Manny might fight Cotto before the winner of July 18th!

Notebook: Ward taking a step up - Boxing - ESPN

its on the side

Top Rank promoter Bob Arum told ESPN.com that pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao, who destroyed Ricky Hatton in two rounds to win the junior welterweight championship May 2, will fight again in October. "But we don't know against who," Arum said. "We're sorting through opponents." Arum said Pacquiao will be ringside in New York on June 13 to scout welterweight titlist Miguel Cotto, one of Arum's other stars, against Joshua Clottey. If Cotto wins, Arum said he'll try to match Pacquiao and Cotto, although he also said Shane Mosley was a possibility. One fight Arum said won't happen this year is Pacquiao against the winner of the July 18 Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez match. "Definitely not this year," he said. "Manny will fight in the fall and then we'd look to do that fight in the first part of 2010." Besides attending Cotto-Clottey, Pacquiao (and trainer Freddie Roach) will attend the annual Boxing Writers Association of America awards dinner June 12 in New York to pick up their 2008 fighter and trainer of the year awards. The day after the fight, Arum, a Hall of Famer, said he'd like to fly Pacquiao with him to Canastota, N.Y., to attend the annual International Hall of Fame inductions.

Holy shit I guess we may just find out if I am right in thinking that Pacquiao can handle Cotto's size and skill.

I hope that fight happens first, if Manny fought Maywether first and won I dont think Manny would fight Cotto. I dont think he'll ever fight Shane regardless but Cotto is a great match up...I hope he destroys Cotto too

I really see Cotto brutalisng Pac

It's a good match up for Arum, if Pac loses Cotto will have elevated himself back to the top, if he gets past Clottey as well of course. Bit of a risk for Pac though, considering how much he could make with PBF.

Pac will be able to outspeed him all night with enough power to keep Cotto honest. However, wedidn't know how well he can take a huge shot at 140+ before last week, and we still don't now. Cotto has a crippling left hook, and has enough defens and ring smarts to last long enough to test Pac out in that department.

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I hope he destroys Cotto too

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If he does, I would make a petition to Saddo to bring DannyG back and see what he has to say about the fight:rolleyes:.

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I really see Cotto brutalisng Pac

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I really don't know who I want to see lose between Pac, Mayweather, and Cotto. If Cotto faced Pac, I would be more inclined to root for Cotto. Just imagine how hardcore PacFanBoys would get if Pac beat Cotto *groan*:-\.

I would much rather see Mayweather Pacquiao.

I really don't understand what is going on the boxing world. This makes absolutely no sense whatsover.

Cotto (who happens to me fav fighter) should NOT be fighting the much smaller Pacman. I think Cotto would DESTROY Pac (and I'm a huge fan of Pacman as well) within 6 rounds. He will outweigh Pac (at fight night) by at least 15lbs.

WTH will be the next fight possibility for Pacman??? Dawson? Pavlik? I know Money talks but to have top contenders in one division fight top contenders that are 2-3 weight class ABOVE their weight class simply because it 'MAKES MONEY' ala PBF is ridiculous.

As a boxing fan, I would like to see Pac fight JMM and PBF to fight the likes of Cotto/Mosley. If you want to deviate from your weight class, then it should be realistic but to have a 135lb like Pac fight a very solid 147lb in Cotto (who comes in at 160lb easy) is ridiculous.

Maybe Cotto would be too strong but I think Manny could be a bit of a nightmare for Cotto.

Quick feet versus fairly slow feet, darting in and out, punches from awkward angles, could especially see the right hook giving Cotto problems.

Haha, could you imagine if Manny actually fought Cotto and PBF back to back, pure insanity.

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

Haha, could you imagine if Manny actually fought Cotto and PBF back to back, pure insanity.

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If he did and he won, I'd put him above SRR ;D

But seriously, I would put my house on Cotto beating Pac :cool:

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

Maybe Cotto would be too strong but I think Manny could be a bit of a nightmare for Cotto.

