Mayweather's boxing challenge to Pacquiao by AFP

 

Floyd Mayweather, pictured, and Manny Pacquiao will begin negotiations on a mega blockbuster fight very soon, USA Today newspaper has reported.

Slideshow: Manny Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES (AFP) - – Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather will begin negotiations on a mega blockbuster fight within the next 24 hours, USA Today newspaper has reported.

Mayweather told the paper that he wants to fight Pacquiao and it disturbs him that the Filipino won't admit he wants the fight as well.

"Manny Pacquiao is the fighter and every time someone asks him if he wants to fight me, he says it is up to his promoter, he's going to take a vacation, whatever the answer is," USA Today quoted Mayweather saying on Monday.

"I have yet to hear him actually say, 'yes I want to fight Mayweather.' We are the fighters and if one fighter is talking about fighting another fighter, then they should just come out and say it.

"Manny Pacquiao doesn't say anything directly about fighting me because he might just know it's not a fight he can win."

Mayweather's challenge comes just days after Pacquiao's stunning systematic demolition of Puerto Rican champ Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas.

After a close first couple of rounds Pacquiao (50-3-2, 38 KOs) switched to his up tempo style and pummeled Cotto for several rounds before the referee stepped in and stopped the one-sided slaughter.

The victory validated newly-crowned World Boxing Organization welterweight champ Pacquiao as the greatest Asian fighter in history. It also helped raise his status, along with Mayweather, as two of the best current pound-for-pound fighters in boxing.

It was also the seventh world title in as many weight classes for Pacquiao, something even the American Mayweather cannot claim.

"Tell Manny Pacquiao to be his own man and stop letting everyone, including his loudmouth trainer (Freddie Roach), talk for him," said Mayweather. "I am my own boss, speak for myself and tell it like it is. If Manny Pacquiao wants to fight me, all he has to do is step up to the plate and say it himself."

Pacquiao's promoter Bob Arum said he wants to make a deal but hopes egos don't get in the way.

"All you have to know is that my fighter and his trainer Freddie Roach have gone on record saying they're happy to fight Mayweather," said Arum who used to promote Mayweather. "Hopefully we'll be able to put this together. From our side, we're willing."

In his last fight Mayweather decisioned Juan Manuel Marquez in September. Before that, he took a two-year hiatus from boxing. He has a reputation of being someone that is difficult to deal with.

"Maybe I prefer not to deal with him. But if your fighter wants a fight, you deal. Mayweather is not one of my favourite people and I'm sure I'm not one of his. What difference does that make?" Arum said.

Pacquiao said he is comfortable fighting at the welterweight (147 pound) division and would like to it again.


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It seems now Pretty Flody Mayweather Jr. wants to fight now with Manny Pacquiao. He wants Manny to hear from Manny's mouth that he wants to fight with him..If Manny agrees to figt, it will be an another breaking record fight of the era... Another blockbuster Mega showdown of the Pound for Pound Kings..

jerome pagalan

http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com

Pacquiao win makes boxing history by BBC Sport

Pacquiao has now won seven titles in seven weight classes

Filipino star Manny Pacquiao became the first boxer in history to win seven titles in seven weight divisions by beating Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas.

He stopped his Puerto Rican opponent in the 12th round of their WBO welterweight clash.

Pacquiao, 30, dominated throughout and had Cotto down in the third and fourth rounds with his fierce left hook doing the damage.

Referee Kenny Bayless stopped the fight 55 seconds into the final round.

"I tried my best to knock him out," Pacquiao said.
   
"I thought in 11th round they would stop the fight. I am surprised he continued to fight."

Cotto's face was swollen, blood was flowing from his nose and his cuts, and he simply could not stop Pacquiao from bouncing inside and throwing both hands at will.

"I didn't know from where the punches were coming," Cotto said.

"Manny Pacquiao is one of the best boxers I ever fought."

Pacquiao's victory sees him confirm his status as the world's best pound-for-pound boxer and takes his record to 50 wins, three defeats and two draws with 38 knockouts.

The win over 29-year-old Cotto also sets up the possibility of a mouth-watering clash with unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr.

And Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach admitted after the fight that he would like to see his man take on the American in a fight that would have global appeal.

Cotto began the contest strongly behind a stiff left jab as the pair traded punches in an explosive start to the fight.
Manny Pacquiao
Pacquiao could now face Floyd Mayweather Jr.

Pacquiao soon found his range and took control dropping Cotto with a right hand early in the third round. But Cotto showed he wasn't badly hurt and came back with a strong finish to the round.

But after Pacquiao put Cotto on the canvas with a big left hand as the Puerto Rican was advancing forward late in the fourth round, the 29-year-old was never the same again.

Cotto fought gamely but in the later rounds he was just trying to survive as blood flowed down his face and Pacquiao kept coming after him relentlessly.

But Cotto refused to quit even as his corner tried to throw in the towel after the 11th but after sustaining yet more punishment in the final round, the fight was called to a halt.

"I heard that he was bigger than me and stronger than me and that's why I tried to be more aggressive and fight toe to toe and try to (negate) his power," said Pacquiao.

"Our strategy for the fight was not to hurry, take our time, because we knew his strategy was that he was going to counter."
   
