Moments ago inside the MGM Grand Casino the final press conference for this Saturday’s Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto showdown transpired.
The conference got rolling when promoter Bob Arum took the stage. Arum was quick to announce that Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman was in the building and brought him up front. Goodman made point to mention how important the fight was to Las Vegas and presented each fighter with a key to the city.
Arum later would state how wonderful it was to do an event at the MGM, claiming it was the ‘place for big fights to happen’. Arum then called MGM President Richard Sturm to the dais, who made mention that the Pacquiao-Cotto showdown was a ‘sensational event’.
Next to speak was HBO PPV president Mark Taffet. Taffet said that it was fitting that the initial press conference for the fight had taken place in the recently constructed Yankee Stadium, as the promotion itself had been a ‘home run’. Taffet went on to claim the event was as ‘hot as a pistol’ while also noting that every Pacquiao fight is as big as his last.
Moments later Pacquiao was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Philippines, for his work as a fighter and what he has represented to the country.
Arum again took control of the stage moments later, pointing out that the buzz on the fight was ‘very strong’ because of the online ratings for every article pertaining to Pacquiao-Cotto. Arum also made a point to address the members of both camp’s team, telling everyone that even though we all know who they are because of their presence of the 24/7 series, that their roles are still very much crucial.
Finally trainer Freddie Roach got behind the microphone and kept things short and to the point. Roach went on to state that Pacquiao has had a great camp and that he is 100% ready for the fight. Roach claimed that he had never seen his fighter look better and made sure to thank everyone on Team Pacquiao, stating ‘I couldn’t have done it without you guys’.
Cotto’s trainer Joe Santiago was a little more abrasive moments later. He too claimed that his fighter was the best he had ever been and hoped that Pacquiao would also be ‘at the same level’. Santiago went on to claim that the night of November 14th will be a great victory for Puerto Rico and then proceeded to wish Pacquiao the best of luck, claiming he ‘would need it’ on Saturday night. That comment didn’t seem to sit too well with Roach, who simply eyed Santiago smugly.
After Santiago returned to his seat Arum went on to praise both Pacquiao and Cotto yet again, claiming that the success of the promotion of the event could be attributed to both men being so cooperative with the press.
Arum then brought Manny Pacquiao to the stage and, as always, the Filipino icon was all smiles.
“Thank God for the good health he gave us,” Pacquiao claimed. “This is the most important fight of my career. If I win it would make history in boxing and in the Philippines.”
Pacquiao was sure to give credit to Cotto as well.
“I’ve trained my best,” he continued. “I respect Cotto and his team. They are very friendly. We studied our opponent’s style and may the best man win on Saturday.”
Later Pacquiao would address his trainer Freddie Roach, claiming he was his ‘Master in boxing’. Those remarks obviously touched the trainer, who smiled widely. In closing Pacquiao was sure to let everyone know that they were soon to witness a ‘once in a lifetime fight’.
As Pacquiao returned to his seat Arum again interjected, turning his attention to Miguel Cotto. At this time it became obvious just how dear the WBO Welterweight champion was to Arum, as he went in depth on what Cotto’s career has meant to the sport.
“Throughout all of his previous fights Miguel Cotto has always been the star,” Arum pointed out. “Whether it was against Carlos Maussa, Zab Judah, or Shane Mosley. But he knows and I know that he isn’t the star in this fight, but without him we wouldn’t be here. He is the biggest obstacle in Manny’s path. On Saturday we won’t be seeing an icon and a great fighter in the ring. We’ll be seeing two great fighters.”
It was then the champion’s time to speak. Looking calm and professional as he always has, Cotto got straight to the point.
“I’m happy to be here,” the Puerto Rican professed. “Happy and calm. I’ve trained like never before. We created our own game plan for this fight. I’m sure it’s going to be a great night for all Latin and Puerto Rican fans.”
Afterwards the two fighters posed next to each other, with belts in hand. The photographers attempted to get rile the fighters up by standing face to face and urging them to get close to one another. Moments later Pacquiao would erupt in laughter and Cotto would crack a big grin, as it became undeniably obvious that there is too much respect and professionalism coming from both ends to get any kind of hatred brewing.
At the end of the final press conference for the event there wasn’t a whole lot to hang on to and everything pretty much went according to the script. The overall vibe in the building is that the time for talking is over and that both sides are eager to get in the ring and get the show on the road.
Perhaps there will be a little more animosity at the weigh in, which is set to take place this Friday at 3 PM, but for now all we can do is appreciate each man for what they have meant to the sport and wait patiently for the first bell to sound.
