Why would he do that if he knew he was fighting again this year? Because he has a lot more respect for Cotto than some of his fansboys do, that is why!
I'm sure he does respect Cotto.However, he didn't know he was going to fight in 2008 until Oscar made him a lucritive offer.
He didn't avoid the question, he said straight out he didn't want to chase Cotto or any of the other welterweigts around. He only wanted DLH.