to get past his own knowledge and it showed.

Cotto had all the ingredients in his locker to have given Pacquiao the fight of his life, if not beat him. Instead he got battered and looked hopeless. Santiago was giving him crazy advice if you listened for the translations, including "let him come to you, you're doing well" in the latter rounds (!?!). Santiago generally looked bewildered by the final rounds, and didn't strive to turn it around. He had no concept of what was happening in the ring or how to combat it. Lord knows what Cotto's fine tuned fight plan was in the first place - whatever it was went down the shitter after the second round bell.

It's a shame for Cotto because he is so much better than that. He needed to sort himself out and get expert training and wisdom in his corner to give us a glimpse of the belting fighter he used to be. I hope it's not too late. I know Mosley and Hopkins are extraordinary in their longevity but I hope Cotto can go on for half as long as they have, and resurrect the elite glory of older times.

[threethirteen]

I think Cotto needs a trainer like Naazim Richardson, actually. A guy who develops a gameplan and designs the training around it.

[slip&counter]

not like me to do it, but just wanted to gloat a little as i won't be back for a while.

i'm on a hiatus, all the best fellas.

[Olu G. Rotimi]

Speed doesn't mean shit is one of the dumbest quotes I've ever heard coming from a top trainer. Do you think Zab Judah was a world class fighter for any reason other than speed? Was he a great technical, skilled fighter? No.

How was Manny Pacquiao always a ferocious fighter before he even learnt under the guidance of Roach how to box effectively? It was because he was a phenom as an athlete combined with punch power.

Speed matters in boxing. It's not going to be handspeed that is Cotto's main obstacle but footspeed.


What Uncle Roger Mayweather is saying quite clearly is that speed is not all otherwise the faster boxer of hand and foot will always win. That is not always the case as skills can offset superior speed. Meldrick Taylor was the quickest of his era but the great Julic Cesar Chavez won their showdown at 140 both at their peak because irrespective of the controversy he was the better all round fighter and I speak as a man who likes fast skilled boxers that use lateral movement. As regards PBF what Uncle Roger is saying that it is not PBF's speed that sets him apart it is rather his skills and I think he has a point. PBF is arguably the most complete fighter there has been. Sure I have seen quicker boxers,boxers who hit harder etc but pound for pound does everything and I mean everything to the highest proficiency level. As for Freddie Roach I know Uncle Roger Mayweather does not rate him as a trainer, as fighter when he fought. I can say more but lets leave it there.