This is the last weight division for me. It's history for me and more importantly a Filipino did it said Manny Pacquiao

Cotto, whose record now stands at 34-2, was taken to hospital following the fight with his face swollen and bloodied.

"My health comes first. I just want to make sure I'm fine, but I feel great. I'm swollen but that's all," Cotto said.

Having now won at welterweight Pacquiao said he would not move up in weight any more.

"This is the last weight division for me," Pacquiao said.

"It's history for me and more importantly a Filipino did it."

"I thought we could break him down and if Manny put pressure on him he could get him out of there and he finally did," added Roach.

"Early in the fight he was tested with Miguel's power and laying on the ropes a little too much but once he got his rhythm on the fight it was all over."


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Filipino WBO welterweight Champion Manny Pacquiao deserves all the credit... & i guessed Manny's next opponent would have to catch weight again with Him. Because Manny he would not move up in weight any more


jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com 
PS. Still there is another fight with Manny Pacquiao before he hangs his gloves...

In Punishing Fashion, Pacquiao Wins 7th Title By GREG BISHOP

 

Jae C. Hong/Associated Press

The brutal beatdown of Miguel Cotto, right, continued Manny Pacquiao’s progression, adding to a résumé that must now be weighed against the best in boxing history.

LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao was fighting for those struggling in his home country, the Philippines, who were ravaged recently by a trio of typhoons. He was fighting for his family — for his father, who made a rare appearance — and for the millions of fans who follow his every move.

But mostly, Pacquiao was fighting for his place in boxing history, one he secured Saturday with a technical knockout of Miguel Cotto that ended when the referee waved the fight over in the 12th and final round.

When it finished, Pacquiao had won his seventh title in seven weight divisions, a first in boxing history. Cotto exited the MGM Grand Garden Arena with white shorts long stained red. His wife and son had left their seats three rounds earlier, so bloody was the beating.

“He hit harder than we expected,” Joe Santiago, Cotto’s trainer, said. “He was stronger than we expected. Manny broke him down.”

Afterward, fans here chanted, “We want Floyd,” clamoring for Floyd Mayweather Jr. to be Pacquiao’s next opponent. Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, seconded their wishes. When asked whom he wanted next, Roach did not hesitate. Mayweather, he answered.

Roach said the fight should have been stopped earlier, with Cotto intent on shying away from contact starting in Round 10.

Cotto maintained that it had been his decision to push forward. He said this tearfully from a corner, where his mother consoled his battered body and kissed his bloody face. He later went to a local hospital for tests, his face bruised and swollen.

“I didn’t know where the punches were coming from,” Cotto said. “And I didn’t protect myself from his punches.”

The brutal beating continued Pacquiao’s progression, adding to a résumé that must now be weighed against the best in boxing history.

By the third round, Cotto (34-2) had been knocked down, his nose bloodied, his corner quieted. Here was Pacquiao (50-3-2), the savage, speedy southpaw, deconstructing yet another formidable opponent.

Cotto kept smacking Pacquiao in the thighs, trying to slow him down. It proved futile. In the fourth round, Pacquiao landed a powerful left hand — half uppercut, half hook — and Cotto’s face went backward, twisted in a grimace, as he fell to the canvas once again.

In the sixth round, Pacquiao busted Cotto’s bottom lip open, then took a shot from Cotto as the round ended. But Pacquiao sauntered back to his corner, a smile stretched wide across his face. He dominated from that point on.

Roach said that they had fought Cotto’s fight too often in the early going, that they had stayed on the ropes too long. Even then, Pacquiao’s speed proved overwhelming.

“The key to this victory was staying disciplined,” Roach said. “We didn’t panic in the ring.”

As the fight wore on, Cotto’s left eye kept swelling, until it looked as if a golf ball was attached. Pacquiao landed punches with both hands: jabs, hooks, upper cuts, a punishing variety.

Cotto never quit, but he made a habit of dancing backward. In the ninth round, Pacquiao backed his opponent into the ropes, again and again, until he had rendered Cotto’s face a bloody mess.

Pacquiao has continued to move up in weight, still beating formidable fighters, winning as easily at 112 pounds as at 145. Before Saturday, he had earned six titles in six weight divisions, forcing Oscar De La Hoya into retirement and knocking out Ricky Hatton with a savage blow rarely delivered by a man his size.

Pacquiao collected belts, from lightweight to now welterweight and every belt in between. He entered Henry Armstrong territory, earning comparisons to the boxer who won three titles in 10 months in 1937, when there were only eight divisions.

Along the way, Pacquiao became an international superstar, a singer with albums that twice went platinum, an actor with so much money he made his own movies.

As this fight, the toughest of his career, crept closer, celebrities picked Pacquiao to win. Everyone from Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton to Sylvester Stallone — Rocky himself — predicted victory.

Proof of Pacquiao’s own confidence came from the concert he scheduled at Mandalay Bay, a full eight songs to be sung less than two hours after the fight concluded.

But Cotto was no ordinary opponent. His only loss in 35 fights came against Antonio Margarito, an opponent later caught with doctored gloves.

After that fight, Cotto covered his body in tattoos and claimed he had moved on. But the question lingered: Had Margarito permanently softened Cotto?

