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Saturday 14 November 2009
Win over Cotto would give Manny titles in 7th different class
By George Willis, New York Post
LAS VEGAS — The fact Manny Pacquiao is favored to defeat Miguel Cotto tonight when the two meet for Cotto’s WBO welterweight championship is amazing in itself when you consider Pacquiao began his career fighting at 106 pounds.
Forty pounds later, Pacquiao will be looking to make boxing history by becoming the first boxer to win titles in seven different weight divisions, a climb that has seen the Filipino foil the boxing adage: A good little guy can’t beat a good big guy. From flyweight to super bantamweight to featherweight to super featherweight to lightweight to junior welterweight, Pacquiao has kept packing a punch while packing on pounds.
“Fighting Miguel Cotto for a seventh world title is going to be unbelievable, and that’s because Manny is a throwback,” said Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach. “He is like a Henry Armstrong type. You don’t have fighters today that move up in weight like this to win championships in all of these different weight divisions.”
Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) — who weighed in yesterday at 144 pounds, a pound lighter than Cotto — has won titles from 112 to 140 pounds and also defeated Oscar De La Hoya in a non-title fight at 147 pounds last year. Through each climb up in weight, Pacquiao has become a better-rounded fighter, while maintaining his punching power.
In his last fight, he scored a one-punch knockout of former welterweight and junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in the second round. Before that he made De La Hoya retire on his stool after eight rounds, and before that he dethroned lightweight champion David Diaz on a TKO in the ninth round.
Now Pacquiao, 30, is regarded by many as the sport’s pound-for-pound best fighter, despite the return of unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“He is carrying his punch and his power with him along with his speed,” Roach said. “He is just getting better and better in the ring. This is just one of the greatest achievements ever. He’s passing people like Sugar Ray Leonard, who was a six-time world champion, and Tommy Hearns. He is in the level of the top five fighters of all-time of any era.”
That might be a stretch, but winning a title in seven different weight divisions is noteworthy even in a day when multiple sanctioning organizations and fractured weight divisions have diluted the significance of winning title.
“I’m honored to be fighting for another world championship,” Pacquiao said. “That’s why I am very hungry for this fight.”
Cotto, who has won championships at junior welterweight and welterweight, isn’t impressed. Unlike De La Hoya who dropped down from 154 to 147 to face Pacquiao, Cotto, 29, is a natural welterweight in the prime of his career and doubts the Filipino can hold up to his power and his pressure.
“If he thinks he is going to win seven titles in seven weight divisions now, he has picked the wrong moment, the wrong fighter and the wrong opponent,” said Cotto.
Though he was right at the 145-pound weight limit for yesterday’s weigh-in, Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) could be as heavy as 154 pounds tonight. Nonetheless, Roach isn’t concerned about Cotto’s size.
“I have no worries about that because [size] doesn’t win fights,” Roach said. “Boxing ability wins fights and Manny is a better boxer than him.”
All that will be proven in the ring tonight where Pacquiao hopes to make history.
PREDICTION
I’ve gone back and forth on this one, initially thinking Cotto’s size and power would be enough to eventually break down Pacquiao. Then I thought about how many times Cotto got hit in his loss to Antonio Margarito and his narrow victory over Joshua Clottey.
Pacquiao is an accurate puncher with the faster hand speed. If he stays on his toes, settles for quick combinations and uses the ring, he should be able to pull out a decision. But Pacquiao loves to fight and doesn’t mind exchanging, and sometimes that gets him into trouble. He was staggered by a clean left hook in the second round of his second fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. That same left hook from Cotto could end the fight.
I asked my daughter and my goldfish who they thought would win, and both like Pacquiao. But I’ll stick with my original thought and go with Cotto. He’s the bigger man, he’s determined, he’s got a bunch of new tattoos and he has been in the ring with speed having beaten Shane Mosley and Zab Judah.
Cotto by TKO in the 10th. Viva Puerto Rico.
george.willis@nypost.com
Source: nypost.com
LAS VEGAS — The fact Manny Pacquiao is favored to defeat Miguel Cotto tonight when the two meet for Cotto’s WBO welterweight championship is amazing in itself when you consider Pacquiao began his career fighting at 106 pounds.
Forty pounds later, Pacquiao will be looking to make boxing history by becoming the first boxer to win titles in seven different weight divisions, a climb that has seen the Filipino foil the boxing adage: A good little guy can’t beat a good big guy. From flyweight to super bantamweight to featherweight to super featherweight to lightweight to junior welterweight, Pacquiao has kept packing a punch while packing on pounds.
“Fighting Miguel Cotto for a seventh world title is going to be unbelievable, and that’s because Manny is a throwback,” said Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach. “He is like a Henry Armstrong type. You don’t have fighters today that move up in weight like this to win championships in all of these different weight divisions.”
Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs) — who weighed in yesterday at 144 pounds, a pound lighter than Cotto — has won titles from 112 to 140 pounds and also defeated Oscar De La Hoya in a non-title fight at 147 pounds last year. Through each climb up in weight, Pacquiao has become a better-rounded fighter, while maintaining his punching power.
In his last fight, he scored a one-punch knockout of former welterweight and junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton in the second round. Before that he made De La Hoya retire on his stool after eight rounds, and before that he dethroned lightweight champion David Diaz on a TKO in the ninth round.
