Two of the most prominent trainers in the Latin community Felix Trinidad sr. and Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain chimed in to give their opinions on the up coming mega bout between the pride of Caguas Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto and the man recognized by many as the pound for pound best Manny Pacquiao of the Philippines. Both man spoke to our assistant editor Wilfredo Acevedo in separate interviews and offered opposing views about this bout, in doing so reflecting the divide in opinions leading up to the event.
Perhaps not surprisingly Felix Trinidad sr, father and former trainer to Puerto Rican legend Tito Trinidad, is picking Miguel Cotto to come out victorious in the fight. However, he is quick to point out that his pick is based on Cotto’s superiority in strength and technique and not nationality.
“I favor Cotto to win this fight, not necessarily because we are both Puerto Ricans, but because I believe the strength of Cotto is superior to that of Pacquiao’s,” Trinidad Sr. would comment. “I also think that Cotto is superior in technique, and boxing ability; he’s a smarter fighter than Pacquiao. Pacquiao has the speed and stamina, because he has demonstrated better stamina then Cotto when going the distance, but I’m betting on Cotto’s superior strength and boxing ability.”
World renowned Mexican trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain, who has been in the opposite corner to Pacquaio three times, having trained Juan Manuel Marquez twice to face the Filipino and Oscar de la Hoya in his last pro fight, offered a different take.
“Well I believe that in his last few fights Cotto has been severely beaten, the area around his eye brows is injured and Pacquiao is fast fighter, with a very solid punch that has not taking a lot of punishment. He’s a smart fighter, strong and prepares well. Sometimes he can be an indolent fighter and doesn’t train right, but I believe this is a very important fight for him and he will be prepared. I think styles make fights and with his velocity, I think Pacquaio should win. I even think there is a chance he can knock him out in the 7th or 8th.”
And so it seems that with only few days remaining until fight night, most people have made their pick for this bout. Those choosing Cotto to come out with the victory seem to mirror Trinidad’s Sr. opinion and do so based on Cotto’s superior strength and power, while does that choose Pacquiao seem to do so in large part to his speed and stamina. Speed vs Power, Strength vs Stamina, who has the real advantage? In the end it may all come down to who wants it more; just four more days until we find out.
