"The same way that Freddie says he has seen weaknesses in Miguel, we know the weaknesses of Manny. If there's any doubt, just review the eighth round of his second fight with Juan Manuel Marquez," stated Joe Santiago, trainer of WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto, as he responded to recent comments made by world-class trainer Freddie Roach. Confident in their gameplan and their preparations in training, Santiago believes that Pacquiao showed some vulnerabilities in his rematch with Marquez that Cotto will be able to take advantage of come November 14th.
After reviewing footage, it's clear that Marquez did have some of his best success against Pacquiao in the eighth round of their rematch. A straight right hand down the middle from Marquez would open up a cut over Pacquiao's eye that appeared to bother him for the majority of the round. A left hook to the body also looked like it may have got the attention of the Filipino superstar. That being said, is that truly enough to formulate a gameplan to exploit any perceived weaknesses that Pacquiao may have shown in that one round? A couple of right hands that opened up a cut, a body shot or two and some decent uppercuts showed weakness?
"Not that you can compare Marquez to Cotto. There is no comparison. Cotto has more tools. He's a versatile fighter who knows boxing. He knows how to fight backwards and he can use speed when necessary and can adjust on the fly," Santiago explained in an interview with Raul Álzaga of Primera Hora. Although Santiago is aware of Pacquiao's hand and foot speed, he's confident that Cotto's natural size and abilities will be able to neutralize any advantage he may have in those areas.
"Pacquiao is a 130, 135-pound fighter coming to 147. He has done great things in boxing that you can't take away. But he has never faced a natural 147-pound fighter who's young and in his prime like Cotto...He has looked very good in his sparring...Miguel has assimilated to the rhythm of Pacquiao and is ready," Santiago continued. "Miguel is very hungry for this fight and wants to show not only the people of Puerto Rico, but the entire world that he's the best pound-for-pound."
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