Greatest fight in History

BAGUIO CITY — Top Rank president Bob Arum here warned Filipino boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao not to be complacent as he faces the toughest fight of his career when he takes on Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Cotto is a very powerful and dangerous fighter because he fights well as an inverted southpaw. He packs a lethal left hook and fights well moving forward,” Arum told reporters in a press briefing Thursday.

According to the well-known international boxing promoter, Pacquiao must prepare well for his November fight since he will be meeting the toughest boxer in his entire career.

“I believe this fight will be one of the greatest fights in boxing history because of the caliber of both fighters,” Arum said.

Pacquiao sparred for the second straight day with undefeated superwelterweight Shean Porter and lightwelterweight contender Urbano Antillon where he again awed the crowd with his speed and footwork.

However, he was also rocked by several solid punches from Porter in their two-round sparring session. His handlers said there is nothing to worry about since this is just the start of their preparation for the fight and some adjustments are being ironed out.

Arum disagreed with the earlier pronouncement of Pacquiao’s coach, Freddie Roach, that the Filipino win by a knockout in the 9th or 10 round, saying all what he knows is the fight will end up in the scorecards of the judges.

“Manny must prepare well for the fight. Cotto is no pushover because of his outstanding performance over the past several years. I know the Filipinos are behind Pacquiao so we expect a very good fight,” he said.

Arum also had good words about Baguio City which he described as an excellent training venue for boxers because “it is quiet and the people are supportive of those who are visiting the city.”

With regard to the supposed Pacquiao-Mayweather bout in March next year, the promoter revealed there is still a long way to go and more important issues are still to be settled, thus, the pound for pound king must first concentrate on his fight with Cotto before aiming his sights on Mayweather Jr. who has been challenging him to a fight to put an end on the issue of who is really the true pound for pound king.

Despite the pronouncement of Pacquiao that his November bout with Cotto is his last fight, Arum, who will be in Baguio for three more days, said that probably is not the case as he is lining up several other blockbuster fights for the champion until next year.

Popularity: 2%