Pacquiao versus Cotto: A Day Before The Fight

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.

The atmosphere was electric as the two fighters made their way on to a raised stage for Friday's televised weigh-in where former boxing great Roberto Duran and undefeated WBO super bantamweight Juan Manuel Lopez were among those attending.

Shouts of "Manny, Manny" and "Cotto, Cotto" echoed before the tracksuit-clad boxers finally emerged and Pacquiao lived up to his billing as the people's champion by blowing kisses to the fans before he stepped on to the scales.

Cotto, who also wore headphones over a balaclava, then followed. A natural 147-pounder, he told the crowd he had no problem making the weight limit.

"I'm pretty healthy and my strength is too much for tomorrow," the 29-year-old said.

The Puerto Rican will be fighting for the first time since he retained his WBO title with a split decision win over Ghana's Joshua Clottey in June.

Pacquiao, 30, last fought in May when he delivered a stunning second round knockout of Britain's Ricky Hatton at the MGM Grand to claim the IBO light welterweight crown.

(Editing by Julian Linden)

This article is from news.yahoo.com



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PACQUIAO versus COTTO: “The way Manny and Miguel are talking about it, it could be like the three-round war between Hagler and Hearns,” says veteran promoter Bob Arum

Could Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto recreate 8 minutes of ring mayhem as Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hearns did 24 years ago ?

Promoter Bob Arum thinks it is possible.

Hagler v Hearns, at Caesars Palace, Las Vegas, in April 1985, is regarded by many as the most exciting eight minutes in fight history, with Hagler the winner by a technical knockout in the third round. It was Fight of the Year after both men went at it from the opening bell like men possessed.

Miguel Cotto against Manny Pacquiao brings together two fighters who are sporting icons in Puerto Rico and the Philippines respectively, and who are regarded as boxing’s No 3 and No 1 pound-for-pound, respectively, at present.

Cotto, 29, a two-weight world champion, has fought at welterweight for three years, and has been beaten only once in 35 contests, while Pacquiao, 30, attempts to win a seventh world title in a seventh weight division, which has seen him come up over eight years from flyweight to welterweight. He has been beaten twice in his 55-fight career, with two draws.

Although this contest is taking place at 145lbs, Cotto’s World Boxing Organisation welterweight (147lb) crown is on the table.

When Hagler and Hearns met in 1985, for the WBC, WBA and IBF middleweight titles, Hagler was 30, and had lost only twice, much earlier in his career, while Hearns was 26 and had been beaten just once, stopped in the 14th round by Sugar Ray Leonard.

Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, visited both training camps – in Baguio City in the Philippines and Tampa, Florida.

“The way Manny and Miguel are talking about it, it could be like the three-round war between Hagler and Hearns,” the veteran promoter Arum told Telegraph Sport. “The conventional wisdom is that Cotto is best when he’s aggressive, but I don’t know if he feels he can be aggressive with this guy from the get-go. But if Cotto is aggressive, though, it could be a Hagler v Hearns all over again.”

This article is from blogs.telegraph.co.uk

Manny Pacquiao wants to fight the best fighters

MANILA - People's Champ and the world's pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao on Saturday (Sunday in Manila) said he wants to ensure his boxing legacy by fighting the best boxers in the world.

In a livestreaming event sponsored by Nike, Pacquiao said his family and the Filipino people continue to inspire him to excel in the boxing ring.

"When I started boxing I was young. I was 12. But then I kept winning and winning. I love boxing and I started fighting," he said during the "Under The Hood" livestream event sponsored by Nike.

Asked which fighter past or present that he still wants to take on in the ring, he said: "I want to fight the best fighters."

One person asked Pacquiao how he would fare against former heavyweight champ Mike Tyson if the latter was still in his prime. He replied: "Maybe I can fight Tyson in a video game."

Pacquiao said he spends about two months to prepare and condition himself everytime he goes into a fight. Manny is set to take on Puerto Rican pugilist and World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king Miguel Cotto on November 14.

Pacquiao has won six world titles in six different divisions, a distinction he shares with no less than the "Golden Boy" Oscar De La Hoya whom he defeated last year. A win over Cotto will make the General Santos native the only boxer in the world to win seven titles in seven weight divisions.

During the chat, Team Pacquiao members Freddie Roach, Alex Ariza and Buboy Fernandez praised Pacquiao for his work ethic and dedication to the sport.

"The best part [about working with Manny] is the fact that I don't have to motivate him...Wherever he is, he's 100 percent," Ariza said.

Roach said Pacquiao's now legendary bouts with Mexican Erik Morales remains memorable to the team.

"The rematch with Erik Morales. Of course we just devastated him. It was the first time we started using the right hand. We started working it and now it's as good [as the left]," he said.

US actors Emile Hirsch, Mario Lopez and Mark Wahlberg also wished Pacquiao luck in his upcoming fight with Cotto.

"You're humble, you love God and you love your people and that's why people love you," Wahlberg said in a video greeting. He also asked Pacquiao to send him more shoes "because everyone is asking about the shoes."

