Pacquiao-Roach Conference Call Highlights

Freddie Roach, Bob Arum and Manny Pacquiao talk November 14th.

This afternoon the media was treated to the wonders of a Freddie Roach, Bob Arum, Manny Pacquiao conference call. After listening to the hour long conference call I can say that those of you without the capacity to attend such an event missed almost nothing. There were a few points of interest, not the least of which was that Freddie spent a significant amount of time telling us all how great Baguio was to the point where it became a bit desperate. Manny for his part added almost nothing to the conversation except for a pretty fantastic "yes and…" to a certain well known Worldwide Leader scribe which led to some awkwardness. The highlights of the conference call can be found below:

* The MGM Grand has sold out of tickets for the event. They are also hearing that the closed circuit locations are doing big numbers for tickets so if you expect to watch the event on closed circuit you might want to get your tickets now.

* Bob Arum: more attention, more interest then any fight he can remember in the last five or ten years.

* Freddie Roach says that Manny is 95% ready right now for the fight on Nov. 14th.

* Freddie talked about what it would be like to win a 7th world championship in a 7th weight division: Beating Cotto for 7th world title it'll be unbelievable - Manny is a throwback like Henry Armstong fighters don't move up and win championships in different divisions. He's getting better and better, carries his speed and power up when he moves up. One of the greatest achievements ever, surpassing Sugar Ray Leonard, Tommy Hearns - he's in the elite category in the top 5 fighters of all time of any era.

* Freddie mentions that he does not believe Manny could move up to a higher weight class, though if the right fighter came along at 154 they might try it.

* Freddie talks about how Manny is the most popular fighter he has ever been around. "Even Tyson doesn't have the drawing power of Pacquiao right now. His countryman love him and he's a great inspiration of his country that's why we trained in Baguio for the first four weeks - we had a great time there, it worked out really well and the people appreciated it."

* Is Miguel Cotto the biggest challenge for Manny? "I don't know if it's the biggest challenge. He's a very good fighter, he's champion in the world, we're moving up in weight class where we fought Oscar also. He's going to knock Cotto out - I'm very confident and I look forward to the win."

* Freddie was asked how difficult it was to train in Baguio: "Baguio worked out well for us - we asked people to stay away - closed the gym down; it was no problem at all. No politicians bothering him, or asking for support. It was the best four weeks we've ever had, Manny was on par from day one. I thought he was trying to impress me because I wanted to stay closer to Wild Card. The weather messed with us a little bit, we ran in the rain, we went in the pool, we went inside sometimes - we had no distractions - we had a great first month. The last week in Manilla was a little tougher because there was a lot of politicians there and everyone wanted to pull him in different directions. First four weeks in Baguio were great."

* One point of interest came up when an LA Daily News writer asked Freddie about this being the most difficult fighter that Manny has faced. The writer mentioned that "everyone on this line right now" would agree that Oscar wasn't throwing very hard the night Manny beat De La Hoya. This got Freddie all riled up – "Yeah but before that fight nobody thought Manny could fight him - why does nobody say Manny had a good night. Everyone wants to talk about how Oscar had a bad night."

* Finally what is Freddie's feeling on Cotto coming off the brutal KO at the hands of Margarito especially considering that Manny has been knocked out twice in his career: "You need time to build your confidence back, and fighters to build your confidence. Obviously we got Cotto at a good time he's getting better, but it definitely effects you - it takes something out of you - his first fight he didn't look that good, his second fight he looked better getting more confidence the thing is if we give him confidence in this fight he'll get stronger and stronger so I feel we need to take it away from him right away."


I can see it here how Roach really defends, supports Manny Pacquiao about his previous fights, his preparation up until this very moment , or let's say couple of weeks more before the firepower fight of Pacquaio over Cotto.
Click here.

Manny Pacquiao: “No one can help me in the ring, but I can help the Philippines by winning my fight!”

Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao shown above during one of his training days.


A motivated Manny Pacquiao spoke to the international media moments ago on conference call to discuss his upcoming Nov. 14 mega-fight with Miguel Cotto.

Manny Pacquiao: “I felt very bad for the people effected by the recent natural disasters in the Philippines. It was difficult for me because I had to try to focus on my training which is a big part of me being able to help the country by bringing honour to it. I have to focus on my fight because no one can help me in the ring, but I can help my country by winning my fight.”

“It’s a great honour for me to bring pride to the Philippines. I’m very hungry to win this fight because I would be the first fighter to capture titles in seven different weight divisions.”

