Continued from first page >>
Theory # 2 continued:
Cotto's belief that he was effective plodding forward was reinforced with Manny backing up early in the fight ( and pretending to be hurt ). This was an error on the Puerto Rican's part. This mistake underscores the inexperience of his camp.
We return to General Clausewitz:
What is the object of defence? To preserve. To preserve is easier than to acquire; from which follows at once that the means on both sides being supposed equal, the defensive is easier than the offensive.
If the Prussian general was Cotto's ring advisor, he would have recommended for Cotto to be on the defensive early in the fight. That would have allowed Cotto to gauge the Pacman's speed. Instead, Cotto attacked Pacquiao immediately without first scouting his opponent. In Clausewitz's view, defense is easier than offense. Defense allows you to first gather information on your enemy's capabilities so that you can tailor your offense according to those skills.
The Roach-Pacquiao team did not want to face a counter-punching Miguel early in the fight. They were ready to give up the first and second rounds, if need be, on points in order to have a significant tactical advantage from rounds three to twelve. This was a brilliant move by Roach. ( In a later article, we will explore why Roach will become even more crucial in Pacquiao's showdown with the great wizard, Floyd Mayweather, Jr. ) Judging that he ( Manny ) could withstand Cotto's power, Pacquiao went for the kill probably a little earlier as planned - in the second half of round two.
Analysis:
Cotto moving forward with the left jab benefited the speedy Pacquiao in three important ways. First, Cotto telegraphs his punches. His left foot takes a wide step forward. ( See Photo >> ) His back right foot plants on the back to provide torque and leverage. ( See Photo >> ) His head - tucked under his chin - hunches forward. And when Cotto wants to throw his best punch, a powerful left hook, sometimes his shoulders and chest betray an exaggerated twist to his right. ( See Photo >> )
Secondly, Cotto opens himself up - more than other fighters - to counter-punches. When Cotto fully commits on his left jab ( which has enough power that it knocked down Joshua Clottey ), that left jab remains extended for just enough time to allow fighters to quickly dart inside. That is exactly what Pacquiao did. When Cotto moved forward, Pacquiao would see it in advance. When Cotto threw the left jab, Pacquiao quickly moved in to Cotto's left and unleashed three to five punch combinations as well as blows both to the body and to the head.
Third, Pacquiao gained in confidence and grew in daring in the second and third rounds. He knew that his and Roach's "secret plan" worked. If you watch Cotto closely in the second and third rounds, he was shell-shocked particularly at the way the Filipino took apart his left jab. He reverted to his best punch: the left hook.
Roach and Pacquiao was ready. Cotto is vulnerable to body punches straight down the middle because his left hooks are looping and have a wide arc. ( We also discussed this weakness in a prediction article. ) Cotto's face may have been bludgeoned. Make no mistake, he was hurting in the body from the third round to the final 12th round. Pacquiao hit Cotto flush with several uncontested body shots in his upper stomach and lower lung region - specifically, in the solar plexus region which is an area that can cause a fighter to lose his breath or to seriously get injured. Outside of the ring, he may be all smiles. But on November 14th, Pacquiao was a cold killer.
Pacquiao's right hand is now a wrecking ball to be reckoned with ( and a weapon that Floyd Mayweather, Jr's left side of the body will have to contend with ).
Cotto's weak and inexperienced corner failed to grasp the importance of counter-punching Manny with a left jab, instead of leading with it. There is a valid rationale to terminate the services of young trainer Joe Santiago. He provided zero usefulness when Cotto needed him the most: when an adjustment to tactics was called for. In fact, Cotto retreated on his own, and by the time he was completely backing up - it was much too late. He was a red and purple pulp of hospital-ready pain.