At the end of the chat, Melissa R., a Filipina who won 1st runner-up in the reality TV search 'Pussycat Dolls Present: The Search for the Next Doll', serenaded Pacquiao with her own rendition of Manny's song "Lahing Pinoy" before eventually being joined by the People's Champ. - David Dizon, abs-cbnNEWS.com

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Manny Pacquiao would endure anything for flag and country

HOLLYWOOD – Manny Pacquiao would endure anything for flag and country.

That’s why a little pain while performing abdominal exercises, at the end part of his training on Thursday (Friday in Manila), is nothing as long as you have millions of your countrymen supporting you.

“Sakripisyo. Konting tiis," Pacquiao, who grimaces in pain, repeatedly said while doing the work out with help of assistant trainer Nonoy Neri.

For Pacquiao, the eight weeks of hard training comes to an end on Saturday (Nov. 14) next week when he finally meets Miguel Cotto in the ring and vies for the Puerto Rican’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the MGM Grand.

Now in the final phase of a two-month preparation that kicked off in the mountains of the Cordilleras and about to end in the sunny but cool weather of Los Angeles’ Wild Card gym, the 30-year old Filipino admitted that he already feels great and ready against an opponent who only had a single loss to show in 35 professional fights.

“We’re doing great in training. I already feel strong for the 12-round fight," said the boxing superstar as he concluded another round of sparring (six rounds) against Urbano Antillon and Rey Beltran.

So far, Pacquiao already sparred a total of 144 rounds, with a total of eight more scheduled on Saturday and possibly, Monday, before his entourage leave for Las Vegas.

Buboy Fernandez, the other Filipino trainer of Pacquiao, said they’ve already reached their total target of sparring rounds, but wouldn’t mind going beyond that.

“Lahat-lahat siguro around 152 to 156 rounds ang aabutin dahil may scheduled na two sparring days pa," said the jolly Filipino trainer.

Pacquiao, the world’s top pound-for-pound fighter, said that the reigning WBO welterweight champion Cotto is the bigger and stronger fighter between them.

“He also punches hard. But I am confident about myself because I know I have been training very hard." he added. “I am ready to fight and I promise to do my best to win."

Three-time Trainer of the Year Freddie Roach agreed. “Manny’s happy. He’s in a good mood and we’re right on schedule."

As usual, Roach noted that his famous ward again played a little bit during training.
“But when he wanted to turn it on, his form was there."

Pacquiao began the day by running for 25 minutes at the La Brea Park, just a block away from his high-end apartment at The Palazzo, and then ended it with a 10-minute interview by the HBO crew at the Wild Card gym shortly after training. – GMANews.TV

This article is from www.gmanews.tv

Pacquiao versus Cotto: “It’s 50-50," says Mickey Rourke

HOLLYWOOD – Mickey Rourke has been a disciple of trainer par excellence Freddie Roach and is known to be chummy with boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

But when asked of his thoughts about Pacquiao’s 12-round title fight against Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt, the American actor and Academy award nominee said things are going to be even.

“It’s 50-50," Rourke shot back when pressed on who he favored to win the bout.

Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao, right, poses with actor Mickey Rourke after a media workout in Los Angeles, Wednesday (Tthursday in Manila). Pacquiao will face Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto in a welterweight boxing match in Las Vegas on Nov 14. AP

A one-time boxer in the early 90s who had no less than Roach for trainer, Rourke came over at the Wild Card gym here coinciding with the two-hour long media workout of the 30-year old Pacquiao.

The 57-year old Rourke, whose portrayal of Randy “The Ram" Robinson in the 2008 movie “The Wrestler" earned him an Oscar Best Actor nomination, shook hands and had a pleasant conversation with Roach, and later on, had a photo op with Pacquiao while the pound-for-pound king was in training.

But he appeared less gracious when his thoughts about the WBO championship fight were raised.

Rourke said Pacquiao beating Cotto is not as easy as learning A-B-C.

“I don’t think Cotto would be a walk in the park," said the veteran actor. “He’s gonna be strong. Cotto is the bigger fighter and a very good fighter."

However, one thing going for Manny, according to him, is the Filipino superstar’s vaunted speed.

“Speed would be able to offset Cotto’s power. Speed is more important than power. Manny has got to stay away from Cotto’s range since he (Cotto) can bang with both hands," Rourke said.

Rourke knows where he’s speaking from.

After briefly staying away from acting in 1991, Rourke relived his love for the sport of prizefighting by turning pro under Roach’s watchful eyes.

He was undefeated in eight fights with two of them ending up in draw.

“I would have lost if I haven’t had Freddie, coz my training habit wasn’t that good," he said of his short-lived boxing career.

Rourke would quit boxing soon after, giving to Roach all his equipment that can still be found now at the Wild Card gym.

“He’s my best friend. I wouldn’t be here now (Wild Card gym). He’s the one who brought me here," said Roach in acknowledging all the help Rourke did while the three-time Trainer of the Year was still starting off with his famous sweatshop at Vine St.