“It’s my responsibility to focus even with all the people who want to get close to me and shake my hand and get my autograph. I have to focus on my training but I still try to make time for the people who idolize me.”

“I feel in 100 per cent condition and I can’t wait for Nov. 14!”

“Cotto is a bigger guy than I am and he’s very strong. He’s a good fighter so this will be a hard fight. I don’t underestimate his ability.”

“A lot of people make predictions but I just focus on the fight and if a knockout comes it’s a bonus. I believe in my power and if I’m lucky I can land a good punch on my opponent.”

“Thank you to Bob Arum and Top Rank, to Coach Freddie, to the media and to all of the fans who love boxing. I will do my best in this fight and thank you to everyone.”


A motivated fighter who always think the best for his countrymen, who always do his very best for the sake of his beloved country...enter here to read more about him.

PACQUIAO FOCUSED DESPITE TYPHOON

Manny Pacquiao will not let the problems caused by typhoons in his native Philippines distract him from the task of defeating Miguel Cotto in Las Vegas next month, according to his trainer Freddie Roach.

Pacquiao, a folk hero with political aspirations in his homeland, was training on home soil for his November 14 showdown with Puerto Rico's welterweight champion Cotto when typhoons hit the islands, killing more than 700 people and making more than six million homeless.

The boxer, who became many people's pound for pound champion following his devastating knockout of England's Ricky Hatton on May 2, visited some of the worst-hit areas around the capital Manila and distributed food and supplies to some of those affected by the typhoon.

With Pacquiao now back at Roach's Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles, California, the American trainer on Wednesday said that though the sights took their toll on Pacquiao it would not stop his fighter knocking out WBO champion Cotto.

"It left him mentally drained and very sad, naturally," Roach said during a Wednesday conference call from Los Angeles. "But, once we got in the gym, he put it aside.

"Manny is able to put that side of real life aside when he gets into the gym.

"I feel Manny, the way he's punching right now, with the power that's there at this weight, he's going to knock Cotto out.

"I'm very confident and I look forward to the win."

Roach downplayed scenes shot by HBO for their 24/7 reality show on the fight build-up which showed the trainer threatening to leave their Philippines training camp in Baguio as another typhoon was forecast if Pacquiao did not come with him to a safer area.

"I was concerned for the safety of the sparring partners, Manny's crew, Manny and myself and very concerned the typhoon was going to come quicker than it did," Roach said.

"Manny was more relaxed about it and so I said 'Manny, I'll be waiting for you in Manila'.

"I was just trying to get him motivated to go and then that night at midnight he got motivated, he called me up and said 'let's go'.

"So we left at midnight and went back to Manila."

There were also bumps in the road for Roach in the capital city.

"The last week in Manila was a little bit difficult because we had so many politicians there, trying to make meetings with Manny and everybody was trying to pull him in every direction they could.

"So Manila wasn't that great for us."

Pacquiao now, though, was back to his sharpest, the trainer said, now he had returned to Los Angeles to finish his camp at the Wild Card.

"He was distracted in Manila and our last day of boxing there I was really disappointed, he didn't do that well. His mind was just somewhere else.

"Then we got to LA and he boxed yesterday. We still had a bit of jet lag and I didn't really expect a great day from Manny, he looked a little tired in his eyes, but he gave me 10 great rounds, he's back on track and he's very close to being ready for the fight."

Pacquiao agreed, adding: "I feel I'm in 100% condition and I'm excited for the fight. I can't wait for November 14. I'm looking forward to a good fight because our styles are kind of similar."


That is what the Philippines called "The National Fist".Pacquiao continued to be focused on his mission...on the ring and outside the canvass by still helping his fellow countrymen recover from the previous typhoons that hit the country...

Is Cotto Being Overlooked In the Pacquiao Fight?

Is Miguel Cotto being overlooked by the public in his upcoming match against pound for pound kingpin Manny Pacquiao?

How do most observers of the sweet science define success? Is it the number of wins, knockouts, losses, or even an opponent a fighter has faced? Or is it a general bias or opinion when the fight is announced? Generally, before two fighters climb into the ring, most observers have an immediate fighter that they favor. Whether it’s based on statistics, or personal preference, the idea, the excitement, and the what if; sparks a keen sensation of pure enthrallment.