Now Pacquiao, 30, is regarded by many as the sport’s pound-for-pound best fighter, despite the return of unbeaten Floyd Mayweather Jr.
“He is carrying his punch and his power with him along with his speed,” Roach said. “He is just getting better and better in the ring. This is just one of the greatest achievements ever. He’s passing people like Sugar Ray Leonard, who was a six-time world champion, and Tommy Hearns. He is in the level of the top five fighters of all-time of any era.”
That might be a stretch, but winning a title in seven different weight divisions is noteworthy even in a day when multiple sanctioning organizations and fractured weight divisions have diluted the significance of winning title.
“I’m honored to be fighting for another world championship,” Pacquiao said. “That’s why I am very hungry for this fight.”
Cotto, who has won championships at junior welterweight and welterweight, isn’t impressed. Unlike De La Hoya who dropped down from 154 to 147 to face Pacquiao, Cotto, 29, is a natural welterweight in the prime of his career and doubts the Filipino can hold up to his power and his pressure.
“If he thinks he is going to win seven titles in seven weight divisions now, he has picked the wrong moment, the wrong fighter and the wrong opponent,” said Cotto.
Though he was right at the 145-pound weight limit for yesterday’s weigh-in, Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) could be as heavy as 154 pounds tonight. Nonetheless, Roach isn’t concerned about Cotto’s size.
“I have no worries about that because [size] doesn’t win fights,” Roach said. “Boxing ability wins fights and Manny is a better boxer than him.”
All that will be proven in the ring tonight where Pacquiao hopes to make history.
PREDICTION
I’ve gone back and forth on this one, initially thinking Cotto’s size and power would be enough to eventually break down Pacquiao. Then I thought about how many times Cotto got hit in his loss to Antonio Margarito and his narrow victory over Joshua Clottey.
Pacquiao is an accurate puncher with the faster hand speed. If he stays on his toes, settles for quick combinations and uses the ring, he should be able to pull out a decision. But Pacquiao loves to fight and doesn’t mind exchanging, and sometimes that gets him into trouble. He was staggered by a clean left hook in the second round of his second fight with Juan Manuel Marquez. That same left hook from Cotto could end the fight.
I asked my daughter and my goldfish who they thought would win, and both like Pacquiao. But I’ll stick with my original thought and go with Cotto. He’s the bigger man, he’s determined, he’s got a bunch of new tattoos and he has been in the ring with speed having beaten Shane Mosley and Zab Judah.
Cotto by TKO in the 10th. Viva Puerto Rico.
george.willis@nypost.com
Source: nypost.com
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Photos: Pacquiao - Cotto Weigh in
Boxing News World
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/R. Marsh Starks (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING ENTERTAINMENT)
Photo by: REUTERS/R. Marsh Starks (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/R. Marsh Starks (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/R. Marsh Starks (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Photo by: REUTERS/R. Marsh Starks (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Photo by: AP Photo/Jae C. Hong
Photo by: AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: REUTERS/Las Vegas Sun/Steve Marcus (UNITED STATES SPORT BOXING)
Photo by: AFP/Getty Images
Source: Yahoo! Images
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Hatton title draw agony
Manchester Evening News
MATTHEW Hatton’s world title hopes ended in tatters as a controversial draw with IBO welterweight champion Lovemore N’dou robbed him of the chance of following in the footsteps of David Haye and Amir Khan.
The 28-year-old was bidding to become the latest Brit to conquer the world, but saw his hopes dashed by the judges’ scorecards in Stoke.
N’dou immediately offered the 28-year-old a rematch in South Africa, but Hatton angrily snapped: “If I can’t get a decision here, how am I going to get one there?”
Hatton looked to have edged a close fight, throwing and landing more shots than his 38-year-old opponent.
But that wasn’t enough to see him emulate brother, Ricky, and claim his first world title.
A dejected Hatton said: “That’s the way the judges saw it. It was a tough fight, but I thought I won it. It is very disappointing. I’m my own worst critic, but I know when I watch the tape that I won that fight.
“I don’t care what Lovemore says, I won that fight. I threw more punches and landed more shots.”
Upon the final bell N’dou looked like a man ready to concede his title – and he looked as surprised as anyone in the arena when the fight adjudged to be a draw.
But afterwards he insisted he’d done enough to hold onto his belt.
“It was a tough fight, tougher than I expected,” he said. “But I felt I was always in control. You have got to take a title from the champion.”
That’s exactly what Hatton thought he’d done, constantly making the running against his veteran opponent.
Despite being caught by a number of heavy left hooks from N’dou, Hatton’s aggression and positive attitude looked to be enough to edge him the contest.
He visibly gained in energy as the fight wore on, while N’dou was reliant on the counter attack, which brought a certain amount of joy.
The first two judges scored the contest 115/114 to each fighter, while the third and decisive judge scored the fight 114/114.
The result was another disappointment for Hatton who fully expected to complete his road to redemption after defeat to Craig Watson in his bid for the Commonwealth title 18 months ago.
Heavy soul searching, a change of trainer and impressive victories against Ted Bami and Ben Tackie earned him his title shot last night – but he will have to do it all again if he is to truly announce himself on the world stage.