Given the chance, Rourke said he’s more than willing to accept a role should a Hollywood movie on Pacquiao be made.

And he already had an idea on who is he going to play.

“I would do the Freddie roach story but I would have to wait 20 years from now," he said, teasing Roach as being too old for him to play. – GMANews.TV

This article is from www.gmanews.tv

Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao, on the cover of TIME Magazine's Asia edition

MANILA - The Philippines' most successful boxer Manny 'Pacman' Pacquiao is on the cover of TIME Magazine's Asia edition, boxing website fightnews.com reported.

Pacquiao, who is aiming for an unprecedented seventh title in seven weight divisions, is featured by the prestigious magazine in a five-page story.

The story will also be included in the magazine's global editions, the boxing news site said.

The magazine will be out on newsstands starting this weekend.

"I absolutely had no idea that when I started my career in boxing, to provide a better life for myself and my family, that I would now be where I am today and on the cover of TIME Magazine," the news site quoted Pacquiao as saying.

The Filipino said being featured in the magazine is the "most humbling experience" in his boxing career.

He said "it is a great honor for me to be the face of my people and let everyone know we are a small but mighty country."

Pacquiao is set to face Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 14 (November 15, Sunday, in Manila).

The Filipino boxer would clinch his seventh title in seven different weight divisions if he wins against the Puerto Rican.

Pacquiao has defeated several boxing greats, including "Golden Boy" Oscar de la Hoya. He may also get to face American Floyd Mayweather if he wins against Cotto.

After taking on de la Hoya on December 2008, Pacquiao knocked down Britain's Ricky Hatton last May.

Pacquiao has won titles in the junior welterweight, lightweight, super featherweight, featherweight, super bantamweight and flyweight divisions.

This article is from www.abs-cbnnews.com

Freddie Roach is ready to part ways with his hard-earned $3,000 money as bet for a win by Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao

HOLLYWOOD – Proof of how confident Freddie Roach is that Manny Pacquiao will knock out Miguel Cotto in their Nov. 14 gig for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight crown, the celebrated trainer is ready to part ways with his hard-earned $3,000 money as bet for a win by the Filipino ring icon.

Roach said it could be a knockout as early as the first round or late in the ninth or 10th round.

“I put a thousand ($1,000) on the first round. I put a thousand on nine and 10," said Roach point blank after supervising Pacquiao’s sparring session Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila) when he went eight rounds with Urbano Antillon and Rey Beltran at the Wild Card gym here.

Roach never doubted Pacquiao is also going to demolish Cotto the way he did previously against Ricky Hatton, Oscar De La Hoya, Juan Manuel Marquez, Marco Antonio Barrera, Eric Morales and David Diaz, to name a few.

And while he initially sees it as a decision win for the Filipino boxing champion, Roach has since made up his stand and predicted it to be by KO.

He even boldly declared that Pacquiao, who later in the night appeared in the popular show Jimmy Kimmel Live on ABC, can take the reigning WBO welterweight title holder inside one round.

“He (Cotto) gets hit early and if we hurt him early, we’re going to take him down," said Roach of their fight plan.

Roach even mentioned Cotto’s penchant of getting peeved when hit early on, proof of how thoroughly he has studied the Puerto Rican ever since the fight was formally sealed in July.

“If Cotto gets hit early, there will be fouls and there will be low blows. These will be premeditated, so I don’t think the referee have to wait a second time (before disqualifying) him," said the three-time Trainer of the Year.

When showed of a semi-naked Cotto whose well-chiseled body bore a lot of tattoos, Roach vows to add more of them.

“He likes tattoos, so we’re going to put more tattoos, this time on his face," he said smiling.

Further reinforcing Roach’s belief on a Pacquiao win had been the way the 30-year old pound-for-pound king is conducting himself in training camp, now on its final week.

The 49-year old Roach said training is back to normal for Pacquiao following the series of distractions that hounded the camp early on when it was held in Manila.

“I’m happy with everything and he’s where I want him to be," said Roach, who bared the Filipino will spar six more rounds on Thursday and finally four on Saturday before heading to Las Vegas two days later.

But Roach said Pacquiao should be wise enough to avoid engaging Cotto on the ropes, saying “our fight is in the middle of the ring."

“We have to do a good job of staying out of the ropes. Foot speed and hand speed, then picked him apart," said Roach.

Unlike him who doesn’t want to engage Cotto should the champion goes beyond 145 pounds, Roach said Pacquiao is more than willing to fight him at any weight, at any time. “Manny will fight (Cotto) at any weight. Manny will fight King Kong." – GMANews.TV

This article is from www.gmanews.tv/

Philippine Politicians Wants to Watch Pacquiao Live at Las Vegas

MANILA, NOVEMBER 4, 2009 (STAR) Lawmakers and other public officials planning to watch live the much-awaited bout between Filipino boxing champ Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas should be sensitive to the plight of Filipinos still reeling from the devastation caused by the recent severe weather disturbances, a Palace spokesman said yesterday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo issued the statement following reports that at least 20 congressmen are expected to watch the fight that could cost thousands of dollars per head depending on the air fare and hotel accommodations.