Roach, who counts Pacquiao as the 24th world champion he has trained, sure thought so. When Roach prepares Pacquiao to fight, he looks for the habits of opponents, not their weaknesses. Weaknesses can be fixed, Roach reasoned, but habits remain.

He knew Pacquiao would be giving away at least 10 pounds by fight time, giving away an inch and a half in height and two inches in length. But when Roach watched Cotto, who had the inexperienced trainer Joe Santiago in his corner, he saw bad habits, and he devised a plan for Pacquiao to pound Cotto’s body.

Santiago worked only his second fight as Cotto’s lead trainer Saturday, but all week he had pointed to his 18 years spent learning inside boxing gyms in Puerto Rico as reason to believe. On Friday, at a weigh-in hosted by the actor Jeremy Piven, Santiago marched right up to Roach, noted that Cotto had made the 145-pound weight stipulated in his contract, then called Roach a word that essentially means jerk.

Roach, the only man awarded trainer of the year three times, kept talking. He said that if Pacquiao hurt Cotto early, he would knock the Puerto Rican out. He said that Pacquiao would not lose a single round.

Pacquiao did not lose many rounds, even going on the defensive in the fourth and fifth, just as he had recently in training. Before the final round, Cotto asked his corner, as if he were no longer there, “One more left?”

With Pacquiao’s place in history cemented, Mayweather seems like the logical, blockbuster opponent. Pacquiao said he would not move up again in weight.

But on Saturday, that could wait. When the fight ended, Pacquiao headed to the concert, then eventually back home, to the Philippines and more than 90 million adoring fans.

This was more than just another knockout. This one was historic.

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I am honored to witness the heroic & history made by Manny "PACMAN" Pacquiao.. It is a rare opportunity to live with a genuine athlete like Manny.He is now in the book of records as only boxer who made Seven titles in different seven weight divisions..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com 

PS. Congratulations Manny Pacquiao.. You made them believe the unbelievable.
PS2. Who's next?

PACQUIAO - 144 LBS, COTTO - 145 LBS by PhilBoxing.com

 
Six time world champion, pound-for-pound king and challenger Manny Pacquiao (L) of the Philippines came in at 144 lbs while reigning and defending WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto (R) of Puerto stepped in at exactly 145 lbs, the stipulated weight he was supposed to came in, during the official weighin moments ago at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, NV. Pacquiao and Cotto will bring 'Firepower' tomorrow night (Sunday morning in Manila) for the most anticipated fight of the year WBO world championship welterweight showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.


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It should noted that this weigh-in will already prove both are fighters are there to pick up fight & determined to win their pride..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com

Pacquiao's strengths and weaknesses By Joaquin Henson (The Philippine Star)

As the world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter, Manny Pacquiao is expected to beat Miguel Cotto in their “Firepower” showdown at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas tomorrow night (Sunday morning, Manila). The odds are 3-1 in Pacquiao’s favor and the betting is the scheduled 12-round bout won’t go the distance.

Although Cotto is bigger, Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach isn’t losing sleep over it.

“I know Cotto’s a big, strong guy and I worry about that at times,” said Roach, quoted by William Dettloff in The Ring Magazine. “But Manny is very strong also at this weight. I think it’s our toughest fight to date and a much tougher test than Oscar (de la Hoya) or (Ricky) Hatton. I don’t look at it as an easy fight whatsoever and I look for Cotto to come out at his best.”

Glyn Leach, writing in Boxing Monthly Magazine (Oct. 2009), said even as Cotto is the defending WBO welterweight champion, the Puerto Rican is playing “second fiddle in what had once been his own orchestra - the Filipino is the leading man, Cotto is just a bit-part player in the big picture.”

Cotto is fighting for respect and recognition while Pacquiao is aiming to make history. If he wins, Pacquiao will become the only fighter ever to capture seven world titles in seven weight divisions.

Pacquiao, 30, has a 49-3-2 record, with 37 KOs. His only losses were to Rustico Torrecampo, Medgeon 3-K Battery and Erik Morales. The draws were with Agapito Sanchez and Juan Manuel Marquez. He has logged 19 more fights than Cotto who turned pro six years after the Filipino icon.

Pacquiao will be a lot fresher than Cotto when they slug it out. Pacquiao has fought only once this year, dispatching Hatton in two rounds. Cotto took five rounds to dismiss patsy Michael Jennings last February and went through the wringer to eke out a split decision over Joshua Clottey last June. The fact that Pacquiao has fought only two rounds this year compared to 17 for Cotto may be an advantage or disadvantage.

* * *

Here are Pacquiao’s strengths.

• Speed. There’s no way Cotto can match Pacquiao’s hand-speed and foot-speed. Pacquiao throws combinations with incredible rhythm, sometimes in bunches of three or four. Before his opponents can even think of countering, they’re either down on the floor or Pacquiao is a safe distance away. Foot-speed will be particularly critical because Pacquiao must be quick on his heels to avoid Cotto’s rushes. Cotto will attempt to pin Pacquiao along the ropes and trap him in a corner. Pacquiao won’t let it happen and he’ll use his foot-speed to avoid sticky situations.

• Heavy artillery. Pacquiao hits from all angles. Because of Pacquiao’s dizzying hand-speed, it will be difficult for Cotto to read where the punches are coming from. What makes Pacquiao even more formidable is his right is as lethal as his left. He’ll attack Cotto with both fists. Roach said the left will finish off Cotto but the right will set it up.

