[Box in Hand]

Here is the latest news. It seems as if Roach has agreed to let Cotto come in at 145. There's been a lot of talk about this so I want to know if everyone thinks this changes the dynamics of the fight? I thought at 143 Cotto was a dead man walking, but am not sure now.

By Mark Vester

Freddie Roach, trainer of Manny Pacquiao, has budged on his demand of making Miguel Cotto drop down to 143-pounds for a fight with Manny Pacquiao on November 14 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Several days ago, Roach told media members that 143 was the weight he wanted the fight to take place. Cotto's nutritionist told Top Rank's Bob Arum that Miguel could only get down, in safe fashion, to a weight of 144-145 at most.

Arum recently called Roach, the two spoke about the fight and 145 appears to be the target weight for the bout.

"Arum called me and I told that I have any problems with the fight being at 145 pounds. In fact I don't care if Cotto wants to weigh 200 pounds," Roach told Primera Hora. "I trust my fighter, so I very little about the weight issues. I have not talked to Manny, who will make the final decision. He is a big man who makes his own decisions. All I can do is give it my recommendation."

One recommendation is for Pacquiao to make more money than in his previous fight with Ricky Hatton in May. Pacquiao is said to have made around $12 million for that bout.

"Obviously we want to see Manny get paid higher than in the previous fight. There is no reason to step back in terms of money, so those details will be discussed," said Roach.

Gabriel Peñagarícano, the legal adviser to Cotto, told the paper that a lot of things need to be agreed upon before the deal is closed.

"I'm not surprised that [Roach] has accepted the weight of 145 pounds, but that is only one of several items that will be discussed and it's taken at least two weeks to complete. There are a list of issues are being discussed."

This post has been edited by Box in Hand: Jun 23 2009, 08:36 AM

[D-MARV]

"In fact I don't care if Cotto wants to weigh 200 pounds,"

Then make the fucking fight at 147 where it needs to be.

[thehype]

Then make the fucking fight at 147 where it needs to be.

I agree.

I don't think it's going to change anything though...Cotto looks very beatable in my opinion. Manny will be too fast and will land his uppercut through Cotto's guard all night. He might not stop him, but I think Manny will probably win an easy unanimous decision.

[salvador]

I think all this weight stuff is just a negotiating ploy. Bitch about the weight, relent, then take a bigger piece of the pie. Ain't rocket science.

[Box in Hand]

Then make the fucking fight at 147 where it needs to be.

I agree. Cotto though should come in the fight at 150+ unlike De La Hoya so does that make a difference in the fight?

[torvix2000]

LOL! Cotto wants it at 147 then pay the fine or take less money. Hahaha!!!

Pacterweight division , huh?

[torvix2000]

I agree. Cotto though should come in the fight at 150+ unlike De La Hoya so does that make a difference in the fight?

Nope because Cotto will just hit nothing but air.

[Method]

Then make the fucking fight at 147 where it needs to be.

Yup. Yup.

On another note, I thought Cotto handled Mosley's speed BRILLIANTLY. Plus, I ain't never seen Manny throw/land vicious uppercuts to the extent that it would be considered his signature (which doesn't mean he and Roach won't work exclusively on that in camp).

[torvix2000]

Then make the fucking fight at 147 where it needs to be.

Tell that to Cotto because he will knock Pacquiao out at 147, remember? Cotto will simply have to accept less because a lot of peple think that he will "kill" Pac at 147.

[torvix2000]

LOL! I have the feeling that if Roach asks for 146 that haters will still consider it as Pac's advantage.