Quick feet versus fairly slow feet, darting in and out, punches from awkward angles, could especially see the right hook giving Cotto problems.

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I really don't think Manny would be able to connect the right hook on Cotto as many may think. Cotto keeps his hands like earmuffs...from what I've seen, his weakspot is the uppercut and that is again, because he keeps his hands up like earmuffs. I don't recall Manny being known for his uppercut but then again, no one really knew much about his right hook until after the Hatton fight. Regardless...I think Cotto will be too big/too strong and yes, contrary to what others might say, Cotto is quite fast as well.

Cotto's got pretty good defense for a fighter that pressures a lot like you say but he could get tagged with the right while he's throwing punches, especially considering Manny's so fast.

Look at the first knockdown in the Hatton fight, Hatton starts his left hook before Manny started the right hook. Granted I'm not sure that's a good example cause Cotto doesn't cock his like Hatton does but its doesn't change the fact that I think could still be caught between shots.

Unless I'm mistaken didn't Corley hurt Cotto with a right hook coming in?

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Originally Posted by BIG H

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

Haha, could you imagine if Manny actually fought Cotto and PBF back to back, pure insanity.

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If he did and he won, I'd put him above SRR ;D

But seriously, I would put my house on Cotto beating Pac :cool:

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Its madness, still I give Manny a better shot against Cotto than some guys around that weight.

Prime example, how silly would a Paul Williams-Manny Pacquaio fight look ;D

First off it's by no means a given that Cotto will beat Clottey imo, that should be a war although I do favour Cotto.. But regardless Im inclined to think this is just a bargaining chip for Arum to make negotiations run more smoothly with Floyd. The Mayweather fight will bring in way more cash for all parties involved, it's way to big not to happen at this point and Cotto is far to risky a fight to put Manny in with beforehand. To say he'll fight Floyd after he beats Cotto is just gobshite from a promotional standpoint imo. Although I do for some reason see Manny beating Cotto something fierce, it's still not worth risking the showdown with Floyd.

Sanchez had a good first post.

I just can't believe Pacquiao may fight Cotto before PBF. How ridiculous is that? We discussed Cotto v. PBF in what, 2006, and PBF still hasn't fought him.

The size differences between Cotto/PBF and Pacquiao is great. Cotto and PBF would have to agree to fight at or around 140, but even then, the size disparity would be significant.

Cotto needs to get past Clottey first who is upset-minded. In fact, as of now, I'm not convinced Cotto is back from his crushing defeat at the hands (or bricks) of Margarito - coupled with the problems with his Uncle, indeed, Clottey may have picked the perfect time for an upset.

Roach said they'll no longer climb at 147. So I guess Cotto, Mosley, and PBF gonna have to go down at 144 if they really want a piece of pacman.

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

Cotto's got pretty good defense for a fighter that pressures a lot like you say but he could get tagged with the right while he's throwing punches, especially considering Manny's so fast.

Look at the first knockdown in the Hatton fight, Hatton starts his left hook before Manny started the right hook. Granted I'm not sure that's a good example cause Cotto doesn't cock his like Hatton does but its doesn't change the fact that I think could still be caught between shots.

Unless I'm mistaken didn't Corley hurt Cotto with a right hook coming in?

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I can't recall if it was a hook when Corley had Cotto doing the chicken dance but that fight was a long time ago. Cotto has improved leaps and bounds from that point. Don't get me wrong, I would watch this fight if it happened but IMO, it would be nothing but a farce.

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Originally Posted by Rantcatrat

Sanchez had a good first post.

I just can't believe Pacquiao may fight Cotto before PBF. How ridiculous is that? We discussed Cotto v. PBF in what, 2006, and PBF still hasn't fought him.

The size differences between Cotto/PBF and Pacquiao is great. Cotto and PBF would have to agree to fight at or around 140, but even then, the size disparity would be significant.

