But Cotto said “good defense” would be his answer to Pacquiao’s speed, indicating he would use the ring and his boxing skills in his coming mega fight at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas.
“Pacquiao has to fight another welterweight, if he wants a seventh title,” Cotto said in an interview with Puerto Rican daily Primera Hora.
The Puerto Rican puncher-boxer declined to predict the outcome of the title fight, but his father-trainer Miguel Sr. confidently forecasted that Pacquiao would go down once his son connects “with the right punches.”
Cotto, 27, started training in the first week of August in preparation for a long fight against a fellow puncher-boxer like Pacquiao.
For the first time Cotto confirmed that his World Boxing Organization welterweight belt would be on the line at the 145 pound agreed weight, an agreement forged only last week.
Cotto said he was offered “additional guarantees and benefits” to defend his title. He earlier insisted that he would only risk his belt if the fight were held at the regular welterweight standard of 147 pounds.
While showing tremendous respect for Pacquiao, Cotto said he does not think Pacquiao could overcome his physical advantage and strength, which he added would be the key to his victory.
Filipino ring physician Allan Recto of Laredo, Texas said the slick Puerto Rican flyweight champion Ivan Calderon has offered to spar with Cotto to help hone his compatriot’s defense against the fast-fisted Pacquiao.
“I am also a fast southpaw just like Manny Pacquiao,” said Calderon, who has a rematch with Filipino challenger Rodel Mayol on September 12 in San Juan, Puerto. “We are just entertaining that as a possibility, nothing’s definite yet.”
Pacquiao and Cotto, who are scheduled to hold a press conference in San Juan, are expected to be at ringside during the September 12 fight, a logical sequel to the recent Calderon-Mayol title fight that ended in a technical draw due to an accidental headbutt.
Source: Manilatimes.net
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