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Miguel Angel Cotto is climbing his way back to the top of the boxing world after a difficult loss to Antonio Margarito.
Since that devastating loss, the fighter from Puerto Rico has fought against Michael Jennings and Joshua Clottey. In both cases, Cotto has been victorious and demonstrated through his domination in the ring that he is capable of taking on top ranked opponents.
When the opportunity came along for a fight between Cotto and Manny Pacquiao, both parties understood the immense potential to make lots of money and deliver one of the biggest fights of the year.
This fight is so important to Cotto’s career that he took less than 50 percent of the money and agreed to go down in weight for the fight.
There is no question that Cotto is willing to do what’s necessary in order to face Pacquiao, but the question remains; does he have the necessary skill to beat the best fighter in the world in a 12 round assault?
Most boxing analysts have already spoken in favour of Pacquiao. There is too much skill and ability on the side of Pac Man that it’s difficult to make a case for Cotto winning the bout. However here are few elements to take into consideration when making your prediction for the fight.
Bob Arum has stated publicly that he is expecting to see an all-action brawl when the two fighters get together on November, 14, 2009. If Arum’s prediction holds true, an all out brawl will benefit Cotto.
The last time Pacquiao faced a hard puncher who kept coming with relentlessness, he had difficulty in adjusting. Juan Manuel Marquez is the closest opponent that Pacquiao has fought who’s boxing style resembles that of Cotto.
There is still a debate among reporters as to who won the fights when Marquez and Pacquiao met. Putting all results aside, Cotto will find it advantageous should the fight become a brawl, as he is a tough fighter and he is difficult to intimidate in the ring.
There are reports coming out that lead us to believe that there could be trouble at the Pacquiao camp. These reports allege that trainer Freddie Roach has not been able to speak to Pacquiao for several weeks now. Pacquiao decided to train for the fight in the Philippines, which makes it difficult for Roach to give his fighter instructions.
Roach has stated publicly that individuals in the Philippines are blocking him from speaking to Pacquiao. This strain in the relationship can only be negative for Pacquiao. Roach has helped Pacquiao’s career by making him a better boxer, but this lack of communication and respect has reportedly led Roach to consider leaving the fighter.
During the last month, Pacquiao has been busy in the Philippines. He is training for the fight but he has also been busy shooting commercials, working on endorsements and filming a movie.
This lack of concentration and lack of supervision from Roach could lead Cotto to a surprise victory over a less than prepared Pacquiao.
I know many analysts would argue that Pacquiao doesn’t need to have Roach present at his training camp and that his involvements in endorsements or extracurricular activities can be done during his breaks from training.
That might be true but the element of mental preparation is as important as the physical. In that respect, Cotto has the advantage since he has been secluded and preparing for this match with all his necessary elements which include his trainer and no distractions.
These elements are important to consider since the fight is close at hand. If there’s disorder in the Pacquiao camp, that can lead to a major advantage for Cotto.
There is no doubt however that the favorite is still Manny Pacquiao, as it should be. Pacquiao has won six titles in different categories; he is the best pound for pound boxer out there. Cotto, however, wants to prove that he is the best and to do that, he needs to beat the best.
The fight will take place in Las Vegas on November 14, 2009. You can also watch it on HBO Pay-Per-View. This pairing is sure to be a candidate for Fight of the Year.
