Philippines, 26 Feb 2026
  Home >> News

 


BOXERS

CURRENT CHAMPIONS 

FORMER CHAMPIONS   

RATINGS                       

NEWS           

FORUM        

FIGHT GALLERIES        

RING CARD GIRLS        


 
 
News  


'FIREPOWER' FINAL PRESSCON QUOTES


PhilBoxing.com




Las Vegas, NV:- Top Rank Promotions early this afternoon (Wednesday, PST) held the final press conference for this year’s top fight, the battle between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the Hollywood Theater of the MGM Grand Casino Resort and Hotel.

The two gladiators will fight over 12 rounds for the WBO Welterweight title presently held by Cotto, albeit on a 145lbs catch-weight.

Although everything that can be said about the fight has been said in the last several months, still the ever loquacious Bob Arum and the others who were part of the promotions managed to spew out several fascinating statements some new, others, old.

Pacquiao and Cotto for their part remained the gentlemen that they are and stayed away from war of words that are sometimes common in boxing presscons. It seemed they will let their fists do the talking come Saturday evening when they meet atop the ring at the MGM Grand Arena.

Quotes:

Keith Kiser, of the Nevada State Athletic Commission: - “It’s been one hell of a decade for boxing. On Saturday, we will witness the most amazing fight in the last 10 years and it’s a perfect way to end the decade”

Richard Sturm - MGM Mirage President:- “There is no doubt that the fans will witness the greatest fight of the year”

Mauricio Sulaiman - WBC ”We will be awarding a special belt with 600 diamonds on it. That will give the winner 600 diamonds to give to some girls. The belt will be awarded at a special dinner with Bob Arum also getting an award.”

Freddie Roach - “We are in great shape. I have never seen him better” “ Miguel, we will see you on Saturday and good luck to you.”

Joe Santiago - “ Miguel is in the best shape ever and I hope Manny will be on the same level”. Good luck to Manny- you will need it!”

Pacquiao - “This is the most important fight in my career. It will make history in Philippine boxing. And it will be a big honor for my family, country and myself”.

“I will give a good fight and give the people enjoyment for that night”

“I respect Cotto’s team. They are nice and friendly. On Saturday, may the best man win.”

“Thank you to Freddie Roach, my master in boxing.”

Cotto - “I am pretty happy and comfortable to be here. I trained a lot for this fight. We created a Plan B and it will be a great night not only for the Latinos but to the Puerto Ricans too.”

Side note:

Pacquiao was awarded a plaque by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. The honor is a “Life Time Achievement Award”. Ging Espititu, the NAFFAA did the presentation.

Top photo: Manny Pacquiao (L) and Miguel Cotto pose during the final FIREPOWER press conference held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas Wednesday. Photo by Dr Ed de la Vega.


Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.


Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:

  • San Francisco Boxing Leaders Bring It Back: FIGHT NIGHT AT ROCCAPULCO
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Alyssa Mendoza, Salim Ellis-Bey and Kelvin Watts Secure Wins on Day Three of 2026 Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Herlan Gomez faces Dekang Wang for WBA Asia Superbamtam Title Today in Kunming, China
    By Carlos Costa, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Queensberry Promotions to sue SELA and TKO?
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • IBA President Umar Kremlev promises prize money for boxers at LA 2028 if the IOC doesn’t change their policy towards athletes’ rewards
    , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Ruben Castillo, The uncrowned champion passes away
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Thu, 26 Feb 2026
  • Round 12 with Mauricio Sulaimán: The Return of Ryan Garcia
    By Mauricio Sulaimán, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • “It’s moments a kid dreams off.” Sam Rennie returns for title challenge March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • ‘It’s going to be a great fight and most importantly looking forward to the 10 pints together after it’ Billy Quinncroft challenges for Cruiserweight title March 13 in Perth – Thunderdome 53
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Magdalena Contreras Municipality and WBC start "Boxing for Peace" in Mexico
    By Gabriel F. Cordero, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • United States Captures Four More Wins on Day Two of Strandja 2026 Boxing Tournament
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Date set for Manny-Money 2
    By Joaquin Henson, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Knockout Artist Sugar Martinez (17-0, 17 KOs) Makes His US Debut Against Philly Veteran Daiyan Butt
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • IM Yap outwits GM Gareyev, shares lead; Maribao split the point with GM Quizon in Round 3 of the Manny Pacquiao International Open chess
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • 2 Division World Champion José Luis Castillo Confirmed for Ninth Annual Box Fan Expo, During Cinco De Mayo Weekend, Saturday May 2, in Las Vegas
    , Wed, 25 Feb 2026
  • Doors open for Manny
    By Joaquin Henson, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • MEXICAN TITANS GO HEAD-TO-HEAD HIGHLIGHTING CINCO DE MAYO WEEKEND IN LAS VEGAS!
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Alex Bray and Gabriela Tellez Capture WBA Titles, Dainier Pero Scores Impressive Stoppage at “Night of Champions XIV” in Orlando
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Cebuana Lhuillier Gems Officially Join Inaugural Pickle Yard Conference League
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • ADAMES AND AMMO CLASH FOR WORLD TITLE IN ORLANDO ON MARCH 21
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Filipino Alexis Emil Maribao shocks Indonesian Grandmaster Susanto Megaranto in the Manny Pacquiao International Open Chess opener
    By Marlon Bernardino, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Team USA Notches Perfect Day to Open 77th International Strandja Boxing Tournament
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Floyd Mayweather Vs. Manny Pacquiao Set for Blockbuster Professional Rematch Streaming Live Globally on Netflix Saturday, September 19
    , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Zulueta, Bactol, Dologuin, Almacen Score Knockout Wins in Thailand (PHOTOS)
    By Carlos Costa, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026
  • Francisco wins PBF flyweight title
    By Lito delos Reyes, , Tue, 24 Feb 2026




  •  



     
    PhilBoxing.com has been created to support every aspiring
    Filipino boxer and the Philippine boxing scene in general.
    Please send comments to feedback@philboxing.com


    PRIVATE POLICY | LEGAL DISCLAIMER
    developed and maintained by dong secuya
    © 2026 philboxing.com.