"FirePower" On Sale Aug. 17
The date is set for the mega-fight between boxing’s No. 1 pound-for-pound king Manny “PacMan” Pacquiao and three-time world champion Miguel Cotto. Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto, “FirePower” will take place Saturday, Nov. 14 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and will be televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. PST/6 p.m. PST. Tickets priced at $1,000, $750, $500, $300 and $150 go on sale Monday, Aug. 17 at 10 a.m. Ticket are limited to 10 per person and ticket sales at $150 are limited to two (2) per person, with a total ticket limit of 12 per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.
“Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto have reached an agreement to fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 14,” said Top Rank Chief Executive Officer Bob Arum. Top Rank is currently working on a major media tour to commence immediately following Labor Day weekend. Details will be announced in the near future.
Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs), of General Santos City, Philippines, has won six world titles in as many different weight divisions ranging from 112 to 140 pounds. His performance in 2008 was described as “Henry Armstrongesque” as he won world titles at 130 and 135 pounds with victories over Juan Manuel Marquez and David Diaz, respectively, and knocked out Oscar De La Hoya at 147 pounds to complete the trifecta. The winning streak continued in 2009 when he won another world title in a new weight division, dealing defending junior welterweight champion Ricky Hatton a second-round knockout in May at MGM Grand.
Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, has held a world title every year since 2004. Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) junior welterweight crown from 2004-2006. He successfully defended it six times before vacating it to capture the World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long. He won his second welterweight title earlier this year as he knocked out Michael Jennings in the fifth round at Madison Square Garden to become the WBO Welterweight Champion. Notable victories on Cotto’s belt include Sugar Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Pauli Malinaggi and Demarcus Corley.
The Pacquiao vs. Cotto pay-per-view telecast, beginning at 9 p.m. EST/6 p.m. PST, has a suggested retail price of $49.95.
Source: fightnews.com
Showing posts with label PACQUIAO VS COTT. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PACQUIAO VS COTT. Show all posts
Monday, August 10, 2009
Arum: Pacquiao-Cotto contract to be inked Wednesday
MANILA, Philippines -- Top Rank head Bob Arum said he has crossed the t’s and dotted the i's for the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto showdown, adding that he is expecting signed contracts from both camps by Tuesday, Aug. 11 (Wednesday, Aug. 12 in Manila).
Speaking to Michael Marley of examiner.com, the ageless promoter said the fight would be held at a catch weight of 145 pounds, and with Cotto’s WBO welterweight title on the line.
"Everything has been decided and agreed to," Arum told Marley. "Cotto is defending the title and the weight limit (will) be 145 pounds."
Earlier reports said Cotto was not keen on putting his welterweight strap on the line, mainly because the Puerto Rican did not want to pay the sanctioning fee required by the WBO.
Cotto also reportedly insisted on a 147-lb weight limit.
"There are no (more) disagreements or problems. Now, everything is cleared up," Arum added.
This development opens up a rare opportunity for Pacquiao to become the first boxer in history to win seven world titles in as many divisions -- having previously wrested the WBC flyweight, IBF super bantamweight, Ring Magazine featherweight, WBC junior lightweight, WBC lightweight and IBO junior welterweight crowns.
Arum added that tickets for the Pacquiao-Cotto bout will be available for sale on Aug. 17.
Source: philstar.com
Speaking to Michael Marley of examiner.com, the ageless promoter said the fight would be held at a catch weight of 145 pounds, and with Cotto’s WBO welterweight title on the line.
"Everything has been decided and agreed to," Arum told Marley. "Cotto is defending the title and the weight limit (will) be 145 pounds."
Earlier reports said Cotto was not keen on putting his welterweight strap on the line, mainly because the Puerto Rican did not want to pay the sanctioning fee required by the WBO.
Cotto also reportedly insisted on a 147-lb weight limit.
"There are no (more) disagreements or problems. Now, everything is cleared up," Arum added.
This development opens up a rare opportunity for Pacquiao to become the first boxer in history to win seven world titles in as many divisions -- having previously wrested the WBC flyweight, IBF super bantamweight, Ring Magazine featherweight, WBC junior lightweight, WBC lightweight and IBO junior welterweight crowns.
Arum added that tickets for the Pacquiao-Cotto bout will be available for sale on Aug. 17.
Source: philstar.com
Pacquiao: Clear vision, dirty diamond, murky legacy?
As we all know, Manny Pacquiao now stands on the brink of doing something that has never been done in the history of the sport.
It took him 14 years to do it, but nonetheless, many careers have been started and have finished with no other man to ever walk the planet accomplishing this optimal feat of winning 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.
