COTTO IS BIGGEST OBSTACLE IN PACQUIAO’S RING CAREER -- ARUM
By Alex P. Vidal
PhilBoxing.com
Thu, 12 Nov 2009
LAS VEGAS, Nevada – Top Rank chief Bob Arum has described World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion Miguel Angel Cotto as “the biggest obstacle in (Manny) Pacquiao’s ring career” during the final press conference for the “Pacquiao vs Cotto: Firepower” at the Hollywood Theater in MGM Grand, here, Wednesday afternoon.
“Cotto has a heart as big as this room,” the 77-year-old prominent promoter enthused as he moderated the three-hour media forum attended by members of coaching staff from both camps.
Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) was paraded in the conference ahead of Pacquiao towed by his father, Miguel Sr. and trainer, Joe Santiago.
“I trained a lot like never been before for this fight and we have created a game plan on how to beat Pacquiao,” Cotto, who turned 29 last October 29, remarked in a brief speech. “I dedicated this fight for the glory of all the Hispanics.”
Cotto wished the 30-year-old Pacquiao “the best of luck” because he said, “he needs it most on Saturday (Nov. 14).”
There was neither enmity nor animosity as both camps elected to use good words between each other.
Santiago, who impressed the crowd with his gesture of goodwill towards Team Pacquiao, confirmed that “Cotto is in the best shape of his career.”
Santiago believed that after the fight, the WBO belt would still be strapped around his ward’s waist.
Arum also confirmed that the 12-round duel for Cotto’s title on November 14 “is the most important fight of Pacquiao’s career” as he is gunning for a record seventh world crown since he annexed Chatchai Sasakul’s World Boxing Council (WBC) flyweight diadem on a shock 8th round knockout at Phuttamonthon, Thailand on December 4, 1998.
“The Cotto camp has been very good,” beamed Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs), who flashed a smile most of the time in a show of confidence. “There is no reason (for me) not to put up a good showing on Saturday because this is the most important fight of my career. After this fight, there will be a lot of excitement in my country.”
Pacquiao was accompanied by trainer Freddie Roach, fight conditioner Alex Ariza, legman Michael Koncz, and assistant trainer Buboy Fernandez.
Before the start of the press conference, Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman awarded both Cotto and Pacquiao with symbolic key each “with a great deal of affection” saying he is “the happiest mayor in the world” for having welcomed two of the greatest fighters in the world.
Arum described Goodman as “the greatest mayor of the greatest city in the world.”
Also present during the press conference attended by journalists from the Philippines, United States and Puerto Rico were Nevada State Athletic Commission executive Keith Kizer, HBO head Mark Tafffet, Richard Sturm. Tecate executive Marcelo Salina, and WBC executive director Mauricio Sulaiman who presented the WBC diamond championship belt that will go the winner.
Top photo: Hall of Fame Top Rank promoter Bob Arum (ctr) poses with six-time world champion pound-for-pound king Manny "Pacman" Pacquiao (L), General Santos, Philippines and three-time world champion and the pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto(R), Caguas, Puerto Rico during the final press conference for their upcoming "FIREPOWER" World Welterweight championship fight. Pacquiao vs Cotto is promoted by Top Rank, in association with MP Promotions,Cotto Promotions,MGM Grand and Tecate, will take place, Saturday,November 14 at the sold out MGM Grand in Las Vegas and will be available live on HBO Pay Per View. --- Photo Credit : Chris Farina - Top Rank.
Click here to view a list of other articles written by Alex P. Vidal.
Recent PhilBoxing.com In-House articles:
Junior, Youth and Elite Divisions Awarded on Final Day of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Mon, 15 Dec 2025Jean Henri Lhuillier Applauds Cebuana Lhuillier Ambassadors for Bronze Finish at SEA Games 2025
Mon, 15 Dec 2025NOEL MIKAELIAN DETHRONES BADOU JACK TO BECOME THE NEW WBC CRUISERWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION
Sun, 14 Dec 2025FM Alekhine Nouri tops Kamatyas chessfest
By Marlon Bernardino, Sun, 14 Dec 2025Dante Kirkman Dominates DePriest Johnson in Unanimous Victory at Fight Club OC
Sun, 14 Dec 2025Bantam and Intermediate Divisions Crowned on Day Five of 2025 USA Boxing National Championships
Sun, 14 Dec 2025Murat Gassiev Brutally Knocks Out Kubrat Pulev in Dubai
By Dong Secuya, Sat, 13 Dec 2025United States Air Force Paralegals: Law, Order, and Excellence
By Emmanuel Rivera, RRT, Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS AND RUNNING ORDER FOR PACHECO VS SADJO IN STOCKTON
Sat, 13 Dec 2025OFFICIAL WEIGHTS FROM TODAY'S CHM: 2 REMATCH SEASON CEREMONIAL WEIGH-INS IN DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Donaire to fight Tsutsumi on December 17 in Japan
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Nesthy faces Indon legend
By Joaquin Henson, Sat, 13 Dec 2025Bob Santos Joins Broadcast Team for Boxlab Promotions’ “Night of Champions XIII” During WBA’s 104th Annual Convention
Sat, 13 Dec 2025Championship Bouts Set for the Bantam and Intermediate Division
Sat, 13 Dec 2025SEAG Triathlon, aquathlon, duathlon in Rayong
By Lito delos Reyes, Sat, 13 Dec 2025