Cotto fight details still to be cleared

Before parting ways in New York on Sunday, Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum left word that he’ll come up with something concrete in two week’s time regarding the Filipino’s Nov. 14 fight.

While Arum has temporarily booked Pacquiao to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in an all-Top Rank affair at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, there are major issues to be resolved, tops on the list are the revenue split and the catch weight.

“Bob told us he will connect the dots in two weeks time,” said Pacquiao lawyer Franklin Gacal, who arrived in Manila with Pacquiao late Monday night via Northwest Airlines.

Cotto is coming off a hard-earned 12-round split decision over Joshua Clottey and the shaven-skulled puncher told the Puerto Rican press upon arrival at the Luis Munoz Marin International in San Juan that negotiations have yet to start.

“Nothing is concrete right now,” said Cotto. “But if terms are accepted, I will accept the fight (with Pacquiao).”

The Puerto Rican press also asked Cotto if reports are true that Emanuel Steward, the discoverer of Thomas Hearns, is being eyed to join his training team.

Cotto did not deny or confirm the report, saying he is open to anything that will help enhance his future performances.

If there is one sure thing at the moment, Gacal said it is the fact that “Manny won’t fight Cotto at 147 lbs. He’s just too big (at that weight class).”

Arum said that “reason will (eventually) prevail” and the two will likely meet halfway, say 143 or 144 lbs.

The Los Angeles Times reported on Monday (Tuesday in Manila) that Shane Mosley is also being looked at as a possibility despite his supposedly lack of a fanbase.

If Arum fails to match Pacquiao and Cotto, “we’ll reach out to Shane,” Arum told Lance Pugmire. Golden Boy Promotions said Mosley is “willing to make concessions.”

Meanwhile, Pacquiao flew to Bohol late Tuesday afternoon to reunite with his kids and from picturesque province, the pound-for-pound will proceed to General Santos City using the private plane of former Ilocos Sur Gov. Chavit Singson.

Pacquiao left his kids there for the whirlwind visit to New York and promised them that he’ll be back shortly for some more bonding time after it was cut short by his quick trip to the Big Apple.

Source: mb.com.ph