The pound for pound kingpin Manny Pacquaio is set to square off against the hard hitting, WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto on November 14,2009. With the fight nearly around the corner, most are favoring IBO light Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao. Currently, the IBO light Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, is coming off two fresh wins against former light Middleweight champion Oscar De La Hoya and former light welterweight champion Ricky Hatton. While these two wins are notable, they are exploited, and causing a wave of limited probabilities towards the upcoming fight; thus, giving Miguel Cotto, a rare but undeniable chance to gain success.

Current WBO Welterweight champion, Miguel Cotto, is a proud champion who for many years was viewed as a boxer willing to take on the stiffest competition in the Welterweight division. More importantly, WBO Champion Miguel Cotto showed a professional side of his boxing capabilities that few knew existed prior to his only untimely loss to former WBA Welterweight champion Antonio Margarito.

Prior to this match, Miguel Cotto was referred to as a stalking presence in the ring. Miguel Cotto would simply stalk and wear down his opponents with relentless pressure and counter punching precision. However, the loss to former WBA champion Antonio Margarito potentially caused the public to generate a bias belief that Miguel Cotto has a rare chance against IBO light Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao due to his track record against a similar style opponent. This is simply due to the fact that like Manny Pacquiao, former WBA champion Antonio Margarito was relentless while pursuing Miguel Cotto.

Like most professional fighters, a loss is a loss. You gain a certain amount of confidence, or lack of, that causes an immediately careful approach towards your next opponent. With the illegal hand wrap incident looming over Antonio Margarito VS Shane Mosley is still lingering, we wonder whether the same instance happened during the Margarito/Cotto fight. Luckily, WBO champion Miguel Cotto is a superior fighter in every way than the primitive fighting Manny Pacquiao. Manny Pacquiao has the exceptional skill of hand speed; is this enough to beat a quality fighter like Miguel Cotto? WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto was able to overcome the hand speed deficit against current WBA Welterweight champion Shane Mosley when he faced him in 2007…and so it goes!

There are apparently many different tactical aspects to the upcoming fight. Will Manny Pacquiao be able to adjust to a hard hitting fighter like Miguel Cotto? Will Miguel Cotto be able to adjust to a quick southpaw like Manny Pacquiao? And, can Manny Pacquiao become the first ever to win a 7^th world title in his 7^th weight division. More importantly, will Miguel Cotto hit Manny Pacquiao as much as Juan Manuel Marquez did? If so, will Manny Pacquiao be able to hold up under that type of excruciating punishment?

It’s IBO light Welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao’s speed and his use of angles that makes it difficult for any fighter to land quality punches. Consequently, Miguel Cotto will have to show is greatest ability which is patience to overcome the supposed deficit. More importantly, I see WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto working the body throughout the fight to stop the slick movement of Manny Pacquiao. Steady pressure, patience, and short quick punches are the keys to success for WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto.

While the public still slightly overlooks Miguel Cotto, it’s this inspiration that’s earned him the title of a people’s person. Miguel Cotto’s great ring ethic provides a calm and alluring possibility of supporters around the world. As for Manny Pacquiao, he is a champion inside and outside the ring. His presence is stellar, constantly looked over for the good of the sport.

In simple sense, Cotto is being overlooked although he is WBO Welterweight champion.This is because of the Pacman's stellar performance in his previous bouts won against the famous challengers in the mexicans and the british in Ricky Hatton.Nevertheless, Cotto still has some respect before he climb up the ring against Manny Pacquiao.Continue reading by entering here.

Miguel Cotto.Who is he?

Miguel Cotto during one of his fight promotions

Miguel Cotto is quickly becoming one of the biggest superstars in boxing. He is now coming off a split decision win over Joshua Clottey, a fight in which he further backed up his claim to being one of the best welterweights in the world.

Cotto can box or slug but most often he is a stalking presence that patiently breaks down opponents with savage body attacks. This set of skills is becoming the reason why Miguel Cotto is dominating the welterweight division. Who is next for Cotto? There are many potential super fights in the mix, but let’s look more closely why Miguel Cotto has become such a dominant force throughout his career.

Miguel Cotto (34 wins, 1 loss)

Status: WBO Welterweight Champ

P4P Ranking: top 10

Age: 28

Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico

Height: 5 feet 7 inches

Weigh-in Weight: 145 lb.

Likely Fight Night Weight: 156 - 159 lb.

