Pacquiao vs Cotto: Cotto will win

Well, this one has been much harder for me to make a prediction on than Pacman's last two bouts. I picked him way ahead of time to stop Oscar and Hatton.

Ironically, people seem more willing to pick him against Cotto, but it's much harder for me to see how he can win this one. If Pac proves me wrong, good for him. He's never had a more difficult fight.

I can't see him brawling with Cotto and winning, and I don't think he can outbox Cotto. Initially I leaned towards the Pacman to win, but after rewatching fights of both, I have to go with Cotto.

I don't see power vs speed as the most important things. Lots of people say this is indeed power vs speed though.

Most important for Cotto is his timing. He might need a few rounds to time Pacquiao's in-and-out rhythm, but I think he will. He may not be a pure counter-puncher like JMM, but timing is key for him.

Pac will definitely get hit in this fight. Now, I am sure Roach has a great gameplan, but I think Pac will lose focus of it once Cotto starts connecting.

His warrior heart will start to get the better of him. If he is getting tagged by Cotto, I don't think he will be able to stick with their gameplan. Another problem is, I don't see Pac having the ability to adapt if he starts getting in trouble.

Tactically, I see one major thing. Pac throws the straight left, and drops his right hand while sort of leaning to the side. Counter-left hook is Cotto's best punch, and that, along with his jab come along with great timing.

Pac has great footwork, but if Cotto starts stalking, which at some point he will (unless Pac does the unthinkable and gets Miguel out early), Cotto is good at cutting off the ring and keeping his opponent cornered. Pac will probably be able to evade early, but it will get increasingly more difficult as the fight goes on.

Cotto's weaknesses: I don't see them showing themselves against Pac's style, as opposed to how they were blatantly obvious against Margarito. He doesn't have a problem with speed, his chin still seems intact as evidenced in the Clottey fight.

I don't know. Whoever wins, it should be great. Pac really seems up against it in this one though. I even hate to not pick him after I nailed his last two.

If he (Pacquiao) pulls it off, I think it's easily one of the best wins of the decade. I think he is really the underdog, not the favorite. It's very difficult to make a final pick but I gotta go with Cotto.

:rasta

 

Yeah, I notice how Miguel can be under pressure backing up and still come back with a very well timed punch in the process.

Can Manny take it? That's what I wonder about too.

Good post.

 

What?:huh

Is this because you're mad Haye won?:think

 

Man, you can really feel the anxiety when a fight like this gets close. I always do, especially right before the bell rings.

I know Pac is the betting favorite, and favored by many, but this would really be something to pull this off. By far would be his best win.

I really like Cotto though. I like both fighters, but I would feel good for Cotto to win after the Margarito fight and his perceived weaknesses because of it.