• Hard to hit. Pacquiao’s defense has improved tremendously through eight years of working with Roach. He uses head movement, his arms and footwork to stay clear from bombs. Pacquiao is a moving target in the ring and unless Cotto is able to bring the fight to the ropes or the corners, he won’t be able to land too accurately.

• Experience. Pacquiao picked up a lot of lessons from his skirmishes with Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Marquez and De la Hoya. He’s learned to fight more methodically. He’s become more patient in creating the openings for his punches. Pacquiao has been a pro for 14 years and Cotto, for eight. In tight situations, experience will go a long way in wiggling veterans out of trouble.

• Heart. Pacquiao is a proud warrior with the biggest heart in the business. He fights not only for himself but for his family, his country and the entire Filipino people. When Pacquiao steps onto the ring, he carries the weight of the Filipino nation on his shoulders. The responsibility doesn’t faze him. He thrives under pressure. Pacquiao’s spirit is as inspiring as it is unflappable.

* * *

Here are Pacquiao’s weaknesses.

• Focus. If Pacquiao is bothered by distractions that come his way in every fight, he could be in danger against Cotto. Because he is a showbiz celebrity in his own right, Pacquiao is fair game for intrigue and rumors. If he’s affected by all the “star” talk, it could be a problem on fight night. Focus is important for Pacquiao who’s up against a deadly serious and highly motivated opponent.

• Size. Pacquiao is smaller and lighter than Cotto who will surely use his bulk to try to overpower the Filipino challenger. Since Cotto is bigger, he has more width and length to cut the ring off and prevent Pacquiao from moving around. Cotto’s ability to fight big or small will be a major headache for Pacquiao.

• Overconfidence. If Pacquiao is looking beyond Cotto and conjuring visions of a megabuck showdown with Floyd Mayweather Jr. or a third meeting with Marquez, he should wake up to present reality. He can’t afford to take Cotto lightly, no matter if his entourage continues to belittle the Puerto Rican for being a bleeder, slow and easy to hit. What Pacquiao shouldn’t do is to give Cotto some momentum in the fight. Pacquiao should dictate tempo from the start and take away Cotto’s confidence.

• Questionable power. The jury is still out on whether Pacquiao’s punches will be as potent against bigger opponents. He wasn’t able to floor De la Hoya - possibly an indication that a bigger opponent, like Cotto, may be able to take his power. If Pacquiao’s punches don’t kick in, Cotto will attack relentlessly and put extreme pressure on the Filipino. If Pacquiao’s punches kick in, it could be a short night for the Puerto Rican.

• Unfamiliarity. Pacquiao will face a versatile opponent who switch-hits, comes forward or strikes from a distance. If Pacquiao fights on reaction, meaning he doesn’t assert himself, Cotto will set the pace. Cotto could be the toughest opponent ever for Pacquiao who must be ready to make quick adjustments in the ring because the Puerto Rican is a clever operator.


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Come Saturday night (sunday-philippines) we will witness how will Manny Pacquiao capitalized his advatnags or his disadvantages ..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com/

PS. Manny's biggest advantage is his heart.

Freddie Roach Talks to the Rumble: "We're gonna make him quit." by Avi "Shoefly" Korine

Confidence drips from Freddie Roach's voice as he talks about his fighter, Manny Pacquiao, and his chances against Miguel Cotto in the most anticipated fight of the year this Saturday. While it might be easy to dismiss his comments as hubris, his incredible track record speaks for itself. Roach nailed, to the round, Pacquiao's shocking victories over both Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya and claims to be even more confident than ever as his charge prepares to take on the larger Miguel Cotto. If Pacquiao wins the fight he will become a welterweight champion, the seventh weight class he will have done so, an all-time record.

Roach doesn't mince words as the talks about Cotto's flaws and the weaknesses he sees in his counterpart, Joe Santiago, Cotto's trainer.

The Rumble: Thanks for taking the time to talk, Freddie. First of all, what's your general feeling with only a couple of days until the fight?

Freddie Roach: We feel great. We just went for a run this morning. We had a nice long run and everything is right where it's supposed to be.

TR: And how is Manny's weight?

FR: We're a pound and a half over right now. That was before the run, he's close. The weight is no problem.

TR: Against De La Hoya it seemed like you planned even before the fight to use lead lefts and against Hatton it was right hooks. Do you have a specific plan for Saturday or are you just going to wait to make adjustments in the ring?

FR: Well, a lot depends on how Cotto wants to fight. If he wants to try to come at us we're ready for that. If he wants to try to be the counterpuncher, like Marquez, because Marquez gave Manny trouble, we can deal with that too. Whatever he brings we will adapt to it.

TR: Are you as confident going into this fight as you were before De La Hoya and Hatton?

FR: More. I just don't think he's that good. He's too slow. He cocks his left hook. He's got a good left hook, but he telegraphs it, he's not going to hit us with it. My guy is in great shape, everyone thinks because of the typhoon in the Philippines we didn't train but we never missed a day and he's in great shape.

TR: The amazing thing about Manny is that he seems to improve every time we see him. Is he still getting better?