Ricky, watching on at ringside, looked as disappointed as his brother at the controversial result.
It was a major coup to secure a world title fight in his own backyard - whether Hatton will be given such a golden opportunity again remains to be seen.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
MATTHEW Hatton’s world title hopes ended in tatters as a controversial draw with IBO welterweight champion Lovemore N’dou robbed him of the chance of following in the footsteps of David Haye and Amir Khan.
The 28-year-old was bidding to become the latest Brit to conquer the world, but saw his hopes dashed by the judges’ scorecards in Stoke.
N’dou immediately offered the 28-year-old a rematch in South Africa, but Hatton angrily snapped: “If I can’t get a decision here, how am I going to get one there?”
Hatton looked to have edged a close fight, throwing and landing more shots than his 38-year-old opponent.
But that wasn’t enough to see him emulate brother, Ricky, and claim his first world title.
A dejected Hatton said: “That’s the way the judges saw it. It was a tough fight, but I thought I won it. It is very disappointing. I’m my own worst critic, but I know when I watch the tape that I won that fight.
“I don’t care what Lovemore says, I won that fight. I threw more punches and landed more shots.”
Upon the final bell N’dou looked like a man ready to concede his title – and he looked as surprised as anyone in the arena when the fight adjudged to be a draw.
But afterwards he insisted he’d done enough to hold onto his belt.
“It was a tough fight, tougher than I expected,” he said. “But I felt I was always in control. You have got to take a title from the champion.”
That’s exactly what Hatton thought he’d done, constantly making the running against his veteran opponent.
Despite being caught by a number of heavy left hooks from N’dou, Hatton’s aggression and positive attitude looked to be enough to edge him the contest.
He visibly gained in energy as the fight wore on, while N’dou was reliant on the counter attack, which brought a certain amount of joy.
The first two judges scored the contest 115/114 to each fighter, while the third and decisive judge scored the fight 114/114.
The result was another disappointment for Hatton who fully expected to complete his road to redemption after defeat to Craig Watson in his bid for the Commonwealth title 18 months ago.
Heavy soul searching, a change of trainer and impressive victories against Ted Bami and Ben Tackie earned him his title shot last night – but he will have to do it all again if he is to truly announce himself on the world stage.
Ricky, watching on at ringside, looked as disappointed as his brother at the controversial result.
It was a major coup to secure a world title fight in his own backyard - whether Hatton will be given such a golden opportunity again remains to be seen.
Source: manchestereveningnews.co.uk
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Pacquiao-Cotto weigh in before match for packed house
By Greg Heakes, AFP
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Trainer Freddie Roach says fighting as a welterweight might become a regular thing for Manny Pacquiao because he is happier than he has ever seen him before a fight.
"If he couldn't eat the day before the weigh in he was mad at the world," said Roach. "He would be on edge because couldn't eat. Now he can have breakfast and lunch before the weigh in and he is smiling and I have a happy fighter."
Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto both weighed in Friday for their welterweight fight for Cotto's World Boxing Organization world title at the MGM Grand hotel and casino.
The fight is being fought at the catch weight of 145 pounds which is exactly what Cotto tipped the scales at.
Challenger Pacquiao weighed in at 144 pounds.
The fight has been sold out for weeks and there was a standing room only crowd of about 6,500 for Friday's official weigh in at Grand Garden Arena where it will take place.
Both fighters spoke briefly to their fans but did not engage each other and for the most part did not get together on the podium. There were words exchanged between Roach and Cotto's trainer Joe Santiago who Roach has labelled inexperienced.
The two had to be separated by their respective camps.
The weigh in had all the drama of a fight night as the pro-Cotto and pro-Pacquiao supporters took turns shouting each other down. Hollywood actor Jeremy Piven introduced both fighters and joked with Pacquiao about his reputation for late night partying.
"This is like the Jimmy Kimmel show. Funny," said Pacquiao, who weighed in wearing his boxers and a pair of white socks. "When I start to train for the fight there is no more night time. Thank you Filipinos for coming."
Cotto also thanked his supporters as he took the scales in just his underwear.
"Thanks for coming," Cotto said. "I will put on a great show. It will be a great day for Puerto Rico and Latin America people."
Organizers turned away thousands of boxing fans who waited outside the arena behind a barrier. Those lucky enough to get into the weigh in included some who began lining up at 5:30 am.
Roach said he is so pleased with the way training camp has gone the past couple of weeks he will try to get Pacquiao to fight again at this weight.
"People kill themselves to make weight. It is over-rated," Roach said. "When I have a happy fighter he fights well.
"He will be smiling in the ring walk and he is enjoying every bit of this."
Pacquiao will be trying to win his seventh world title in as many divisions and what amazes boxing experts is he hasn't show any signs of losing power as he fights heavier opponents.
Pacquiao's six titles came in a half dozen weight classes ranging from 112 to 140 pounds. He weighed just 106 pounds in his pro debut in 1995 and captured his first title in the 112-pound flyweight division.
"As he gains weight his speed and power are both improving and it is hard to explain why," Roach said. "He is comfortable at it so we are going to stay there."
