For fight fans around the globe looking to learn exactly where the endless negotiations between Pacquiao and Cotto have gone, yesterday marked the spot.
Several comments were launched from the Cotto camp. Unfortunately, none were too positive for the Filipino faithful, as it relates to Pacquiao's quest to make history.
Holding a blunt and very candid position, Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto informed a local news source that "if Pacquiao wants the fight to be for the title, it will have to be at 147lbs. I won the title at the welterweight limit, and that is 147lbs".
Cotto was also bold enough to state that he would "gladly return the belts if the WBO wants to strip [him]".
This realization shines light on the original inclination of mine earlier this week that negotiations were basically fast-tracked, and that key issues had yet to be resolved, but the announcement was made a bit prematurely by Arum, which in essence put pressure on the fighters to conform.
Where does this leave Pacquiao's shot at history? Unfortunately, down in the dumps, which is the same place he tossed Shane Mosley's request to face him. (Perhaps a big mistake). A request that would have landed him not only the shot at history, but also a much easier negotiation path, as Mosley had genuinely conceded to the lower weight, lower paycheck, and all other demands desired by Team Pacquiao.
It seems that Arum's goal of keeping things in-house has backfired, and in a strange way, Cotto 'stuck' it to him as well.
Cotto managed to extend his contract by taking the fight, but he won't be putting the strap on the line, which gives everyone what they want in the deal except Manny Pacquiao, the one who probably deserves it more than any.
With all the hoopla about straps and weight, the true fight lies ahead. Few seem to be thinking clearly, but even if the belt is on the line, this doesn't appear to be a fight that will come easy for the talented Filipino.
Among the many comments Cotto made yesterday, he found time to conveniently warn Roach and Pacquiao, stating "I've got news for [them]....I'm not an Oscar De la Hoya who's at the end of his career or an overrated Ricky Hatton. This will be a war"!
With 3 months plus to wait and a lot of drama unfolding in the mean time, the only thing that does seem certain is that history will be made one way or the other on the night of November 14th.
That history will either be Pacquiao winning a record 7th world title in a 7th weight division, or Cotto making Pacquiao suffer a historical defeat at the dismay of millions.
Both men have a strong chance, and when that bell finally rings, the Hollywood antics end, and two Vegas vigilantes begin....the hard way!
Stay tuned.
(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, Facebook, Myspace, and
Comments
Pac should fight mosley at 145 for his belt- Cotto is a hard headed fool-- he will be earning millions for this fight... instead of agreeing of all the demands --he decided to be a selfish damn fool--
Cotto disrespected Pacman...forget Cotto fight look for other options... Pacman is the #1 LB4LB not the damaged Cotto!
This is getting out of hand. If Cotto is going to play hardball Pacquiao should change up the demands a little bit. How about a 80/20 split and at 147.
Pacman should drop the Cotto fight...Cotto disrected Pacman, ODLH and Hatton. Pacman Team shouldn't be ignorant letting Cotto dictate what he wants...Cotto is not the LB4LB king its
PACQUIAO! Drop Top Rank too playing along w/Cotto's BS!
I understand Cotto's stand point. But this fight would be senseless if it isn't for a title? Its not like these figheters are trying to move up the ranks and they need to fight whoever, wherever to make their name. It should be a title fight or nothing.
If they can't come to an agreement, I say go find a new fight. Pacquiao - Mosley would be a good one. Arum just got greedy and neglected other potential fight offers out there, like Mosely.
We'll see what happens I guess.
Give Cotto what he want at 147. He is scared to go down and fight the little Guy 2 lbs. less than the real weight. Give props to Pacman for taking the fight, you got to remember he started fighting at 106. The difference is 41 lbs. from when he started boxing, that's crazy!!! My prediction, Pacman KO Cotto at the 9th round.
Cotto is "scared" demanding b*shit so that fight would not happen...cotto agreed on 145 so stop the excuses put the WBO belt for the #1 lb4lb title(lot of belted champs but only one lb4lb)...what is WBO anyway compare to WBC, WBA, IBF....If Cotto fights Pacman, he will be destroyed coz compare to pacman, Cotto is strong but very slow and can't box...pacman is a sharpshooter w/KO power!
145 lbs is a damn catchweight! why would a 147 strap be the big issue. if pacman wants history, he should do it at 147. today's boxing scene is just a crock of catchweights where a fighter gets dubious rankings when he wins at a catchweight bout. by the way, how in hell did pacman won six divisions? he just defeated an over the hill dela hoya at 147 with no title belt on the line and he became champ? there are a lot of legitimate 147 fighters out there! with legitimate "147 pound division WORLD CHAMPION" belts! sheesh.. pacman is just too overrated... by the way.. i am a filipino...
