Question: Cotto vs Pacquiao, who wins?

Here's the Answers of Journalists, Boxers and Trainers:

BOXING JOURNALISTS

"Right now I slightly favor Pacquiao to win by decision."
- Doug Fischer, Ring Magazine

"I think Pacquiao will win the fight for one overriding reason: talent."
- Michael Rosenthal, Ring Magazine

"I’ll go with Manny in a close fight."
- Kevin Iole, Yahoo Sports

"In the end, Pacquiao seems likely to prevail."
- Ron Borges, The Sweet Science

"It would be a mighty shock if Pacquiao KO'd Cotto fast. But maybe we should be used to "Pac-Man" sending us shockwaves by now."
- James Slater, East Side Boxing

"I would be mightily impressed to see Megamanny stop Cotto."
- Michael Marley, Boxing Confidential

"Do you really think the pound for pound best fighter in the world need the WBO welterweight belt to prove he is the best? He is already the best!"
- Allan Tolentino, 8 Count News

"It seems to me that some people might accept nothing less than Pacquiao time traveling and fighting Sugar Ray Robinson at this point."
- Sa Christ, Bad Left Hook

"I think THE Pacquiao will once again prove his doubters wrong."
- Ben Thompson, Fight Hype

"Pac-Man is probably the better fighter anyway and beats Cotto via TKO late."
- Paul Uphan, Seconds Out

"I will be tipping Pacquiao when they time comes."
- Greg Juckett, Seconds Out

"I’d probably choose Pacquiao to win."
- Michael Norby, Seconds Out

"I don’t see the challenge in a fight with Cotto, but rather another easy way out for Pacquiao."
- Manuel Perez, Boxing News 24

"Manny will knock Cotto out inside of 6 rounds at any weight."
- Greg Leon, Boxing Talk

"I think Pacquiao wins."
- Ryan Burton, Boxing Talk

"It’s a safe bet that Pacquiao will find it and crack it."
- Michel Joseph, Boxing Talk

"Pacquiao TKO11"
- Reggie Jay, Doghouseboxing

"It's a bad mix for Cotto no matter where it occurs on the scale. I'll take Pacquiao in 10."
- Lyle Fitzsimmons, Sports Network

"I heavily favor Pacquiao in this bout."
- Tim Starks, The Queensberry Rules

"Pacquiao has the potential of completely dominating and dismantling Cotto."
- Teddy Atlas, ESPN



BOXERS AND TRAINERS

"Pacquiao. From the very first round the advantage would be Pacquiao.”
-Antonio Margarito

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

“Basically, I see Cotto busted up. I don’t think his face is gonna hold up through 12 rounds of the fight."
- Bernard Hopkins

“Pacquiao will win.”
- Mike Tyson

"I believe that Pacquiao should put him on the canvas in five or six rounds."
- Marquez's trainer Nacho Beristain

"Cotto keeps coming, this other kid Pacquiao, is so good, so slick. I think Pacquiao is the best fighter right now.”
- Muhammad Ali's trainer Angelo Dundee

"All of these guys underestimate Pacquiao thinking he's the small man. When I met Pacquiao, I wasn't saying how does this guy make welterweight? I was saying how in the hell was he making 130 and 135? Pacquiao is a big dude."
- Mosley's trainer Naazim Richardson

"We are going to knockout Cotto."
- Freddie Roach


Source: Pacquiao vs Cotto Predictions

Pacquiao vs Cotto is now Official. Nick Giongco has just reported from the Manila Bulletin that he has a private conversation via long distance call with Top Rank's head honcho Bob Arum over the weekend. Manny Pacquiao finally agreed to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico at a catch weight of 145 lbs.

Pacquiao adviser Mike Koncz said “adjustments were made” in the other provisions in the contract and the fight is green and go for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas on November 14.

“Bob is expected to make an announcement within the week,” said Koncz.

