WORLD Boxing Organization welterweight champion Miguel Cotto said that the speed of world’s pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao will be his only concern.
In an interview with Primera Hora, Cotto was quoted by boxing writer Mark Vester as saying: “The only thing I have to take care of is his [Pacquiao’s] speed.”
Cotto said he was confident that by using a good defense, he can counteract Pacquiao’s speed even as there were reports that he may use WBO light flyweight champion Ivan Calderon as a sparring partner in an effort to work on countering the Pacman’s hand speed. The little Calderon is a southpaw, whose asset is his speed and his ability to get out of trouble.
In an exclusive interview with Filipino ring physician Dr. Allan Recto, Calderon said that nothing is sure yet.
“It was just an idea we gave to Miguel Cotto that I could spar with him after my fight with [Rodel] Mayol,” said Calderon, who battles the Filipino in a rematch for the WBO title on Sept. 12 in Puerto Rico. “I am also a fast southpaw just like Manny Pacquiao. We are just entertaining that as a possibility, but nothing’s definite yet.”
The undefeated champion, who salvaged a controversial sixth-round technical draw in his last title defense against Mayol, predicted the Cotto-Pacquiao “Fire Power” showdown at the MGM Grand on Nov. 14 is going to be a hard fight for both.
“But I think, it will be Miguel Cotto,” said Calderon, adding that the Puerto Rican champion “still got the energy, he’s young, he has the spirit and his boxing skills are better. Cotto has the heart of a true champion.”
Cotto for the first time confirmed that his WBO welterweight belt will be on the line at the 145-pound catchweight.
Top Rank promoter Bob Arum said both Cotto and Pacquiao were crazy about the newly-minted WBC Diamond Belt, which will also be at stake.
Cotto revealed that he reached an agreement last week to stake his WBO title even at a catchweight which is two pounds under the 147 welterweight limit.
Cotto disclosed that they were offered “additional guarantees and benefits [to defend the title]. He said “ever since the fight was signed, I have the mindset of victory. After the [Pacquiao fight], we will see what is out there” indicating that he “did not believe Pacquiao who is physical enough to make it a fight” could overcome the advantage he [Cotto] has over him which he said “ will carry me to victory.” Ronnie Nathanielsz
http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/insideSports.htm?f=/2009/august/22/sports2.isx&d=2009/august/22
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