There has been a confusion lately brought about by the statements made by Miguel Cotto's chief trainer Joe Santiago claiming that Manny Pacquiao's people has requested for a 20-foot ring. He also told Pimera Hora that Pacquiao made such request to use it to their advantage saying Pacquiao needs to use a large ring to give him more space for his in and out movements. Santiago through believes their game plan can frustrate Manny's in and out movements and is confident that Cotto will be prepared for this.
On the contrary, Top Rank chief Bob Arum has denied such claim saying nobody from the Pacquiao camp has requested a larger ring. He told boxingscene that neither camp has made such request and even if Pacquiao did, he won't be able to get his request as there is a rule in the Nevada State Athletic Commission stating that every boxing match should be fought inside a 20-foot ring. An exception can be made by the NSAC Commissioner Keith Kizer but Pacquiao would not probably get it should he make a request.
Regardless if this is true or not, what does a larger ring mean to Pacquiao and Cotto? Knowing how Pacquiao outboxed and outworked Oscar dela Hoya when he moved in and out, jumped in with combinations and jumped right out before dela Hoya can throw a punch, Pacquiao will definitely benefit from a larger ring. Although Cotto is not as fast as Manny, he can move better than Dela Hoya. This might give Manny some problems. However, I do not see any problems with Manny using the 20-ft ring compared to a 24-ft ring. He was able to use it against Oscar, Hatton and everybody else. Cotto may be able to catch him at some point but Manny's footwork will be too much. The ring size will be just enough to play out whatever battle plan Pacquiao and Freddie Roach has to beat Cotto.
Cotto has the advantage if the fight is made inside a smaller ring or if Manny decides to stand in front of Cotto and trade punches. He can pressure Manny with his strength and size advantage. But Manny will not allow this, so expect him to move in and out, jump in and out, use the ring very well and dictate the tempo. Cotto will need some chasing to do in order to capitlalize on his advantages. But with Manny, that is one tough job to accomplish.
On the contrary, Top Rank chief Bob Arum has denied such claim saying nobody from the Pacquiao camp has requested a larger ring. He told boxingscene that neither camp has made such request and even if Pacquiao did, he won't be able to get his request as there is a rule in the Nevada State Athletic Commission stating that every boxing match should be fought inside a 20-foot ring. An exception can be made by the NSAC Commissioner Keith Kizer but Pacquiao would not probably get it should he make a request.
Regardless if this is true or not, what does a larger ring mean to Pacquiao and Cotto? Knowing how Pacquiao outboxed and outworked Oscar dela Hoya when he moved in and out, jumped in with combinations and jumped right out before dela Hoya can throw a punch, Pacquiao will definitely benefit from a larger ring. Although Cotto is not as fast as Manny, he can move better than Dela Hoya. This might give Manny some problems. However, I do not see any problems with Manny using the 20-ft ring compared to a 24-ft ring. He was able to use it against Oscar, Hatton and everybody else. Cotto may be able to catch him at some point but Manny's footwork will be too much. The ring size will be just enough to play out whatever battle plan Pacquiao and Freddie Roach has to beat Cotto.
Cotto has the advantage if the fight is made inside a smaller ring or if Manny decides to stand in front of Cotto and trade punches. He can pressure Manny with his strength and size advantage. But Manny will not allow this, so expect him to move in and out, jump in and out, use the ring very well and dictate the tempo. Cotto will need some chasing to do in order to capitlalize on his advantages. But with Manny, that is one tough job to accomplish.
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I don't understand why Santiago brought up something that he tought not an issue at all? Is it even possible to make a request as important as that and not consulting the other side of the party? They will even despute over what type of gloves to be used. How much more over the size of the ring....? Santiago must focus on his training and not stuff that both party has no control of. I wont be surprize if one day, Santiago would complain that Manny Pacquiao's underware in not authorize!
ReplyDeleteAnd by the way, "Pacquiao" means "Buying everything out" or "Taking all out". I guess Manny stands for his name. And "Cotto" means head lice....
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