Floyd picks Pacquiao over Cotto

MANILA -- Despite downplaying Manny Pacquiao’s skills, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. thinks the Filipino is capable of beating World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

The former pound-for-pound king told ESPN’s Brian Kenny in a video interview that Pacquiao is a “quick starter” and could cause Cotto some trouble.

“I think Pacquiao is a quick starter, and if I had to lean toward a fighter, I would say Pacquiao," said Mayweather.

Mayweather, who is set to clash with Juan Manuel Marquez on September 19, said Cotto has lost his edge since losing to Mexican boxer Antonio Margarito.

"I think after the Margarito fight, mentally, Cotto is not the same," said Mayweather.

He cited the Puerto Rican’s performance against Joshua Clottey, where Cotto won by split decision.

Mayweather said that despite Cotto’s win, he thinks otherwise.

"It was close, but I thought he lost," he said.

Mayweather's statements echoed that of revered boxing trainer Ignacio “Nacho” Beristain.

"Cotto remained a little deteriorated after the fight that he had with Antonio Margarito, and to be up against Manny Pacquiao, with all due respect - since I respect and I admire Puerto Rican boxing, but I believe that Pacquiao should put him on the canvas in five or six rounds," Beristain said.

Meanwhile, the former champion said Top Rank chief Bob Arum is pushing the Pacquiao-Cotto fight for the money.

Both Pacquiao and Cotto are under Top Rank promotions.

"Bob Arum is making that fight because he wants to keep all the money in house," said Mayweather.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com