Joe Santiago, head trainer of WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, spoke to international media earlier today on a conference call to discuss the upcoming Nov. 14 mega fight between his charge and pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao!
Joe Santiago: “Before Miguel fought Carlos Quintana a few years ago many people were picking Quintana to win and that really motivated Miguel. The night of the fight he was so focused to prove people wrong that it really gave him a boost in the fight. We’re seeing that again with the way so many people are picking Pacquiao to win on Nov. 14. Miguel is driven by the people saying Pacquiao will beat him. It’s extra motivation and he is coming with fire because people are saying he can’t win.”
On Miguel Cotto’s Training Camp:
“It’s been a really hard camp and all of our objectives have met. We’re having a great camp and Miguel is looking good. I think moving to camp to Tampa was a smart move and we’re very concentrated and focused. Everyone on the team is very confident about what we’re doing. Miguel has done everything asked of him in camp. Each week we’ve had a game plan and everything has been accomplished. We’re still sparring and working very hard this week and are just about set to begin toning it down as we get closer to the fight but we will continue to work with an intense focus. With Joe Chavez (cut-man) being here for the entire camp it has really been a benefit. I think his experience will help us on the night of the fight. Everyone on our team is on the same page and we are confident of victory.”
On Cotto’s weight:
“Right now we’re on track to make the weight. We’ve been working hard and all the monitoring shows we are on pace. The commission has been monitoring and everything and we are right on track. We will be at 145 before the fight, no problem.”
On the Margarito fight:
“As far as we’re concerned Margarito fight is over. Miguel is as hungry as he’s ever been and his confidence is good. In the last fight with Clottey, I don’t think a lot of fighters would have stood up to what Clottey was bringing with the cut Miguel had… but Miguel did and he pulled through.”
Cotto is extremely motivated for this fight:
“Before Miguel fought Carlos Quintana a few years ago many people were picking Quintana to win and that really motivated Miguel. The night of the fight he was so focused to prove people wrong that it really gave him a boost in the fight. We’re seeing that again with the way so many people are picking Pacquiao to win on Nov. 14. Miguel is very driven by the people saying Pacquiao will beat him. It’s extra motivation and he is coming with more fire because people are saying he can’t win.”
What this fight means for Cotto:
“I think both fighters are coming to show they are the best. We feel Miguel is the best fighter in the world and when the night comes and he does beat Manny everyone will see Puerto Rico has the best fighter in the world. Miguel has shown he’s willing to fight anyone and he’s beat them all with one exception. We feel all he has to do is beat Pacquaio and it will prove he is the best fighter in the world. A win over Pacquiao would be huge, not only for Miguel and I but for everyone in Puerto Rico.”
On Manny Pacquiao and the fight on Nov. 14:
“I wouldn’t question Pacquiao’s last opponents. They might not have had their best nights against Manny but they are quality fighters. Cotto is at his best, and he is out to show that against Manny. It will be a very tough night for Pacquiao because winning means so much to Miguel. There is so much desire. Miguel Cotto showed a lot about his will to win in the Clottey fight. He will show this against Manny as well but you will also see his speed and power in this fight. This will be one of Miguel’s best performances (against Manny). I think Miguel has shown people can deal with speed in fighting Mosley and Judah. People don’t think Miguel can stay with Manny and his speed and rhythm but I think he will and it will surprise people.”
