With history, boxing immortality, and becoming one of the greatest boxers of all-time already locked up, Manny Pacquiao is considering moving up in weight to win an unthinkable 8th world title in an 8th weight class. Could this be possible? According to Bob Arum, Manny’s options for his next fight include a rematch with Miguel Cotto. If this is true, then where does it leave the mega-fight with Mayweather Jr? Let’s examine further: Miguel Cotto The boxing world knows that Manny Pacquiao pummeled Cotto last November so a rematch against him makes little sense to some. Last year’s fight was at the 147 welterweight limit which some say ‘drained’ Miguel Cotto. For a rematch, Manny would move up to the 154 weight class and fight Miguel Cotto; which many believe is a weight better suited for Cotto at this stage in his career. It would also be a more challenging weight for Pacquiao who already has difficulties putting on weight. However, this all hangs on the outcome of Miguel Cotto’s battle with Yuri Foreman on June 5th in Yankee Stadium. With a month away, there should be little chatter about “ifs” but Bob Arum is beating the drum loudly. The following is an excerpt from a Philboxing.com article: “Arum also indicated that if Miguel Cotto beats Yuri Foreman, Pacquiao may wish to move up in weight and face Cotto for an eighth world title.” Samuel Gonzales Sacramento, CA “Do you think Cotto will rebound from the Pacquiao loss and defeat Foreman?” I do think Cotto has a strong chance of winning. All signs point to him rebounding from his loss to the PacMan. Apparently, he’s learned from the mistakes in the Pacquiao fight and his ‘camp’ ensures that Cotto has fixed them.
Floyd Mayweather Jr Joey Davidson Orangevale, CA “If Pacquiao fights Margarito or Cotto next, then what does it mean for a potential fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr?” The possibility of fighting someone other than Mayweather Jr is very likely, at least for Manny’s next fight. In 2011, it might be a different story. But for now, I think a fight with Margarito is the leading option for team PacMan followed by a Cotto rematch and then Floyd. I don’t see both sides compromising no matter what they are saying right now. I don’t see Floyd backing down from his drug testing demands. This will be a long process and I think the only way a fight with Floyd happens is if the Nevada State Athletic Commission adopts blood testing. Now, there’s the flipside to all of this talk of a fight with Margarito and Cotto. Bob Arum could be using this as a tactic to force Floyd’s hand. If Manny can move onto other meaningful and successful fights then it proves he doesn’t need Floyd Jr. Not to be outdone by Pacquiao, Floyd came out after his fight with Mosley and said he doesn’t need Manny to make the ‘money’. There’s talk of Floyd Jr moving up and fighting Sergio Martinez. So, this is going to be a very public negotiation between both parties and it will get ugly as we’ve seen before. It would take a miracle for this fight to happen in 2010. This game of chess between Team Mayweather and Team Pacquiao will go on for a while. So, buckle up and enjoy the bumpy ride.
What do you readers think of Manny moving up and fighting Cotto for an 8th world title?
