HULING YUGTO NG TRAINING

LOS ANGELES -- Magandang araw po sa inyong lahat mga ginigiliw kong tagasubaybay ng kolum na ito. Kumusta rin sa aking mga kaibigan, fans at mga kababayan saan mang panig ng mundo kayo naroroon. Sana ay nasa mabuti kayong kalagayan.

Titindi pa ng titindi ang mga susunod na araw ng pagsasanay namin para sa “Firepower” na kinatatampukan ni Miguel Cotto ng Puerto Rico at ng inyong abang lingkod sa Nov. 14 sa MGM Grand Garden Arena sa Las Vegas, Nevada. Nangangahulugan na 17 araw na lang pala ang natitira bago ang araw ng laban.

May tatlong araw na ang nakakalipas matapos kaming lumapag sa LAX (Los Angeles Airport) at sa aking pakiramdam ay unti-unti nang bumabalik ang aking normal na kundisyon ng katawan dala na rin ng jetlag. Medyo nahirapan kaming mag-adjust sa time difference ng Pilipinas at America kaya naman medyo kulang pa sa timing ang mga suntok.

Kanina, araw ng Martes, ako ay nag-spar ulit ng sampung rounds sa Wild Card gym ni coach Freddie Roach at masasabi kong maganda na rin ang aking kundisyon. Nakaharap ko ang tatlong sparring partners na nagpalit-palitan sa ibabaw ng ring. Masasabi kong maayos na ang aking lakas at resistensiya at mga ilang araw na lang ay susubukan naming mag-spar ng 12 rounds.

Wala na halos bakas ang jetlag hindi gaya noong Linggo at Lunes kung saan pinipilit kong huwag makatulog upang maitapat sa oras ng Los Angeles ang nakagawiang oras ng aking katawan. Sanhi ito ng bagay na kung umaga rito sa US ay gabi naman sa Pilipinas at umiikot din ang oras.

Nakaharap ko ang sumisikat na boxer na si Shawn Porter sa unang apat na rounds at maganda naman ang palitan namin ng suntok. Sa tingin ko ay kaunting adjustments na lang ang aming gagawin sa depensa at gagawin naming mas maayos ang paghahanda sa plano para kay Cotto.

Inaasahan namin, kasama ang aking coaching staff kabilang sila Buboy Fernandez, Nonoy Neri at Alex Ariza na magiging mahigpit ang laban dahil sa mabilis din at mas malakas sa akin si Cotto dahil mas malaki siya nang ‘di-hamak. Ako po kasi ay hindi naman talaga natural na welterweight at medyo maliit sa weight class na ito. Gayunpaman, susubukan kong sumabay sa lakas at bilis ng aking mga kalaban gamit ang ilan sa mga napag-aralan naming mga plano at technique upang talunin ang kampeon ng WBO.

Pilit ko pa ring pinapakain ang aking sarili ng mas maraming pagkain upang huwag pumayat kaagad dahil madali lang para sa akin na masunog ang lahat ng aking kinakain sa araw-araw.

Sana po ay ipagpatuloy natin ang pagdarasal para sa isa’t-isa para sa tagumpay nating lahat. Kayo pong lahat ang aking inspirasyon upang manalo sa laban na ito at kapag tayo ay sama-sama lalung-lalo na sa panalangin, walang makakatalo sa ating lahat.

Hanggang sa muling Kumbinasyon. God Bless Us All.

Commentary: Something is wrong in this article. Pacquiao forgot or deliberately remove the name of Freddie Roach...hhhmmm. Can the white gorilla be right that a divorce between Pacquaio and Cotto will soon come?

Source: HULING YUGTO NG TRAINING

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Pacquioa-Cotto Insider Picks III

Jim Gray (Showtime Boxing Analyst)
I like Pacquiao. I just think he’s the best, he’s pound for pound the best. I know we are all pointing towards Mayweather and Pacquiao so I don’t want to see this upset that [fight] so the choice is with my head and my heart so I’m going with Pacquiao.

Manuel Medina (5-time World Champion, Fought Hamed & Marquez)
I think it’s a very tough fight for Pacquiao because he’s going to another division and Cotto has the strength and the determination. The only way Pacquiao can win is if implements the perfect game plan and utilizes boxing skill to outpoint him. I think Cotto is going to win.

Greg Haugen (2-time World Champion, Fought Chavez & Whitaker)
I think Pacquiao is too quick for him. He has the speed on him. I think Cotto will have a tough time trying to catch him. It’s going to be tough to beat Paquiao and Floyd will beat Pacquiao because he has the speed. The only way to beat speed is with speed and if you don’t have it, you can’t find it.

Pat Lawlor (Former Middleweight Fringe-Contender, Beat Roberto Duran & Benitez)
I like Pacquiao. He’s on a roll. He’s on a roll.

Gabe Ruelas (Former WBC 130-Pound World Champ)
I’m going with Pacquiao and not just because he won all those titles. I still think he’s hungry. For champions as I was myself it’s very hard to stay hungry after you reach that goal of becoming world champion. There’s something different in Pacquiao, I see him getting hungrier. That will keep him there as one of the best fighters for a good while because he is still hungry.

Mauricio Herrera (Undefeated 140-pound prospect 13-0)
It’s a tough fight. Cotto is real tough and Pacquiao is real fast, but I’m leaning towards Pacquiao now. He’s faster. The way I see Zab Judah and Cotto, I see it playing out like that, but with Pacquiao throwing more punches to win the fight. My money is on Pacquiao.

Israel Vasquez (One of the most exciting fighters in the sport today)
In my mind Cotto is the favorite because he has the strength advantage, maybe not the speed of Pacquiao, but he’s a very intelligent fighter and I think he has the advantage at the weight they are fighting at so I’m going with Cotto.

Andy Parsons (FightFanNation.com Staff Writer)
When this fight was first announced, I couldn’t really envision either fighter having a clear advantage. Pacquiao was coming off his 2nd round knockout victory over an outgunned Ricky Hatton. Cotto was coming off a courageous win over Joshua Clottey. My first reaction was that is was a pick-em fight.

After further thought, I would pick Cotto to prevail. Manny is active with great speed and comes to fight. He will come at Cotto from all angles, and this will definitely give Cotto trouble. However, Cotto is a solid welterweight in the prime of his career. Sure, he may still have some shadow of doubt from the Margarito knockout in the back of his mind. However, Margarito was a huge welterweight and it was an accumulation of punches over 11 rounds that finally brought Cotto down. Manny is just not big enough to do that. Cotto has shown enough ability to box and adjust, just like he did against Mosley. I think Manny is flying a little too high since he beat a weight drained De La Hoya at 147 and an overrated Hatton at 140. Cotto should wear him down with a solid body attack and sheer size. He will get hit -and the fight will be competitive -but I see Cotto coming out on top with a 12 round majority decision.

Commentary: Get is on!