Cotto needs to get past Clottey first who is upset-minded. In fact, as of now, I'm not convinced Cotto is back from his crushing defeat at the hands (or bricks) of Margarito - coupled with the problems with his Uncle, indeed, Clottey may have picked the perfect time for an upset.

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True, Cotto does have to get pass Clottey and that will be a test and a half in itself. If things DO pan out like they should however, Cotto SHOULD win.

Even though Pacman would be able to dictate the terms in a fight with Cotto, there is no way Cotto would be able to make 140lbs. He would be in serious trouble and would likely get KO'd by Pac due to being severly weight drained . I can't fault Pac either for wanting to fight at 140lb because again, that would be a reasonable weight for him to fight at. Conclusion? these 2 should NOT fight each other. Give the boxing fans what they want and make it realistic...PBF vs either Cotto/Mosley and Pac vs JMM!

I think it was but that's a bit beside the point, Manny will land his punches, straight lefts, right hooks, Cotto's solid defensively but he's not invisible and Manny is clearly one of the most dynamic offensive fighters around.

I don't think its anything near a farce, Manny has shown that he can carry his power, but that's my opinion, we'll see. Either way, If I was Cotto I would insist on it being at 147, if he's drained he's getting taken out. Since Roach and Manny probably won't go to 147 this whole thing is probably a moot point.

Sanchez beat me to the point on the weight.

I wonder even how well he'd manage something like 143-144.

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

Sanchez beat me to the point on the weight.

I wonder even how well he'd manage something like 143-144.

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The problem with the catch weight is the inevitable excuses that can follow with the loser of the fight. If Cotto loses he 'may' say he was weight drained and he fights best at 147lb...If Pac loses he 'may' say he fights best at 135lbs.

Add to the fact that we will NOT be seeing the BEST the fighter has to offer meaning, Cotto has proven his BEST at 147lbs...Pac has proven his BEST at 135bls. At a catch weight either, or both fighters 'may' lose some of there ability due to being outside the weight range where they feel most comfortable with. I feel as boxing fans, we would be short changed for not seeing our favorite fighter perform at his most optimum potential. I apologize as I'm now sounding like a broken record so I'll cut my rant right here.

maybe so, I'm not sure that 140 isn't Manny's best, a bit hard to tell as he's only had one fight at each.

But I agree that 147 is where Cotto needs to stay.

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Originally Posted by sanchez786

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

Maybe Cotto would be too strong but I think Manny could be a bit of a nightmare for Cotto.

Quick feet versus fairly slow feet, darting in and out, punches from awkward angles, could especially see the right hook giving Cotto problems.

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I really don't think Manny would be able to connect the right hook on Cotto as many may think. Cotto keeps his hands like earmuffs...from what I've seen, his weakspot is the uppercut and that is again, because he keeps his hands up like earmuffs. I don't recall Manny being known for his uppercut but then again, no one really knew much about his right hook until after the Hatton fight. Regardless...I think Cotto will be too big/too strong and yes, contrary to what others might say, Cotto is quite fast as well.

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Pacquiao wouldn't land the right hook, he would be landing his danger punches on Cotto, his left uppercut and his left cross. Cotto is very fast with his hands and his reflexes, no doubt, but he just doesn't have the footspeed, Pacquiao is basically fighting with the same body he faced Marquez with at 130, he weighed in at 145 for that fight, that is 3 pounds less than against De La HOya and Hatton. I just think that lack of weight gives him a huge speed advantage. Guys like MAyweather also have all the speed in the world, but Mayweather is so good defensively off the ropes I feel he has gotten complacent, and he doens't make an effort anymore to stay off the ropes.