Some heavy hitters were also in attendance at the weigh in including Antonio Margarito who is the only man to have taken down Cotto when he beat him in a controversial decision last year.
Asked to predict a winner Saturday, Margarito, who is under suspension for using illegal gloves in another fight, just shook his head and said no.
Filipino boxing fan Brian Shelledy, of Los Angeles, isn't shy about giving his opinion.
"Manny Pacquiao represents all the good values of Filipino people," said the 37-year-old computer technician. "He comes from a poor background and he shows respect and is humble."
New York policeman Gabriel Dones and shipping clerk Mike Maldonado flew in Thursday night from New York to cheer the Puerto Rican champ on.
"(Cotto) is going to win because Pacquiao hasn't fought anybody with Cotto's power," said Maldonado.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved.
Source: Google News
LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Trainer Freddie Roach says fighting as a welterweight might become a regular thing for Manny Pacquiao because he is happier than he has ever seen him before a fight.
"If he couldn't eat the day before the weigh in he was mad at the world," said Roach. "He would be on edge because couldn't eat. Now he can have breakfast and lunch before the weigh in and he is smiling and I have a happy fighter."
Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto both weighed in Friday for their welterweight fight for Cotto's World Boxing Organization world title at the MGM Grand hotel and casino.
The fight is being fought at the catch weight of 145 pounds which is exactly what Cotto tipped the scales at.
Challenger Pacquiao weighed in at 144 pounds.
The fight has been sold out for weeks and there was a standing room only crowd of about 6,500 for Friday's official weigh in at Grand Garden Arena where it will take place.
Both fighters spoke briefly to their fans but did not engage each other and for the most part did not get together on the podium. There were words exchanged between Roach and Cotto's trainer Joe Santiago who Roach has labelled inexperienced.
The two had to be separated by their respective camps.
The weigh in had all the drama of a fight night as the pro-Cotto and pro-Pacquiao supporters took turns shouting each other down. Hollywood actor Jeremy Piven introduced both fighters and joked with Pacquiao about his reputation for late night partying.
"This is like the Jimmy Kimmel show. Funny," said Pacquiao, who weighed in wearing his boxers and a pair of white socks. "When I start to train for the fight there is no more night time. Thank you Filipinos for coming."
Cotto also thanked his supporters as he took the scales in just his underwear.
"Thanks for coming," Cotto said. "I will put on a great show. It will be a great day for Puerto Rico and Latin America people."
Organizers turned away thousands of boxing fans who waited outside the arena behind a barrier. Those lucky enough to get into the weigh in included some who began lining up at 5:30 am.
Roach said he is so pleased with the way training camp has gone the past couple of weeks he will try to get Pacquiao to fight again at this weight.
"People kill themselves to make weight. It is over-rated," Roach said. "When I have a happy fighter he fights well.
"He will be smiling in the ring walk and he is enjoying every bit of this."
Pacquiao will be trying to win his seventh world title in as many divisions and what amazes boxing experts is he hasn't show any signs of losing power as he fights heavier opponents.
Pacquiao's six titles came in a half dozen weight classes ranging from 112 to 140 pounds. He weighed just 106 pounds in his pro debut in 1995 and captured his first title in the 112-pound flyweight division.
"As he gains weight his speed and power are both improving and it is hard to explain why," Roach said. "He is comfortable at it so we are going to stay there."
Some heavy hitters were also in attendance at the weigh in including Antonio Margarito who is the only man to have taken down Cotto when he beat him in a controversial decision last year.
Asked to predict a winner Saturday, Margarito, who is under suspension for using illegal gloves in another fight, just shook his head and said no.
Filipino boxing fan Brian Shelledy, of Los Angeles, isn't shy about giving his opinion.
"Manny Pacquiao represents all the good values of Filipino people," said the 37-year-old computer technician. "He comes from a poor background and he shows respect and is humble."
New York policeman Gabriel Dones and shipping clerk Mike Maldonado flew in Thursday night from New York to cheer the Puerto Rican champ on.
"(Cotto) is going to win because Pacquiao hasn't fought anybody with Cotto's power," said Maldonado.
Copyright © 2009 AFP. All rights reserved.
Source: Google News
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Trainers scuffle at Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto weigh-in
By Brett Okamoto, Las Vegas Sun
Freddie Roach had warned Miguel Cotto’s camp all week through the media that if Cotto weighed in even slightly over the agreed-upon 145-pound weight limit for the WBO welterweight title fight on Saturday, he would pull Manny Pacquiao from the event completely.
Pacquiao weighed in first at 144 pounds, then Cotto at 145. Roach put up his hands as if he were to say he was happy with Cotto’s weight, but then got into an argument with Cotto’s trainer, Joe Santiago, after Santiago approached him and said something.
Roach then began walking toward Santiago, who pointed to the scale and yelled, “Yeah, 145 (expletive)."
The incident didn’t escalate further, however the trainers were separated by Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who mouthed, “Just stop it,” to Roach.
“As you can see,” said actor Jeremy Piven from the stage, “there’s a lot of tension with this fight.”
The two fighters didn’t seem to notice the scuffle between their trainers, as Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KO) and Cotto (34-1, 27 KO) met centerstage in a traditional stare down for media members before briefly tapping each other on the arm.
