In speaking with many of boxing’s biggest names, I got some of their thoughts on the upcoming Manny Pacquiao vs Miguel Cotto fight. The majority of people inside the boxing world are saying that Pacquiao will win, but not everyone is.
James “Lights Out” Toney – 6 division world champion – Pacquiao
” Pacquiao is going to destroy Cotto. Pacquiao’s speed and his power will be key, you see Cotto is over hyped, he’s a good B class fighter, but he’s with a great promoter in Bob Arum.”
Freddie Roach – Hall of fame boxing trainer – Pacquiao
” We are not going to get into a slugging match with Cotto, were a lot smarter than that. He’s only been knocked out once in his career, and that’s questionable with the controversy. If the knockout comes, that’s a bonus. My plan is to win every round, we have the advantage in speed and Cotto has the advantage in power. We will fight a smart fight, but believe me when the exchanges happen, we will be there.”
Juan “Baby Bull” Diaz – Former undisputed lightweight world champion – Cotto
” I am going with Cotto. The way Cotto stands is like a bull. You can’t move him, you can hit and throw punches at him, but he doesn’t move. He’s been able to handle most top notch guys. They have not been able to push him back, at least not in the early round. Manny Pacquiao is like the energizer bunny, he keeps punching, and punching, but I think Cotto’s power will give him the victory.”
Rocky Juarez – Former world title challenger and Olympic silver medal winner – undecided, too close to call, but leaning toward Cotto.
” I feel if Cotto lands his shot he will knockout Pacquiao, but landing the shot is going to be the hard part. This is a fight that I would not put any money on. Cotto has a shot, any fighter that has a punch like Cotto has a chance. He’s a veteran now, he has a chance. Anyone who counts Cotto out has something coming to them.”
Sergio Mora – Former Jr middleweight world champion – Cotto
” As far as Cotto vs Pacquiao goes, I think this fight ends in a knockout, and I think Cotto knocks out Pacquiao in under 7 rounds. Everyone is saying Pacquiao knocks out Cotto, well I guarantee there will be a knockout, but I just don’t see Pacquiao knocking out Cotto. Once Cotto lands those body shots and when he puts the pressure on him….. I just think Cotto in no more than 7 rounds. I think Pacquiao lands 70 punches per round, but it won’t be enough to stop the Cotto onslaught.”
Brad Cooney Official prediction – Here is my official prediction. Time and time again we have seen what Manny’s speed mixed with his power can do. I do not think it will be much different this time. In my opinion the only way Pacquiao loses this fight is if he strays from the game plan, and brawls with Cotto. I believe that if Manny sticks to Roach’s plan, and uses his speed, he will go on to a unanimous decision. Pacquiao UD