As we sit at the gates of this amazing feat, boxing pundits, (both left and right wing), have began to now examine the depth of this historical feat up close (and personal).
No one can deny Manny Pacquiao the great feats he accomplished of the past, but with Miguel Cotto adamantly denying Pacquiao this shot at greatness by refusing to stake his WBO welterweight strap and Arum having limited options to change that, the WBC has entered the equation by CREATING what they call the WBC DIAMOND BELT, which is awarded to fighters who find themselves attempting greatness by fighting at a catchweight.
In this equation, whether Cotto's belt is up for grabs or not, Pacquiao would be able to accomplish his same historical feat by winning a belt that no one in history has ever been awarded.
Now, think about what I just said ---- "No one in the history of the sport has EVER BEEN AWARDED".
This is a strap that was created out of thin air by an organization who has had Pacquiao as a major ambassador over the years, once carrying their version of the boxing strap in the Lightweight, Super-featherweight and Flyweight divisions.
WBC President Jose Sulaiman has adamantly professed a certain level of "affinity" to Pacquiao over the years, but many around the sport find the creation of a title which supports something (catchweights) that many of the boxing public have hated from day one to be a shot in the dark which fails miserably to hit the target.
Right now it means little, but looking forward, if Pacquiao were to win this newly created title, and Cotto's WBO strap isn't on the line, what would this do for Pacquiao's stellar legacy overall - as it relates to this historical feat.
The accomplishment is 7 world titles in 7 different weight classes, but the catch here is that a catchweight isn't a weight class, so would the proverbial 'asterisk' be forever summoned to Manny's name if he never wins a more official strap above the jr. welterweight limit?
This is where the division begins. To the Pacquiao faithful, this would be monumental, but trouble is, to those that prefer to stay more neutral on the matter, the catchweight title hasn't truly caught on, so the end analysis would be that Pacquiao indeed dropped the ball when it comes to achieving history.
Both sides of the fence have legitimate points. For Pacquiao fans, it's a strap above the previous weight division that he will have onw; While for his detractors, it would be a title that isn't in an actual weight class.
For now, there are no answers to how this will all pan out, but in the end, I surely wonder whether fight fans who talk about this to their grandkids one day will give a tale of history, or simply HIS-STORY.
Stay tuned.
Source: examiner.com
It took him 14 years to do it, but nonetheless, many careers have been started and have finished with no other man to ever walk the planet accomplishing this optimal feat of winning 7 world titles in 7 different weight divisions.
As we sit at the gates of this amazing feat, boxing pundits, (both left and right wing), have began to now examine the depth of this historical feat up close (and personal).
No one can deny Manny Pacquiao the great feats he accomplished of the past, but with Miguel Cotto adamantly denying Pacquiao this shot at greatness by refusing to stake his WBO welterweight strap and Arum having limited options to change that, the WBC has entered the equation by CREATING what they call the WBC DIAMOND BELT, which is awarded to fighters who find themselves attempting greatness by fighting at a catchweight.
In this equation, whether Cotto's belt is up for grabs or not, Pacquiao would be able to accomplish his same historical feat by winning a belt that no one in history has ever been awarded.
Now, think about what I just said ---- "No one in the history of the sport has EVER BEEN AWARDED".
This is a strap that was created out of thin air by an organization who has had Pacquiao as a major ambassador over the years, once carrying their version of the boxing strap in the Lightweight, Super-featherweight and Flyweight divisions.
WBC President Jose Sulaiman has adamantly professed a certain level of "affinity" to Pacquiao over the years, but many around the sport find the creation of a title which supports something (catchweights) that many of the boxing public have hated from day one to be a shot in the dark which fails miserably to hit the target.
Right now it means little, but looking forward, if Pacquiao were to win this newly created title, and Cotto's WBO strap isn't on the line, what would this do for Pacquiao's stellar legacy overall - as it relates to this historical feat.
The accomplishment is 7 world titles in 7 different weight classes, but the catch here is that a catchweight isn't a weight class, so would the proverbial 'asterisk' be forever summoned to Manny's name if he never wins a more official strap above the jr. welterweight limit?
This is where the division begins. To the Pacquiao faithful, this would be monumental, but trouble is, to those that prefer to stay more neutral on the matter, the catchweight title hasn't truly caught on, so the end analysis would be that Pacquiao indeed dropped the ball when it comes to achieving history.
Both sides of the fence have legitimate points. For Pacquiao fans, it's a strap above the previous weight division that he will have onw; While for his detractors, it would be a title that isn't in an actual weight class.