She said the Palace is joining the rest of the people in wishing Pacquiao victory over his opponent.

Pacquiao is slated to challenge Cotto for the latter’s World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight belt on Nov. 15 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Fajardo said she was not aware of any member of the Cabinet watching the fight. It was not also clear whether First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, a huge Pacquiao fan, would go to Las Vegas.

“I think they (lawmakers and other public officials) are mature and responsible individuals and they know what their priorities are, like pending bills,” she said. “They should know if they have to leave the country or not.”

“We can support Manny Pacquiao in other ways. We don’t need to go there (Las Vegas) to give our moral support,” she said.

Fajardo said their respective constituents would be the first to judge the actions of their representatives.

“I’d like to believe that they should be sensitive, especially with regard to their constituents, especially that the elections are approaching,” she said.

She stressed that unlike Cabinet officials, members of Congress are not required to seek permission from Malacañang when traveling abroad.

“Everyone also has the right and to go abroad and to watch Manny Pacquiao if they want to. For as long as they do not neglect their work here or in their respective agencies,” she said.

“I’m not saying they should stay. As I said it is their decision, not ours,” she said.

“But we just wish Manny Pacquiao well and we’re praying for him. We hope that he knows that his countrymen are all supporting him,” Fajardo said. – Paolo Romero

This article is from www.newsflash.org

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Jose Luis Castillo is very impressed with Manny Pacquiao

Jose Luis Castillo, who is one of Manny Pacquiao's sparring partners for the November 14th showdown with Miguel Cotto, is very impressed so far. Castillo believes that Manny is bigger and faster than Floyd Mayweather Jr. Castillo lost two close decisions to Mayweather during the early part of the decade when both were at 135lbs. Castillo also says Manny is a much harder puncher.

According to Jose Luis Castillo, Filipino warrior Manny Pacquiao is faster than Floyd Mayweather Jr. Castillo gave Mayweather two of the hardest fights in his career. There are many who think Castillo may have won the first encounter. Castillo was recruited as a sparring partner for Pacquiao's training camp in Baguio City. The Mexican fighter's body punching style was used to prepare Pacquiao for the November 14 bout with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach told doghouseboxing.com that Castillo informed him that Manny is a faster fighter than Mayweather. It's interesting because Castillo and Mayweather fought at 135-pounds. That would mean Pacquiao is a faster at 147 than Mayweather was at 135. Pacquiao vs Mayweather is the biggest fight in boxing and there is a heavy debate on which of the two fighters is actually faster. Castillo also told him that Pacquiao is a much harder puncher.

"I will tell you this, Jose Luis Castillo who fought Mayweather twice, told me that Manny is much faster and hits way harder. That was after just sparring with Manny for a couple of days," Roach said.

Roach does not buy the "size matters" logic when it comes to certain people picking Cotto to beat his fighter. He doesn't think size will play a role in the contest.

"They are a half inch apart [in height]. When you look at the pictures of them together, they look very similar in height and weight. But the thing is, Oscar was too big, Hatton was too strong, I’ve heard all those excuses before. Strength and height does not win fights, ability wins fights. Manny is a better boxer than Cotto," Roach said.

source

MANNY PACQUIAO Labelled as One of the "Top Five Boxers of All Time"

Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has labelled his charge one of the "top five boxers of all time" as he prepares to face Miguel Cotto in his latest bout.

The Filipino meets Cotto on November 14 - a fight which will see the 'Pac Man' bid for his seventh world title at a sixth different weight.

Roach said: "Fighting Miguel Cotto for a seventh world title is going to be unbelievable because Manny is a throwback. He is like a Henry Armstrong type. You don't have fighters like that today that move up in weight like this to win championships in all of these different weight divisions.

"He is carrying his punch and his power with him along with his speed. He is just getting better and better in the ring. This is just one of the greatest achievements ever. He is passing people like Sugar Ray Leonard who was a six-time world champion, Tommy Hearns. He is in the level of the top five fighters of all time of any era."

The Puerto Rican's WBO welterweight belt will be at stake in Las Vegas, although the fighters have agreed a catchweight of 145lbs for the fight - 2lbs below the welter limit.

However, Pacquiao, who previously fought Oscar De La Hoya in a non-title fight at welterweight in 2008, will struggle to go up to the next weight - junior-middle - according to Roach.

Asked if Pacquiao could fight at an even higher weight, Roach replied: "I don't think so. For him to fight at 147lbs we have to feed him five times a day to keep the weight on him.

"I think this will be our final stop but you never know. If something comes at 154 (junior middleweight), maybe we'll go there."

The forthcoming fight has been touted as Pacquiao's toughest to date, but Roach is not so sure and is predicting his man will win by way of knockout.

"I don't know if it is his biggest challenge," he said. "We have fought some great fighters like (Erik) Morales, (Juan Manuel) Marquez and Oscar De La Hoya.