Source: Pacquioa-Cotto Insider Picks III


To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

BOXING RANTS: DUNDEE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH PACQUIAO'S RISE

As Pacquiao-Cotto nears I can't help but be engulfed by the ridiculously massive volume of internet media coverage heaped on the fight. American mainstream media hasn't picked up on the fight the way it would a Tyson bout, but if you're a boxing fan you couldn't spend a moment going about your daily boxing fix without encountering something about the fight.

Not that anybody expects boxing to suddenly have mainstream coverage the way it enjoyed back in the days of Tyson, Leonard and Ali. Nope, it's not going to happen anytime soon.

-o-

Can anybody explain why boxing message board regulars habitually tear down every fighter's résumé? A fighter can't win with these guys. No victory is recognized as legitimate and when a fighter loses he's suddenly past prime or worse, a hype job.

I guess it's just the nature of the beast, boxing being one of the most politically incorrect of sports in these supposedly enlightened times. Boxing fans just love to see two guys beat the living daylight out of each other, and when they don't like a certain fighter there is no way in hell anybody can force them to suddenly go ga-ga over him.

-o-

Have you ever wondered how come hall-of-fame trainer Angelo Dundee has always picked the side opposite Manny Pacquiao's the last three fights running? He was hired by Oscar dela Hoya as camp adviser preparing against Pacquiao. Then he said before Pacquiao took out Hatton, "If ever there is a fighter that could beat Manny Pacquiao it is Ricky Hatton.”

Now we're hearing Dundee apparently picks Cotto over the Filipino firestorm. Dan Rafael of ESPN wrote that Bob Arum brought Dundee to Cotto's camp and Dundee once again picked against Pacquiao, "If I had to pick anybody in the world to fight Pacquiao, it would be Cotto because Cotto has the best chance of anybody to beat him because of his physical power and that strong left hook."

Is Angelo Dundee getting uncomfortable with the rising storm being generated by the Pac-Man? Well, Manny Pacquiao is still a long way from rivaling Muhammad Ali's legacy in mainstream America, but with the way he has been climbing weight classes and just tearing up the opposition comparisons with Henry Armstrong suddenly do not sound as ridiculous as they first did.

-o-

You gotta feel bad for American boxing at the moment. There is no American heavyweight in sight who looks capable of taking the belts from the Brothers Klitschko. The Super Six supermiddleweight tournament is looking like an All-European duel this early between Mikkel Kessler and Arthur Abraham. Paul Williams can't get a big fight...because Kelly Pavlik pulled out.

Bernard Hopkins and Shane Mosley are on their last legs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. would rather earn big money than build his legacy.

Well, who can blame him, actually?

-o-

This early, people are anticipating a Mayweather-Pacquiao showdown in 2010. As if Cotto losing to the Pac-Man is a foregone conclusion. Make no mistake about it, Miguel Cotto poses the biggest threat the Filipino has ever faced. Pacquiao may have faced better fighters, but no one as good AND as big as the Boricua Bomber.

Commentary: The same thing was said of Juan Diaz when I asked a taxi driver of the result if Manny Pacquiao will fight against Juan Diaz. As it turned out, Juan Diaz was summarily executed by Manny Pacquiao's arch opponent, Juan Manuel Marquez. Now, at this point in his career, can Manny Pacquiao summarily execute JMM in case they meet? Definitely specially if the fight will be held at 140lbs or 147lbs.

Source: BOXING RANTS: DUNDEE UNCOMFORTABLE WITH PACQUIAO'S RISE

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Watch out for Cotto’s power

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The fight between Miguel Angel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas highlights two traits needed by world-class boxers—power and speed.

Cotto is regarded as a power puncher while Pacquiao, although he packs power in his mitts, is better known for his speed. These two qualities would play a huge role come fight night.

Power

THE power of a punch in general is defined by two things: by the weight thrown behind the punch and by the speed by which the punch is thrown.

The reason Cotto is an interesting fighter to watch is because he throws all his punches with a lot of power. He puts his body behind every punch. His conditioning level is so high he can sustain this work rate all throughout a fight.

This same power was evident in his fights against quick fighters—Shane Mosley and Zab Judah, two (stylist) boxers who rely on speed for their victories but have been beaten by Cotto.

Cotto is a natural welterweight. He should have a heavier punch that, if it cleanly connects, may hurt Pacquiao. The Filipino, although expected to be in tip-top shape, could still get hurt.

On the other hand, Pacquiao brings in something alien to Cotto. Pacquiao’s power is generated not only by his weight but also by his speed. A lot of his sparring partners swear he has the power of a middleweight (160 lb) and, if both fighters weigh the same on fight day, Pacquiao will readily multiply his power through the speed he inherently possesses.

There is no doubt about the Filipino’s power in the 140-lb category. He demonstrated he can drop “naturally bigger men” against Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton—the latter with a very quick win.

Speed

Cotto may be fast versus other welterweights, but Pacquiao is clearly faster.

Cotto looked perplexed in his last fight against Joshua Clottey (although it can be argued that a cut above the eye that caused blood to cover his eye may have slowed him down). Clottey, evidently more agile, was picking his punches; connecting when he wanted with jabs and straights and left Cotto flat-footed at times, revealing a weakness in the latter’s defense.

Cotto needs speed to get away and react to Pacquiao’s punches and to be able to tag “The Pacman” with his left hooks.

Ability to position for the punch (agility and leg power)

Over the last couple of fights, Pacquiao has proven to have honed the ability to move well and find the openings to throw from various angles. Leg movement and positioning honed by rigorous drills at the gym molded Pacquiao into a well-oiled machine.

Cotto lately has been a stand-up fighter relying on torso movement rather than leg movement to find openings. He relies heavily on his power punches to the body that he does not seem to give emphasis on moving away from his opponent.

If Cotto can find a way to cut the ring and box-in Pacquiao, then throw well-timed body shots, he may be able to slow down the Filipino.

With calculated movements Cotto can conserve enough energy for the long haul and steal the win in the later rounds.

Although the speed factor gives Pacquiao a huge edge, as they say, a power puncher will always have an advantage. A power puncher will always have chance to win a fight even if he is way down on points. Cotto’s power will be something to watch out for.

Commentary: What you cannot hit you cannot hurt...


Source: Watch out for Cotto’s power

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Pacquiao back to ‘normal’

Manny Pacquiao with Freddie Roach.

Manny Pacquiao has reverted back to his old ways.

Despite the punishing effects of jet lag, Pacquiao still managed to give trainer Freddie Roach a reason to smile when the Filipino kicked off his sparring session on US soil on Wednesday at the Wild Card in Hollywood, less than three weeks before the November 14 duel with Miguel Cotto.

Sparring 10 full rounds with unbeaten super-welterweight Shawn Porter and super-feather Ray Beltran and one guy Porter handpicked to help, Pacquiao didn’t resort to things that made Roach cringe the last time he worked out in Manila over the weekend.

“It’s back to normal,” said Roach on the phone from the sweat shop located on Vine Street. “I was surprised that he looked good today despite the jet lag. There was no more playing around this time.”

Pacquiao, Roach noted, did four rounds with Porter then had three apiece with Beltran and the unidentified fellow who subbed for original choice Raymond Serrano.

