Pacquiao-Cotto: an objective view – Boxing
November 14th, 2009
By Joseph Aaron Forbes: When I had waded through my own preconceptions of this fight to eventually reach the logic that is required to make a wise judgment. I found that I had arrived again at the general consensus and view of those who have not been misled by maybe’s and dreams.
Cotto is a gifted challenger, I don’t believe I have ever seen a more composed fighter.
His ability to move away from oncoming leather is quite special, he has an impressive defense and a practical offense, he is a systematic fighter and quite inspiring to watch as he comprehends almost all that is unfolding around him. He is somebody who can survive and if allowed, take momentum by degrees.
Pacquiao on the other hand is as Freddie Roch puts it a “speed guy”.
He is lightening fast, not just in his ability to punch but also in his ability to put combinations together, he knows where his opponent is and can land even when his opponent is not directly in front of him, which is impressive. He I would say is a master of speed and agility A true athlete.
When we put the two together you have a slight reach advantage with Cotto and although if you check the stats it doesn’t suggest this, you will see when they are together. This would be important if Cotto brings enough speed to this fight, but I truly don’t believe he will. As we consider this match up it is clear to see how it will pan out. Cotto will come out with his tight guard and as Pacquiao comes forward he will leap with lightning fast combinations. The ability of Cotto to perceive what is coming his way will all but have vanished in to a dream of how good he thought he was. Then the dread and fear of what he has gotten himself into will surface. But he will keep on trying to throw a calm effective jab.
As the first round ends and they return to their corners Cotto’s coach will realize that it is important to keep the spirits of his fighter up and will tell him stick to you game plan.
The fight will continue like this I believe until Cotto is either staggered and knocked out or he as Freddie Roch suggested Quits.
The possibility that Cotto could win this, I feel is slim, he just doesn’t bring enough ingrained ability, as I said he is composed and can do extremely well with other more methodical fighters who like to take their time and admire their work, but in Pacquiao you have a master of the ring a true worrier. I will use the analogy with slight variation that Hopkins used before his fight with Pavlik; It is as though Cotto holds university degree in the sport of boxing, but Pacquiao holds a masters and is on the way to a doctorate.
Tags: 16 Responses to “Pacquiao-Cotto: an objective view – Boxing”
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Bulls Eye prediction
Wow. This was a spot-on prediction.
Cotto has the “punchers chance” but still pick Pacquiao to win!! another thing is that been realistic I don’t think Cotto will quit on the stool!!! But will see in a while!!!
after reading this article, this prediction is more likely accurate and probable. anything can happen in a fight, but i am going with writer’s preconceptions. but i like both fighters.
This fight is very interesting. I believe Manny is a great fighter, but one that has faced “easy” opponents lately. No one can honestly say that David Diaz was a good test at 135 lbs, or that De La Hoya was a good test at 147. Everyone knows that Hatton was overrated, his only victory was against an old Kostya Tzu. Manny’s only true fights came against JMM and Morales. Cotto on the other hand has fought against some very tough opponents, Margarito(prob. cheated), Judah, Mosley, Clottey, etc. Cotto has not looked spectacular in those fights, but those opponents are tough!
I like both guys, but I think Manny will be exposed, losing via KO in the latter rounds after receiving a good beating.
However, If manny wins, this would silence ALL critics, including myself, and show all of us that he truly is something special.
“”he just doesn’t bring enough ingrained ability”" are you serious? The Man have fought the best out there,Margarito Clottey,Judah,Quintana,Mosley,and that’s just in the 147 lbs Division and The Best on the 140 lbs What Makes this Guy think that Pacman can move up to 147lb and take at one the best champions in the division without proving himself in the weight level? Cuz He beat De la hoya? I hope that’s not why people think Manny will win, or because he fought once at 135 lb once at 140 lb and once at 147 lbs….that’s the resume that leads him to victory on this fight?
For those who believe that Manny’s speed will be too much?
Speed is only too much for fighter who doesn’t know how to deal with speed, but Cotto have shown over and over again that his problem isn’t quick hand fighters!
well see tonight if Manny quickness can over comes Cotto’s Power and pressure!!
When you weight the pros and cons, traditionally you go by which weigh more. In this case, you’d pick Pacquiao, as he has more things going for him than Cotto. Go one step further. After weighing the pros and cons, relax. After a moment or two, an inner voice may tell you to pick the other. Don’t brush it off; that voice may have access to the “x” factor.
Pacquiao has gotten stronger and faster as he moved up in weight. He’s definitely not the same Pacquiao who fought Marquez. Marquez wouldn’t last three rounds if they were to fight again.
Most boxers expose themselves when they throw punches, Pacquiao is so quick and speedy that he will hit and floor you before you can even take advantage of that moment, his opponent only catches a glimpse of it. I say Pacquiao in 6.
Paquiao is fast but, wen he throw his ponches, he is WIDE open. (Watch all his fights) If he do that with Cotto he is dead.
JMM is the objective view of Manny.
Down Goes Cotto
Great Analog! I see same thing is happenning when I pictured the fight. Pacquiao will not stand in front of Cotto and exhange punches. It will be a lightning shock and awe attack and by the time Cotto return some fire. Pacquiao will be long gone. Appearing again on any side of Cotto throwing another lightning shock and awe attack. Until the unexpected left atomic bomb hit Cotto’s chin. Cotto will fall.
what a tw t ! cotto is the best of all the welterweights !
Good article but I’d give cotto more of a shot than you give him , just my opinion tho. Nice shout about the degree/masters by the way
Slightly biased article. You might want to note pacquiao is the challanger NOT cotto. I think cotto ko’s pacquiao late but its a fight i can’t wait for.