FR: He's punching harder than ever right now and he has really filled out. He is definitely getting better all the time. That's one thing about Manny Pacquiao he loves to fight. Cotto is a little like De La Hoya in that he leads with his power hand, and he's a little like Hatton in that he throws the left hook like Hatton does. We're going to use a little bit of those gameplans and put them together and that'll be enough.

TR: Yeah, Cotto, like both those guys seems to have more power in his left hand rather than the power hand, his right.

FR: He is more of a one handed fighter, his dominant hand is his left. He does have knockout power in his left, the right I'm not worried so much about. The thing is Manny is in great shape. He's on fire right now. I don't even have to ask him to do something, he knows it before I do. He's 100% ready for this fight and, Miguel, we're going to knock him out.

The thing is Manny has fun in training camp, I'm having fun. We're working hard, but he just enjoys what he does and you can see that in his face. I love it also, so there is good chemistry for us and I expect Manny to fight another perfect fight.

TR: Cotto has a relatively inexperienced trainer and team. His sparring partners also didn't seem to be of the same quality as those in your camp. Do you think that will play a role?

FR: Definitely. He has no idea what it's like to be in a big fight, he's never been there before. He's not going to win the fight, I guarantee that.

TR: What is your final prediction.

FR: I think we'll get him in either round one, nine, or ten. We'll either catch him in the first, where we've seen him be hurt several times. Or, if he makes it through the first we'll just break him down, if we don't get him there we'll get him around nine or ten.

TR: Occasionally Cotto can get overaggressive and seems to follow his opponent rather than cut the ring off. Can you take advantage of that?

FR: Of course. Joe Santiago is his ring coach and he doesn't know anything about ring generalship! So we're really going to take advantage of that. You know, Cotto is too slow for Manny right now, he's got a good left hook, but no one is really watching him or is there to keep his fundamentals intact. He's got to train himself at this point to beat Pacquiao. And that's very good for us.

TR: Some people say that Cotto has counteracted speed like Manny's against Zab Judah and Shane Mosley. What do you think about that?

FR: The thing is, that was before he took the beating from Margarito. The beating from Margarito is still in his mind. And, to be honest with you, I think we're going to make him quit.

TR: Thanks for your time Freddie and good luck this weekend.

FR: Thanks.


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Come Saturday night (sunday-philippines) we will witness what Freddie Roach has been telling..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com/

Shawn Porter to Walk Pacquiao into Ring Saturday Night! by PhilBoxing.com

 Los Angeles, CA – 2008 US Olympic alternate Shawn “Showtime” Porter will lead superstar Manny Pacquiao into the ring Saturday night for his showdown with WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

Porter, 10-0 (8 KO’s), served as Pacquiao’s primary sparring partner and played the role of Cotto during his six weeks in camp. While swapping punches with the best fighter in the world was often a grueling task, Porter was grateful for the opportunity.


“"It’s truly an honor that Team Pacquiao brought me into camp” said Porter, whose intense sparring with Pacquiao was featured on HBO’s Emmy Award winning 24/7 series. “It was a lot of fun, a great learning experience and something I will remember far beyond my years as a professional fighter.”

Following training sessions in Pacquiao’s native Philippines, fans mobbed Porter for pictures, autographs and to ask about his experience sparring with their national hero. Even though the public attention was quite unexpected, Porter is flattered with his newfound support.

“The type of recognizance I got was unbelievable.” “For people to stop me and say “hey you’re Shawn Porter” thousands of miles away from my hometown of Akron, Ohio is great.”

“The fans treated me as if they have known me for a number of years. I definitely look forward to continually building my fan base in the Philippines because their fans are incredible!”

The highly anticipated Pacquiao-Cotto “Firepower” pay per view hits airwaves at 9 pm ET and is promoted by Top Rank.

Porter’s next bout is taking place November 21 at Fitzgeralds Casino in Tunica, MS. Details will follow in the coming days.


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Shawn Porter a primary sparring partner of Manny Pacquiao was picked to lead Pacman to the ring. A rare honor for him...

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com/

'FIREPOWER' FINAL PRESSCON QUOTES By Ed de la Vega, DDS

 

Las Vegas, NV:- Top Rank Promotions early this afternoon (Wednesday, PST) held the final press conference for this year’s top fight, the battle between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the Hollywood Theater of the MGM Grand Casino Resort and Hotel.

The two gladiators will fight over 12 rounds for the WBO Welterweight title presently held by Cotto, albeit on a 145lbs catch-weight.

Although everything that can be said about the fight has been said in the last several months, still the ever loquacious Bob Arum and the others who were part of the promotions managed to spew out several fascinating statements some new, others, old.

Pacquiao and Cotto for their part remained the gentlemen that they are and stayed away from war of words that are sometimes common in boxing presscons. It seemed they will let their fists do the talking come Saturday evening when they meet atop the ring at the MGM Grand Arena.

Quotes:

Keith Kiser, of the Nevada State Athletic Commission: - “It’s been one hell of a decade for boxing. On Saturday, we will witness the most amazing fight in the last 10 years and it’s a perfect way to end the decade”

Richard Sturm - MGM Mirage President:- “There is no doubt that the fans will witness the greatest fight of the year”

Mauricio Sulaiman - WBC ”We will be awarding a special belt with 600 diamonds on it. That will give the winner 600 diamonds to give to some girls. The belt will be awarded at a special dinner with Bob Arum also getting an award.”