IMO its not Pacquiao power or handspeed that has really trumped his opponents, its his footspeed and constant movement, I have been saying for years that Zab Judah would be a great fighter if he just moved his feet, well Pacquiao has a way better offensive arsenal, and he does move his feet with similar athletic ability. I don't think its only his handspeed that is so beguiling, I think he ability to create distance when his opponent doesn't want him to, and to close that gap coming in with his assault. IMO footspeed is the most underrated and underused to tool.

All that being said in its great redundancy, I feel that Cotto is a 40/60 type underdog simply because he is Cotto, IMO only Mayweather clearly beats Cotto nearly every time they would step into the ring. Cotto has good handspeed and great timing, and he does the best body work in boxing. I will argue all day that I adamantly don't believe Hatton hurt Pacquiao at all, but I think Pacquiao admitted that he definitely felt Hatton's power, well Cotto hits twice as hard as Hatton, and he is more accurate(also better at throwing combinations). If Cotto can cut off the ring effectively, and take minimal clean shots, I think he would do quite well against Manny.

Cotto , Shane and Floyd would be dead at the weight if they boiled down to 144. Pac would have a huge advantage. Only Oscar was stupid enough to drain himself of all his energy and strength. If Pac wont go to welter then he doesnt get a superfight .

Pacs only big fight may be a third against Marquez coming off a loss to Floyd. Thats if he is unwilling to fight at welter.

Why would Floyd have any trouble whatsoever making 144? He comes into the ring around 148 like Pacquiao, he wouldn't have a hard time at all making 144, I think Mosley and Cotto would have more difficulty, especially Cotto who is supposedly around 165 coming into the ring.

I don't think Pacquiao will make them fight at a catch weight, the more his opponent weighs the better for him IMO, It will just slow them down.

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Originally Posted by OnixAA

I hope that fight happens first, if Manny fought Maywether first and won I dont think Manny would fight Cotto. I dont think he'll ever fight Shane regardless but Cotto is a great match up...I hope he destroys Cotto too

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I know you do. And I hope to see you here after the fight.

;)

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Originally Posted by Taeth

Why would Floyd have any trouble whatsoever making 144? He comes into the ring around 148 like Pacquiao, he wouldn't have a hard time at all making 144, I think Mosley and Cotto would have more difficulty, especially Cotto who is supposedly around 165 coming into the ring.

I don't think Pacquiao will make them fight at a catch weight, the more his opponent weighs the better for him IMO, It will just slow them down.

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Yeah, PBF would have no trouble making 144. PBF/JMM is at a catch weight 143 or 144 I forgot. PBF is a very small welterweight so they would try to drag him down to 140. Roach and Pac are very crafty and they would fight Cotto at less than 147 in hopes of draining him. At 144, Cotto would not be as effective so it would be interesting. At 147 he would destroy Pac. Pac would have to land early and often otherwise Cotto would wear him down. Cotto is not a dumb fighter and he does adapt. Cotto is very strong and not just his punches. He can box a bit and he focuses extremely well.

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Originally Posted by OumaFan

Cotto's got pretty good defense for a fighter that pressures a lot like you say but he could get tagged with the right while he's throwing punches, especially considering Manny's so fast.

Look at the first knockdown in the Hatton fight, Hatton starts his left hook before Manny started the right hook. Granted I'm not sure that's a good example cause Cotto doesn't cock his like Hatton does but its doesn't change the fact that I think could still be caught between shots.

Unless I'm mistaken didn't Corley hurt Cotto with a right hook coming in?

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Yes, it was a right hook that Corley had Cotto very hurt on. Cotto was almost out on his feet. But that right hook coming from a left hander to a standard fighter is a longer punch to land but a weird punch so if he lands solid it will cause problems. But Pac looked every second to land that right hook on Hatton(and did) and I'm sure Cotto seen that. And he is a very intelligent fighter so I think he'd be well prepared for that punch.

Cotto should beat Clottey but people shouldn't be counting that as a given. And even if Cotto did win after his beating from the "plaster hands" and then a possible war with Clottey he may end up being close to shot. After those two tough battles he would be a fool to compound that with draining himself to less than 147. And Roach already said he won't let Pac go back to 147. So Cotto would have to come down.

