Pacquiao or Cotto? The prediction thread

November 10, 10:06 AMProvidence Boxing ExaminerJoseph Roche

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This Saturday can not come soon enough

As fight week begins in Las Vegas and everyone prepares for the big WBO welterweight title showdown between champion Miguel Cotto and pound for pound king Manny Pacquiao many people in the boxing world, as well as the entertainment world have given their thoughts on Saturday's "Firepower" card. I'm not ready to make an official prediction just yet -- you'll have to wait for my Prizefight Preview for that, but here are what some of the people you may see ringside think about the fight:

"Pacquiao is going to chop Cotto up. Out of respect, Cotto will get some rounds, but Manny is the Bruce Lee of boxing. His basketball and martial arts background give him that speed and agility. You can't tell where his shots are coming from. Unlike Rocky, Bruce Lee was a real dude and so is Manny." -- Bernard Hopkins (Former two division world champion and future boxing Hall of Famer)

"It's going to be an interesting fight, and I think Pacquiao better take it very seriously! I think Cotto will win because he's a little bit bigger and is a real welterweight. His power may be enough to overcome Pacquiao's speed. I think Cotto wins in a decision." - "Sugar" Shane Mosley (WBA welterweight champion)

"Manny is a big puncher and a good boxer, but he has never faced a natural welterweight like Miguel. Cotto is the most dangerous fight of Pacquiao's career. On the night of the fight, Pacquiao will still not be a full welterweight. And Cotto is very strong. As the fight plays out, around rounds 7, 8, 9, that's when Cotto starts taking over. I think Cotto will win be decision, but he might even get a knockout. With all of my heart I think Miguel Cotto will win." - Tito Trinidad (Former Three-Division world champion and Ring Magazine Fighter of the Year)

"I'm a Puerto Rican like Cotto, but I like Pacquiao because he has fought better guys, like De La Hoya. I see him having no problem against Cotto. Cotto is not a smart fighter, he boxes, and he's shown his colors already. He can be beat. So can Pacquiao, but I like Pacquiao. He has an unorthodox style, with punches coming from all over. Cotto tries to box. I see Pacquiao possibly stopping him. Pacquiao's on a roll, he has the confidence, and he has the boxing momentum. I see him winning." - Hector Camacho (Former WBC and WBO three division champion)

"Manny's quickness on his feet and landing punches will help to win on a knock out." - Justin Morneaou (Minnesota Twins 1st baseman)

"If Cotto can slow the fight, hit Pac with lead rights, he will be good. I believe Pac will have too much activity, and cuts will play a role in a Pac victory" - Lee Evans (Buffalo Bills WR)

"Pacquiao and Cotto are two of the best welterweights out there.  While both fighters possess tremendous punching power and heart, I believe that the speed of Pacquiao will earn him the WBO welterweight belt.  If Pacquiao is victorious, Mayweather would be the next fight that I and all fans would want to see." - Donald Trump

"I've seen plenty of people talk about standing in front of Pacquaio, but those people always seem to not make it through too well.  Cotto will be the same.  Pacquiao in a walk.  Knock out in the fifth or sixth." - Carrot Top ("Comedian")

"Cotto in a decision. He is the first legitimate welterweight that Pacquiao has faced who is in his prime rather than a blown up junior welterweight or a fighter who is no longer in the prime of his career." - Tim Smith (NY Daily News)

"Pacquiao has proven his greatness. But even the great ones get beat and tonight Pac Man gets beat. Miguel Cotto is a strong, tough world-class welterweight who will wear down Pacquiao over the course of a very good fight. Cotto can handle speed -- as he did when he beat Sugar Shane Mosley. But Pacquiao won't be able to handle this welterweight's strength and power. Cotto wins by 11th-round TKO." - Bob Cassidy (Newsday)

FOR THE RECORD: The official tally on this post marks six votes for Pacquiao and three for Cotto (although in fairness one of the Pacquiao predictions was Carrot Top so I'm not sure we can count that). Now I'll open the comments section for all of you to make you prediction on Pacquiao-Cotto. As a reminder my official prediction will be up later this week so keep checking back.