SecondsOut Team Pick Cotto vs. Pacquiao

The champion wants to get to the top of the boxing world and prove his best days are still ahead of him, while the challenger is the hottest name in boxing today and to many, the best fighter in the world pound for pound, but that hasn’t stopped SecondsOut’s team of fearless writers from making their confident picks for Saturday’s WBO welterweight world title super-fight between Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, televised in the USA on HBO Pay-Per-View.

“You can’t dismiss Manny’s speed and power and I’m sure those will cause Cotto problems early, but I do feel Cotto’s extra natural strength could prove too much later on. Having said that, this is a great evenly matched fight and could go right to the wire. I’m really looking forward to it. The unrest in Pacquiao’s camp could prove to be a factor, but I don’t think so. Pacquiao W.12.”
- Clive Bernath, Editor-in-Chief - London, UK

“Miguel Cotto is wonderful fighter and a credit to the sport, but I think Pac-Man is at another level. It won’t be an easy fight by any means for Pacquiao, because Cotto is very technically sound. However, Pacquiao’s speed and quickness will eventually take over. I like Pacquiao by TKO 8. Pacquiao W.TKO.8.”
- Gregory Juckett, Content Editor - New York, USA

“For me, this is a fight where it is the best boxer on the night. There are so many variables. The apparent chaos between some members in Team Pacquiao. The training inexperience in Team Cotto. After Pacquiao beat Oscar De La Hoya and Ricky Hatton so convincingly, I said I would tip Pac-Man to win until he loses. I think Cotto will be stronger and tougher than De La Hoya and Hatton, but I will take Pacquiao to win over the distance. I don’t question Cotto’s skills or talent. I question whether he can still win if Pacquiao busts open one of those eye cuts that we have seen in recent times. Great fight, Cotto will win some rounds, but in the end, Pacquiao will be just a little better. Pacquiao W.12.”
- Paul Upham, Content Editor - Sydney, Australia

“How can you pick against Pacquiao after seeing how he handled two bigger, apparently stronger guys in De La Hoya and Hatton? Cotto is a true welterweight, though, and will give Pac-Man a tougher evening than Oscar or the Hitman did, for different reasons, and I think that he’ll be extremely competitive. Cotto has shown that he can get it done against quicker fighters (Mosley, Malignaggi, Judah) and we already know what he can do to a fighter’s body. In Pacquiao, however, he’s facing a man who puts it all together like no-one else can right now and I think the Filipino possesses such tremendous speed that Cotto will struggle - especially later on if he doesn’t attack the body successfully earlier in the contest. This is an extremely dangerous fight for Pacquiao, though. Pacquiao W.UD.12.”
- Michael Norby, Contributing Editor - New England, USA

“This will be an incredible encounter between two greats who have never entered a fight lacking confidence. They both intend to win, but I think it will be Miguel Cotto who will use superior skills and the ability to switch styles and adjust to the situation as it presents itself. He will find a way to counter speed and aggression. Cotto by decision. Cotto W.12.”
- Jerry Glick - Contributing Editor - New York City, USA

“I have to side with Pacquiao’s incredible speed, desire and boxing smarts (via Freddie Roach) to deliver another stellar victory. The game Cotto will push him all the way in a fight that might have been scored differently in Madison Square Garden or Puerto Rico. Pacquiao W.SD.12.”
- Mark Butcher, Founding Editor - London, UK

“The Pac-Man is on fire these days and although Cotto comes off a very courageous win over Joshua Clottey, I still feel he has not totally recovered from the Margarito fight. He many never. Pacquiao with a 6th round stoppage win. Check out my column here at SecondsOut.com for a complete breakdown of the fight. Pacquiao W.KO.6.”
- James Smith aka. Smitty, Host, In This Corner TV - USA

“The great question is if Manny can keep the level of his last two performances? If he is enough motivated, is a kind of satanic wild horse, really hard to tame. I expect the Philippine to feel stronger now at welterweight and make his speed dictate the tempo.
Cotto struggles against brawlers, Margarito, Torres, and has even some problems with Chop-Chop Corley, a southpaw. But the boricua can also do damage, and will give it all. I predict another great night of boxing with the all time Asian celebrating. Pacquiao W.TKO.9.”
- Juan Pablo Manfredi - Buenos Aires, Argentina