It's a possibility but it's not the fight for PAC that I wanted most... Tho I like PAC's chances against Cotto...

Some notes on this PAC-Cotto fight:
- Cotto's weaknesses is PAC's strength (stamina, southpaw, get hit a lot)
- catch weight of 144 lbs.
- even if Cotto get past Clottey, I think Cotto will be softened enough by Clottey...;)
- PAC's speed is still the key
- PAC can brag to PBF that he's fighting the boxer that PBF avoided...;D

Having said that, I still think this fight won't happen since I think Clottey will upset Cotto...
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Originally Posted by SaddoBoxer

It's a possibility but it's not the fight for PAC that I wanted most... Tho I like PAC's chances against Cotto...

Some notes on this PAC-Cotto fight:
- Cotto's weaknesses is PAC's strength (stamina (worries me also), southpaw (the Cotto that got wobbled against Corley is light-years behind the Cotto of today), get hit a lot (see "southpaw"))
- catch weight of 144 lbs.(I'd have some misgivings about that also. 147 is Cotto's weight.)
- even if Cotto get past Clottey, I think Cotto will be softened enough by Clottey...;)
- PAC's speed is still the key (it might bother Cotto somewhat... but Cotto has fought fast fighters before (Judah, Mosley)
- PAC can brag to PBF that he's fighting the boxer that PBF avoided...;D

Having said that, I still think this fight won't happen since I think Clottey will upset Cotto...
. (and obviously, we disagree here, as well) ;D

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I agree with some... disagree with others. See above.

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Originally Posted by TitoFan

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Originally Posted by SaddoBoxer

It's a possibility but it's not the fight for PAC that I wanted most... Tho I like PAC's chances against Cotto...

Some notes on this PAC-Cotto fight:
- Cotto's weaknesses is PAC's strength (stamina (worries me also), southpaw (the Cotto that got wobbled against Corley is light-years behind the Cotto of today), get hit a lot (see "southpaw"))
- catch weight of 144 lbs.(I'd have some misgivings about that also. 147 is Cotto's weight.)
- even if Cotto get past Clottey, I think Cotto will be softened enough by Clottey...;)
- PAC's speed is still the key (it might bother Cotto somewhat... but Cotto has fought fast fighters before (Judah, Mosley)
- PAC can brag to PBF that he's fighting the boxer that PBF avoided...;D

Having said that, I still think this fight won't happen since I think Clottey will upset Cotto...
. (and obviously, we disagree here, as well) ;D

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I agree with some... disagree with others. See above.

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I agree to disagree without thinking... ;D

We'll leave it as it is until this fight get signed...;)
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way to throw Clottey under the bus...

I think Clottey could beat Cotto but he doesnt exist in this thread?

If he beats Cotto then Mayweather Pacquiao next is a guarantee because there's a lot of risk but little reward in a Clottey vs Pacquiao fight

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Originally Posted by Majesty

way to throw Clottey under the bus...

I think Clottey could beat Cotto but he doesnt exist in this thread?

If he beats Cotto then Mayweather Pacquiao next is a guarantee because there's a lot of risk but little reward in a Clottey vs Pacquiao fight

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Same here... If Clottey wins, there will be no PAC vs. Clottey fight...

Clottey is just way too big for PAC aside from the little reward...
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He won't get past Cotto come down off the hype wagon;);D

LOL, Clotty has no chance! I think it would be a Very entertaining fight and I would love to watch, then again not want to watch it. Cotto and Pacquiao are my two favorite fighters right now and I'd hate to see two nice guys beat each other up! I take nothing away from Cotto, he's awsome but I say Manny edges him out, but a very tough fight for both! I want to see either of these guys take on Mayweather so we can go back to the good guy vs. bad guy scenario!;D