“He had a lot more focus today than the last time (in Manila),” added Roach.

Roach said another former sparmate, super-welter Rashad Holloway, will likely be called in to replace Serrano as Pacquiao hikes the number of rounds to 11 on Thursday and as much as 12 on Saturday before he begins to slow down next week.

Roach expects Pacquiao’s showing to improve even more in the coming days now that they are training under familiar conditions.

Meanwhile, Pacquiao and Roach are hosting a teleconference call this Thursday to give the media a deeper look into their training camp.

Commentary: Bad news for team Cotto...distraction is gone; Manny now is back on the groove.

Source: Pacquiao back to ‘normal’

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Dundee not betting on a Pacquiao win vs Cotto

For the third time, legendary trainer Angelo Dundee is keeping off his bet on Manny Pacquiao in his Nov. 14 title showdown with Miguel Cotto.

Despite being proven wrong twice before by the Filipino boxing champion, the 88-year-old Dundee thinks reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title holder Cotto has got what it takes to pull off a stunning upset.

Filipino ring superstar Manny Pacquiao and Puerto Rican bomber Miguel Cotto. Top Rank photo

Hall of Fame trainer Dundee visited Cotto's training camp recently in Tampa, Florida, and was convinced the Puerto Rican champion can beat Pacquiao based on what he had seen.

“If I had to pick anybody in the world to fight Pacquiao, it would be Cotto," Dundee, who recently moved in from Miami to Tampa, told Top Rank promoter Bob Arum, whom he chanced upon at Cotto’s Florida training camp.

“Cotto has the best chance of anybody to beat him (Pacquiao) because of his physical power and strong left hook."

Despite being a revered boxing personality involved in the “sweet science" for more than six decades now, Dundee has never got it right in Pacquiao’s last two fights.

The long-retired trainer helped prepare superstar Oscar De La Hoya when he fought the "Pacman" a year ago in a mega-fight that ended with boxing’s "Golden Boy" quitting on his stool just before the ninth round of their "Dream Match" showdown.

The bout proved to be De La Hoya’s last as he retired shortly after.

And only last summer, Dundee also picked two-time junior middleweight champion Ricky Hatton to beat the hell out of Pacquiao. The opposite happened as the 30-year-old General Santos City native knocked the lights out of the boxer from Manchester and scored a swift, second round technical knockout.

As the man who promotes both Pacquiao and Cotto, Arum wouldn’t come out in public as to who he thinks will win the much-anticipated slugfest at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

But having seen the two fighters sweat it out in training camps, the veteran boxing promoter, undoubtedly, is a lot impressed with Pacquiao’s work ethic.

“I think, in general, both guys looked very, very good," he said.

“Cotto looked strong. He’s Cotto. He works hard for two hours, He does all his sparring. He’s in tremendous shape," said Arum of the 28-year-old champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico.

Yet for Arum, Pacquiao does more than that.

“I know Cotto works hard, but in contrast to the other guy (Pacquiao), it looks like he’s taking a vacation," said the 77-year-old promoter.


Commentary: I am waiting for the second part of Arum's article about his observation of both camp, and so far I haven't read it. If what is written here "...it looks like he's taking a vacation" then this says a lot about the coming fight. Now I really believe that the only chance for Cotto to win is to land a hail Mary punch.


Source: Dundee not betting on a Pacquiao win vs Cotto

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Manny Pacquiao wins: Miguel Cotto's island nation goes into funk

Minor depression hits Puerto Rico as Miguel I'm No Angel Cotto loses to Pinoy Idol Manny Pacquiao. HBO
Fair is fair so, since I wrote What Happens If Manny Pacquiao Loses, I had to take a similar look at the fate of Boricua Banger Miguel I’m No Angel Cotto should he falter Nov. 14.

So here goes…

An archipelago of 97 million celebrates while the island nation of Puerto Rico has a very minor, very temporary funk…

When he gets done with the bean counters and wading through all the cash, Bob Arum assures Cotto that he has plans, big plans, for him. Those plans start with the revenge rematch, which goes on automatic pilot, against Antonio Margocheato…

Arum, who says Panama Lewis should be banned for four lifetimes for similar cheating, plays Harper Valley hypocrite in defending the critics of Margarito’s return…

.Trainer Joe Santiago will play the fall guy for losing to Pacman. He will be retained in the camp but, for the Maragarito bout, Cotto does go out a retain a more savvy and experienced trainer…

It leaks out that Cotto went into the Pacquiao bout with a tender left hand. He rarely throws a jab in the bout and it is overlooked that jabbing Pacquiao can’t keep him off you for long anyway…

Emanuel Steward rushes to the postfight press conference when he drops his HBO microphone and is more than happy to reveal how Cotto’s fight plan was disastrous…

Juan Ma Lopez quietly assumes the mantle of Puerto Rico’s Numero Uno boxing hero. Despite his own limitations, Lopez is viewed as the future while Cotto, only age 28, is viewed as the past. Yet Cotto will fight another four years…

Privately, Tito Trinidad and his father, Don Felix, will be glad that Manny won because they never accepted Cotto as the heir apparent to Tito anyway….

Fired trainer and uncle Evaneglista Cotto will tell Primera Hora newspaper that, if he had still been the trainer, Pacman would have been KTFO’d…

There will be some minor calling for a Pacman rematch but Manny puts Miguel in his rear view mirror and looks forward now to either his Moby Dick, Floyd Mayweather, or Sugar Shane Mosley for March of 2010…

Without loaded handwraps, Margarito will defeat Cotto in a bruising fight which shortens the careers of both fighters. This fight is so good that Arum instantly announces a rubber match between the two rivals..

Commentary: Marley, I noticed that lately you are more into speculation than reporting based on hard evidence. It's not funny anymore so better improve your style a little...

Source: Manny Pacquiao wins: Miguel Cotto's island nation goes into funk

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Manny Pacquiao's Winning Secrets Revealed

Manny Pacquiao (born December 17, 1978), is a Filipino professional boxer. He is currently the WBC Lightweight Champion.

Popular Filipino boxer Manny Pacquiao says that prayer and hard work are some of the things that he does before he climbs the ring to engage his opponent in a fight.

Pressed by reporters and newsmen to comment on the series of predictions from members of his team, Manny Pacquiao refused to confirm or deny how the fight with Miguel Cotto will end. But he revealed some of his winning secrets which he does before and after the fight.

Known for his humility, Pacquiao says its hard to give a definitive answer when asked about his trainer's prediction that he would knock out Miguel Cotto in the first round of their 'Firepower' fight. 'We don't know exactly what is going to happen'. Let's just pray to the Lord. Whatever happens, let's just pray -the Lord is the only one who knows the outcome. For me, I just train very hard and pray to God before I climb the ring.

In reality, Pacquiao is saying that prayer and hard work are some of his winning secrets. By training hard in preparation for any fight coupled with intense prayer every time he climbs the ring, the pound-for-pound king admits are some of his winning secrets.