"He's a very good fighter and he is champion of the world. Manny is moving up a weight class but we fought Oscar at this weight. I am very confident in my guy and we are 100 per cent ready for the fight.

"With the power he is punching with right now at this weight, I feel that Manny is going to knock Cotto out. I look forward to the win."

Assessing Cotto's style, Roach added: "Miguel has a good left hook but I don't think he is the strongest that we have faced. (Ricky) Hatton was supposed to be stronger than us also. I have no worries about that because that doesn't win fights. Boxing ability wins fights and Manny is a better boxer than him, so we'll show it on the 14th.

"We are just taking the style of our opponents and making adjustments and he is improving all the time and we are making those adjustments for Cotto's style and his big left hook.

"He is going to be seven-time world champion and he is still learning, still evolving. He is very hungry to improve."

This article is from www.sportinglife.com


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Pacquiao is Playing Around Too Much

Manny Pacquiao took his 10-round sparring session lightly on Saturday, prompting trainer Freddie Roach to give an unscheduled “pep talk” during the pound-for-pound king’s final workout in the country leading to the November 14 battle with Miguel Cotto.

“He was just playing around too much,” said Roach. “This is the reason why I don’t like training in Manila because there’s just too much distractions.” “I was telling him not to lose focus,” said Roach.

While things such as Saturday’s incident had happened a few times in the past, Roach still was a tad worried that Pacquiao didn’t do what he had expected him to do to his sparring partners – super-welterweight Shawn Porter and super-lightweight Urbano Antillon – before a sizable crowd at a gym in Mandaluyong owned and operated by ex-world champion Gerry Penalosa.

There were flashes of brilliance of course from Pacquiao, but it wasn’t the kind of thing that Roach wanted to see from somebody who is a few weeks away from the toughest fight of his life.

To remedy the problem, Roach said he will make a major change in the roster of sparring partners.

Porter will be retained but Roach said Raymund Serrano and Ray Beltran will be tapped to work with Pacquiao beginning this Tuesday, the second day of Pacquiao’s training at the Wild Card Boxing Club in Hollywood.

“Manny’s become too friendly with his sparring partners,” said Roach.

Expected to be cut are Antillon, Jose Luis Castillo, and Danny Escobar, who joined Porter in Pacquiao’s Baguio City training camp for several weeks.

Despite the so-so showing, Roach remains upbeat they can get the job done.

“As far as his physical shape is concerned, no problem. I just like him to be mentally tough and focused,” added Roach.

Pacquiao had to fulfill a bevy of commitments right after the workout but he still managed to spend some time with his four kids — Queen Elizabeth, Princess, Jimuel, and Michael — before going to work.

“I will miss them a lot,” said Pacquiao, who was scheduled to take a late Saturday night flight to Los Angeles.

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Pacquiao versus Cotto: Pacquiao training in Mandaluyong

Less than a month from now Manny Pacquiao will be fighting as a welterweight for the second time in his career. When he fought Oscar dela Hoya last December, Pacquiao weighed 142 pounds during the official weigh-in and went up to 148.5 lbs at fight night. Pacquiao was awesome as a welterweight even against the faded but still a 2 to 1 favorite Golden Boy. Will a major title at the 147 pound division be just a mere formality?


Miguel Cotto is the defending WBO welterweight champion but was willing to concede to the catchweight of 145 pounds and purse split just to get a mega-match against the Pacman. But Pacquiao's trainer, Freddie Roach has said that they will be ready even if Cotto will not comply with the contracted weight.

Cotto has shown chinks in his armor in past fights especially the last one where he escaped with a split decision win against Joshua Clottey. But his resolve has been tested many times: he came off the floor to stop Ricardo Torres, outboxed Shane Mosley but lost to Antonio Margarito’s relentless assault. The Puerto Rican is 27 years old and is slightly taller than Pacquiao at 5’7”. He won the WBO junior welterweight title in 2004 and made six title defenses. He has won the WBA and WBO versions of the 147 lb. world title.

Cotto has one of the best left hooks among the present day fighters. This hook is also part of his punishing attack to the midsection. He has a patient stalking style but is an excellent finisher.

The welterweight division had its first world champion in 1888, when Paddy Duffy knocked out William McMillan in 17 rounds. This weight class is one of boxing’s glamour divisions and has a special place in ring history. The man who inspired the term, greatest boxer pound per pound, Sugar Ray Robinson held the world welterweight belt from 1946 to 1951.

Other Hall of Famers who held the welterweight title include Mickey Walker (1922-26), Henry Armstrong (1938-40), Carmen Basilio (1955-56), and Emile Griffith (1960-63). The height of the division’s popularity on network television was from 1979 to 1981 when Sugar Ray Leonard waged timeless battles against Wilfred Benitez, Roberto Duran, and Thomas Hearns.

During the 1990’s, the tradition was continued by Pernell Whitaker, Ike Quartey, Felix Trinidad, and Oscar dela Hoya.