Reach: 67 inches

Miguel Cotto had an excellent amateur career where he represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympics. Even more impressively Cotto won the Puerto Rican National Amateur championships four years in a row. Miguel is experienced against very good opposition. In September of 2004 Cotto faced Kelson Pinto for the vacant WBO Junior Welterweight title. After knocking down Pinto three times, Cotto went on to capture his first world title by knockout in the sixth round. His tight defense and excellent counterpunching led him to defeat former or future world champions: DeMarcus Corley, Randall Bailey, Carlos Maussa, and Cesar Bazan.

Cotto relinquished his title in late 2006 and announced he was ready to advance to the welterweight division to challenge fellow Puerto Rican Carlos Quintana. Miguel Cotto defeated Quintana by a technical knockout in the fifth round and obtained the vacant WBA Welterweight title.

Miguel Cotto’s welterweight reign began in March 2007, when he retained his title with a technical knockout over Oktay Urkal. Urkals corner threw in the towel after two head butts had them believing the referee was unfair. Miguel then defended his crown against Zab Zudah in June of 2007. Performing in front of a sellout crown, Cotto defeated Judah using his aggression and relentless power. Cotton won by a technical knockout in the eleventh round when the referee stopped the bout.

Cotto vs Mosley

Miguel Cotto and "Sugar" Shane Mosley fought in November of 2007. During the fight both fighters exchanged several combinations and Cotto went on to win by unanimous decision. Some of the observers felt however that the fight could have been a draw or gone in Mosley’s favor, as he was the busier, more aggressive fighter down the stretch.

Cotto blows a left hook on Mosley during November 2007 bout

Cotto vs Margarito

On July 26, 2008 Miguel Cotto suffered his first, and to this point only professional loss against Antonio Margarito. Cotto took the early initiative, frequently landing a series of punches on Margarito during the early rounds. However, Margarito eventually began to wear down Cotto’s resistance by trapping him against the ropes.

Cotto was hurt in the seventh round after a pair of Margarito uppercuts caused his nose to bleed. Margarito then threw a series of brutal punches at the start of the 11th round, while Cotto was against the ropes; bleeding profusely. A hard combination from Margartio finally forced Cotto to take a knee. He got up, but Margarito continued landing stunning combinations. Evangelista Cotto threw in the towel after the second knockdown. Controversy shrouds this victory however, as Margarito was then later found to have used plaster in his hand wraps before the Mosley fight.

Miguel Cotto returned to the ring in February of 2009 battling for the vacant WBO Welterweight title against Michael Jennings. Both fighters studied each other during the first round, but it was Cotto who landed first. Cotto dropped Jennings twice in the third round which eventually led to a fifth round stoppage. Cotto was awarded with a technical knockout, and the WBO Welterweight title.

Antonio Margarito knocked down Cotto to the floor with with his nose profusely bleeding

Cotto vs Clottey

In the first round both fighters exchanged jabs, with Clottey landing the more accurate punches. Within 10 seconds left of the first round a stiff jab sent Clottey to the canvas catching him off guard. In the third round an accidental head butt opened a cut above Cotto’s left eye. The injury bled profusely during the fourth round, with Cotto trying to regain control. During the seventh and eighth rounds Clottey controlled the offensive side, noticing that Cotto could not see his right hand punches. Cotto bounced back and worked from the outside in the late rounds scoring a very close split decision over Clottey and retaining his WBO Welterweight title.

Cotto exchanges punch on Clottey on a very close split decision fight in which he won

Pacquiao vs Cotto

After beating Clottey, Miguel Cotto’s next opponent was unknown and he had many options on his table. He could have potentially faced the winner of the Floyd Mayweather v. Juan Manuel Marquez fight, or squared off in a rematch against Shane Mosley.

Instead he secured the right to face pound for pound champion Manny Pacquiao in a super fight on November 14, 2009 in Las Vegas. The Pacquaio vs. Cotto fight will be held at 145 pounds, and at this time it’s unsure as to whether Cotto’s championship belt will be at stake during the contest.

Miguel Cotto is looking to finally stop the unimpeded advancement of Manny Pacquiao into the higher weight divisions, but he will not have an easy task in front of him. Pacquiao’s combination of speed and power is enough to give anybody fits, and Cotto’s armor has been severely chinked in the Margarito and Clottey bouts.

Cotto, Cotto, Cotto...now you know him.The boxer has a fighting chance against Manny Pacquiao.Basing from his bouts fought against power fighters, Manny Pacquiao may have a hard time in their forthcoming event.And that is Miguel Cotto.Read more about him.