After which Piven detained the fighters for a bit of colorful banter for the hundreds of fans that packed into the arena.
He even asked Pacquiao if it is his strategy to become abstinent during training for a fight.
“This is like the Jimmy Kimmel show,” Pacquiao said. “Once I start my training I have to focus on my fight so there is no more, I mean, there is no more night time.”
To Cotto, he asked if the efforts he makes to cut weight make him angry.
“I think everybody is unhappy when they can’t eat,” Cotto said. “But I’m pretty healthy. I ate well for this fight. My strength will be too much tomorrow night.”
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs also got a turn on the microphone. He called both fighters ‘warriors’ and said it was anyone’s guess how long the fight could last.
Retired boxer Roberto Duran, as well as Juan Manuel Lopez and Nonito Donaire were also in attendance.
Televised bouts:
WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title fight:
Jesus Soto-Karass (24-3-3, 16 KO), 147.5 pounds vs. Alfonso Gomez (20-4-2, 10 KO) 145.5 pounds
WBA Super Welterweight Title fight:
Yuri Foreman (27-0, 8 KO), 154 pounds vs. Daniel Santos (32-3-1, 23 KO), 154 pounds
Middleweight fight:
Troy Rowland (25-2, 7 KO), 159 pounds vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (40-0-1, 30 KO), 160 pounds
Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or brett.okamoto@lasvegassun.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
Freddie Roach had warned Miguel Cotto’s camp all week through the media that if Cotto weighed in even slightly over the agreed-upon 145-pound weight limit for the WBO welterweight title fight on Saturday, he would pull Manny Pacquiao from the event completely.
Pacquiao weighed in first at 144 pounds, then Cotto at 145. Roach put up his hands as if he were to say he was happy with Cotto’s weight, but then got into an argument with Cotto’s trainer, Joe Santiago, after Santiago approached him and said something.
Roach then began walking toward Santiago, who pointed to the scale and yelled, “Yeah, 145 (expletive)."
The incident didn’t escalate further, however the trainers were separated by Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who mouthed, “Just stop it,” to Roach.
“As you can see,” said actor Jeremy Piven from the stage, “there’s a lot of tension with this fight.”
The two fighters didn’t seem to notice the scuffle between their trainers, as Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KO) and Cotto (34-1, 27 KO) met centerstage in a traditional stare down for media members before briefly tapping each other on the arm.
After which Piven detained the fighters for a bit of colorful banter for the hundreds of fans that packed into the arena.
He even asked Pacquiao if it is his strategy to become abstinent during training for a fight.
“This is like the Jimmy Kimmel show,” Pacquiao said. “Once I start my training I have to focus on my fight so there is no more, I mean, there is no more night time.”
To Cotto, he asked if the efforts he makes to cut weight make him angry.
“I think everybody is unhappy when they can’t eat,” Cotto said. “But I’m pretty healthy. I ate well for this fight. My strength will be too much tomorrow night.”
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs also got a turn on the microphone. He called both fighters ‘warriors’ and said it was anyone’s guess how long the fight could last.
Retired boxer Roberto Duran, as well as Juan Manuel Lopez and Nonito Donaire were also in attendance.
Televised bouts:
WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title fight:
Jesus Soto-Karass (24-3-3, 16 KO), 147.5 pounds vs. Alfonso Gomez (20-4-2, 10 KO) 145.5 pounds
WBA Super Welterweight Title fight:
Yuri Foreman (27-0, 8 KO), 154 pounds vs. Daniel Santos (32-3-1, 23 KO), 154 pounds
Middleweight fight:
Troy Rowland (25-2, 7 KO), 159 pounds vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (40-0-1, 30 KO), 160 pounds
Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or brett.okamoto@lasvegassun.com.
Source: lasvegassun.com
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Capacity weigh-in portends great things for Saturday fight
By Bart Barry, 15rounds.com
LAS VEGAS – If there’s anything to be said for weigh-ins acting as preambles to super fights, “Firepower” promises to be like nothing boxing has seen for a long time. Then again, what could possibly be the fight-night corollary for a sold-out weigh-in?
That was what happened Friday afternoon at the Grand Garden Arena when the Las Vegas fire marshal – apparently expecting a typically sized gathering – had to close the weigh-in to the public more than 120 minutes before Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto would take the scales, when attendance at the weigh-in swelled to 7,000 raucous spectators.
Pacquiao weighed 144 pounds and hit his signature most-muscular pose with a physique bodybuilders call “shredded.” Cotto, coming down in weight to defend his WBO welterweight title, wore a drawn 145-pound physique better than expected.
The weigh-in was emceed by Jeremy Piven – Ari Gold on HBO’s “Entourage” – who cleverly said before Pacquiao’s climb on the scale: “The only other human being to appear in seven weight classes is Kirstie Alley.”
Shortly after Cotto stepped off the scale, a slight altercation ensued with the fighters’ trainers jawboning and feinting. The short-lived confrontation apparently happened when Cotto’s trainer Jose Santiago noted the weight of his fighter then said to Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach, “One forty-five, asshole!”
The fighters, though, typically remained class acts throughout, posing amiably together for pictures and graciously answering Piven’s odd questions, including one that treated Pacquiao’s pre-fight abstinence program.
