IT seems Manny Pacquiao?s next fight against WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto hinges on just one pound.
According to mb.com.ph, Pacquiao wants the fight?tentatively scheduled on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas?at a catch weight of 144 pounds while Cotto wants it at 145.
Cotto is the 147-pound champion and recently defended his belt against Joshua Clottey last Sunday.
?Manny told me he wants it at 144, while Cotto said 145. So we?ll see what I can do when I talk to Cotto?s people,? Top Rank?s Bob Arum told the website.
Arum promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto and the Pinoy pound-for-pound No. 1 has given Arum the go signal to start negotiating for the fight.
Should the fight push through?either at 144 or 145?it will be the fifth straight match Pacquiao, who started his career at 107 pounds, will be jumping weight.
Pacquiao fought Juan Manuel Marquez at 130 pounds in March 2008, David Diaz in June 2008 at 135, Oscar dela Hoya at 147 and Ricky Hatton in May 2009 at 140 pounds.
Pacquiao won all four fights, three by KOs.
Arum also said it isn?t true that the Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs. Marquez fight was called off because the former pound-for-pound champion wants to face Pacquiao.
Both Mayweather and Marquez are promoted by dela Hoya?s Golden Boy Promotions, Arum?s fierce rival in the business.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao is currently in Bohol to continue their family vacation and to get some rest before starting his training anew.
Pacquiao spent the previous week in New York watching Cotto?s fight and to receive the Boxing Writers? Association of America?s Fighter of the Year Award.
?Before I start training again, I have to spend time wth my family, who always gets left behind when I train. I will be gone for almost two months,? Pacquiao wrote in his column at Philboxing.com.
Pacquiao also said he was elated at how most of the Puerto Rican fans treated him during his last visit to New York.
?It?s important to treat all people with respect?no matter how famous you are?and not just to rely on your skills, unlike what Mayweather and Marquez believe, and their fight did not get that much support from the fans.?
