'FIREPOWER' FINAL PRESSCON QUOTES
By Ed de la Vega, DDS
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 12 Nov 2009
Las Vegas, NV:- Top Rank Promotions early this afternoon (Wednesday, PST) held the final press conference for this year’s top fight, the battle between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the Hollywood Theater of the MGM Grand Casino Resort and Hotel.
The two gladiators will fight over 12 rounds for the WBO Welterweight title presently held by Cotto, albeit on a 145lbs catch-weight.
Although everything that can be said about the fight has been said in the last several months, still the ever loquacious Bob Arum and the others who were part of the promotions managed to spew out several fascinating statements some new, others, old.
Pacquiao and Cotto for their part remained the gentlemen that they are and stayed away from war of words that are sometimes common in boxing presscons. It seemed they will let their fists do the talking come Saturday evening when they meet atop the ring at the MGM Grand Arena.
Quotes:
Keith Kiser, of the Nevada State Athletic Commission: - “It’s been one hell of a decade for boxing. On Saturday, we will witness the most amazing fight in the last 10 years and it’s a perfect way to end the decade”
Richard Sturm - MGM Mirage President:- “There is no doubt that the fans will witness the greatest fight of the year”
Mauricio Sulaiman - WBC ”We will be awarding a special belt with 600 diamonds on it. That will give the winner 600 diamonds to give to some girls. The belt will be awarded at a special dinner with Bob Arum also getting an award.”
Freddie Roach - “We are in great shape. I have never seen him better” “ Miguel, we will see you on Saturday and good luck to you.”
Joe Santiago - “ Miguel is in the best shape ever and I hope Manny will be on the same level”. Good luck to Manny- you will need it!”
Pacquiao - “This is the most important fight in my career. It will make history in Philippine boxing. And it will be a big honor for my family, country and myself”.
“I will give a good fight and give the people enjoyment for that night”
“I respect Cotto’s team. They are nice and friendly. On Saturday, may the best man win.”
“Thank you to Freddie Roach, my master in boxing.”
Cotto - “I am pretty happy and comfortable to be here. I trained a lot for this fight. We created a Plan B and it will be a great night not only for the Latinos but to the Puerto Ricans too.”
Side note:
Pacquiao was awarded a plaque by the National Federation of Filipino American Associations. The honor is a “Life Time Achievement Award”. Ging Espititu, the NAFFAA did the presentation.
Top photo: Manny Pacquiao (L) and Miguel Cotto pose during the final FIREPOWER press conference held at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas Wednesday. Photo by Dr Ed de la Vega.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Ed de la Vega, DDS.
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