Freddie Roach - “We are in great shape. I have never seen him better” “ Miguel, we will see you on Saturday and good luck to you.”

Joe Santiago - “ Miguel is in the best shape ever and I hope Manny will be on the same level”. Good luck to Manny- you will need it!”

Pacquiao - “This is the most important fight in my career. It will make history in Philippine boxing. And it will be a big honor for my family, country and myself”.

“I will give a good fight and give the people enjoyment for that night”

“I respect Cotto’s team. They are nice and friendly. On Saturday, may the best man win.”

“Thank you to Freddie Roach, my master in boxing.”

Cotto - “I am pretty happy and comfortable to be here. I trained a lot for this fight. We created a Plan B and it will be a great night not only for the Latinos but to the Puerto Ricans too.”

Side note:

Pacquiao was awarded a plaque by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. The honor is a “Life Time Achievement Award”. Ging Espititu, the NAFFAA did the presentation.


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Indeed this two fighters are gentlemen.. Both showed respect on each other..Both both wished for their lucks..Saturday night, sunday monrningt (philippines) - Let's get ready to rumble!

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com

PS. Will history be written or be over written..
PS2. This will be a great fight

PACQUIAO-COTTO PRESSCON PHOTOS by PhilBoxing.com

 

11/11/09, Las Vegas, Nevada -- six-time world champion pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (L), General Santos, Philippines and three-time world champion and the pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto (R), Caguas, Puerto Rico shake hands during the final press conference held at the MGM Grand media center for their upcoming "FIREPOWER" World Welterweight championship fight. Pacquiao vs Cotto is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions,Cotto Promotions,MGM Grand and Tecate, will take place, Saturday, November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be available live on HBO Pay Per View. -- Photo Credit: Chris Farina - Top Rank.

MORE PHOTOS:













PHOTOS BY CHRIS FARINA / TOP RANK.

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Let's get ready to rumble!

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com

Miguel Cotto looking drained at the MGM Grand?

Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto arrived at the MGM Grand earlier today to hordes of waiting press and fans alike. The general consensus being that Cotto was looking somewhat drained and gaunt after what looks to have been a tough weight cut.


Manny Pacquiao by contrast was looking calm and relaxed, joking around with interviewers and meeting people, but then again he doesn't have to worry about making weight nearly as much as the much larger Cotto.

Speaking to the Las Vegas Sun, Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach had this to say about making weight:

“When he doesn’t have to miss a meal and can eat before weigh-in, which he’ll do twice, he’s happy,” Roach said. “He’ll weigh 149 to 150 pounds at most on fight night. I don’t like him gaining too much weight before the fight.”

“With the right opponent we could move up again,” Roach said. “But for top-level guys, I think this is it.”

A fuller figured Cotto (AP Photo/Isaac brekken)

Could this be a statement concerning future opponents? Perhaps, and it certainly wouldn't be completely out of the question if Pacquaio picked one of the weaker champions. At a certain point though even Manny's power would become obsolete, and there are questions about Cotto being able to walk through Pacquiao's punches already. Pacquiao still has his speed and technique of course, but that will only take him so far when if he packs on many more pounds.

In a stark contrast with his training pictures from earlier on this week, Cotto was looking drained when he arrived. Both his and Pacquiao's fans will be hoping he can both make the weight and look good during the fight. One of the biggest criticisms of Pacquiao's win over Oscar De La Hoya was that the latter looked dehydrated and weakened during the fight, and as a result Manny had an easy time of it.

Would Pacquiao have won otherwise? Almost certainly, but it is still something that the nay sayers bring up from time to time.

Pacquiao looking relaxed (AP Photo/Isaac Brekken)

Fortunately for all the Cotto fans out there, he has made similar weight limits in the past without too much trouble. The Clottey fight was at a 146lb limit, and although Cotto didn't fight as well as many thought he should have, he still did enough to get the win despite getting cut early on.





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Miguel Cotto has also some surprises for the fight.. Whatever Manny Pacquiao brings,  he believe he can beat the Pound for pound king.

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com

Cotto's Grand Arrival at the MGM Grand by Dennis "dSource" Guillermo

Fight fans from all across the globe gathered just moments ago to welcome the protagonists of this weekend's mega-fight between the Philippines' Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto. The huge turn-out attests to the drawing power of both fighters further giving proof that a bout between two non-American boxers can draw fans in the US as long as it's a legitimate fight between two of the best the sport could offer. And judging by the frenzied response at the MGM Grand this afternoon, its safe to say that this truly is the match-up the world is dying to see.

Below is a video I took from the event as Miguel Cotto arrived at the MGM and was greeted by his vocal fans.

Pacquiao was all smiles as he was warmly greeted by his adoring fans as well with chants of Manny! Manny! Manny! while he parted the crowd like Moses and the red sea. Cotto on the other hand was greeted by his countrymen about an hour after Pacquiao's arrival. The Boricua Bomber is looking lean and mean and ready to inflict as much pain he can on The Pac Man this Saturday. Also present were his team members such as cutman Joe Chavez, strength and conditioning coach Phil Landman and best friend Brian Perez.






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Miguel Cotto has also some surprises for the fight.. Whatever Manny Pacquiao brings,  he believe he can beat the Pound for pound king.