NO fight with Cotto just for the hell of it. He's acting like he's the top dog here. Let him fight a nobody and he'll be back begging pacman. Fight Mosley at 145 for his belt and let cotto drool watching how much Mosley will be earning fighting pacman....
It's so appallingly irrational of Cotto to "return the belt to WBO" thereby vacating the title for the childish reason that his fight with Pac would be at 145 catchweight.
Why in the first place he'd agree to a catchweight? Paying fans are not in to exhibition fights! Pac's fight with ODLH is an exemption because it WAS Oscar's farewell fight, and besides, Oscar held no belt at that time.
Childish Cotto can keep his belt, and if your report is true that he "managed to extend his contract" with TopRank, then Arum keeps him whether he likes it or not.
Somebody has to remind Cotto that Manny and boxing fans are not asking him to GIVE the belt to Pacman on a silver platter. They have to wage a war for the belt. And war Cotto agrees. Belittling Pac's achievement against Oscar and Ricky signals that he, Cotto, is ready for war inside the ring.
Or, is Cotto only into a cheap verbal war? But does he have a belt to put on the line?
Cotto is a wuss!! Forget about him. He is not in a position to dictate terms. Heck! He should be jumping up and down that his name is even more famous now that Paquaio is fighting him.
147 is the maximum allowed weight in Welterweight division. What's a 2 lb difference? That's copping out since he knows he is gonna lose anyways. Besides, even Pacquaio said he is willing to pay the sanction fee so he wouldnt have any excuse whatsoever...But Nooooo!!! lil Cotto said I wont fight at 145...i wont fight at 145...what a BABY!!!
Now, Mosley wants Pacquaio at 143 or 142 lbs for a welterweight title on the line! Now that's a Man!!!! Even willing to share a lot smaller purse than what Cotto wanted.
Forget Cotto! He is not in charge here. Heck! He is not even a Hall of Famer!!! Go for History with Mosley!!! A real man! A Hall of Famer!! and beating him would be soooo Sweeet!!!
hey docarthur
if megamanny is the top dog and decides which weight he so chooses, then let him call out the heavyweight champs and have them reduce themselves like dehyrated noodles. mosley already agreed to fight pacman at 140, why did that not happen? i think pacman just became a mayweather..choosing the set of opponents he thinks he can win over...
Cotto's argument for not putting his belt on the line because of 2 lbs is pussy move, along with the weak-ass arguments his suppoters are making. What you Cotto backers forget, is that Manny started off at 112. He has had to go up all these weight classes just to give this guy a chance. Pacquiao has had to overcome a massive weight disadvantage just to give this idiot a chance. You can say what you want about why Cotto won't give up his belt, but Pacquiao has the biggest balls in boxing
cotto is afraid or being dictated??? well we all don't know.. but 1 thing is for sure.. this is 1 hell of a fight....
Gago pala itong si Cut the crap. Filipino daw sya. sinong niloko nya. Cut the Crap is crap. no filipino would post a stupid comment like that the way cut the crap does. He doesnt even know how Pacman got the titles in six divisions. It just shows his ignorance. He talks like Mayweather, full of crap. Like that often used excuse like fighting dehydrated fighters. Funny, when the Pacman was set to fight DLHoya, they say its a circus and a great mismatch in favor of Oscar. Turned out the other way around and say he was dehydrated.
Cotto knew he can't beat Pacquiao and this is the reason why he comes up with all this bullshit!
That man is scared of Pacman. He is too slow and overarated. I'll kick his ass after I beat the crap out of Pacquiao next year. Now you know!
Now truly I believe that Cotto and his camp are afraid of Pacquiao. They say 145 is not welterweight, probobly got hit too much by Clotty that he forgot welterweight begins at 141. They say he is a damaged Cotto, well surely all the damage went to his brain.
Support fellow PACLANDERS here.
forum.philboxing.com/viewtopic.php?f=1&t=139930&st=0&sk=t&sd=a
Hopkins fought De La Hoya for the undisputed middleweight championship on September 18, 2004, in Las Vegas. The fight was done at a catch weight of 158 lbs, two pounds below the limit of 160 lbs for middleweight division (philBoxing).