Manny Pacquiao is once again poised to take a chunk of history. The Philippines has yet to win a major title at welterweight. Two Filipinos have won world title belts under the WBF or World Boxing Foundation : William Magahin (1995) and Dondon Sultan (2006-2007).

Pacquiao will be gunning for an unprecedented seventh world title after winning the WBC flyweight, IBF superbantamweight, Ring Magazine's linear featherweight, WBC and Ring Magazine superfeatherweight, WBC lightweight and IBO and Ring magazine jr. welterweight.

Because of the unpredictability of the Philippine weather, Pacquiao's raining camp has moved to Gerry Peñalosa Boxing Gym at Marketmall in Mandaluyong City. The catchweight issue is something that boxing historians will reassess years from now. But for the moment, there is a blockbuster fight to enjoy. Too bad that Manny Pacquiao won’t be staying as a welterweight for a long time. 2010 is just around the corner and his well publicized political plans may no longer make him fight as much as the Filipinos would want.


This article is from philboxing.com


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Pacquiao versus Cotto : Manny Pacquiao too sharp for Miguel Cotto says Castillo

MANILA, Philippines - Former two-time WBC lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo is convinced there’s nobody out there within weight range capable of beating Manny Pacquiao and that includes Floyd Mayweather Jr. whom the Mexican has faced twice.

It goes without saying that Castillo, now working as Pacquiao’s sparmate, is sure the Filipino icon will dispose of Miguel Cotto when they meet at a catchweight limit of 145 pounds for the WBO welterweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Nov. 14.

Trainer Freddie Roach shared Castillo’s remarks the other day as he assessed the 35-year-old warrior’s performance in two sparring sessions in Baguio City so far. Castillo flew in from Los Angeles via Hermosillo, Mexico, with another sparmate Danny Escobar and arrived in Baguio City in former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson’s private plane last Sunday.

Castillo’s style resembles Cotto’s and that’s why he was brought in to spar with Pacquiao. He turned pro in 1990 and won his first 18 outings, 13 inside three rounds. In 2000, Castillo wrested the WBC lightweight crown from Stevie Johnston on points then lost it in his fourth defense to Mayweather in a close encounter in April 2002. Castillo was decisioned by Mayweather in a rematch eight months later but regained the vacant WBC title on a 12-round verdict over Juan Lazcano in 2004. Castillo then repulsed challengers Joel Casamayor and Julio Diaz before yielding the throne to Diego Corrales in 2005. He knocked out Corrales in a rematch but was prevented from claiming the WBC belt because he weighed in 3 1/2 pounds over the limit.

Now a welterweight, Castillo has won four in a row, knocking out James Wayka, Roberto Valenzuela, Christian Solano and Carlos Urias and is hoping for another world title crack.


At first, Roach was unsure of what Castillo could bring to the table as a sparmate. But now, he likes what he sees in the rugged Mexican gladiator.

“He’s a genuinely nice guy,” said Roach. “He’s probably doing 70 percent of what he can do. But he’s adjusting and getting more comfortable. He’s looking for a comeback to the big time. I’m willing to help him although I don’t know if I’ll be in his corner for his next fight.”

Roach said Castillo has asked if they could work together in the gym.

“I told him to show up about an hour early before Manny comes to the gym and I could help him out,” said Roach. “That’s no problem for me.”

Roach said while he likes Castillo, he can’t be sure if he’ll draft the Mexican as a sparmate for Pacquiao’s next fight.

“It really depends on whom Manny fights next because I’ll want sparmates who resembles the style of his next opponent,” said Roach. “If it’s Mayweather, I don’t know if Castillo will fit in. But he might. Castillo has fought Mayweather twice so he knows his style and tendencies well. Castillo thinks Manny will beat the heck out of Mayweather because he hits harder and he’s a lot quicker.”

What has impressed Castillo is the uncompromising work ethic in Pacquiao’s training camp.

“Castillo was Julio Cesar Chavez’ long-time sparring partner and it felt good when he told me he’s never been with a team in camp that works harder than us,” said Roach. “That’s saying a lot because Castillo has a lot of experience behind him.”

Roach said it wasn’t difficult to lure Castillo to Baguio City.

“No, it wasn’t hard to get him,” said Roach. “He wanted the opportunity to work with Manny. Everybody does. He’s amazed at how hard we work in the gym, how hard Manny works.”

Roach said Pacquiao’s sparring partners are top-quality. Aside from Castillo, Pacquiao spars with unbeaten junior middleweight Shawn Porter. Escobar is on standby. Another sparmate Urbano Antillon of Mexico was scheduled to fly back to Los Angeles yesterday. When Pacquiao reports for work at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, Roach will likely recruit fresh sparmates including British world champion Amir Khan.

Porter, 21, was the US Golden Gloves champion in 2007 and fought over 200 amateur bouts. His pro record is 10-0 with eight KOs. Escobar, 20, is unbeaten in three bouts, all won by knockout in the first round.

