KO gloves eyed by two fighters

If there is one thing that both Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto would readily agree on, it would be the size of the gloves that will be used in their November 14 showdown.

Pacquiao will wear the 8 oz gloves to maximize the power behind those iron-clad fists, while Cotto should also do the same as he had done in the past.

"Both are punchers and they'll be wearing 8 oz gloves in the fight," said Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal on Monday.

Pacquiao had used 8 oz when he fought Oscar De La Hoya at welterweight (147 lbs) and Ricky Hatton at super-lightweight (140 lbs) although there is a stipulation in the state of Nevada that 10 oz gloves will be strongly pushed for those fighting at lightweight (135 lbs) and higher.

Pacquiao’s awesome power was very evident against Hatton, who fell flat on his back after taking a bout-ending left to the chin in the second round.

However, the Nevada commission allows the use of 8 oz if both camps agree to use the lighter kind of gloves. Nevada had enforced the 10 oz gloves rule after a spate of ring deaths some years back in the lightweight division.

The past few weeks, the people of Pacquiao and Cotto have been exchanging barbs as regards to the finer points of the fight contract.

The issue of weight and status of the fight (title or non-title) being penciled for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas have apparently been settled although there are still cries from Cotto's camp in the Puerto Rican media that belies claims by Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum that everything has been taken cared of.

Citing that contracts have yet to be signed, Gacal still believes there is still enough time to iron out the kinks since the proposed start of the four-city promotional and press tour will only begin on September 10.

The World Boxing Organization (WBO) has declared that Cotto's welterweight crown will be on the line even though the agreed catch weight if 145 lbs.

Pacquiao and Cotto are known for their heavy hands.

The Filipino has a 49-3-2 win-loss-draw card with 37 knockouts (68 percent), while the Puerto Rican has a 34-1 mark with 27 knockouts (77 percent).

Source: mb.com.ph