Cotto will be making a lot of money on this fight with pacquiao-- I think oscar told cotto not to put her belt on the line during their game of golf-- Oscar is scared that pacquiao will be the first boxer to have 7 belt.. Pac should fight mosley at 145lbs for his belt. FORGET damaged COTTO
Miguel Cotto is a good boxer but a poor poker player or he doesn't ( or even Bob Arum )know how a Filipino thinks. Mark my word, Manny will call this fight off. Why ? He can still make history by fighting either Mayweather or Juan Marquez.He doesn't need Cotto.Besides Cotto is already " laspag " ( damaged goods ).
pacquiao take the fight at 147 and woop cottos butt, i think his past fight got his brains rattled he cant think straight any more top it off with an ingrate delahoya putting things in cottos damaged head. delahoya must be laughing on the sidelines coz he is one of the reasons why this fight might not happen, delahoya now i know why your own country man disowened you.
I don't understand can someone please help...Cotto would rather give it back to the WBO than put the belt on the line?...I don't understand...if this ploy is to get more money then I am for it but if he just being stoopid about it...he needs to get his head crack...maybe his uncle did that already...
Cotto is full of crap! I think he is expecting a beating from pacquiao thats why he does not want it to be a title fight. At least he can deny pacquiao the history of winning 7 titles. If he truly believes hes gonna win why not put the title on the line? This just shows he's afraid of pacquiao and expect to be KOed!
i love fighting weaker, weight-drained opponents... i can fight klitschko if he goes down to 143 lbs with the heavyweight title at stake...
Why all of these things regarding COTTOng lupa appeared too controversial,fight contract has not been signed, negotiation between two parties are yet to finalize. Why not us LISTEN to what PACMAN, the P4P 6 division champ says!! He has all the accolades to be respected..COTTOng lupa has all the guts to be afraid of Pacquiao and He doesn't want to pay the $400,000 sanction fee, maybe!..Just keep your mouth shut Cotto, do the talking on the ring come fight night..You'll only last for 9 rounds..
you filipinos have only one boxing icon.. no one else. if you and your pacman want to make history, why not go for the maximum weight limit? that way, if cotto is defeated, at least pacman was able to win at the 147 weight limit...just to erase doubts your pacquiao is fighting dehydrated opponents and wins..
Cotto is playing hard ball right now, but eventually he will give up and agree to make it a title fight before the scheduled press tour on sept. 10. Bob Arum is the only person who could do that(not pacquiao mania nor paco threat). I understand cotto signed an extension contract just to agree to fight pacquiao (If that's true?). Arum has been in these business since Ali man. He can make or break a fighter's carer. As the saying goes..."don't under estimate the hands of the promoter..." Don't worry pacmaniacs! "FIRE POWER" will be a title fight comes nov. 14. I believe that.
Did everybody forget how Cotto won his belt?
He got it by beating a handpicked Jennings right after he got knocked out by Margarito. That's what his WBO belt represents.
Pac is better off fighting Mosley for a real belt, or if not for a belt, then Mayweather, who held the WBC belt anyway before he retired. Those are the only fights that really matter.
The Cotto fight is a fight fan's fight. It's purely for entertainment, not history.
Cotto can keep his belt and shove it to ... you know..
hey pinoy ako:
Pacquiao has won legitimate world titles at flyweight (112 lbs), super-bantam (122), super-feather (130) and lightweight (135). for the other "two" championships (barerra and dela hoya), were not legitimate titles. he just defeated them but no titles at stake (NON-TITLE BOUTS). so my dumb and idiotic countryman, alin sa "non-title" bout and hindi mo naintindihan?... (translated as: "where in the the phrase "non-title bout" did you not understand?...
141 to 147lbs is within welterweight bracket. Maybe ODLH convinced Cotto not to stake his belt because if Pacquiao win over Cotto, Pacquiao will surpass ODLH achievements. If Cotto will not stake his belt Mosley is a good option for Pacquiao than chasing that belt.
everybody want to fight pacman but how come cotto is demanding for the terms..first he wanted the catchweight at 145lbs and now he doesnt want his belt on the line unless its 147lbs. pacman doesnt need cotto, cotto needs pacman...so, move ahead pacman, go for mosleys title instead.
manny, run for congress and waste your money by giving it to the poor. we have lots of politicians backing you up!