A left-handed orthodox stance like Cotto is a dangerous counter-puncher to a swarming style like Pacquiao because the lead ( front ) punch has a much shorter distance to travel versus a right hand punch ( coming from Cotto ). [ Note: This is a primary reason why Pacquiao will have a frustrating and difficult time with Floyd Mayweather, Jr., who always has his left hook cocked and ready to throw, even though he is a right-handed fighter. More on this in a subsequent article. ]
Final Notes:
The all-time legend Manny Pacquiao may have a difficult and frustrating time dealing against the great Floyd Mayweather, Jr. It is not the Filipino's fault. Many of Pacquiao's particular strengths are negated by the unique style of the defensive wizard. We explore this super match-up in full tactical details in subsequent articles leading up to the anticipated ( and as of yet, non-finalized ) bout. It appears that the early 7-5 bettind odds in favor of the Pacman is an emotional reaction to the recent Cotto win. However, a 50-50 split is probably the more appropriate balance. I peg Mayweather as an early 5-4 favorite over Pacquiao. From initial assessments, Freddie Roach will be critical to this match-up. After the Cotto win, Roach commented that he sees something in Mayweather, and that all he needs to do is to let Manny see it also.
Might I be so bold as to suggest that I see part of what Roach sees. The plan can absolutely work, and is not difficult to execute. It plays to Mayweather's "fragility" in that he is susceptible to getting hurt when hit. However, it is Mayweather's adjustment to this particular attack that will give Pacquiao trouble. Roach is clever, but Mayweather can adjust in real time. Here's a hint. If this match-up is chess, Pacquiao will have his bishops and rooks killing the pawns. But the queen will slide across the board unpredictably and wreak havoc. That's why Roach will have to earn his seven-figure paycheck. We will do our best to deliver on this analysis. Stay tuned.
| PREVIOUS PAGE |
1 2
Pacquiao vs. Cotto Articles:
|
|
||||||||
.jpg)
.jpg)
|
|
||||||||
.jpg)
|
|
||||||||
.jpg)
.jpg)
Marv Dumon, All Rights Reserved
.gif)
One lifetime to change the world.
(1).jpg)
.gif)
.jpg){kind=small}
Most Popular Articles
Manny Pacquiao vs Floyd Mayweather, Jr.
Throughout the next several weeks, we will provide continuing coverage of the pending showdown between Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Stay tuned.
.jpg)
(1).jpg)
.jpg)
(1)(2)(2).jpg)
.jpg)
(2).jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
.gif)
(1).jpg)
.jpg)
Comments
Well-written, well-thought of, nice read.
Im not buying this crap, sorry!
If this was the plan, then Roach or Manny would've said it after the fight was over.
In Fact in between rounds you can hear Freddie Roach telling Manny NOT TO PLAY Cotto's game by staying on the ropes and be hit, which Manny confirmed, but said that he did that because he wanted to CHECK if he can take Cotto's punches, this was very obvious when Manny FOR THE FIRST TIME stayed on the ropes and covered himself up, daring Cotto to punch him to the body.
Sorry but your analysis don't hold water.
A very good article. Very educating and entertaining. Until on the last part when writer's love for mayweather shows up.
No way can Floyd beat Manny. He will just run, throw punches in long gaps that will not hurt Manny. Manny would get irritated, give Floyd's rolling shoulder with good clean right straights and left hooks, righ to the bone, and crack it. Afterwards, with his shoulder hanging hopelessly, his face will be peppered by solid punches, just what Diaz, ODLH, and Cotto experienced. Then he shut his mouth.
Believe me.
I believe it. Towards the later rounds, Buboy Fernandez, the assistant trainer, instructs Pacquiao not to go to the ropes ANYMORE because its already a few more rounds left. Meaning, they have already threw the bait and it was time to reap the benefits. Pacquiao tore Cotto apart from Rounds 6-9. Rested on the 10th and then looked to finish off Cotto on the Championship rounds. The first 5 rounds were full of traps and deception. Unfortunately though, Pacquiao's ear had to pay the price of this courageous and highly intelligent fight strategy.
