Pacquiao: Fight with Cotto 80 percent sure

MANILA - Manny Pacquiao has left for the United States Tuesday night to look into the fight contract of his next bout, among other things.

The world’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter said nothing has been finalized yet but there is a big possibility that he will face World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico.

“Siguro mga 80 percent sure,” Pacquiao said. He added that there are still some details to iron out including the profit sharing and catch weight.

“Ang gusto kasi nila 145 [lbs.]. Ang gusto ko142, [or] 143,” noted Pacquiao. He also said that they have yet to determine whether the fight will be held on October or November.

If plans materialize, Pacquiao said he would really need to prepare for the fight against Cotto because “Magaling siya (He is good).”

Pacquiao even watched Cotto’s June 12 match against Joshua Clottey at the Madison Square Garden in New York where the Puerto Rican successfully defended his title.

“The Pacman” also disclosed another strategy oh his if ever he will face off with Cotto.

“Magdadala ako ng shampoo para matanggal ang kuto (‘Cotto’),” he said in jest. Kuto in Filipino translation means head lice.

Pacquiao also mentioned that he does not want to think about the possibility of facing Floyd Mayweather, Jr. as he would want to focus on his fight against Cotto.

After that, he said he will prepare for his congressional bid in the 2010 elections.

Nike photoshoot

Meanwhile, Pacquiao is also set to do a photoshoot with some of Nike's top endorsers in the US.

"May pictorial ako kasama si Kobe Byrant, Tiger Woods, Lebron james at Maria Sharapova," he said.

The latest project will be the second time the Filipino fighter is embarking on a deal for a much wider audience release.

Pacquiao ealier appeared in telveision ad featuring Bryant and other top Nike endorses like Sharapova and Roger Federer of tennis, Cristiano Ronaldo of soccer and Liu Xiang of track and field.

“The People’s Champ” flew to America with his wife Jinkee and their children. With a report from Dyan Castillejo, ABS-CBN News and FightNews.com.

Source: abs-cbnnews.com