Cotto vs. Pacquiao – This decade’s Trinidad vs. De La Hoya

On September 18, 1999, The hottest fighters in the game, Felix Trinidad and Oscar De La Hoya, stepped into the ring for what was supposed to be the mega fight of the decade. That was the fight that had all the elements to go down as one of the most exciting fights in history. Both fighters were in their prime, both fighters had two whole countries behind them, and both fighters had the opportunity to solidify their P4P greatness. Most people, myself included, would agree that the fight having such high expectations, was a disappointment.

Very little fireworks, very little excitement, and a controversial decision ended the night leaving many questions still unanswered. The welterweight division has been among the most if not the most exciting in boxing for years. A combination of speed, agility, and power usually make up for great fights at this weight.
So it’s no coincidence that on November 14, this decade’s Trinidad vs. De La Hoya will also take place at welterweight almost exactly 10 years apart. Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao together have the opportunity to live up to the hype.

This mega fight features two of the best P4P fighters in the game; both at their prime, both with whole countries behind them, and both with the opportunity to solidify their P4P greatness. Will it be a case of Déjà vu? Or will this one live up to the high expectations?

I believe that it will. Although I am a Miguel Cotto fan, and I believe that he will win impressively, as a boxing fan, I see all the elements that will make this an instant classic and will go down as one of the few mega fights that will have actually lived up the promise.

Independently from whatever game plans they will have, or how hard they worked during training, when the bell rings you will see the best of both fighters because these two guys know nothing else. They will bring heart, determination, and a tremendous will to win.

Unlike Trinidad vs. De La Hoya, these guys will not protect a lead, or resort to a one dimensional fight plan. They will go at it until one man is left standing. This fight has been creating a tremendous amount of buzz, and will continue to until fight night. So once again we have set very high expectations for a mega fight between two of the best.

This time however, I think they will deliver. I would gladly pay two Trinidad/De La Hoyas for one Cotto/Pacquiao. So let’s continue to stay excited about this fight, and let’s continue to wait in anxious anticipation. Boxing owes this one to the fans; we’ve been waiting for 10 years. And at the end, we will all be winners.

Source: boxingnews24.com