For now, there are no answers to how this will all pan out, but in the end, I surely wonder whether fight fans who talk about this to their grandkids one day will give a tale of history, or simply HIS-STORY.
Stay tuned.
Source: examiner.com
Five Reasons Miguel Cotto Can Defeat Manny Pacquiao
Miguel Cotto is an underdog against Manny Pacquiao. Many consider him to be tarnished, damaged goods in the ring. He has not looked good in has last two major fights, against Margarito and Clottey. He was brutally beaten by Margarito, and barely survived against Clottey. He has shown a potential for cuts, and has looked very beatable.
With all that said, Cotto still has a very good chance to defeat Manny Pacquiao. Here are five reasons why:
1. Punching Power
Miguel Cotto will pack arguably the biggest punch Pacquiao has ever faced. While some would argue it was De La Hoya, Cotto is very heavy handed. While not scoring knockouts at the top level at 147, Cotto steamrolled opponents at 140. Pacquiao is not a natural welterweight, and there are questions as to whether or not he can take Cotto’s punch.
For Cotto to defeat Pacquiao, he will have to accomplish something Pacquiao’s last two opponents did not. He will actually have to land his shots. If he can find a way to hit Pacquiao, the scope of the fight will change dramatically for him.
2. Chin
Cotto is a rather large welterweight. He has shown he can take good punches from natural welterweights. He took the best shots Zab Judah had to offer. He stood in against Mosley for twelve rounds. If he can take Pacquiao’s punch, his chances go up dramatically.
3. Size
Now there is majority agreement here that size will not play a major factor in this fight. Since this fight will be at a catchweight of 145, neither fighter should have much of an advantage.
The truth is Cotto is a naturally bigger man. He is a rather large welterweight, and puts on significant weight the day of the fight. This advantage will come into play for him if he can use his size to lean on Pacquiao on the ropes, or muscle him.
4. Body Punching
This point is absolutely the key to the fight. If Cotto has any chance at pulling off the mild upset, he will have to get to the body. Cotto is a fearsome body puncher, and when dedicated, is hard to deter. If he makes a solid commitment to the body, it will be interesting to see how Pacquiao responds.
Cotto should look for every available opportunity to dig into Pacquiao’s ribs. If he is unable to do so with any success, he stands little chance of defeating the pound for pound champion.
5. Ring Generalship
Cotto is an underrated boxer. He can box well from the outside, as well as fight on the inside. He makes good in-fight adjustments. In this fight, he will need to cut the ring off without taking too much damage. Cotto will need to corner the faster Pacquiao, and make him pay once on the inside.
If Cotto can rinse and repeat that strategy early on, he can start headhunting in the later rounds. A commitment to the body early, a left hook late, and we have the makings of an upset on our hands.
Source: insidefights.com
With all that said, Cotto still has a very good chance to defeat Manny Pacquiao. Here are five reasons why:
1. Punching Power
Miguel Cotto will pack arguably the biggest punch Pacquiao has ever faced. While some would argue it was De La Hoya, Cotto is very heavy handed. While not scoring knockouts at the top level at 147, Cotto steamrolled opponents at 140. Pacquiao is not a natural welterweight, and there are questions as to whether or not he can take Cotto’s punch.
For Cotto to defeat Pacquiao, he will have to accomplish something Pacquiao’s last two opponents did not. He will actually have to land his shots. If he can find a way to hit Pacquiao, the scope of the fight will change dramatically for him.
2. Chin
Cotto is a rather large welterweight. He has shown he can take good punches from natural welterweights. He took the best shots Zab Judah had to offer. He stood in against Mosley for twelve rounds. If he can take Pacquiao’s punch, his chances go up dramatically.
3. Size
Now there is majority agreement here that size will not play a major factor in this fight. Since this fight will be at a catchweight of 145, neither fighter should have much of an advantage.
The truth is Cotto is a naturally bigger man. He is a rather large welterweight, and puts on significant weight the day of the fight. This advantage will come into play for him if he can use his size to lean on Pacquiao on the ropes, or muscle him.
4. Body Punching
This point is absolutely the key to the fight. If Cotto has any chance at pulling off the mild upset, he will have to get to the body. Cotto is a fearsome body puncher, and when dedicated, is hard to deter. If he makes a solid commitment to the body, it will be interesting to see how Pacquiao responds.
Cotto should look for every available opportunity to dig into Pacquiao’s ribs. If he is unable to do so with any success, he stands little chance of defeating the pound for pound champion.