Pacquiao is a very religious person. Before moving to Los Angeles from his training camp in Baguio City in the Philippines, the popular Filipino boxer had arranged for a mass for the entire team. He and his team were joined later by boxing fans and ordinary citizens, all praying for his safety and victory. Pre-fight mass is customary for Team Pacquiao. In all these religious preparations, Pacquiao would always be there to lead the team in prayer.

The popular boxer said that he normally recites the rosary everyday for nine days before the date of every fight. He does it without fail every night for nine days He said most of the members of his team would always join him in prayer. When the bell rings to signal the start of the fight, Pacquiao can be seen in his own corner praying intensely for guidance from the Lord.

Earlier, his trainer and coach Freddie Roach predicted that the popular Filipino boxer will knock out Cotto in the first round of their 'Firepower ' match. Alex Ariza joined Roach in his prediction saying that Pacquiao will win by knock out. His adviser, Michael Koncz likewise predicted that Paquiao will win by KO in the later rounds.

Despite all these predictions from his own team, Pacquiao declined to comment on them saying he will leave everything to God. But one thing is sure - the pound -for-pound king will continue to train hard and lead his team in prayer during his training and before climbing the ring.

Commentary: This should be a very good and powerful tips from the champ: hardwork and prayer. To those who are aiming high in whatever endeavor you are in, let's all immulate the Pacman.

Source: Manny Pacquiao's Winning Secrets Revealed

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Roach dangles cash for a Pacquiao fall

The wad of $100 inside Freddie Roach’s pocket – amounting to $1,000 all in all – has remained unclaimed.
Although the top trainer doesn’t wish to see Manny Pacquiao suffer a knockdown in his remaining days of sparring at the Wild Card in Hollywood, Roach is dangling cool cash so the Filipino’s sparmates will go the extra mile in their respective sessions with the pound-for-pound king.

“It’s still with me and I am telling the new sparring partners that they will be rewarded with $1,000 if they score a knockdown over Manny in sparring,” said Roach, who will preside over Pacquiao’s first sparring at the Wild Card on Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).

Unbeaten super-welterweight Shawn Porter will be called in to bang bodies anew but he’ll have new company in super-feather Raymundo Beltran and welter Raymond Serrano, who have replaced Urbano Antillon and Jose Luis Castillo.

Roach said Tuesday’s sparring will be for 10 rounds, while Thursday’s will go 11 and Saturday 12 rounds, the most number for Pacquiao.

Commentary: Such is the confidence of coach Freddie Roach on his fighter, Manny Pacquiao. Considering the considerable knowledge and experience Raoch brings to the table, you better believe that he is confident that Manny can win.

Source: Roach dangles cash for a Pacquiao fall

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Pacquiao victim tips Manny … and Cotto victim backs Miguel

Lehlohonolo Ledwaba is now a boxing trainer. Picture by Sydney Seshibedi
Here in South Africa – seemingly miles off the beaten boxing track that is leading Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto to their destiny in Las Vegas on November 14 – two local boxers who have fought these great warriors are offering different views on who will emerge victorious.

Lehlohonolo Ledwaba, who lost on a sixth-round TKO to Manny Pacquiao in 2001, and Lovemore Ndou, a points loser to Cotto in 2004, were present at a press conference on Tuesday ahead of a big tournament in Johannesburg this weekend.

Ledwaba, who has picked up some weight since hanging up his gloves after suffering a detached retina, is now working as a trainer in Bloemfontein – which means many weekend trips to visit his family at home in Johannesburg.

“Hands of Stone” Ledwaba, one of South Africa’s finest boxers of the past decade or so, is tipping Pacquiao to win, although he reckons it will be a tough encounter that is likely to go the distance.

“Manny’s in his prime, but he’s fighting a really tough guy. Manny doesn’t like fighting a boxer who likes attacking the body, and Cotto is good at that. I’d still say Manny will win, but he must stay on the outside. He can’t afford Cotto to get inside.”

But Ndou, who fought out of Australia for years although he’s now training in east Johannesburg with Harold Volbrecht (a welterweight contender in the 1980s), reckons Cotto will have the advantage. “I fought Cotto – he’s a strong, smart fighter. I don’t think it will be easy, but if I had to bet, I’d put my money on Cotto.”

Ndou, also a former sparring partner of Floyd Mayweather, said he had no doubt who would win if Pacman and “Money” ever got it on. “Mayweather will win with one hand behind his back.”

Ndou, the IBO welterweight champion, is scheduled to defend against Matthew Hatton, Ricky’s brother, on November 13, and he’s confident of keeping his belt. “He’s living off his brother’s name. He’s like a donkey in a horse race. You can feed him carrots and make him think he’s a race horse, but I’ll show that he’s just a donkey.”


Commentary: Mayweather beating Pacquiao with one hand is as believable as jumping to the moon...Ndou is just trying to hype himself indirectly. Since he was a sparring partney of Mayweather Jr. and obviously he did OK, then he should be able to beat Money with two hands of course. ..hmmm. On the contrary Lebwaba is more on point.


Source: Pacquiao victim tips Manny … and Cotto victim backs Miguel

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

D-I-V-O-R-C-E may loom for Manny Pacquiao-Freddie Roach

Has Freddie Roach aired too much dirty laundry?

It would be the typical celebrity divorce. Call it divorce Hollywood style.

And it could happen.

This could be Coach Freddie Roach’s last ride on the back of Manny Pacquiao.

Factors and forces are at work here and their strong chemistry, the seemingly impenetrable and unbreakable bond between them, is straining a bit. Forces beyond the control of either the Magnificent Tutor and the Gifted Pupil could put their relationship irretrievably into the breakdown lane.

Is there a single moment when a strong marriage veers towards a wall of collision and rescission? Is there a breaking point for every marriage or do things often unravel slowly and does all the goodwill drip, drip, drip away like a leaky faucet?

Look, I‘m not basing this, Paclanders, on any snippet from HBO’s mini soap opera 24/7, I am basing my speculation, and that is all it is…no more and no less…on a lifetime spent around fighters, managers, promoters and trainers.

My personal conclusion is that Pacman would be a big donkey to split with Roach but Manny may believe that he has the right to act like a stubborn mule and that his awesome ring talent overrides everything else. He may no longer believe that Roach has the keys to the kingdom of Pacland.

The Seven Reasons Why Professor Roach’s Tenure May Be Ending:

1. 1. Agent 008, Michael Koncz: His allegiance uber alles is to Top Rank and to Bob Arum. When Pacman signed with Golden Boy, Koncz was a lonely soldier crying in the wildness. The mess got squared away by lawyers but an ancient elephant named Bob Arum never forgets. In Manny’s view and in reality, he gives Koncz orders while Freddie gives him orders.

2. Roach’s Pay Rate, Astronomical Or Reasonable: Freddie can’t expect the standard trainer’s 10 percent anymore because of the magnitude of Manny’s purses. The trainer took a 10 percent hit on this bout, will he want to give back that or more going forward? Doesn't that set a bad precedent in terms of Roach's next superstar client(s)?