Finally, the weigh-in was an uncommonly electric event. It portends only great things for tomorrow’s fight.
15rounds.com will have full ringside coverage of the full card.
Source: 15rounds.com
LAS VEGAS – If there’s anything to be said for weigh-ins acting as preambles to super fights, “Firepower” promises to be like nothing boxing has seen for a long time. Then again, what could possibly be the fight-night corollary for a sold-out weigh-in?
That was what happened Friday afternoon at the Grand Garden Arena when the Las Vegas fire marshal – apparently expecting a typically sized gathering – had to close the weigh-in to the public more than 120 minutes before Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto would take the scales, when attendance at the weigh-in swelled to 7,000 raucous spectators.
Pacquiao weighed 144 pounds and hit his signature most-muscular pose with a physique bodybuilders call “shredded.” Cotto, coming down in weight to defend his WBO welterweight title, wore a drawn 145-pound physique better than expected.
The weigh-in was emceed by Jeremy Piven – Ari Gold on HBO’s “Entourage” – who cleverly said before Pacquiao’s climb on the scale: “The only other human being to appear in seven weight classes is Kirstie Alley.”
Shortly after Cotto stepped off the scale, a slight altercation ensued with the fighters’ trainers jawboning and feinting. The short-lived confrontation apparently happened when Cotto’s trainer Jose Santiago noted the weight of his fighter then said to Pacquiao trainer Freddie Roach, “One forty-five, asshole!”
The fighters, though, typically remained class acts throughout, posing amiably together for pictures and graciously answering Piven’s odd questions, including one that treated Pacquiao’s pre-fight abstinence program.
Finally, the weigh-in was an uncommonly electric event. It portends only great things for tomorrow’s fight.
15rounds.com will have full ringside coverage of the full card.
Source: 15rounds.com
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Video: Ricky Hatton says Miguel Cotto might do it!
Boxing News World
Source: YouTube
Watch the original video at Sky Sports http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid29318049001?bctid=50206945001
Source: YouTube
Watch the original video at Sky Sports http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid29318049001?bctid=50206945001
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Prediction: Pacquiao will stop Cotto!
By Geoffrey Ciani, East Side Boxing
Weigh-In results: Manny Pacquiao 144 vs Miguel Cotto 145 l Daniel Santos 154 vs Yuri Foreman 154 l Julio Cesar Chavez 160 vs Troy Rowland 159 l Alfonso Gomez 145.5 vs Jesus Soto-Karass 148 l Matt Korobov 160.5 vs James Winchester 158
I have underestimated Manny Pacquiao time and time again. I picked against him in his rematch with Eric Morales, I picked against him in his rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, and I made myself look like a complete ahole when I penned an article entitled De La Hoya Will Inevitably Beat Pacquiao. Even when I thought Pacquiao would emerge victorious I’ve still managed to underestimated him, as was the case when he recently made quick work of Ricky Hatton in a fight I expected to be very competitive. After that, I swore to myself that I would never underestimate Manny Pacquiao again..
Considering my track record, one would think I am not thoroughly impressed by Pacquiao. Nothing could be further from the truth. I remember being absolutely mesmerized back in November 2003 when he totally dominated Marco Antonio Barrera. At the time it was inconceivable to imagine anyone overwhelming Barrera with such speed, power, and ferociousness. No matter what Barrera did, he was unable to put a stop to Pacquiao’s relentless assault which was mercifully halted in the eleventh round. That fight was almost six years ago to do the day and the most frightening thing is, Pacquiao has improved tremendously since then. Under the guidance of Freddie Roach, he has become a complete fighter who has honed his skills and mastered his craft.
Pacquiao will be facing his toughest opponent to date when he squares off against Puerto Rican pugilist Miguel Cotto. Cotto is a strong, quick fighter who will have a natural size advantage. He can punch well, he throws nice combinations, and he has exhibited heart and courage inside the ring. He has faced and overcome adversity in the past. This is a fight that Cotto can certainly win. The big question is, can Manny Pacquiao handle the punching power of a natural welterweight? We simply do not know. In his previous two contests against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, he never got hit with anything big. Of course, Oscar was moving down from junior middleweight and the Hatton fight was at junior welter, but since he moved up after having just one fight at lightweight, Pacquiao’s dominance has been so thorough that his chin has not been properly tested.
This is a fight that Miguel Cotto can certainly win. In order for him to do so, he is going to have to exploit his natural size advantage. He needs to rough Pacquiao up in close quarters and try to pin him against the ropes so that Pacquiao cannot create the space he needs to find his flashy in-and-out rhythm. For Cotto to be successful, he is going to need to get Pacquiao’s respect early by landing something big. If he can do that, and make Pacquiao more reluctant to open up, he will have a good chance. However, if Cotto cannot gain Pacquiao’s respect and cannot hurt him with something serious during the first three or four rounds, there is a strong likelihood that his stamina will fail him. Cotto has a tendency to tire out in the later rounds, and in his last fight with Joshua Clottey, he appeared to be winded as early as the fifth round. It is imperative for Cotto to make a statement early.
