AS if figuring out how to formulate a strategy to contain Manny Pacquiao was not difficult enough, Miguel Cotto’s team will have the added pre-occupation of ensuring that their fighter is on track to make a weight lower than what he has been accustomed to for the past three years.
Of course, there are numerous factors to consider in a fight, but I’m pretty sure Cotto would have preferred fighting a tireless dynamo like Pacquiao on his own terms and without the added burden of having to watch his weight like a hawk.
In Oscar de la Hoya’s case, his nutritionist did a good job. Too much of a terrific job in fact that he gained only two pounds after the weigh-in and failed to bulk up come fight time, thus giving away his size advantage.
The moral of the story? It’s difficult already as it is fighting Manny Pacquiao on a full stomach (go ask Ricky Hatton about it), and so Cotto is not doing himself any favors by agreeing to meet the voracious Pacman at a catchweight.
INBOX. Last Rounder Roel Tariman had some insights on my column about the main event on URCC Cebu IV. Roel observed that Mark Ediva totally outfought Engi Piloto, but that his “observations do not and cannot rule out the allegations that a wax-like substance was applied to Ediva’s body.”
Roel also posits the idea that the organizer and perhaps the GAB were too lenient. Thanks Roel. Indeed, many others pointed out that from its inception, Engi was overmatched, but I’m glad you agree also that it still does not detract from the fact that one fighter was suspected of breaking the rules.
I solicited the opinion of the organizers and the affable Renault Lao acknowledges that they were also caught off-guard on this possibility and that they had to rely also on GAB personnel who were on hand to inspect the fighters.
Nonetheless, Lao stresses they will do a better job next time of checking up the fighters to ensure that these controversies are avoided.
UFC 100. Good luck peeling me off from the box today, I told the wifey. Well, at least for about an hour and a half or so, while I’m watching UFC 100.
Better yet, why don’t you bring the girls to the mall and treat yourselves to your favorite pasta dish? And while you’re at it, this is probably the best time to get us some new curtains. You know, the ones we have are quite drab.
I know, I know. Shame on me for trying to fib and bribe my way to a few hours of uninterrupted TV viewing bliss, but guys, it’s UFC 100.
Brock Lesnar vs. Frank Mir. In their first bout, Mir was victorious after Lesnar committed a rookie mistake of surrendering his ankle to the jiu-jitsu craftsman while he was clumsily scrambling away. Prior to that, Lesnar was taking him down almost at will and pounding away at Mir who seemed flustered by Brock’s size and speed.
But since then, Lesnar has exhibited that he can already hold his own against the scientific fighters by beating Heath Herring and the legendary Randy Couture.
Not to be outdone, Mir has also made a profound statement that he is the man to beat at heavyweight by following up the Lesnar win with a very impressive victory over Brazilian legend Minotauro Noguiera (TKO via strikes).
I’m almost tempted to pick Mir again on this one, but Lesnar was having his way with Mir for the first two minutes of that first fight. If he can keep his amateuristic tendencies to a minimum, he should be able to impose his size and strength on Mir for a stoppage win in the second.
Also on hand are Dan Henderson and Michael Bisping who are colliding in a bout billed as the battle of the coaches of the show “The Ultimate Fighter: USA vs. UK.” I’m picking Bisping to shade this one.
Georges St. Pierre vs. Thiago Alves? Make mine GSP.
LAST ROUNDS. It’s on Dr. Nimfa Gotico-Tero and on my lovely inaanak Jasmine Gorne who are celebrating their birthdays this week. Cheers!