“Yet another fight tainted by Margarito and company’s despicable actions. Should Pacquiao get himself this history-clinching win, there will always be that caveat: how much did the brutal TKO loss to Margarito, who was caught with loaded gloves in his next fight, take out of Cotto? If the version of Cotto that fought Margarito stepped into the ring against Pacquiao Saturday, I’d probably pick Cotto. But it’s not. Even factoring in his bad cut, Cotto looked far from shot in his close victory over the dangerous Clottey, but he didn’t look as refined and prime as he did against Mosley and in the first half against Margarito either. Add in that Cotto’s had problems with swift southpaws like Judah and Corley, and the scales in this very competitive match up tip in the Pound for Pound king Pacquiao’s favour. Pacquiao W.UD.12.”
- Sean Waisglass - Canada

“Firstly, I have to say I backed both De La Hoya and Hatton to beat Pacquiao, so that could be a sign of another Pac-Man victory here. But I believe that Cotto is fresher than both of the above and more tellingly, hits harder than both the Golden Boy and Hatton. The question then comes back to the size of Manny and if he can handle a real welterweight who is fighting close to his prime? I think not and see an entertaining contest with Cotto grinding out a late stoppage in one of the fights of the year. Cotto W.KO.10.”
- Craig Phillips - UK

“This is a strange fight to assess because it really has the potential to go many different ways depending on a multitude of factors. Great arguments can be made for either combatant for either close victories or slaughters. Both guys could be the most difficult opponent either has ever faced. Style, like it is in many fights, may be the key. Pacquiao’s style of late is the keep his distance from the outside and dart in for the attack using his quick feet. His attacks are relatively short, but powerful before he either creates a second angle of attack of moves away. It is a bit reminiscent of how Hopkins works, but without the stellar defense. Pacquiao is offense. Cotto has adjusted his style from a stalker to more of a boxer in recent fights. He is not particularly fast on his feet, but he is effective at getting himself into a position to punch. When he is on the attack, he cuts off the ring well and uses his strength to break down opponents. His hands are deceptively quick and he has several times successfully defeated fighters with exceptional speed. Cotto has looked vulnerable in a number of fights, but he also fought top echelon fighters that posed a serious threat. Pacquiao’s challenges have been more about his ability to handle new weight classes and incorporate more skills into his arsenal so we have not seen him pressed since he fought Marquez. However, there were quite a few moments in the Hatton fight where Pacquiao looked definitively uncomfortable. If you think of Cotto as a bigger, stronger, harder punching version of Hatton with better head movement and a greater range of skills, you might think those would add up to a Cotto win. Pacquiao looked brilliant against Hatton because Hatton has clear defensive liabilities that make him vulnerable. Cotto’s chin has been dented, but he will not give Pacquiao the same opportunities Hatton did so the fight is likely to last longer. This is important because the longer the fight goes; the better the chances are for Cotto. If Pacquiao is unable to deliver a powerful enough punch, he will end up playing the boxer and relying almost entirely on his speed which is probably not enough. Pacquiao absolutely must control the distance and timing as to when they engage to win this bout and that is tall order from a guy that is used to winning by dominance. If you are going to bet against the world’s number one pound for pound fighter, this is the fight to do it. Pacquiao will either need to knock out Cotto or land with such power that Cotto is sufficiently deterred from advancing at will to win. If either of these two scenarios do not play out, Cotto will likely slowly wear down Pacquiao for a late rounds stoppage or unanimous decision. Go with Cotto by UD. Cotto W.UD.12.”
- John Lumpkin - Madison, Wisconsin, USA

“The very thought of this fight a year or two ago would have made me laugh. However, Pac-Man has proven a lot in that time. His emphatic KO of Ricky Hatton proved to me just how formidable his speed an power will be for anyone near his weight. Miguel Cotto is starting to convince me that maybe he hasn’t recovered from the Margarito loss that well. He fought the absolutely worst style of fight against Joshua Clottey and while I felt he deserved to win, he took a beating in that fight. Clottey is not as fast or powerful as a lightweight/junior welterweight version of Manny Pacquiao either. I think it will be an exciting fight for about five rounds. Pacquiao may even hit the canvas, but I think he’ll survive to start landing at will on Cotto. Pac’s right hand will shred the lips of Puerto Rican star and lump up his face by the mid-rounds. I look for a mercy stoppage somewhere around nine or ten with Cotto a bloody mess. Pacquiao W.TKO.10.”
- Derek Bonnett - Connecticut, USA