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com

Bernard Hopkins: Cotto “has 100,000 Miles” while Pacquiao “is a Ferrari!” by Liverpuncher Exclusive

Future Hall of Famer Bernard Hopkins spoke Exclusively to Liverpuncher.com about his thoughts to the upcoming superfight Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto!  We asked him if he feels Pacquiao will be outsized vs Miguel Cotto…hear what the Executioner, from his own words has to say! “With Pacquiao's speed and Cottos ..." Read on for  more.

wear and tear from the Margarito fight, I don’t think he has ever recovered,” he said to Livepruncher.com.  Hopkins explained to us that fighters only have a certain amount of mileage on their odometers much like a car and Miguel Cottos odometer is nearly at 100,000 miles!

“Its called mileage on a car, if a car has 100,000 miles on it but it looks good, but this other car, that’s a Ferrari, Pacquiao, that has 10,000 miles on it” is what this fight comes down to.  He also gave us his thoughts on who should be Trainer of the Year!  Listen to him break down Cotto vs. Pacquiao:


Hopkins refers to the KO loss of Cotto by the Mexican native Antonio Margarito in 2008.  Cotto has since fought Joshua Clottey to what many people say was a tougher than expected decision win over 12 rounds.  Many fans and experts have hinted that Cotto has not fully recovered from the loss to Margarito.
Another topic which has come up is Cotto’s stamina in the later rounds.  There have been hints of him losing steam with his punches when approaching the late championship rounds.  We’ll see how it all plays out on the 14th of Nov!


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Bernard Hopkins has seen the firepower Pacquiao.. He knows what Manny can do..

Watch fight night on Nov. 14, 2009..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com/

Pacquaio Watch: Will a first round knockout happen? by Edwin Espejo

Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach is standing by his prediction that his ward will knockout Miguel Angel Cotto in the first round to capture the International Boxing Organization welterweight crown now held by the Puerto Rican.

Less than three weeks from now, the world will know if Roach’s uncanny ability to predict in which round Manny Pacquiao will win will again be tested.

Cotto isn’t indestructible. He lost badly and by technical knockout to Antonio Margarito and barely survived Joshua Clottey in his last fight.

He knees buckled when he fought Carlos Quintana.

But those guys are natural welterweights and Cotto is at home in this division.

But then again, those were the same arguments pundits made when Manny fought Ricky Hatton and Oscar de la Hoya – that the Filipino boxing sensation is stretching his luck too far out by fighting men bigger than himself.

That’s what separates Manny from today’s class of fighters when weight divisions have been watered down since the days when there used to be only eight weight classes.  When it is not uncommon for boxers to fight opponents as much as 10 pounds heavier, except in the open-ended heavyweight division. Back then, professional boxing was at its purest.

Will Manny knock out Cotto in the early rounds, if not the first?

I say it depends on Cotto's game plan.

While Roach may have already devised a strategy for Manny to put away Cotto, the Puerto Rican may not oblige so easily.

The only way Cotto will hit the canvass for good is when he gets careless and underestimates Manny’s knockout punches.

Or when he gets rattled and forgets his Plan B or Plan C against a boxer whose speed is undeniably unparalleled in today’s professional boxing, if not of all time.

Fighting Manny is on-the-job training. You never get to know him until you get in the ring with him. Ask Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez, all of whom fought Manny at least twice.

Morales got the better of Pacquiao in their first encounter but there remains an asterisk to that victory and a lot of ifs. Like if Manny hadn't got cut by a headbutt and hadn't his then promoter Murad Mohammad fleece him out of his deserved purse and cut of the pay-per-view. But Manny's second and third engagements with Morales were works of art.

Barrera was never the same man after he succumbed to Manny in eleven rounds at the Alamodome in 2003.

Marquez gave Pacquiao fits but he never really worked outManny despite his claims of wining both fights against the Filipino southpaw.

De la Hoya and Hatton committed the same mistake – underestimating Manny’s strength and newfound boxing prowess.

Cotto without doubt is preparing and priming himself up for Pacquiao. He will not expect Manny to come out charging. He will time Manny’s attacks and hope to counter them effectively.

The trouble is Manny is at his dangerous best when his opponent prefers to wait for him.

Look at what Manny did to David Diaz. He turned Diaz’s face into a grotesque mask before mercifully ending the bleeding in the ninth round. Marvel at how he reduced De la Hoya into a sitting duck and ‘stationary speedball’ – peppering him with precision punches almost at will. Look at how he attempted to brutally murder Hatton in two rounds.

Cotto will fare better than all of them only because he is heavier and stronger.

But there is no escaping Manny.

Cotto can run but he cannot hide.

He can rush but he cannot hit.

Only when Manny commits the mistake of opening his rib cage and offering his chin can Cotto hope to win.

I will disagree with Roach, Manny won’t knock out Cotto in the first but a knockout there will be.

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FirePower starts to flame.. Miguel Cotto & Manny Pacquiao will soon explode their bombs.