3. Team Arum: Uncle Bob sends his plays into the Pacman huddle through longtime matchmaker Bruce Trampler. When “Southland” says jump, Koncz leaps over tall barbed wire fences. Trampler takes his marching orders from the man who signs his paychecks.

AP Photo

4. Familiarity Breeds Contempt: Larry Holmes got sick and tired of Richie Giachetti…and vice versa. If Larry said he thought it would be a good idea to dump the volatile trainer, Don King would say, “Brilliant move, Larry, brilliant.” Remember, the promoter must always, as King liked to say, “go where the wild goose goes.” Manny is the wild goose and Roach could become the loose goose.

5. Contract With Cotto: Manny’s rival may be guaranteed half the guarantee that Pacman is getting but Miguel’s expenses are lower, much lower. He’s surrounded himself with boyhood chums, all along for the ride. His no name trainer’s name is Jose Santiago. I bet he’s taking a very small fee. Don’t think that some around Manny are not calling his attention to the contrast in expenses.

6. Manny Trains Himself Now: Many top level fighters come to see their trainer as themselves. We can all agree that the teaching portion is over for Roach and Manny. Now it’s more nagging and kvetching and insistence on dutiful conditioning. The I Don’t Need Roach Anymore syndrome might be the biggest factor and, given Pacman’s humongous ego, it could convince him to give the heretofore esteemed trainer the heave ho.

7. Disagreement Going Public: Every soul in Pacland knows that Coach Roach was emphatically against training in Baguio, that he wanted Mexico with less distractions. Similarly, every soul in Pacland knows Freddie did not want Jose Luis Castillo as a sparring partner. But Baguio worked out, despite the weather, and Castill proved useful. Roach enemies may keep calling Pacman’s attention to these facts and question why the fighter is forking over $1 million to a guy who airs his gripes in public.

Commentary: Marley, I like your articles because these are funny. But your article right now is not only "not-so-funny" but also unlikely. Pacquiao is a Filipino and we Filipino are grateful by nature and we do not like divorce. Divorce is an American invention to cover up lack of commitment, lack of maturity, and promiscuity. Sir, you make sense when talking to an American audience but not to the millions of Filipino boxing fans.


Source: D-I-V-O-R-C-E may loom for Manny Pacquiao-Freddie Roach

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Roach: Never give Cotto momentum

MANILA, Philippines - Start fast and finish strong.

As simple as that, Freddie Roach laid out part of the gameplan when Manny Pacquiao shoots for the WBO welterweight crown against reigning champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico on Nov. 14.

“We need to be fast and aggressive at the start,” said Roach, noting that Cotto, being a slow starter, may be thrown off track if Pacquiao jumps on him right on the opening bell at the MGM Grand.

“Miguel is a slow starter. We must not give him the momentum because he gets stronger,” added Roach.

After five weeks of training in three separate gyms in the Philippines, Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles Saturday evening, took a rest the following day, and should be at the Wild Card Gym today.

It will be two weeks of intense workout in Roach’s Hollywood sweatshop, where the number of sparring rounds will get to as high as 12 before they start tapering off heading to the final week before the fig

Roach, who’s been working in and out of the ring making sure he prepares the right plan against Cotto, said he’d love to see Pacquiao jumping on the younger, bigger and stronger Puerto Rican.

Based on his previous fights, the hottest trainer in boxing today said Cotto is most vulnerable in the early going, and against Zab Juddah the 27-year-old champion was in trouble midway through the first round.

Juddah is not Pacquiao, and Roach believes that if caught early, Cotto may find himself in bigger trouble against the heavy-handed Filipino pound-for-pound champion.

Before training camp started last Sept. 21, Roach said the coming fight might last the distance, but after a couple of weeks at the gym in Baguio City he said they’re going to get Cotto “in the early rounds.”

A few days ago, Internet stories came out saying Roach is even looking at a first-round stoppage. However, he said he was just “playing round” when he said that.

“The thing is I feel that if we go after him and pressure him right away we can get him out of there. If you see his tapes, he’s been hurt in the first round at least seven times he’s been down a couple of fights,” Roach was quoted as saying.

But Cotto refused to be cowed, saying he’s “never seen a boxer win fights with the talking of his trainer.”

Joe Santiago, the man in charge of Cotto’s training, said on Nov. 14 they will pull off “the greatest upset of the year.”

Roach believes that’s not going to happen if Pacquiao does what he likes doing – start fast and finish strong.

Commentary: People the great Freddie Roach has spoken. You better not take his words lightly; he is on a hot streak lately.

Source: Roach: Never give Cotto momentum

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Gato Figueroa is a clown and Rashad Evans will shut him up

Figueroa chilling on the canvas in his last fight (AP Photo)

I know you are chomping at the bit right now to try and correct me. I know, I did it on purpose. Yes, it's Rashad Halloway, Pacquiao's sparring partner against Dela Hoya and Hatton that will be fighting Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa on November 4 in North Carolina and not former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans- which leads me to my point. Who cares?

I don't really get the fuss behind this whole El Gato firing that Ben Thompson of FightHype.com had to write multiple stories on the same interview regarding the same topic nobody really cares about. I mean, a sparring partner got sent home, and he starts crying about it. Boo-hoo, and the boxing world weeps with this baby crying over spilled milk. Perhaps Figueroa needed a hug or a cookie, and found someone more than willing to provide him both. If you ask me, I could care less what the reason is why this guy got sent home packing because if Miguel Cotto really felt he was an asset and was helping his training then there isn't a reason in the world why he'd be banished.

Allow me to offer some unsolicited advice to Figueroa. Gato, you have done nothing compared to Cotto. Do your talking inside the ring instead of trying to attract attention to yourself and riding the hype behind Cotto who is headlining the biggest fight of the year beside Manny Pacquiao. Although I may share most Puerto Ricans admiration for their beautiful women, I am not Puerto Rican- but you are. And as far as respect goes, your role was supposed to help your countryman prepare for the biggest fight of his career, not pimp yourself out and cause distractions.

You know what turns off most fight fans? A fighter with a bloated ego who has nothing or very little to show for. Cotto is a legend. Cotto earned the respect he is getting inside the ring after so many gallant performances against the cream of boxing's crop. And let me ask the boxing world once and for all- Who the hell is Gato Figueroa? Maybe someday he might make a name for himself, but as of today, what I see is a boxer who just got knocked the f**k out in 4 rounds by Randall Bailey in April. So for this nobody to come out and clown Cotto, gives me enough reason enough to understand why he got booted out of camp.

Cotto is a serious competitor and as he stated in his reason behind letting Figueroa when he told El Nuevo Dia,

“In this training camp we work seriously. No one comes here to joke around in the ring. Sparring mates are here to help us and make us work, not to have a good time, lowering their hands and showing off their skill."

Perhaps Cotto got tired of Figueroa's showboating and simply felt it was time for the clown to take his act somewhere else. Can you imagine any of Pacquiao's sparring partners like Halloway showboating against Pacquiao and talking to the press after and say all kinds of disrespectful stuff like Figueroa did against Cotto? I mean seriously, who the hell is Figueroa again? He better back his talk up when he said he is going to dominate Halloway in the ring on November 4 because he if he doesn't, he may be good at clowning around but the joke will definitely be on him.