Bob Arum has just returned from his three-week vacation in Europe.

Pacquiao, Koncz and lawyer Franklin Gacal had originally planned to fly to the US to meet up with Arum to settle the issue but Koncz said that wouldn’t be necessary since Pacquiao has agreed to the terms. Meanwhile, Pacquiao's schedule is full because of commitment to upcoming movies.

Update: The Philippine Star reported Pacquiao and Arum had a 15-minute phone conversation.

“It’s done,” said Pacquiao’s adviser, Mike Koncz. "No contract has been signed but Manny and Bob had a verbal agreement. And we’ve never backed out of any verbal agreement so Bob is happy with that for the time being,” said Koncz.

Update #2: Bob Arum announced the fight:

"It's done. While I was away I reached a verbal agreement with each side. Pacquiao committed to the fight this weekend and Cotto the week before while I was in Israel. I was on the phone all the time trying to get this done."

"Both sides have agreed to the terms. Now we're sending out formal contracts."

"But everything is agreed or I wouldn't say what I am saying. The weight, the percentages, the guarantees - it's all agreed to."

"I'm really excited because it's a real fight. These are two real warriors. Whichever way this fight goes, I think it's going to be a classic because of the way these guys fight. There where will be a lot of engagement. They're great fighters. Cotto and Pacquiao are gutty guys. If you want blood and action and excitement, this is the fight."

"There's no messing about with either of these guys, and that's what's so exciting. That's why it's an unbelievable fight, with two guys who really love to fight and don't dance around."

"With Manny, you don't tell him who to fight. He tells you who he wants to fight. He's not afraid of anything. There's a lot of easier guys he could fight, but he doesn't want that. He wants the best, and that's Miguel."

"I want to get it done the week after Labor Day so I don't interfere with the Floyd Mayweather-Juan Manuel Marquez fight. I don't want [Golden Boy Promotions] saying I jumped them."

"Pacquiao and Cotto are both very pumped up for the fight."

Pacquiao vs Cotto Update. Nick Giongco at fightnews.com has reported that Canadian advisor Mike Koncz is on his way to the US to relay a message to Top Rank's promoter Bob Arum. It appears that Manny Pacquiao has agreed to face Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico at 145 lbs. catchweight. The venue is MGM Grand Las Vegas, the date November 14. Nick's source is from Team Pacquiao.

"Surely the Puerto Rican veteran will baloon in weight after the weigh in but how will that help him? If Cotto adds 12 pounds and Manny puts on 10 after the weigh in, what's the big deal?" said Michael Marley of examiner.com

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Mayweather vs Marquez Tickets

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Mayweather vs. Marquez: "Number One/Numero Uno," is promoted by Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Marquez Promotions and sponsored by Cerveza Tecate and Southwest Airlines. The 12-round bout will take place September 19th at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada and televised live on HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9pm ET / 6pm PT.

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Mayweather vs Marquez Conference Call Quotes

"I know in my heart that Marquez is going to be at his best. He always comes out and performs to the best of his ability. I'm back training and you're going to get one hell of a fight."
Floyd Mayweather

"I'm getting ready for the best Mayweather ever. I'm not thinking about his retirement. I'm getting ready for the best guy possible...the best fighter in the world."
Juan Manuel Marquez

FLOYD MAYWEATHER
"The biggest fight in boxing is Mayweather vs. anyone. It doesn't matter who I fight.

"I don't call out or chase opponents. Opponents have to chase me.

"It's like a t-bone steak. Basically I ate all the meat off the steak and then threw them the bone.

"I know in my heart that Marquez is going to be at his best. He always comes out and performs to the best of his ability.

"I feel that my family bond is stronger if we stick together and I feel we're weak if we spread out.

"I'm going down in history as one of the best, one of the best of all time, if not the best."

On Marquez:

"I know in my heart that Marquez is going to be at his best. He always comes out and performs to the best of his ability. I'm back training and you're going to get one hell of a fight.