In contrast, Cotto has been feasting on inferior sparring partners. He kicked out Francisco (El Gato) Figueroa after a week of sparring and has kept 37-year-old Fred Tukes and 25-year-old Kenny Abril. Figuero, 31, is coming off a knockout loss to Randall Bailey last April. Tukes has a 7-1-1 record, with five KOs, and is unbeaten in his last seven assignments but his age seems to be a liability. Abril has a 9-3-1 mark, with five KOs, and has won his last five. Figueroa, Tukes and Abril are, of course, all southpaws like Pacquiao.

Cotto will have completed 12 weeks of training when he climbs the ring to face Pacquiao. He began his camp in Puerto Rico and is now in Tampa, Florida. A legitimate welterweight, Cotto will trim down to 145 pounds to make the catchweight limit and may be burned out if he overtrains or is unable to naturally bring his weight down.

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Pacquiao Dominates Jose Luis Castillo

Entering his fourth week of training, Manny Pacquiao continues to dominate his sparring partner as he beefs up for his November 14 fight against Puerto Rico's Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao sparred with highly-touted former two-time World Boxing Council (WBC) lightweight champion Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico for three rounds then wrapped up his day's session with a four-rounder opposite American Shawn Porter.

This, even as famed boxing coach Freddie Roach stressed that speed and not power will determine the outcome of the "Firepower" match-up between Filipino champ Pacquiao and the Puerto Rican.

Roach, who has been preparing Pacquiao in Baguio City for his toughest fight yet, said he expects Cotto to come out with his guns blazing at the sound of the opening bell at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

"I have been closely studying Cotto's fighting style even before the Firepower card was officially announced over a month ago and if we want to beat the Puerto Rican champ we have to take away his advantages," Roach said.

The three-time boxing trainer of the year said their main weapon for the fight would be Manny's lateral speed.

Roach added that Pacquiao will have to rattle Cotto's confidence early in the fight to be able to break down the reigning World Boxing Organization welterweight champ.

In his anticipated sparring with Castillo, Pacquiao used his vastly improved lateral movements in trying to avoid the Mexican's uppercuts and body shots.

Pacquiao stalled Castillo's aggressive attacks with three to five punch combos and counter left straights.

The 35-year-old Castillo (60-9-1, 52 knockouts) ended his first day of sparring with specks of blood on his left nostril.

Roach, who at first seemed cautious when it comes to having Castillo as Pacquiao's sparring partner, now expressed contentment in having the Mexican inside the gym.

In sparring with Porter, Pacquiao again worked on his footwork and stiff combos while moving out of harm's way.

Roach also denied reports circulating on the Internet that Pacquiao was knocked down in one sparring session last week, adding that no one has come close to flooring Pacquiao in any of their sparring sessions in their Baguio training camp.

Last weekend, Internet forums were deluged with queries and reports Pacquiao got tagged by American sparring partner Porter.

Roach has promised $1,000 for anyone who could put down Pacquiao during sparring.

SOURCE

Manny Pacquiao Escapes Training to Help Flood Victims

Pound-for pound king Manny Pacquiao took a day off from his sparring sessions in Baguio City to join relief and rehabilitation groups in bringing relief goods and services to the victims of typhoon 'Ondoy' in Metro Manila

World's most popular boxer Manny Pacquiao took a day off from his sparring sessions in the high altitude city of Baguio in the Philippines to visit the typhoon-ravaged areas in Metro Manila. Pacquiao donated P1 million to the
relief and rehabilitation fund for typhoon victims.

The Philippines was had hit by typhoon 'Ondoy' late last month along with another super typhoon 'Pepeng' that ravaged homes and major infrastructure in Northern Philippines.

Pacquiao is in the middle of training and physical conditioning in preparation for his mega fight with Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

The most-awaited boxing event of the year will take place at the MGM Grand garden arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 14, 2009.

Freddie Roach, Pacquiao's official trainer and coach, flew in last month from form Los Angeles, California to personally supervise the training of the popular Filipino boxer. The training and physical conditioning is taking place in Baguio City, a high-altitude mountain about 250 kilometers north of Manila.

Pacquiao's promoter, Bob Arum, president of Top Rank Promotions, also donated P1 million to the typhoon victims of Metro Manila. Arum is in Manila to observe Pacquiao's training in Baguio City

Pacquiao has been sparring with bigger and stronger boxers in preparation for his date with Miguel Cotto who is much bigger and heavier than the the pound-for-pound king.

Manny Pacquiao is the current Ring Magazine pound-for-pound king and considered as the world's most popular boxer today. He is included in the list of worlds top 100 influential persons for 2009 by Forbes.

The popular Filipino boxer earlier announced that he intends to retire next year after one to two more fights. A win by Pacquiao over Miguel Cotto next month will increase the chances of a Pacquiao-Mayweather fight early next year.

Floyd Mayweather, Jr. has just won over Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico last September 19 after a 19-month retirement from active professional boxing with an unblemished record.

