There is plenty of hype and buzz surrounding the Manny Pacquiao vs. Miguel Cotto bout that will take place on Saturday night in Las Vegas. While both fighters are used to the spotlight and fighting in huge fights, one fighter comes in to the bout with more celebrity than the other and that could ultimately be the deciding factor in the contest.
In the mind of some people familiar with the sport, Pacquiao enters this fight softer than the Pacquiao the world fell in love with against Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton. Pacquiao had a hunger to fight, but now that same hunger is being filled by movie roles and other activities that go hand-in-hand with the life of a celebrity.
For Miguel Cotto, this fight is about getting back what he feels was taken from him. Respect.
Cotto comes into this fight with a chip on his shoulder and a mission to beat the pound-for-pound champion in order to restore pride and respect to his name in the boxing world. For Cotto, Margarito is a long lost memory that has no bearing on what he plans to do in the ring on Saturday.
Since the embarrassment brought on by Margarito, Cotto has learned to be an even tougher fighter and withstand the upmost pain while still delivering the powerful blows he is known for.
Another disadvantage for Pacquiao will be the fact that he might be looking ahead to a possible fight against Floyd Mayweather, that is if Mayweather isn’t too scared to accept the fight. To date, no fighter has challenged Pacquiao. His greatest victories have come easily.
So, what happens when Pacquiao is finally challenged? The world will see Saturday when he steps into the ring with Miguel Cotto.
As nice as it probably has been for Pacquiao to bask in the spotlight the celebrity has offered him, it will be the exact reason why he will lose to a very determined Cotto.
Fight Prediction: As you can tell if you have been reading up to this point, I believe that Cotto will prevail over Pacquiao in this bout of speed vs. power. Cotto will be able to go the length of the fight and wear down on Pacquiao with his strength. Pacquiao has been a great fighter, but even great fighters have to suffer great defeats. Pacquiao is preparing to suffer his on Saturday.
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