Pacquiao is a master at utilizing his style of fighting to his advantage. He has a tremendous ability to find openings during exchanges and he has pinpoint punching precision. Against Cotto, he will have an advantage in terms of speed, both hand and foot. Pacquiao needs to maintain a safe distance so he can dart in and out and establish a rhythm, whereby he lands shots and avoids being hit with any return fire. Although we have no way of knowing whether or not Pacquiao can withstand Cotto’s best shots, I tend to think he should be okay. Pacquiao simply loves to fight! He seems to thrive in situations where the challenge before him is perceived as a major threat, and he has faced no bigger threat than Cotto. I foresee a back-and-forth see-saw battle that ultimately sees Pacquiao take control of the action by the start of the fifth round.
At the end of the day, I am expecting (and hoping for) a terrific fight that will be highly competitive.
My Prediction: Pacquiao TKO8
***
To contact Ciani:
ciani@eastsideboxing.com
To read more by Ciani please visit The Mushroom Mag:
http://www.eatthemushroom.com/mag
To hear more from Ciani, be sure to tune in every Monday at 6pm ET to listen to On the Ropes—the #1 boxing radio program on Blogtalk Radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/On-The-Ropes
Source: eastsideboxing.com
Weigh-In results: Manny Pacquiao 144 vs Miguel Cotto 145 l Daniel Santos 154 vs Yuri Foreman 154 l Julio Cesar Chavez 160 vs Troy Rowland 159 l Alfonso Gomez 145.5 vs Jesus Soto-Karass 148 l Matt Korobov 160.5 vs James Winchester 158
I have underestimated Manny Pacquiao time and time again. I picked against him in his rematch with Eric Morales, I picked against him in his rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, and I made myself look like a complete ahole when I penned an article entitled De La Hoya Will Inevitably Beat Pacquiao. Even when I thought Pacquiao would emerge victorious I’ve still managed to underestimated him, as was the case when he recently made quick work of Ricky Hatton in a fight I expected to be very competitive. After that, I swore to myself that I would never underestimate Manny Pacquiao again..
Considering my track record, one would think I am not thoroughly impressed by Pacquiao. Nothing could be further from the truth. I remember being absolutely mesmerized back in November 2003 when he totally dominated Marco Antonio Barrera. At the time it was inconceivable to imagine anyone overwhelming Barrera with such speed, power, and ferociousness. No matter what Barrera did, he was unable to put a stop to Pacquiao’s relentless assault which was mercifully halted in the eleventh round. That fight was almost six years ago to do the day and the most frightening thing is, Pacquiao has improved tremendously since then. Under the guidance of Freddie Roach, he has become a complete fighter who has honed his skills and mastered his craft.
Pacquiao will be facing his toughest opponent to date when he squares off against Puerto Rican pugilist Miguel Cotto. Cotto is a strong, quick fighter who will have a natural size advantage. He can punch well, he throws nice combinations, and he has exhibited heart and courage inside the ring. He has faced and overcome adversity in the past. This is a fight that Cotto can certainly win. The big question is, can Manny Pacquiao handle the punching power of a natural welterweight? We simply do not know. In his previous two contests against Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, he never got hit with anything big. Of course, Oscar was moving down from junior middleweight and the Hatton fight was at junior welter, but since he moved up after having just one fight at lightweight, Pacquiao’s dominance has been so thorough that his chin has not been properly tested.
This is a fight that Miguel Cotto can certainly win. In order for him to do so, he is going to have to exploit his natural size advantage. He needs to rough Pacquiao up in close quarters and try to pin him against the ropes so that Pacquiao cannot create the space he needs to find his flashy in-and-out rhythm. For Cotto to be successful, he is going to need to get Pacquiao’s respect early by landing something big. If he can do that, and make Pacquiao more reluctant to open up, he will have a good chance. However, if Cotto cannot gain Pacquiao’s respect and cannot hurt him with something serious during the first three or four rounds, there is a strong likelihood that his stamina will fail him. Cotto has a tendency to tire out in the later rounds, and in his last fight with Joshua Clottey, he appeared to be winded as early as the fifth round. It is imperative for Cotto to make a statement early.
Pacquiao is a master at utilizing his style of fighting to his advantage. He has a tremendous ability to find openings during exchanges and he has pinpoint punching precision. Against Cotto, he will have an advantage in terms of speed, both hand and foot. Pacquiao needs to maintain a safe distance so he can dart in and out and establish a rhythm, whereby he lands shots and avoids being hit with any return fire. Although we have no way of knowing whether or not Pacquiao can withstand Cotto’s best shots, I tend to think he should be okay. Pacquiao simply loves to fight! He seems to thrive in situations where the challenge before him is perceived as a major threat, and he has faced no bigger threat than Cotto. I foresee a back-and-forth see-saw battle that ultimately sees Pacquiao take control of the action by the start of the fifth round.
At the end of the day, I am expecting (and hoping for) a terrific fight that will be highly competitive.