Commentary: Hey, Gato you look like a baby sleeping peacefully in this picture. Dennis thank you for helping us understand the wisdom behind the move of team Cotto. Indeed this guy don't deserve attention.

Source: Gato Figueroa is a clown and Rashad Evans will shut him up

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Freddie Roach isn't going anywhere

Freddie Roach isn't going anywhere. Certainly not in the next three weeks and certainly not before Manny Pacquiao hangs up the gloves for good and retires.

Yes, absolutely there was a sense of tension on the recent HBO 24/7 footage when Roach walked over and interrupted a conversation between Pacquiao and Filipino Senator Manny Villar.

Remember, this is a ground breaking reality show, and footage like this has never been seen before. But you have to realize that this scenario and hundreds more just like it happen all the time in a training camp with testosterone - driven Alpha males packed into a few hotel rooms for several weeks.

If Pacquiao actually ever pulled the trigger and fired Roach, it would be just for the sake of doing it, under suggestion from someone else who has gotten into head. It would be because he is bored and needs to prove he is the big dog. It wouldn't make rational sense so I say it never happens.

As it stands, Pacquiao and his entourage come to America twice a year to fight and pick up a trophy.

It certainly keeps him grounded in reality to be based in The Philippines. He loves it there and you can see the investment he's making to enter politics there.

I figure after the November 14 fight with Miguel Cotto, Pacquiao only has a two or three more fights to go that will take maximum two more years if injury free.

So why look for trouble in the one area that actually makes you the world famous Manny Pacquiao? Your training and strategy. That's Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao knows that people don't like change for any reason, and Roach is only human, and is frustrated now, but I have no doubt that he has Manny's best interests at heart at all times.

As the retired great University of Texas Longhorns Football Coach Darryll K Royal said, "Dance with the one who brung you."

Like King Kong, who every 20 years gets pulled off that island for a weekend sequel gig in New York City, Manny Pacquiao is basically doing the same thing. He's luckily stuck with Roach.

Commentary: Finally, Mr. Matt Stolow you write and article to which I agree, an article that is more in touch with reality than inner motives. Keep it up man...

Source: Freddie Roach isn't going anywhere

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

PACQUIAO WATCH: Master of organized chaos

Manny Pacquiao has become more and more unpredictable.

His chief legal counsel once told me that Team Pacquiao is a virtual snake pit, just like Malacañang where wolves continuously keep their eyes on their back for the next prey and predator.

The recent imbroglio involving near fisticuff, some say choking incident, between his self-appointed adviser Michael Koncz and Manny’s conditioning coach is child's play compared to the adroit and sly maneuverings between and among camps with poles-apart interests in the Filipino boxing superstar.

Think about this, for another reason.

Manny is such a favorite of Malacañang that he can walk through its doors to see President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo unimpeded. But at the same time, you have former President Joseph Estrada paying him a visit in his cock farm in Malungon, Sarangani. The first of three HBO 24/7 installments for his Miguel Angel Cotto rendezvous had him being pestered by coach Freddie Roach while having coffee with former Senate President Manny Villar who, like Estrada, is running for president next year. Roach, not wanting any distraction and upsetting the schedule and training regimen he mapped out for his ward, doesn’t mind standing up to a guy who could become president of the country one day.

But that is not what this piece is all about. We will reserve the more seedy and steamy ones for later.

This is about Manny’s transformation from a strictly one-two combination fighter, right jab-left straight, into a completely unorthodox and unpredictable boxer and his November 14 (November 15 in the Philippines) date with Cotto.

Manny’s speed and agility are deceiving. His previous opponents knew these are Manny’s main assets, aside from his powerful fists. Yet nobody has solved the puzzle that is Manny. Juan Manuel Marquez came close to unsettling Manny’s rhythm. But that was it, almost. And almost is as painful as complete failure.

Cotto’s trainor said they have prepared a counterfoil for Manny’s speed. Easier said than done.

Cotto is basically a bigger and powerful upgrade of lightweight David Diaz, whom Manny stopped in nine rounds to capture his fifth title in as many weight categories in June last year.

True, Cotto is the probably the strongest and biggest opponent Manny will ever face. The Puerto Rican also has above-average boxing skills as shown when he boxed away from danger against Shane Mosley and Joshua Clottey, both with above-average quickness and power, en route to decision wins.

But Manny’s speed in catching a back-pedaling opponent is unmatched. Just take a look back at the way he sent Marco Antonio Barrera (first fight), Erik Morales (second and third bouts) and Ricky Hatton crashing to the canvas while moving back in the early rounds to set up his kayo wins in latter rounds of their matches.

Comparing Cotto to the speed of Barrera and Morales is like comparing apples and oranges. He is a slumbering welterweight by Manny’s standard.

However, Cotto is not entirely defenseless against Manny. If there is any boxer who could turn off the lights on Manny, it is the Puerto Rican - provided he catches Manny solidly with his powerful hooks to the body or to the chin of the Filipino southpaw.

Unpredictable as he is, I am seeing Manny running circles on Cotto before striking him with powerful and lethal accuracy in the middle of the ring, just like a sly fox about to pounce on its prey.

The key is to penetrate that peek-a-boo defense Cotto will likely adopt in the early going to test Manny’s power.

Solve that and Cotto will open up to brawl with Manny.

It should be a slambang affair like it is hyped up to be.


Commentary: I agree with this post. Manny has become so unpredictable in and out of the ring. It seems that at this point in his career, no one can touch the Pacman.


Source: PACQUIAO WATCH: Master of organized chaos


To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Watching Manny Pacquiao train in the Philippines

The next time somebody says that it’s a small world please ignore him. Take it from me, having just done a whirlwind tour to the Philippines, then to New York, followed by a trip to Tampa, it’s still a very big world.

I recently visited the training camps of both pound-for-pound champion Manny Pacquiao in the Philippines, and WBO titleholder champion Miguel Cotto in Florida. Since my first visit was to Baguio in the northern part of Luzon, where Manny is training, I will tell you about my impressions of Manny’s preparations in this article. In my next column, I’ll do the same about Miguel’s training base in Tampa.

To get to Baguio, one must first fly to Manila, the country’s capital. Philippine Airlines has a regular daily flight direct to Manila that includes a one-hour stop in Vancouver, Canada. Its rates are reasonable and the service is excellent.

The plane arrives in Manila at approximately 5 a.m., and the drive to Baguio takes four to five hours, depending on traffic. Only part of the drive is on a regular highway, after which the road continues through one small town after another with traffic moving very slowly. About one hour before arriving in Baguio, the scenery becomes spectacular. Green mountains and valley vistas highlight beautiful scenic views of the China Sea.

Baguio itself is a mountain town 5,000 feet above sea level. It was built by the United States after taking control of the Philippines from Spain after the Spanish American War. Our government constructed Camp John Hay, a beautiful recreational area with huge pine trees, a great golf course and other amenities. It served as a rest and recreation area for U.S. servicemen in Asia until 1990, when it was transferred to the Filipino government.