“I am beyond fortunate to be living in Las Vegas and to be able to witness this sure fire Fight of the Year candidate first hand and in person. I absolutely cannot wait for this showdown between two elite level super dangerous and exciting bombers. Here’s exactly how I see the fight unfolding: Cotto starts off with slick lefts to the body and hard counter right crosses. Pacquiao flails away and misses badly but eventually settles down. He then cracks Cotto with a perfect left hand that badly wobbles the Puerto Rican late in the first. Pacquiao unloads and scores a knockdown with only a few moments left in the opening frame. Cotto survives and most ringsiders will think it’s over. Pacquiao will come out guns ablaze in the second and wobble Cotto again with a furious barrage, dropping him for the second time. Cotto will get up, retreat and bang away when he needs to. From there, though, Cotto will settle down, clear his head and figure out how to time the rather sloppy Filipino’s attacks and start to snatch away rounds. By the middle of the fight Cotto will be in command with his deft footwork, hooks to the body and snappy jab. Pacquiao will get rocked badly in the eighth after he walks into a huge right hand by Cotto but he won’t go down. Cotto rallies with a huge 10-8 round and I won’t be shocked if Pacquiao is cut by this time. Cotto will be in total control until a few scattered bursts of energy from Pacquiao stifle him and by the tenth, Cotto will have exerted a bit too much of his gas tank and will slow down and we all know a tired Cotto is much easier to hit than a fresh, in-control Cotto. Pacquiao capitalizes and turns the tides just before the tenth stanza ends. Cotto will try to play it safe in the eleventh as he’ll be comfortably ahead on the cards in his mind, but Pacquiao will force him to slug away, and that’ll seal Cotto’s fate. Cotto will get dropped midway through the frame, get up on shaky legs and then get smothered by a hellish onslaught until the referee stops it. Pacquiao by unbelievable come-from-behind 11th round TKO in what will probably be the Fight of the Year. Pacquiao W.TKO.11.”
- Mike Sloan - Las Vegas, USA

“I am excited by this match-up. I believe it will be Pacquiao’s biggest test since his rematch with Juan Manuel Marquez, and before that his first contest with Erik Morales. Pacquiao has the speed advantage. But, Cotto is the naturally bigger fighter. Cotto should have an easier time making weight than De La Hoya. I don’t figure Cotto will have to rely on an IV to re-hydrate himself after Friday’s weigh-in as did De La Hoya. Also, I don’t believe Cotto’s loss to Margarito was as damaging as in comparison was Hatton’s loss to Mayweather. Cotto seems to have rebounded enough from his loss to Margarito as demonstrated by his ability to outpoint a tough Joshua Clottey. Cotto has big-fight experience and has been in with the best. He took the future Hall of Famer Shane Mosley into the deep waters and found a way to win that bout. However, in the end speed kills and that is why I favor Pacquiao. Cotto has a lot of heart and thus I see him going the distance and keeping the fight close. Pacquiao by unanimous points decision. Pacquiao W.UD.12.”
- Albert Jimenez Howell - Las Vegas, USA

“Manny Pacquiao has the look of a fighter that cannot be beat. His hand and foot speed would be an advantage against any fighter in the world, with the possible exception of one Floyd Joy Mayweather Jr. However, Miguel Cotto possesses the one punch that could slow him down, a left hook to the body. Cotto may be way behind on the scorecards, but if he lands his money punch, the tide could turn really quick. Cotto W.TKO.11.”
- Jason Pribila - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA

“The biggest question I have regarding Cotto-Pacquiao is whether or not Manny can take Miguel’s punch? Although he’s been brilliantly dominant in his last three fights as he’s risen in weight, Pacquiao was barely touched. If Manny, who has shown a strong chin at junior lightweight and below, can handle Cotto’s thudding power, he should be able to withstand some very rough moments and bust Cotto up - maybe even stopping him late. If he tastes Cotto’s power early and winces, this fight could go either way. I think Manny will be able to soak up Cotto’s best shots and use his superior hand and foot speed to get in and out, stay off the ropes and slowly take Cotto apart. But it won’t be easy. Pacquiao W.TKO.11.”
- Matthew Hurley - Boston, USA

