Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has predicted a knockout when the Filipino challenges Miguel Cotto for the WBO welterweight crown.
Pacquiao is aiming for his seventh world title in an unprecedented seventh weight class, and Roach insists the southpaw is in top form.
"This week is the sharpest I have ever seen him in my life," said Roach.
"We were doing the mitts (training) on Tuesday and every time I was about to tell him something, he made the move before I could say anything."
Roach believes Pacquiao, who is widely regarded as boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter, will be given the edge in the MGM Grand Garden Arena clash by his infamous hand and foot speed.
"Manny's speed is so effective whether he's coming or going. It's his footwork, he'll feint you out of his socks," he said.
"We're definitely going to dictate the pace of the fight. I respect Miguel, but he'll get knocked out in this one."
Control
Cotto's trainer Joe Santiago has responded by claiming the tempo of the scheduled 12-round clash will be controlled by the Puerto Rican.
"You have to decide what's going to take place in the ring from the beginning," said Santiago.
"We're going to dictate the pace."
Cotto's trainer also expressed surprise that Pacquiao enters the fight as favourite with Las Vegas bookmakers.
"I can't understand why Pacquiao would be the favourite," he said.
"Look at who we've fought, and the guys he's fought. He fought a couple of guys who were over the hill."
Roach, however, believes Cotto's career has been in decline since his vicious collision with Antonio Margarito at the same venue last year, which saw him knocked-out for the first time in his career.
"I think he's slowed down since that Margarito fight," said Roach.
"When you're undefeated and you're a world champion and then you're knocked out for the first time in your life, it's going to affect you."
Roach revealed he and Pacquiao have made explicit plans to avoid Cotto's renowned left hook to the body, but Santiago insists it cannot be done.
"That's what everyone says about Miguel," said Santiago.
"They all say: 'We have to stay away from that hook and prevent it landing.'
"And he ends up landing it every time. It'll land."
Source: skysports.com
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