Camp John Hay now houses the Manor, a luxury hotel constructed entirely from Canadian logs. This is a very popular summer vacation resort for the Manila elite. Freddie Roach, Manny’s trainer and Alex Ariza, his conditioning guru, were both ensconced at the Manor when I arrived.

Pacquiao, on the other hand, chose to stay in a hotel in town which housed the gym in which he was training. If Freddie’s hotel rated five stars, which it does, Manny’s hotel was so awful it would not even get one star. If there was a minus category, it would rate a minus five. But there is no accounting for taste. Manny was happy as a clam at his hotel and refused constant requests to move to the more luxurious Manor Hotel where the rest of us stayed.

The gym that Manny trained in was not much different from the Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, California, so I could see right away why Manny and Freddie felt so comfortable training there. The residents of Baguio respected the rules with regards to private workouts, enabling Manny to train in relative solitude. On the other hand, the morning runs were quite different. Manny would start at five in the morning and soon, hundreds of runners would materialize out of the darkness and run with Manny up and down the hills and roads. It was quite a scene.

Manny’s workout at the gym can only be described as awesome. In more than 40 years as a boxing promoter, working with Hall of Fame fighters like Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler, and Roberto Duran, I’ve never anything like it. His training sessions go on for about four hours without a break. After the usual warming-up exercises, Manny boxes most days with two or more sparring partners, then hits the mitts with Freddie for at least 10 more rounds.

This display of energy and stamina exhausts anyone watching, Manny doesn’t stop. He skips rope and works the heavy and light bags continuously for more than an hour. Only then does Manny finally stand still, which allows his Filipino trainer Buboy Fernandez to pound his midsection with a bamboo pole for about twenty more minutes. The brutal workout finally concludes more than four hours after it starts.

In the sparring sessions, Manny trots out his entire arsenal of tactics and weapons. I was amazed once again to see him attack from one side and then the other. When his sparring mate reacts, Manny’s no longer there but is either right in front of his opponent or on the other side entirely. This unique tactic of disappearing in plain sight is the “Siegfried and Roy” weapon in Manny’s arsenal.

The shear athleticism that Manny brings to his workouts reminds me of the great martial artist Bruce Lee. The more one reflects on Manny and his ring performances, the clearer it becomes that he is the Bruce Lee of boxing. This athletic style is unique in boxing to Manny. In more than four decades of promoting fights, I have never seen anyone like Manny Pacquiao and his Bruce Lee style of boxing.

The mitt sessions with Freddie were also revealing. While Manny hits the mitts Freddie coaches him in moves he will undoubtedly use when he faces Cotto. It is fascinating to watch the teacher and pupil converse while Manny pounds on Freddie’s leather pads.

Three years ago, the mitt session would have consisted of Freddie giving instruction to Manny. Over time Manny the pupil, having learned so much from Freddie, takes an active and important part in the dialogue which sets out the plan Manny will use in fight night against Cotto. Watching the two of them interact now is like being at a boxing ballet, so well attuned are they to each other.

After three days in Baguio I headed down to Manila to catch my plane home. It left at 5 p.m. Sunday and arrived in Las Vegas at about 6 p.m. Sunday. Somewhere, somehow, I picked up a day which seems only fair since I lost one when I flew to the Philippines.

I also came away with the impression that Manny is getting better, improving all the time. Bottom line, Manny is getting into great shape as he prepares to give us another Pacquiao-Bruce Lee type of performance. He knows that in Cotto he faces his toughest foe ever, a real tough, determined opponent.

In my next column I will discuss Cotto’s training and just what he is doing to counteract the typhoon that is Manny Pacquiao.

Commentary: The promoter has spoken. Though we cannot take everything he says as true since he has a vested interest to this fight but I am sure that most of what he is saying is true. This means that contrary to what most people believe, Manny's training is doing well. Eat your heart out Mr. Tony Montgomery.


Source: Watching Manny Pacquiao train in the Philippines


To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

MIGUEL COTTO WILL DESTROY MANNY PACQUIAO...

So you are a Manny Pacquiao fan and you are 100% certain he is not just going to beat Miguel Cotto, but he is going to absolutely crush him! Well, Manny Pacquiao fans, I've got news for you. You are not just wrong, you are dead wrong! I realize that Manny Pacquiao is one of the most popular fighters on the planet, but after having spoken with plenty of his fans, I have realized that so many of you are Manny Pacquiao fans, but not fans of boxing. You only watch one fighter and only know what you read and believe what you want to believe.

However, before I start getting to the point of why I believe Cotto will win this fight let me give you a small run down of the Pacman's career. He was already a star in the Philippines before he ever stepped on U.S. soil, and when he came to America to challenge for Lehlonolo Ledwabas' IBF super bantamweight title, he was unknown to most North American fight fans.

Pacquiao took the fight on two weeks notice and surprised nearly everyone in attendance when he stopped Ledwaba in the 6th round. The only faces that did not seem surprised or shocked were those of Manny Pacquiao and his trainer, Freddie Roach.

After the Ledwaba fight, everything just seemed to fall in place for Pacquiao, including an 11th round destruction of Marco Antonio Barrera. If people were not paying attention before the Barrera fight, they certainly were now. After the fight with Barrera, Pacquiao hit a small road bump in Juan Manuel Marquez. Well, I guess you could call it more than a small road bump. Pacquiao looked unbeatable in the first round, flooring Marquez three times, leading most to believe the fight would be over before it even started. Well, to fight fans delight, the fight had indeed started and Marquez took control of many of the rounds. He took so much control that despite the three knockdowns in the first round, the fight was ruled a draw. To this day many still believe Marquez should have been awarded the decision.

After the draw with Marquez, Pacquiao went back home to the Philippines and fought Fahsan 3K Battery. A fight back home seemed to be just what Pacquiao needed, and he didn't disappoint his fans, scoring a 4th round TKO. Pacquiao was Sates bound again, this time to fight Erik Morales. The fight itself was exciting, with both men giving and taking from the other, but Morales gave a lot more and took a lot less en route to a unanimous decision victory. The loss to Morales seemed to have been a huge turning point in Pacquiao's career. After the defeat to Morales, he came back in vengeance mode, stopping Morales twice and scoring decision victories over Barrera and Juan Manuel Marquez. But what really got the fans excited were his victories over Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton. “The Golden Boy” quit on his stool and The “Hitman” was made into a target.

I understand why people back Manny Pacquiao. He is one of the best fighters in the world today, and while he always entertains the fans, the truth of the matter is that "entertaining the fans" is not always enough. Miguel Cotto has also been considered one of the best and like Pacquiao he too has fought the best. The difference in the competition, however, is huge. While Pacquiao was racking up wins against the likes of Morales and Barrera, Cotto was winning against good fighters and bigger fighters. Let's not forget Miguel Cotto is the bigger man who has been fighting bigger men. Cotto has wins over Shane Mosley, Zab Judah and Paul Malignaggi. Cotto's only loss came to the potentially loaded hands of Antonio Margarito, in a fight where Cotto took extensive damage, and a fight that many believe might have taken a big part of Miguel Cotto.