5. Ring Generalship
Cotto is an underrated boxer. He can box well from the outside, as well as fight on the inside. He makes good in-fight adjustments. In this fight, he will need to cut the ring off without taking too much damage. Cotto will need to corner the faster Pacquiao, and make him pay once on the inside.
If Cotto can rinse and repeat that strategy early on, he can start headhunting in the later rounds. A commitment to the body early, a left hook late, and we have the makings of an upset on our hands.
Source: insidefights.com
Heavy Pacman in no hurry to train
MANILA, Philippines - Manny Pacquiao is walking around at 153 pounds and is in no hurry to kick off training for his Nov. 14 fight with Miguel Cotto.
Yesterday, during a break in the shooting of his latest movie, “Wapakman,” the best boxer in the world today said he doesn’t mind Cotto showing up at a gym in Puerto Rico last week to begin his three-month training.
“Maganda ‘yan para sa pagdating sa laban hindi na siya maka-suntok (That’s good so when it comes to fight time he can barely throw a punch),” said Pacquiao on the set of his movie where he plays a single father with some super-natural powers.
But Pacquiao vowed to start getting in shape soon, maybe two or three weeks from now when he’s done with all his non-boxing commitments.
“Basketball lang ang katapat nyan (All I need is to play basketball),” said Pacquiao who just inked the fight contract for the Cotto fight, set at a catchweight of 145 lb, and to be staged at at the 17,000 MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Pacquiao is being treated well while filming the movie. During breaks, he stays inside an air-conditioned tent where one can’t go hungry. He has his own portalet, which is also air-conditioned, and has practically everyone at his beck and call.
By the second week of September, Pacquiao plans to kick off his training in Baguio City, and after a week or so, he will fly to Mexico City for another four, five or six weeks of rigid training at Nuevo Vallarta. They’re also looking at Canada as a training venue.
In the past, eight weeks of training have proven well for Pacquiao.
His Canadian adviser, Mike Koncz, was scheduled to leave for the US last night, carrying with him the fight contract which will be presented to Top Rank president Bob Arum, who holds promotional rights over Pacquiao and Cotto.
“Now the fight is officially on. The documents have been signed. The fight is at 145 pounds on Nov. 14. And it’s a world title fight,” said Koncz who, however, said it remains uncertain whether the fight will be for Cotto’s WBO welterweight (147 lb) crown.
“We’re not certain as to which organization we’re gonna fight. There’s no confirmation yet on which organization,” he said, adding that Pacquiao, also the reigning IBO light-welterweight (140 lb) champ, is looking at a different crown.
“The WBC has a new category – the diamond belt. They just felt that now there’s a lot of good fights being made at catchweight, and the organizations wouldn’t sanction them as title fights. That’s why they decided to come up with something special,” said Koncz.
Source: philstar.com
Sunday, August 9, 2009
Arum certifies it: Pacquiao-Cotto for WBO crown, 145 pound limit
Paymaster Bob Arum is so concerned about the continuing brouhaha over the Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto super bout that he is sunning himself in the South of France.
I spoke to Arum Sunday night as he was visiting South African business mogul Sol Kerzner,
Earlier this past week, Arum did some hiking in Aspen.
While much of Pacland and Cottoland has been in turmoil about whether the Puerto Rican’s WBO welterweight title strap will be on the line and what the contractual weight agreement will be,
Arum says everyone should take a sip of a good French wine and maybe a chill pill.
According to Uncle Bob, negotiations, misunderstandings and controversy attendant to that the foregoing are all ancient history now.
Arum expects to have contracts signed by both challenger Pacman and champion Cotto by Tuesday which is Aug. 11.
Tickets for the mega bout at the MGM Grand will go on sale, Arum told me, on Aug, 17. The general public only has a shot at about 3,000 unspoken for tickets.
(Interesting choice of dates there, two days before the Juan Manuel Marquez-Floyd Mayweather PPV TV bout at the MGM Grand.)
“Everything has been decided and agreed to,” Arum said. “Cotto is defending the title and the weight limit be 145 pounds,. There are no disagreements or problems. Now, everything is cleared up.”
Arum’s friend, Kerzner, is hoping that Pacquiao will choose to begin his training for the Cotto bout at his Atlantis Resort in Nassau, Bahamas.
Arum said that decision--Bahamas, Vancouver or Mexico--will be solely made by Pacquiao.
Coach Freddie Roach has suggested that his charge start training in the leafy, cool climes of Baguiao, Philippines, where the elevation goes up to 5,100 feet.
Source: examiner.com
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
