Boxing Scribe Vivek Wallace brings his Left-Hook Lounge mailbag to FightHype.com, answering questions for fans and giving his own unique perspective on all the latest current events in boxing. This week, check out his response to fans as they discuss Miguel Cotto’s options, the split for Mayweather vs. Pacquiao, a Donaire-Rigondeaux matchup, and much more.
Carlos I. (Rock Hill, NC): Now that Pacquiao and Mayweather have succeeded in jerking the fight fans off again, who do you see Cotto actually fighting between the two, as I think he will definitely take one of them as his next opponent?
Vivek W.: In this case, I think Cotto quickly realizes that a bird in the hand beats two in a bush. Cotto suffered two career defeats and he was able to avenge one of them [Margarito] already. While Pacquiao still sits in that proverbial “bush”, an opportunity to hold court with Mayweather and somehow earn a victory is a thought that Cotto probably views as an ultimate opportunity at redemption. Despite the fact that the two have never faced off, categorically defeating an undefeated Mayweather is an unparalleled feat in the sport, and even defeating Pacquiao would fall short of this milestone.
Over a year ago, I sat and talked with Emanuel Steward after a Miguel Cotto workout and he told me that Cotto had no interest in facing either of the men who defeated him again, but he told the Puerto Rican champ that “if [he] wants to solidify his legacy, he would have to do so by redeeming himself against at least one of the two men who defeated him, if not both”. Cotto later decided to face Margarito, but wanted no part of Pacquiao.
At this stage, perhaps with a new trainer and a Margarito victory under his belt, he has the confidence to give it a shot, but again, a victory over the likes of Mayweather removes the need to even go back in that direction. As a free agent, Cotto will earn a lot more against Mayweather; but on the flipside, he may NEVER be offered a fair financial shot, if any at all, against Pacquiao as a free agent. We’ve seen how Mayweather has been blackballed against Top Rank fighters in his long tenured departure. Cotto would get a similar treatment, as Arum won’t discriminate.
So, from a monetary standpoint, I think Mayweather is his best shot. From a legacy standpoint, I think Mayweather is his best shot. And from a fanfare standpoint, this fight is one most have also dreamed of seeing. For Cotto, this option makes perfect sense all the way around and that won’t change………until the bell rings! Bottom line, this is the fight I see happening, and come Cinco de Mayo weekend, with Canelo on the undercard against Mosley or someone else intriguing, it’s the one you’ll probably see too. Stay tuned!
Gerry N. (Camp LeJeune, NC): I’ve followed your work for years throughout this Mayweather/Pacquiao debacle and you have gone back and forth, mostly blaming Pacquiao. How can you defend Mayweather’s decision not to take the fight this time?
Vivek W.: Honestly, I don’t think I can defend it. I can comprehend Mayweather’s point for asking for a larger purse and have always said I was totally surprised that he didn’t request it before, particularly considering that he has been the consistently bigger draw, be it against common opponents or others. Statistics support this statement. That being said, now that we’ve finally gotten past the drug testing scenario (or have we), I just don’t understand why he would make this an issue at this point when all other issues appear to be resolved.
To Mayweather’s credit, Pacquiao did come out and say he’d take the fight for “less money”, and that was a direct quote, so now, I also have to look at Pacquiao a little cross-eyed too and ask myself why did he say something on record and change his mind when the man he was speaking of called his bluff? One thing that stood out to me was Mayweather saying that “[Pacquiao] and his promoter need to get on the same sheet of music”. My interpretation of that comment was that Pacquiao was initially okay with taking less, but Arum wasn’t based on the fact that less for Pacquiao would ultimately mean less for him, which in Arum’s own words is a “no-go”!
If this theory is true, that would mean Pacquiao made a statement that his promoter would ultimately prevent him from being able to support. The more I analyze, the more I find more and more blame to go around on both sides. Truthfully, I love both men as perennial talents in the sport, but this type of drama has really gotten old. One fight fan on my FaceBook page said it best when he stated that not only does this put a bad taste in your mouth, but it also makes you wanna rethink the ultimate legacy of both men.
The basis of his statement was supported by the fact that every legendary figure in history got there by collecting W’s from facing “the best”. These two men seem content on being businessmen, collecting dollars by facing “the rest”. You can never dispute Mayweather’s talent or Pacquiao’s heart, but if they aren’t willing to face the best and put them to a test, who should really care when they face the rest? I’ll take Mayweather/Cotto for sentimental value, but nothing else. Pacquiao simply has no more viable options to consider at this stage. For both men, I say anything less than the best should be put to rest. Period.
Angel U. (Baltimore, MD): I really felt Cuban Guillermo Rigondeaux looked great last Friday night. Do you think he’s ready for Donaire at this stage like he seems to think?
Vivek W.: Many look at Rigondeaux’s record and feel he’s not worthy, but as I’ve stated a dozen times or more in the past, his amateur experience puts him on the level of virtually any pro fighter you can place him in the ring against. The man has well over 300 fights and has barely lost many of them. Fundamentally, he has a very manicured style, and when you pair that type of experience with it, it’s hard to see him lose to anyone.
I personally am not a big fan of how he chooses to use his ability, as it can often make for very boring fights, but this guy has the skills to utilize and the brain to execute. That’s a deadly combination for any man who stands across from him. We’ve seen Donaire become marginalized against talent nowhere near as fundamental, as evidenced in his last fight against Narvaez. Does that mean he loses to Rigondeaux? No. But it does mean it’s a fight worth watching, as it won’t come easy for either man.
I’d love to see the two square off, but it doesn’t look like Donaire’s camp is too interested. Some will point to fear. I can’t say it’s true…..although I can’t say I blame them either. Maybe one day we’ll all get a chance to see and find out first hand.
Vivek “Vito” Wallace can be reached at [email protected], Youtube (Vivek1251), Twitter (VivekWallace747), Skype (Vito-Boxing), and Facebook.