My Prediction: Pacquiao TKO8
***
To contact Ciani:
ciani@eastsideboxing.com
To read more by Ciani please visit The Mushroom Mag:
http://www.eatthemushroom.com/mag
To hear more from Ciani, be sure to tune in every Monday at 6pm ET to listen to On the Ropes—the #1 boxing radio program on Blogtalk Radio:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/On-The-Ropes
Source: eastsideboxing.com
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Video: Manny Pacquiao - Miguel Cotto Weigh in
Boxing News World
Source: YouTube (Credit to Boxeo Mundial)
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube (Credit to ESPN Sports)
Source: YouTube (Credit to Boxeo Mundial)
Source: YouTube
Source: YouTube (Credit to ESPN Sports)
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Pacquiao, Cotto, make weight for fight
The Associated Press
LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao weighed in at 144 pounds, his heaviest ever, while Miguel Cotto came in at the contract limit of 145 pounds for their scheduled 12-round fight.
A raucous crowd of about 7,000, some of whom had been waiting for hours, was on hand Friday at the MGM Grand to see both fighters make weight for the bout.
Pacquiao, who began boxing at 105 pounds, weighed 2 pounds more than the 142 he weighed last year when he stopped Oscar De La Hoya. He was 138 pounds for his last fight, a second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton.
Cotto was the lightest he has been since weighing 145 pounds when he defeated Zab Judah two years ago.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Source: Google News
LAS VEGAS — Manny Pacquiao weighed in at 144 pounds, his heaviest ever, while Miguel Cotto came in at the contract limit of 145 pounds for their scheduled 12-round fight.
A raucous crowd of about 7,000, some of whom had been waiting for hours, was on hand Friday at the MGM Grand to see both fighters make weight for the bout.
Pacquiao, who began boxing at 105 pounds, weighed 2 pounds more than the 142 he weighed last year when he stopped Oscar De La Hoya. He was 138 pounds for his last fight, a second-round knockout of Ricky Hatton.
Cotto was the lightest he has been since weighing 145 pounds when he defeated Zab Judah two years ago.
Copyright © 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
Source: Google News
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Pacquiao weighs in one pound lighter than Cotto
By Mark Lamport-Stokes, REUTERS
LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Challenger Manny Pacquiao weighed in just one pound lighter than Miguel Cotto as the Filipino was greeted by deafening cheers from his supporters on the eve of Saturday's WBO welterweight title fight.
Pacquiao, 49-3-2 (37 knockouts), tipped the scales at 144 pounds in front of a boisterous crowd of about 6,500 at the MGM Grand Hotel's Garden Arena.
Puerto Rican Cotto, 34-1 (27 KOs), was right on the limit for the scheduled 12-round bout which will be fought at a contracted weight of 145 pounds.
Although Cotto has won a world title every year since 2004 and will be competing in his natural division, Pacquiao is widely viewed as the favorite.
The Filipino southpaw, who has never previously fought above light-welterweight, will be bidding to win a seventh world title in an unprecedented seventh weight class.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
Source: reuters.com
LAS VEGAS (Reuters) - Challenger Manny Pacquiao weighed in just one pound lighter than Miguel Cotto as the Filipino was greeted by deafening cheers from his supporters on the eve of Saturday's WBO welterweight title fight.
Pacquiao, 49-3-2 (37 knockouts), tipped the scales at 144 pounds in front of a boisterous crowd of about 6,500 at the MGM Grand Hotel's Garden Arena.
Puerto Rican Cotto, 34-1 (27 KOs), was right on the limit for the scheduled 12-round bout which will be fought at a contracted weight of 145 pounds.
Although Cotto has won a world title every year since 2004 and will be competing in his natural division, Pacquiao is widely viewed as the favorite.
The Filipino southpaw, who has never previously fought above light-welterweight, will be bidding to win a seventh world title in an unprecedented seventh weight class.
(Editing by Ken Ferris)
Source: reuters.com
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Hatt’s off to champ Cotto
The Sun
RICKY HATTON believes his recent conqueror Manny Pacquiao will be on the receiving end in Las Vegas tonight.
Pacman bids to become a six-weight world champion when he challenges for Miguel Cotto's WBO welter title.
The fearsome Filipino knocked out Hatton inside two rounds in May, but the Manchester idol reckons it is Manny's turn to be seeing stars.
Hatton, 31, said: "I hope he wins, but really fancy Cotto to be too much for him.
"Manny said I hurt him, but I don't remember that because I'd already been down twice when he says it happened.
"If I hurt him then you have to think a big, natural welterweight like Cotto will have too much size and power."
Puerto Rican Cotto warned: "If Pacquiao thinks his power can beat me, then he is wrong.
"He has picked the wrong time and the wrong man in the wrong division."
Source: thesun.co.uk
RICKY HATTON believes his recent conqueror Manny Pacquiao will be on the receiving end in Las Vegas tonight.
Pacman bids to become a six-weight world champion when he challenges for Miguel Cotto's WBO welter title.
The fearsome Filipino knocked out Hatton inside two rounds in May, but the Manchester idol reckons it is Manny's turn to be seeing stars.
Hatton, 31, said: "I hope he wins, but really fancy Cotto to be too much for him.
"Manny said I hurt him, but I don't remember that because I'd already been down twice when he says it happened.
"If I hurt him then you have to think a big, natural welterweight like Cotto will have too much size and power."
Puerto Rican Cotto warned: "If Pacquiao thinks his power can beat me, then he is wrong.
"He has picked the wrong time and the wrong man in the wrong division."
Source: thesun.co.uk
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