Cotto unfazed by heavy underdog tag against Pacquiao

LOS ANGELES, October 21, 2009 (AFP) - Heavy underdog Miguel Cotto will carry the hopes of his native Puerto Rico on his shoulders in next month's mega fight against Filipino Manny Pacquiao.

Unfazed by the long odds against him, the 27-year-old Cotto will be fighting for his place in boxing history in the 145-pound bout November 14 at the MGM Grand hotel and casino.

A win over six-time world champion Pacquiao would silence his critics and elevate Cotto to the title of best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, said trainer Joe Santiago.

"When that night comes and he wins, everyone will know that Puerto Rico does have the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," Santiago said from Cotto's training camp at the Fight Factory Gym in Tampa, Florida.

Cotto doesn't need any more motivation than for people to say he doesn't have what it takes to beat Pacquiao.

"A lot of people are picking Pacquiao to beat him and he is motivated by that," Santiago said. "Miguel has a little extra because the people don't think he can win this fight.

"We know he can and he knows he can but he will have to show everyone what he is capable of doing against this type of opponent. He will come out with a little more fire."

Santiago says Cotto is younger, bigger, stronger and more determined. The pair are fighting at the catch weight of 145 pounds which is WBO welterweight champion Cotto's natural weight.

"Cotto is the first true welterweight that (Pacquiao) will have fought in his career. He is young and still in his prime so that is what Pacquiao is facing," Santiago said.

A classic boxer in the true sense of the word, Cotto is 34-1 with 27 knockouts. He has defeated a host of top fighters including Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, and Joshua Clottey. Cotto's only loss came last year to Mexico's Antonio Margarito.

Cotto's camp believes Pacquiao's speed won't be a problem and that the Filipino is a perfect fit for three-time world champion Cotto.

"Miguel brings a lot of things that Pacquiao doesn't have," said strength trainer Phil Landman. "And we are working on improving those areas."

Said Santiago, "I think that Miguel has shown everybody that he can deal with speed. I think with the type of rhythm that Manny brings to the fight that people don't think Miguel can stay with that speed.

"I not only think he can stay with the rhythm but I think he will enjoy fighting that kind of fight. It will be an interesting fight and Miguel will come out victorious by just doing what he always does, coming forward, throwing punches and being strong."

In his last fight, Cotto gutted out a split decision victory over Clottey in June. He suffered a nasty gash over his left eye from a head butt in the third round which had to be fixed by a plastic surgeon.

"It came out very nice, I have not seen anything wrong with his cut. I don't think it will be an issue in the fight," Santiago said.

Pacquiao has been training in Manila but has also been dealing with deadly typhoons and flooding that has ravaged his country in recent weeks. He is expected to arrive in the United States this weekend.

The undercard will feature a World Boxing Association super welterweight fight between champion Daniel Santos and American challenger Yuri Foreman.

Santiago said with Santos and Cotto on the same card it will be a double pleasure for Puerto Rican boxing fans.

"On the 13th we will be at 145 pounds no question. On the 14th it is going to be a great night. And on the 15th we are going to celebrate with the country of Puerto Rico," he said.

Source: mb.com.ph