I am not buying into the, "I believe Cotto will once again rise to the top of boxing when he steps into the ring with Manny Pacquiao on November 14th." Another note to the Manny Pacquiao fans, please stop comparing Miguel Cotto to Ricky Hatton, they are nothing alike and you will witness that soon enough, when you see Cotto bang Pacquiao's body and head like a drum. Cotto can take a punch, he proved that against Margarito, and I'm willing to bet he can take whatever Manny Pacquiao is going to dish out and unlike Ricky Hatton, Cotto will be dishing it right back.

My prediction for the fight goes as follows: Miguel Cotto will simply be too much for Manny Pacquiao. His size and strength advantage alone will give Pacman fits and what is going to happen when Pacquiao lands flush shots on Cotto and nothing happens? Jumping up in weight classes will finally catch up with Manny Pacquiao on November 14th and when the fight is over and it's Miguel Cotto's hand that is raised in victory, please don't make excuses, just remember I told you so.

Bye, bye.....


Commentary: I will remember you Mr. Tony Montgomery. You make a lot of sense but remember that not just Pachuggers favor Pacquiao but also people who are very knowledgeable in boxing. If Manny Pacquiao cannot hurt Cotto with one shot, then Manny will be in trouble. But don't forget that Manny's punches come in bunches. The accumulation of punches will eventually wear Cotto down the stretch. Why I said down the stretch? Because Cotto will be punching on the air most of the time. Finally, if you think Pacquiao has no power, ask Shawn Porter.


Source: MIGUEL COTTO WILL DESTROY MANNY PACQUIAO...

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

Trick or Treat Mr Cotto

It is almost Halloween here in America. The kids are looking for costumes so they can knock on doors and score handfuls of candy. Halloween is the time when all the ghosts and goblins dance about the gravestones, and the haunted houses stir with activity. Will it be a trick or a treat for Miguel Cotto this Halloween season?

Miguel Cotto is still quietly training for his upcoming fight against the pound for pound king, Manny Pacquiao. The Puerto Rican brawler is the real deal, and for anyone who thinks he is not you better think again. A full fledged welterweight at 146lbs, he's a freight train that has no reverse gear built in him. He knows that this is the biggest fight of his career, and that a win over Pacquiao would shoot his stock sky high. More than likely so high, that it would land on HBO against Floyd Mayweather Jr for the biggest payday of his life, and perhaps ever.


So will he be treated or will he be tricked? There is a little guy named Manny that has a little something to say about this. Remember him? He used to steal cigarettes in the Philippines to make a buck. If you need help jogging your memory, he's the guy that mowed down every Mexican living legend put into his path. Perhaps not Marquez, although he still got a victory, and in doing so, he did knock him on his ass a few times. He's the guy that put Ricky Hatton to sleep in front of thousands of British fans, silencing the drums and the singing alike. He is also the guy that everybody thought was crazy by taking on Oscar De La Hoya. Well Oscar's team decided to quit on the stool in that one, too much Pacman to deal with.

Will Manny Pacquiao be like a ghost and disappear before Cotto can hit him? Will Cotto be tricked by the mind games of Freddie Roach? Will the fella from the Philippines haunt Miguel Cotto in his dreams? Or will it be the man from Puerto Rico that gets the last laugh?


Trick or treat men....trick or treat?


Commentary: If what Gato is telling recently regarding his sparring sessions with Miguel Cotto then I believe Cotto will be tricked by Manny Pacquiao's speed come fight night.


Source: Trick or Treat Mr Cotto

To read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.

In Pac's Corner

The Pacman is back in Los Angeles after 5 weeks of close door training camp in Baguio City and Manila. Last night's episode of 24/7 was shockingly showing some footage of natural disaster that pummels the Philippines few weeks ago. There were also some scenes of trainer Freddie Roach convincing Manny to break training camps early due to the severe bad weather forecast from the news, even threatened to quit training camp should the fighter decide to stay. "My choice was the Vancouver for training camp and they said it rains up there too much and then they do have typhoons in the Philippines" stated by trainer Freddie Roach. Despite keep showing lack of urgency, Manny still look terrific on his training. And despite the chaos that shape up the boxing gym between conditioning coach Alex Ariza and adviser Michael Koncz, Manny still knock downs his bigger sparring partners twice during their sparring sessions.

"I told them to chill out you know and its a
little intense being in the Philippines with the typhoons and all that, a lot of chaos going on of course and were in the big fights eversince, it will not affect our training camp or whatsoever, me and Manny won't let that happen" added by the fame Freddie Roach.

You can't blame Freddie Roach for being so cautious about his fighter because Cotto is undeniably the biggest, strongest, toughest and most powerful world champion amongst all of Manny Pacquiao's previous opponents. Sure, managers and promoters can guide you, family and friends can support you for better or worst. But nobody is as important to a fighter as his trainer. Not even an "Errand boy" can replace the job of an experience fighter and trainer. It is the trainer who is with you on most lonely road in the middle of nowhere before the sun has peeked over the mountains, running with you, pushing you beyond exhaustion to exhilaration. It is the trainer who analyzes your opponent and designs your strategy. It is the trainer who runs your sparring sessions determining the number of rounds, the weapons in your arsenal to be tested and the sparring partners best suited to administer that test. It is the trainer who often works the mitts and wraps your hands, monitor your weight, keeps your mind focus and your body tuned. And when all the other members of entourage have exited the ring and the opening bell sounds, it is your trainer alone who will return to work your corner, keep your engine running, your spirits elevated and your game plan on track, reminding you to throw your jab, launch your hook and stay alert at all times. It is his voice you hear in the heat of battle, his advice you heed. To a trainer, every opponent is beatable, every round winnable and every punch thrown by the other fighter avoidable. When you win, your trainer is the first guy to hug you, when you lose, he's the last guy to leave you.

"We'll have no excuses by fight time. Win or Lose, I'm not in anyway blame Pacquiao" added by Freddie Roach.

Over the years, Manny Pacquiao had only 3 professional trainers, the last one being the hall of famer Freddie Roach, who saw Pacquiao's natural talent and style that makes a potential world champion. Some trainers will try to mold a fighter into their concept of a successful fighter. It's either case of a trainer feeling he knows better or wanting to stamp a fighter with his style so he can take full credit if they succeed. That is not the case for Freddie Roach. He didn't really changed Pacquiao style, he instead improved him into multi-dimensional fighter and taught additional tools to be the pound for pound best fighter in the world.

Commentary: Every Filipinos are grateful to Freddie Roach for helping Manny Pacquiao reach the level where he is right now...An errand boy is easy to replace but not a trainer like Roach.

Source: In Pac's Corner

TTo read more fight news update of the upcoming welterweight boxing championship fight between Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao, and Miguel Cotto go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update. Or to read fight news commentary go to Pacquiao vs. Cotto Fight News Update.