IF COTTO WANTS IT AT 147 LIMIT PACQUIAO SHOULD TAKE IT .AFTERALL 147 IS THE LIMIT FOR THE WELTERWEIGHT TITLE.BUT ON FIGHT NIGHT THEY SHOULD STILL BE ON 147 WELTERWEIGHT LIMIT. COTTO IS MAKING EXCUSES ABOUT THE WEIGHT. LETS MAKE IT FAIR AND SQUARE NO MORE THAN 147 ON FIGHT NINGHT AND WEIGHT NIGHT,YOU GUYS ARE FIGHTING FOR THE WELTERWEIGHT LIMIT NOT MIDDLEWEIGHT NOT FEATHERWEIGHT SO 141 TO 147 ON FIGHT NIGHT
Cotto was one of the toughest fighter to ever come out of boxing.No questions asked, hell fight anyone,anywhere,anyplace at anytime type of boxer!Actually his records speaks for itself.And here comes the Hurricane category 5, lil' Manny Pacquaio, all of a sudden Cotto became that Lion from the Wizard of Oz!Poor Cotto,he must be really scared, his heart and pride went bye-bye..He didnt have problems facing Margarito whatsoever? But Wow, what a difference can a Pacquaio make huh?Cotto became a Lil' B-yatch like I've always said..Nuff said..
if cotto is very cnfident that he will beat manny.. then why doesnt he like to stake his wbo crown? if he loses, what should he do with that belt? its a shame to wear a belt knowing youre a beaten fighter...
won't these spanish colonised countries ever learn? they are being manipulated by uncle bob arum.... manny: you are too dumb to notice you are being bamboozled by arum... cotto: you are too stupid to bite the bait strung out for you.
Cotto will break at least two ribs and his jaw, count on it!! All "pacman" fans will be in tears after the destructive night of november the forteenth. Believe me.
Remember:
Hopkins fought De La Hoya for the undisputed middleweight championship on September 18, 2004, in Las Vegas. The fight was done at a catch weight of 158 lbs, two pounds below the limit of 160 lbs for middleweight division (philBoxing).
Cotto should agree to put his belt on the line and beside he will be making millions in this fight with pacquiao--Cotto now is dictating the fight. PACMAN if you are reading this dont sign the contract to fight COTTO--
Literally this is what Pacquaio is doing..You want a piece of me Cotto?? Aite I wanna fight you at 143 lbs since youre bigger than me. And Cotto said he'll NO! You're way too good, how 'bout at 145? Pacquaio agreed..Chicken Sheeeit! Then Pacquaio said, I want the biggest share money wise cause I've worked very, very hard to get this far and Oh btw, I want the belt too cause I'm gonna knock you out for sure!!!
let's smoke weed and talk it over...
how about darchinyan vs klitschko?
mma rules! boxing today sucks! it ain't the way it was before...
exactly, cotto feels that he cannot win this figth thats why he doesnt want to fight for a title,if he is confident of winning this fight why should he afraid of putting his belt on the line.Remember when oscar dela hoya fight bernard hopkins its a catchweight but its a title fight.welter weight is 141-147 pouds,so 145 is a legitimate welter weight.and besides,manny should dictate this fight because he is the pound for pound king.--to cotto fans read the translation below:
exactamente, el cotto siente que él no puede ganar este figth que sea porqué él no quiere luchar para un título, si él se siente confiado de ganar esta lucha porqué él asustado de poner su correa en la línea. Recuerde cuando los hopkins del bernard de la lucha de Hoya del dela de Óscar sus un catchweight pero su un peso del título fight.welter son 141-147 pouds, así que 145 es legítimos welter weight.and además, manny deben dictar esta lucha porque él es la libra para el rey de la libra
This is what transpired from the golf meeting between Oscar & Cotto. Oscar told Cotto not to put his belt on the line so that Pacman & Oscar will still be tied with 6 titles. People don't want a little Filipino to hold a record which will be hard to impossible to break. If Cotto loses his none title bout then he abandons his WBO belt and bolts to GBH. That's what I think took place in the golf meeting between Cotto and Oscar in Puerto Rico.
If CUTTO(cotto) saying.....I'm not an Oscar De la Hoya who's at the end of his career or an overrated Ricky Hatton. This will be a war"!
How come he can not put his tittle on stake. OH common why don't you accept that you have a BLUE B***S....
people please... miggy and i did not play golf. we just slept together. that's the real truth. we also talked of how to screw manny in the ass. so i told miggy to demand for advantages...
if cotto says that 147 is the welter weight limit thats why he is not fighting manny with his belt in 145 pounds.so they must weight not over 147 on the fight night.the only concern of manny because cotto will be bloated to super middle-weigth during fight night and that is a big factor.if the really the same weight during the fight no problem for manny camp or even he is 3-5 pounds over.no problem but 15 pounds is a big factor...
There was no belt issue not until Oscar and Cotto had a meeting.
It is obvious that Oscar does not want Pacquiao to get seven titles or otherwise Pacman have better recognition than he does in boxing history.
cotton is damaged mentally he such a coward afraid of a little man first he agreed at 145 then now 147 whats next 10 ounce glove geez fckn coward
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