Watch fight night on Nov. 14, 2009..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com/

MIGUEL ANGEL COTTO WILL DESTROY THE FILIPINO’S DREAMS by REYNALDO SÁNCHEZ

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During the last few months I have read a great number of notes and articles on different news media outlets about this fight and in almost all of them there is one constant, the prevalent opinion that Cotto does not have an opportunity to conquer the tagalo Manny Pacquiao. This is something that has caught my attention, but as if that wasn’t enough was has interested me more is the fact that they already seem to be preparing his next bout as if he had already beaten Cotto. It is a fact that money rules boxing, specially mega fights, but we cannot overlook the qualities of a boxer like Miguel Ángel Cotto who has faced other elite boxers in their peak and has beaten and lost to fighter such as Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito and Joshua Clottey


Those that use Pacquaio’s previous victories over Oscar and Hatton as their barometer for basing their opinion of Pacquaio destruction over Cotto are not been objective and are instead being lead by what the TV cameras would have them see. This believe that Pacquaio is some sort of demonic creature of destruction based on his knock out of Hatton is far from the reality. Oscar and Hatton were both exposed by the very questionable practices of Roach and Pac in imposing questionable catchweights, forcing a fighter to go down to a weight in which their physical strengths are far from being at their ideal condition. Anyboddy who cannot see this must be obsessed with the “Boom” of Pacquaio and his promoter Bob Arum.


In stating this, I don’t wish to diminish what Pac has accomplished, but I’m also not blind and don’t see what chance he has against a fighter like Cotto who in my opinion is much superior to Pacquaio in everything; he is superior in technique, might be as quick in the beginning of fights, who has received shots by bigger stronger fighters such as Clottey, and Mosley and who is technically more skilled then the Filipino. From this it is easy to infer that Cotto, who has beaten the aforementioned fighters, should have no problems with a fighter who is coming up in weight and those not hold one advantage. For this reason I am sometimes amused about what I read about this fight. To the degree that some favor Pacquaio they have gone as far as discussing his next fight, to bring links about these comments I believe are unnecessary.


I believe the fans who give Cotto no chance of winning will be in for a big surprise come November 14. Cotto is preparing for this fight like has never before and that will show come fight night. I also believed they choose the wrong opponent to play their famous “catchweight” game. That’s where fighters like Hatton, who is known to indulge too much, and Oscar, who hadn’t fought as welter, strategically lost the fight. As a result of this weight game come fight night Pacquaio was faster and stronger then both of his opponents.


I expect that Arum is starting to have the same doubts as evidenced by his remarks in which he stated, “It wouldn’t be a disaster if Pacquaio lost to Cotto.” With those simple words Arum is starting the spin machine preparing the boxing world for Pacquaio’s defeat.


As the fight gets closer I observe as team Pacquaio and his fans see the outcome of this fight as a foregone conclusión. Talking about future opponents, mega fights, all of this tells me that their still in their dream. However, sometimes it is not good to dream too much. It’s only been days since a young fighter named Juanma Lopez was being billed as the next great fighter and he was exposed by a third level tier fighter. With that the dreams of many fans were broken and they were forced to come back to reality. The same I believe will occur with the Filipino fans, as the fighter from Caguas will burst them out of their dream and back into reality.


In countless occasions Pacquaio has shown us that he is good fighter, of that there is no doubts. However to see him as unbeatable or to proclaim that he posses quality of a great technician or other virtues that he lacks is far from logical in my opinion. However, this adventure in these weight categories has come to end, November 14th he will fight a fighter in his peak superior in all attributes and it will cost him greatly for him to have thought he could win.


When Cotto make his power felt on the fighter in front of him, the Filipino will realize that he should have never taken this fight. That night he will realize the advantages with the catchweights that his trainer tried to impose will not be enough. In that moment we will see Cotto for what he really is, a quality champion in his natural weight and he will do what a champion should do when he’s prepared and focused for a fight. The young prospect Antonio DeMarco repeated to us that old boxing adage “Fights are won and lost in the GYM.” Cotto is busy doing what he needs to do and has left the rest to his team.


My chips are all in, this time the Boricua will give his best performance and I am sure that Cotto will end with the Filipino’s dreams and bring him back to reality.


"VICTORY has a hundred fathers, but defeat is an orphan. John Fitzgerald Kennedy (1917-1963) American politician.

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Miguel Angelo Cotto has given much importance to Manny Pacquiao.. He prepared this fight like He never tried before... Miguel Cotto is so focused on beating Pacman..Watch fight night on Nov. 14, 2009..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com/

Videos of Miguel Cotto in prep for Manny Pacquiao - Watch Now Must See Videos! By Johnny Benz (

The heat is on as the date of November 14th quickly approaches. On that date, fans will be treated to the highly anticipated match up between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. Folks you do not need me to tell you that this is a "can't miss" event.

As the fight date quickly approaches, Top Rank (who promotes both Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto) have
released training videos of Cotto. You'll find both videos below.

You can catch the live broadcast on HBO Boxing Pay-Per-View for a suggested retail price of $54.95. Check your local cable or satellite dish provider for further details.

To enjoy the videos, just press play.
The two videos provided on this page
are hosted on YouTube.com.
Press play and enjoy!.

For more Headlines
and Free Online Videos,
visit our homepage now.

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FirePower starts to flame.. Miguel Cotto & Manny Pacquiao will soon explode their bombs.

Watch fight night on Nov. 14, 2009..

jerome pagalan
http://sportspayperview.blogspot.com/