Once Cotto opened up, he got pummeled and destroyed. When he started to retreat, it was too late. Game Over!
I find this article funny and entertaining with hannibal story.
if you only understand Cebuano.
the fight are straightforward. there's no hidden theory. pacquiao made mistakes on early rounds. there was no such game plan. if you only understand what did the Filipino coach was saying in Cebuano. He was saying something like 'dont play with Cotto's game (exchanging of punches on early rounds)'. You can also tell that pacquiao's facial expression, he was a bit worried and he realized the mistake. During 9th? round the cebuano coach again tipping pacquiao that cotto retreated and revolved in just one direction so pacquiao anticipated that.
Great piece. Highly entertaining!
I tend to believe the analysis. It appears to be true.
interesting thoughts on the fight strategy. In some ways it is true pacquiao wanted to "test" cotto in early rounds. pacquiao stayed on the ropes. cotto became complacent and negated defence thinking he can overpower pacquiao thus, he took the bait and felt the hook afterwards, so your theory is true in some ways. deception was indeed the key factor in pacquiao's triumph
Great article, I wish more writers could break it down the way you do.
Can't wait for what you have next.
Great effort. It may not be 100% accurate but it is not far-fetched.
Wow! Excellent article. I totally enjoyed the application of military strategies in analyzing the fight.
Can't wait for the Pacquiao-Mayweather analysis.
Thanks, keep it up :)
You can compare it to any historical battles/ figures , but at the end of the day it is the fighters will & heart that count as was proven time & again at the olympics.And you know what... when you revere someone or lets say idolize a person,you are surrendering/transferring your creative thought energy to that person empowering him with your thought energy.And Manny has that extra reservoir of energy to the millions of his adoring fans.Can u see the point there...
a great warrior and conqueror like manny must have a knowledge about military strategy that can be used as an advantage against any of his opponents.
it could play a factor one way or another.im a believer i should say but with his most recent fights it seemed like he's beating his opponents methodologically.well planned and implemented.such discipline and patience is unbelievable.pacman is no tambay minded or a one dimensional fighter liek what other people are saying about him.he conquers with fashion.amazingly inspirational
Good Point .
Your analysis is like a surgeon that dissected patients anatomy.
Ancient generals and modern war heroes of battle is no match to brilliant tactics of our ancestors.
Battle of Mactan killed Magellan, the great explorer of the world.
Who killed Magellan, Lapulapu the great datu.
Lapu lapu and his men fought only with bow and arrow no match to armor body shield of spanish armada.
That is the key swarming arrows from all angles against one canon of Magellan.
Pacquiao unleashed his punches from all angles that even the great anticipator cannot see where it was coming.
Swarming punches that stings is Manny's strategy.
Lapu Lapu and Pacquiao generalship is not learned from school but from owido, a natural sense of perception.
DNA of Lapulapu might be in the blood of Pacquiao as he has the generalship in a battle.
Just like in school, Master Roach has a pupil Pacquaio the valedictorian of his class.
Wow excellent analysis. That was the secret of Roach and Pacquiao revealed.
good analysis, maybe true.. worth reading
HMMMMMMM I have been saying for months that there are flaws in Mayweather. Its not his skills its his Heart !! I see things that make me believe he is not Game ! His Uncle Roger QUIT on his stool with his head hangin down and what made him QUIT will make Jr. QUIT on his stool with his head hanging down !
Boxing is no doubt just as war -- full of optical illusions. Master Trainer Freddie Roach has an amazing optical illusions waiting for Mayweather. Datu Manny "PacMan" Pacquiao will not has great difficulties and beating Money May. Just THINK! Instead of looking, start seeing. There is something distinctly flawish about the Mayweather's style.
This is such an interesting article! I look forward to the next articles that will cover the strategies, this is something to be read! boxing is an art and the art of war mirrors that, it's the sweet science correlating to the psychology of that of a battle. That's why im boxing, its just truly sweet art- I'm an artist myself and the ring is my canvas.