"Marquez is a Mexican warrior. He represents the Mexican community extremely well and the heritage extremely well. I know he's going to be at his best when he comes to face the best, so the only thing I've got to do is go out there and be me. Be sharp and be smart."

On retirement and getting back in the ring:

"I had my first fight in 1987 and I had never had a break, so I guess my body needed a break. You know, everybody needs a break, everybody needs a vacation. Boxing is still in me. I still miss the sport.

"I've been off almost two years now. So, when you've been off two years, you have a chance to relax and just grow as a human being mentally. Not physically, but mentally. Because I feel what makes you a man is taking care of your responsibilities.

"If my body's going to be taking any type of abuse, and my hands are going to be taking any type of abuse, I might as well do it and get under the lights, and do what I like to do - to perform for my fans. I can't wait to get out there on September 19.

"I'm the best at my job because I push myself to the limit at my job. I get to the boxing gym before everybody else. If I get there when everybody else is training, I train so long everybody leaves.

"I already know I'm not worried about the Pay-Per-View numbers. I already know we're going to do good numbers. That's not what I'm chasing. That's going to happen regardless. I want to go out there and perform well for all the fans.

"Hopefully I will be remembered in my own way, and hopefully that's in a good way. Like a lot people say Ali but I think Ali stood for one hell of a cause in his era. And, I take my hat off to all of the champions, but I just want to be known as just one great fighter. Just one great fighter that fought the best in his era."

On his injury:

"Well when it happened, I tried to work through it. I was fine for a while, but then it happened again and I was like, well you know what; I can't try to be a superhero or be Superman.

"It's best to take your time - take a little time off, let it heal and come back so when I do go out and perform I'll be able to perform to the best of my ability for my fans.

"I've been through a lot of physical mishaps before, but only the strong can survive. I'm one of the strong ones. So I just didn't want to go into this fight like I went into other fights in the past where I wasn't 100%.

"I've been training since last week. All I've been doing is running, basketball, or doing a lot of pull-ups and push-ups and dips. You know, getting myself back into shape. Today I'm going to the boxing gym and will probably start working on the floor."

On the Mayweather Family:

"My dad is coming around now. He is teaching his oldest grandson how to box. So that's a good thing. He's coming to the birthday parties of his granddaughters. He's spending more time with his grandkids, getting to know his grandkids, and that's the main thing that counts.

"You've got to realize, my kids are the future of the Mayweather family and of the Mayweather brand. I feel that we're stronger - I feel that my family bond is stronger if we stick together and I feel we're weak if we spread out.

"If you want to learn about the sport of boxing, all you have to do is hang around the Mayweather family. All Roger does is watch boxing all day and study boxing all day. Now me - all I do is sit in the movie theater in my house and eat junk food, like I'm doing right now."

On Manny Pacquiao:

"Everybody on this phone knows that Pacquiao's not going to get a 50/50 with Floyd Mayweather. Go back and look at the numbers he did with David Diaz. People seem to forget about certain things. If you go look at what Pacquiao's grossed in his last two fights, and you see what I've grossed in my last two fights, and you go from there. Its still is a business even though it's a sport.

"Marquez is a guy that really deserves a shot at me so he can make some good money. If Manny Pacquiao really wants to fight me, all he has to do is say it.

"As of right now, Pacquiao - if he's one of the top fighters in the sport - he's got to ask for the fight. I'm not trying to tear him out of the frame. It's not a bad thing with Pacquiao. He has a bad deal."

On being pound-for-pound champ:

"If pound-for-pound pays any extra money, then you know I'm proud to say, 'Oh, yeah, I'm pound-for-pound.' But if it doesn't pay extra money, I'm happy with who I am as a person and I'm happy with my team.

"So, when these guys are beating each other and the title is switching hands, it's no different from when people talk about Manny Pacquiao. And I'm not saying that he hasn't done his job, but he hasn't done anything that I haven't done. All he did was follow right behind me.

