By Chris Robinson, Examiner.com
In the weeks leading up their November 14th clash it was obvious that there was a certain amount of respect between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto. In all of the pre fight festivities both fighters refrained from any disparaging comments towards the other and from the actions displayed by both men you could tell that animosity was the last thing that existed between them. Even during the final press conference, when both fighters were asked to stare at each other for a face off, neither man could look for more than a few seconds without cracking a smile.
On the night of November 14th Pacquiao would end up defeating Cotto by way of 12th round stoppage. After and insanely intense first four rounds that were competitive and action packed, the Filipino brawler would control the remaining stanzas brilliantly while administering some serious punishment on his Puerto Rican foil. Upon being halted by referee Kenny Bayless in the 12th and final round, Cotto would immediately rush over to Pacquiao, who was in ring corner in deep thought and celebration, and embrace him, giving him all glory and respect.
Despite suffering a heartbreaking loss Cotto was all class in the post fight interview, claiming Pacquiao to be one of the best opponents he had faced and giving him full credit for his victory. Their was no hatred stemming from either man and it is with no surprise that it was later revealed that Pacquiao would end up inviting Cotto to his own personal birthday bash in the Philippines, the 31st of his life.
Pacquiao’s upcoming birthday bash, which tentatively is scheduled to take place in General Santos City on December 17th, should be a joyous occasion as the seven division champion has been enjoying a run of success unlike anything seen in recent years in the sport. If Cotto would end up making a grand appearance it would be an even more festive event, one would feel.
After it was announced that Pacquiao had extended an invitation to Cotto for his party, many wondered whether or not the modest champion from Caguas would accept. Speculation run rampant but recently news has spread that Cotto is interested in attending the party, as evidenced by his recent actions online in the social networking site Twitter.
Top Rank had asked Cotto whether or not he would be interested in attending the event and the 3-Time Champion seems to be more than ready to make it happen.
“Yes, we are willing to complete all the logistics and we will go,” posted Cotto from his personal Twitter page in response to Top Rank as to whether he was willing to make the trek to the Philippines for Pacquiao’s birthday bash.
It’s nothing new for Pacquiao to invite previous opponents to his homeland, as he has extended invitations in the past to Erik Morales, David Diaz, and Juan Manuel Marquez.
It says here that Cotto’s acknowledgement of Pacquiao’s offer is yet another sign of his immense amount of class. Always a professional in and outside of the ring, it looks as though Cotto has found a way to accept his recent loss to Pacquiao as mere combat while also realizing the chance to get to know him on a completely different level outside of the ropes.
Both men have shown themselves to be genuine in the past and one can only wonder what will take place during the festivities. In years past it hasn’t been uncommon for past opponents to form some sort of camaraderie with one another and Cotto and Pacquiao seem like to the type who just might gravitate towards one another.
The respect they have shown towards each other so far just may lead to some kind of friendship, you never know. That in itself is worth celebrating.
Chris Robinson is based out of Las Vegas, Nevada. He can be reached at Trimond@aol.com, www.FaceBook.com/CRHarmony, and www.Twitter.com/CRHarmony. More of his work can be found HERE
Source: examiner.com
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