My thoughts on Roach and Pacquiao: maybe you're right about these under the skin intelligence, they show in 24/7 Pac attacking & attacking yet maybe behind closed doors they collaborate and practice on their masterplan? or maybe Pac just sorted things out with a little help of Roach in Firepower? Roach even states that "he got scared a bit" (Pacquiao) by laying on the ropes but in reality thats what they were really aiming for, that's what they're strategy is- it's twisting to the point of a conspiracy! these two really are smart and they're boxing!
Nice analysis, but I doubt the plan was that extravagant. I think they did bait Cotto, but Manny did get hit by some strong blows. His rope-a-dope defense also got penetrated by Cotto's strong uppercut. I think if anything, Manny was testing Cotto early, did some showboating, got serious after the early rounds and then turned Cotto's face into cheese. You gotta understand the Filipino psyche, we like being dramatic!
Regarding Mayweather, after seeing what Pac did Cotto, I have no doubt in my mind that Pac/Roach will defeat Mayweather. Even Roach said he had a winning plan against Mayweather when he was coaching ODLH, but Oscar didn't follow up with the plan leading to his defeat.
I just realized that manny's extra curricular activities are not just for fun.. He plays Basketball its a mans game and fun but manny loves it because it helps his foot work. He also plays darts and pool, its not just a regular mans game for him, he loves it because it helps his eye sight and accuracy. and lastly he plays chess for his mind conditioning, adjustment and strategic moves.. But singing Karaoke truly is his past time.. whaha
I'm sure Roach is fully aware of Manny's weaknesses and how Floyd will exploit them. However, Roach also did say that it is a whole different ball game fighting Mayweather and that they have to make big adjustments to prepare for the fight. He will need at least 10 weeks instead of the typical 8. He said if there's any fighter who can make such drastic adjustments, it is Manny. I do not expect the same Manny you saw in the Cotto fight to challenge Floyd. They will have a different game plan utilizing different tactics. Roach will change Manny's style appropriately. Nobody knows how exactly Manny will change but I'm sure he will make the adjustments as he's proven to learn quickly and improve after each fight. The saying "You can't teach an old dog new tricks" does not apply to Manny. Giving Floyd so much credit so soon is a bit shortsighted. Floyd is the same fighter he's been all these years. It's just that he's so fast that nobody can see his punches coming but that wont work w/Manny
gayweather afraid of pacman becoz he's (philly 'PEARLY' shell defense)won't going to work on southpaw, specially pac has crunchy right punch and killer left.. besides pacman can make a straight left at long-range good enough to hit gayweather.. and he can punch with power at any angle with blinding speed.. thats why he's afraid...
SOMEDAY WHEN WE TATS
(by Manny Pacquiao)
They asked you if you'll fight me
And you choked on your reply
I'd rather Arum deal with you
Than mislead you with a lie
And who am I to judge you,
On what you say or do
The fans are now beginning
To see the real you...
And someday when we tats
My LEFT will be too much
That you have to close your eyes
Where do you hide?
I wanna pound you til you're white
'Til your face breaks down and cry
I wanna beat you
'Til you dream and say, goodnight.
You think you are a strategist
That you can insult my pride
But through your insecurities
You're ZERO loss seemed right
You're just another fighter
So far from what is true
An overrated boxer
Who never gives his due
And someday when we tats
My RIGHT will be too much
That you have to close your eyes
Where do you hide?
I wanna pound you til you're white
'Til your face breaks down and cry
I wanna beat you
'Til you dream
gaywdr knows what manny can do to him, thats why they countered trash words, manny will break gays left hand n shoulder, i hope the fight will happen..
Please don't tell everybody Roach's and pacman's secret strategies.Their opponents might use them against them in the future.
Is there an independent or company that do a review and check on HBO PPV reports? Or we just simply take their words for it.
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!