‘Pacquiao’s dangerous left could decide outcome’

MANILA -- Long time boxing commentator Larry Merchant believes that Manny Pacquiao’s punching power could decide the outcome of his “Fire Power” bout against Miguel Cotto.

“Pacquiao and his left handed sudden power is not like anything else in the game of boxing,” Merchant told FightHype.com’s Ray Cerda.

Merchant, who is well known for his blunt and hard hitting post-fight interviews, said the Filipino icon’s vaunted left hand could spell the difference in the Pacquiao-Cotto bout, which he considers an “even fight”.

“Fighters never see it coming, which is always the most dangerous punch,” he said.

The commentator said he is expecting a tactical match between the two fighters who square off at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada on November 14.

Pacquiao, who has scored sensational victories over Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton, is looking to win the World Boxing Organization welterweight crown from Cotto.

Cotto, meanwhile, is eyeing to legitimize his comeback from a stinging loss in the hands of Antonio Margarito with a win over the Filipino boxing superstar.

“To me it's a virtually even fight,” said Merchant. “Cotto is probably the best fighter he's (Pacquiao) ever fought in terms of size and being a natural welterweight who's in his prime.”

Although Merchant refused to predict the match’s outcome, he is convinced that the “Fire Power” bout will be the biggest fight of the year.

“Pacquiao is a phenomenon, so every time he fights, it's big,” he said.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com