"This is the toughest fight of my career and I will not waste this opportunity...I have taken this fight with the seriousness it deserves, without getting wrapped up in all the comments. Many people say that the shots he took from Margarito and Clottey are going to affect him, but I'm not depending on that. Cotto is still a very strong fighter, bigger than me, who fights intelligently and I'm not underestimating anything," stated 6-division world champion Manny Pacquiao as he took a break from training to talk to Raul Álzaga of Primera Hora about his clash with WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday to continue preparations for the highly-anticipated showdown at Freddie Roach's famed Wild Card Gym.
Despite early distractions in camp, all indications are that Pacquiao's training in the Philippines was unaffected and he continues to display the speed, intensity and conditioning that has troubled a number of opponents in the past. "If you think that Manny took Cotto lightly in training, expect a big surprise. He has strength to fight non-stop for 12 rounds throwing punches. Is Cotto ready for that," a fired up Freddie Roach remarked. "His condition never worries me because he's the hardest working fighter I have ever had in my career."
On top of their normal intense training, both Pacquiao and Roach have spent more time than usual studying tapes on the Puerto Rican superstar. "The intensity remains the same. Perhaps what has changed a little is the type of training strategy becuase we have to prepare for the particular style of Cotto. We must apply certain techniques. I have dedicated many hours of study, along with Freddie, to identify his weaknesses and strengths...we are ready for what they bring. We have studied very well," Pacquiao continued.
Indeed, both trainer and fighter are confident that they're ready for whatever Cotto may bring come November 14th. Although Roach has come on record predicting a knockout victory for his star pupil, Pacquiao remains grounded and doesn't plan on wavering from the gameplan. "I'm not looking for a knockout, but if it comes, I welcome it," he added.
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