SOURCE : DIGITALJOURNAL.COM

Jose Luis Castillo as Pacquiao Sparring Partner

The 35 year old former lightweight Champion, Jose Luis Castillo of Mexico will be heading to Baguiao, Philippines to spar with Manny Pacquiao as a late replacement for Omar Henry who was considered a Cotto clone. Henry’s team could not come to an agreement with team Pacquaio so Castillo was called in to fill the void. Shawn Porter and Urbano Antillon have already sparred 12 rounds with the Pacman, Urbano will be leaving for the U.S soon to acclimate for his up coming fight.

“If he’s not in shape I’ll send him home right away,” Roach told The Philstar, Roach only wants competitive sparring for his fighter in prepartion for WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Caguas, Puerto Rico. Castillo whose best days are behind him, was known for his exciting war with the late Diego Corrales in which Castillo suffered a 10th round TKO loss in a back and forth battle. Castillo is also known for his controversial unanimous decision loss to Floyd Mayweather Jr. a fight which many boxing fans believe Castillo had one. Pacquiao’s Baguiao training camp breaks on October 24, in which the Team will be flying back to Hollywood, California to finish off training.

Source

Pacquiao-Cotto News : Both fighters back to their training camps

FILIPINO superstar Manny Pacquiao worked up a sweat at a local gym in Manila yesterday afternoon to start his preparation for his Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao, who planed in on Thursday morning after a whirlwind five-city publicity tour for his upcoming bout with Cotto, reportedly trained for a little over an hour and complained of the heat inside the Wild Card Fitness Gym in Paranaque, which is owned by his former long-time business manager Rod Nazario.

Pacquiao, however, impressed a local trainer who held the mitts for the boxing icon and indicated that he had never felt a punch so strong.

“His jab is just like the best punch of my welterweight boxer,” said Ericson Asilo in an interview with Fightnews.

Trainer Freddie Roach, according to the report, is scheduled to arrive in the Philippines next week to start the hard training with Pacquiao in Baguio.

The boxing icon is slated to leave for Baguio on board a private plane owned by one of his benefactors on Sunday morning in time for the start of his eight-week training camp on Monday.

Pacquiao has chosen the Cooyeesan Hotel, which also houses a well-equipped gym that the pound-for-pound fighter will use for four to five weeks. Buboy Fernandez, Pacquiao’s long-time training assistant, is now in Baguio and is ready to lend a hand on Roach in training Pacquiao.

“Everything is all ready,” Fernandez was quoted as saying.

Meanwhile, WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, sporting a new tattoo on his left shoulder, is scheduled to leave today for Tampa, Florida, where he’ll initiate the last and hardest phase of his preparation for November 14 collision in Las Vegas against Manny Pacquiao. Cotto is accompanied by his trainer José ‘Joe’ Santiago and the conditioning trainer Phil Landman.

Source : FightNews.com and GlobalNation.inquirer.net

Pacquiao Departs To Hype Up Cotto Fight

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao leaves for the United States today for the five-city publicity tour for his Nov. 14 title fight against Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

The promo tour will start Sept. 10 with a press conference at the Yankee Stadium in New York. It will be open to the public.

The entourage, which includes Team Pacman official Mike Koncz, lawyer Franklin Gacal and probably trainer Buboy Fernandez, will proceed to Puerto Rico, then to San Francisco, Los Angeles before capping it in San Diego.

“After this tour, we’ll start training for eight weeks,” said Pacquiao in Filipino. “We will study Cotto’s style and technique.”

Cotto, however, will no not be around in the final stop of the tour in San Diego since he will go straight to his training camp in Tampa, Florida.

In his Oscar de la Hoya fight, Pacquiao launched his publicity tour in the Statue of Liberty, also in New York, while against Ricky Hatton, they kicked off their tour in Manchester, England.

The 30-year-old world pound-for-pound king, on the other hand, is expected to start training in Baguio upon his return from the US with Fernandez assuring the facilities in the City of Pines are suited for Pacquiao’s training camp.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao handed out a P1 million check to the Philippine Sportswriters Association over the weekend as seed money for the establishment of a foundation benefiting the sportswriting fraternity in the country.

He personally presented the amount to officials of the PSA during a thanksgiving party the boxing icon tendered at the Harbour View Restaurant.

Pacquiao initially made the pledge during the PSA-Annual Awards Night held earlier this year.

“I made the pledge during PSA Awards,” said Pacquiao.

PSA president Teddyvic Melendres of the Inquirer received the amount in behalf of the 60-year old media organization, the oldest in the country.

Pacquiao was named PSA Athlete of the Year in 2008 following his success in the ring that saw him beat the likes of Juan Manuel Marquez, David Diaz and the great De La Hoya.

He was likewise elevated to the PSA Hall of Fame by the organization composed of editors and sportswriters from the various national broadsheets and tabloids, making him the first Filipino athlete to be accorded such honor while still at the peak of his career.

Aside from Pacquiao, others pitching in for the PSA Foundation are Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Harry Angping and PLDT chairman and Smart Communications Inc. top honcho Manny V. Pangilinan.

A report by Abac Cordero for PhilStar.com.