I am not De La Hoya, Cotto says

BRONX, New York — Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto hardly spoke ill at each other Thursday afternoon that one would have thought they were band members about to embark on a worldwide tour when they took the dais for a press conference at the Yankee Stadium.

There was so much respect between Pacquiao, the pride and joy of the Philippines, and Cotto, the shining glory of Puerto Rico, that reporters barely had enough words to write on their notepads after the momentous affair.

Pacquiao, regarded today as boxing’s best pound-for-pound, described his 28-year-old opponent as “strong and big” and somebody not to be messed around with.

Even Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach, who had been very vocal and blunt about the 30-year-old Pacquiao when he fought Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton, was tight-lipped when asked about the possibility of another devastating Pacquiao win. He instead focused on the plus points of Cotto rather than his own fighter’s attributes.

Cotto also talked along that same line although he managed to sneak in some harsh words towards the end of his conversation with reporters.

“He’s facing Miguel Cotto who knows how to move inside the ring. I am not Oscar De La Hoya or Ricky Hatton,” said Cotto.

“I am going to train the hardest I have ever had in my career (for this fight with Pacquiao),” added Cotto.

It was amusing that the only abrasive remark spoken happened when Cotto’s father Miguel Sr., was given the chance to say a few words during the formal introductions.

And talk tough Cotto Sr. did.

“Since we have started working, we urge Mr. Roach to do the same with his fighter because we don’t want any excuses (after the fight). No excuses,” who sat beside his son.

Cotto Sr. was obviously referring to the fact that Pacquiao has yet to enter training camp while his son has already been working out the last five weeks.

Actually, Pacquiao’s preparations for Cotto took a giant step early Thursday when the southpaw braved the icy winds and jogged around Central Park, just a couple of blocks away from his suite at the Lowes Regency on Park Ave.

Meanwhile, the traveling circus shifts to Puerto Rico at noontime on Saturday when Pacquiao and Caguas host a press conference at the Centro de Bellas Artes in Cotto’s hometown of Caguas.

To prepare for that event, the respective camps of Pacquiao and Cotto as well as the promotional team from Top Rank are scheduled to head to Newark Airport in neighboring New Jersey on Friday to catch the 7 pm Continental Airlines flight to San Juan.

Source: Mb.com.ph