“It would be like swearing in church to believe Pac-Man not winning this fight. He is a truly remarkable fighter while Cotto is a very good fighter. There is a big difference. Manny Pacquiao should finish the Puerto Rican inside the distance. The question is in what round? I don’t think he will do it too early though, a fresh Cotto will still be able to handle the Philippine champ fairly well, but a tired Cotto will have a harder time staying on his feet. A ninth round TKO for Manny Pacquiao sounds realistic to me. Pacquiao W.TKO.9.”
- Teddy Stenmark - Sweden

“What a match-up, a classic, thriller, one for the ages! I can’t wait! I think Cotto will be too big and too strong for Pacquiao. We know Cotto can take a punch, we know he can box or fight and we know he has power. Can he face up to Pacquiao’s power and speed, definitely, he has been in there with speed merchants Shane Mosley and Zab Judah and faced some of the biggest punchers in the welterweights, for sure he can take what Pacquiao has to offer. Can Pacquiao take a welterweights’ punch? Can he withstand Cotto’s body punches and size? I don’t think so. Cotto W.TKO.8.”
- Lwazi Ndzobongo - South Africa

“This is a tough fight to pick. Pacquiao is taking on a very talented, hard punching full sized welterweight who is in his prime. For all his speed, I think Cotto is going to hurt him to the body and take over the fight. Cotto by unanimous points decision. Cotto W.UD.12.”
- Harry Rosenbluth - Los Angeles, California, USA

“Ok, here we go, it’s another big fight with Pacquiao. I do feel if Pacquiao is the one who is pound for pound the best, then he should take on Cotto at his best (147lbs) but that’s a different issue. I know trainer Freddie Roach and Pac-Man’s staff look for the best opponent at the time and whom they think he can beat. Cotto is bigger, stronger but not as fast, but I think they have bitten more then they can chew. Yes, I know everyone thinks Pac-Man may be too fast for Cotto, but by watching how Pacquiao has been too busy doing movies, talk shows and having issues in camp with his advisors bickering, where as Cotto seems more focused and ready to go.
I think that this may be the key, being prepared. Fight wise, Pacquiao will be sharp early using his speed but Cotto will fight back and do good body work. If Cotto can shake off Pac’s punches and him weighing 144 not weakening him, I see his strength and him being bigger, wearing Pacquiao down and pulling off the upset. Cotto W.TKO.11.”
- Andy Rivera - New Mexico, USA

“I’ve gone back and fourth on this one especially after watching 24/7 and seeing the issues Pacquiao’s camp has; but, the beating Cotto suffered at the hands of Margarito and the fact he didn’t look good in his last fight, makes me learn towards Pacquiao. I think Cotto has enough boxing knowledge and pride to not let himself get stopped. This will be a very good fight with Pacquiao winning a decision. Pacquiao W.12.”
- Ray Kilgore - Minneapolis, MN, USA

“Manny Pacquiao is going to be too fast and too skilled for Miguel Cotto, who after taking a savage beating from Antonio Margarito last summer, was life-and-death with Joshua Clottey in June. Pacquiao has carried his punch as he has risen in weight and Cotto will find that out on Saturday. The fight will be close while it lasts, and Cotto will have his moments to be sure, but Pacquiao’s superior speed and punch output will be too much for Cotto, who will be stopped in the 9th in a war. Pacquiao W.TKO.9 .”
- Michael Coppinger - Washington D.C, USA

“ The level of Pacquiao’s opposition over the last few years has been above and beyond everyone else in boxing and he thoroughly deserves his P4P ranking. However, I think that Cotto’s going to be too strong, too fresh and too determined to lose here. The Margarito result was a shock to the system for Cotto, despite the controversial result, and I think that he’s got a real point to prove in this fight. Logic does say that Cotto prefers to fight at a slower pace and Pacquiao won’t allow him to do that, but Pac can be outboxed and I think the larger, stronger Cotto will box-punch his way to a unanimous decision. Cotto W.UD.12.”
- Jamie Ellison - UK

“I predict that Pacquiao will wear Cotto down and win via a late stoppage after round 9. The Pac-Man is in great form and while a tough opponent, Cotto is not in the same class. Pacquiao W.TKO.9+.”
- Sean Castle - Toongabbie, Australia

“This will be a close fight, but I think Cotto will be able to withstand Pacquiao’s pressure and outbox him for a majority of the rounds. Pacquiao is facing his toughest opponent to date and will have a tougher time landing punches on Cotto than he did against Oscar and Ricky Hatton. Cotto W.12.”
- Derek Gionta - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA


Total:

MANNY PACQUIAO = 16

MIGUEL COTTO = 9