What do you think of Catch weights?

[bzkfn]

Cotto weighed in at 146 for the Clottey fight. 144 wouldn't be too big of a step down. Mosely, well, that is another story, no one knows for sure. My bet is that weighing 142 would hamper his ability or from another perspective, even out the playing field.

Would you give more credit to Pacquiao if he beat the top lightweights (Nate Campbell etc.) and junior welterweights (he already did that, but how about Tim Bradley etc) or if he beat Cotto at 144? If he suddenly became realistic that he just isn't big enough to fight a true welterweight at their normal weight, but dominated at 135/140.

What fights would a boxing fan rather see? Cotto at 144 or Campbell/Valero etc.?

I understand and agree that if the fight is for a welterweight belt, it should be at 147, like it was at 140 for the junior welterweight belt, but that aside, wouldn't you rather see Pac fight Cotto at 144 (assuming PBF is out of the picture)?

In some ways, of course I would rather see the Cotto fight. But I seriously think he'll struggle. I know another 2lbs off might not be considered that big a step but if that was true, Campbell would have made weight for Funeka. I'm not convinced Cotto will be healthy and give a true account of himself at 144. So if the choice is a shell of Cotto or seeing him fight Bradley or Valero, then I would prefer Bradley or Valero. You see my point?

Yes, I do. Fair enough. But, you can agree that 2 pounds may not be that big of a step. It may. But, it may not. If the fight is at 145, I don't see it being an issue.

The thing about Campbell is that he was prepared to fight at 135. Cotto would be prepared to fight at 144. He'd train for it. His people should know if he can do it in a healthy way. They saw what Pac can do to Hatton and ODLH, they should be watching out for Cotto in that respect.

Maybe, but sometimes all people see is the money. If Cotto is fit and healthy at 144 then it could be great. I just think the variable is leaving the whole thing open for excuse. Thats why I prefer fighting at a recognized weightclass. I can't understand why Pacquiao wouldn't take it at 147 really. If he lost, people wouldn't discredit him for it. If he wins, he puts the icing on a pretty incredible career. Surely its worth the risk.