BECAUSE of the impossibility of a Margarito-Cotto rematch, Top Rank big boss Bob Arum has lined up Filipino ring icon Manny ?Pacman? Pacquiao as a possible opponent for former world welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.
With Antonio Margarito?s one-year suspension, Arum has three prospects in mind for Cotto after his match with Michael Jennings for the vacant World Boxing Organization welterweight crown this Sunday at the Madison Square Garden, namely, Pacquiao, Kermit Cintron and Shane Mosley.
?I think you?d have to say that the rematch is on hold for this year, there?s no question about that. That being said, we would have to look for Cotto and the three that pop to mind?Cintron, Mosley, and maybe Manny Pacquiao,? Arum told BoxingTalk.com.
Epic fight
Arum, who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, believes that if both superstars face each other, it would be an epic fight.
?I think that he (Pacquiao) against Cotto would be an absolutely huge match,? said Arum.
Arum also said that Pacquiao will be in for a rough battle against British brawler Ricky ?The Hitman? Hatton on May 2 at the MGM Gran in Las Vegas but nevertheless still come out victorious.
?I think Ricky Hatton is a tough fighter and a totally different style for Manny, but he?s got the best trainer in boxing with Freddie Roach and I think Freddie will have him ready,? told the famed promoter. ?But it?s not going to be easy and Hatton is going to test Pacquiao, but I really believe that Pacquiao is the best around,? Arum said of the world?s pound-for-pound king.
Meanwhile, Pacquiao will be in Cebu City today for the conferment of his honorary Doctorate in Humanities given by the Southwestern University at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino.
The 30-year-old world champion will also be attending the Sportswriters Association of Cebu-San Miguel Cebu Sports Awards at the Casino Espa?ol de Cebu later in the evening, when he will be honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award.