"I've beat everybody - it's like a steak. It's like a t-bone steak. Basically I ate all the meat off the steak and then threw them the bone."

On Arturo Gatti & Alexis Arguello:

"I just want to say, blessing to the Gatti family. Blessings to Artuo Gatti, because he was one hell of a warrior.

"I just try to keep my mind focused on the positive and hopefully raising my kids to be the best that they can be once they become young adults in this world. I try not to keep my mind focused on tragedies, but Alexis Arguello was probably one of the best junior lightweights to ever put on a pair of gloves.

"We know Gatti never turned away from any opponent - never turned his back on any opponent. He fought anybody that was put in front of him and was a beast. He's a guy that could get knocked down four or five times and come right back. I guess he had throwback fights - he'd get knocked down four or five times, he'd come back in one shot. I mean, it would be lights out for you."

LEONARD ELLERBE, CEO of Mayweather Promotions

"September 19 obviously is Mexican Independence Day weekend and it's the biggest weekend of the year, but its Floyd's night."

JUAN MANUEL MARQUEZ

"Obviously, I have a lot of heart. I'm Mexican. I like to get up there. I like to fight.

"Winning will be the gift of my life (Marquez celebrates his birthday August 23)."

On Mayweather:

"It's a very hard fight, but mentally I'm preparing myself to win and I feel I can beat Mayweather.

"Winning will be the gift of my life (Marquez celebrates his birthday August 23). The best gift of my life. I'm preparing myself and I'm putting all the ingredients together so I can beat Mayweather.

"I'm getting ready for the best Mayweather ever. I'm not thinking about his retirement. I'm getting ready for the best guy possible...the best fighter in the world."

On the rescheduling:

"I did get some rest. Nacho is a very experienced trainer. He's a very smart person and he knew that I shouldn't burn myself out. I took about a week to ten days off and I came back fresh, motivated and ready to go."

On Pacquiao:

"I feel that I beat him both times. The first one was very close and I felt that I pulled it off. It was called a draw. And the second fight, I felt that I clearly beat him. I clearly beat him and I should have been on top on the points but for whatever reason, the judges - they saw a different fight that night."

On being the underdog:

"I think that life is full of surprises. This is what motivates me. This is what makes me train hard. When I wake up in the morning, it makes me want to train harder, run faster and longer.

"I'm going to be in better condition and I'm going to be focused 100%. These are the kind of fights that motivate me. I'm going to prove everybody wrong.

"Everything's going great. I have a great plan and I'm feeling a lot stronger already. I'm building up the right weight - not just to build up weight, but to build myself up and be very strong. I can feel the difference already.

"Obviously, I have a lot of heart. I'm Mexican. I like to get up there. I like to fight."

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, President of Golden Boy Promotions

"Marquez wants to challenge the best and that's why we're here - because he's challenging the best in Mayweather. We all know that Mayweather's the best fighter on the planet and therefore Marquez wanted to fight the best.

"The winner of this fight should be considered the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet. We can make a strong argument for that.

"People are going to watch to see Mayweather lose in September because Marquez is that good."

"I felt more skill coming out of Mayweather than I did with Pacquiao. That's the reason why we named the fight Numero Uno/Number One - because they are fighting to see who the number one fighter is on the planet."

RICHARD SCHAEFER, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

"To the millions of fight fans who were so greatly waiting for his return - Floyd Mayweather is feeling better, everything is going well, he is back in training and he has shown a recommitment to the sport of boxing.

"Contrary to some reports, which probably originated from some promoters and people who are not involved with the fight, this fight is doing extremely well. It's shaping up to become one of the biggest non-heavyweight gates in Las Vegas history. Several of the price categories are sold out already."

"It will be the most covered weigh-in ever because everybody wants to know what the weight is. So make sure you don't miss it."

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