Cotto's camp sees an end to the reign of Pacman

Joe Santiago, the trainer of Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto, has predicted a victory by Miguel Cotto when he faces Manny Pacquiao on Nov. 14 in Las Vegas.
"We respect what he's done in boxing, but on that day(Nov. 14), Miguel (Cotto) is going to be one of the advantages in our favor ," said santiago.
Santiago said that Cotto's natural power as a welterweight will be crucial in the fight dubbed 'Fire Power', set at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas, N evada.
Pacquiao blazed his way superstardom by winning six division titles, a record he now shares with Oscar Dela Hoya, his former victim. If Pacquiao beats Cotto, he will become the first fighter ever to win belts in seven weight divisions.
That is the same reason why Santiago is confident that they can stop Pacquiao. "Manny Pacquiao is a blown-up featherweight," said Santiago. "He started at 108 pounds and will now fight at 145. He's dared to go up and so far everything has turnedwell for him. but Nov.14 is a different story."
While Pacquiao indeed started as a featherweight, his punches look more like a genuine welterweight. In his last three fights, Pacquioa wasn't dragged to the full 12-ound distance. He stopped lightweight David Diaz via a ninth- round knockout, and then forced De La Hoya to quit after receiving a barrage of heavy punches through rounds.
And then, the Filipino pulled off his quickest victory in seven years , stopping British brawler Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton in the second round with a left hook that sent Hatton unconcious n the floor.
Santiago also pointed out Cotto's edge in terms of preparation for the fight. He said that everything is well within the camp, unlike in Pacquioa's case where he started training late and as worstened by what he said by internal bickering.
"We heard they did'nt start training, that there werea problems in a training camp, but that is their problem. Everything is going very well with us," said Santiago. Although a fighter with only a defeat in 35 fights, Cotto was not impressive in his first title defense of his WBO welterweight crown againts Joshua Clottey. He suffered a cut above the left eye (accidental head butt) and escaped with a split decision victory. Santiago, though, brushes aside the issue that his fighter has the propensity to be easily cut.
"The work by the plastic surgeon was excellent and there have been no problems with the injury," said Santiago. " I do not believe that is something taht we have t be worried about . It's not the first time where Miguel was cut and none of those previous cuts have been re-opened [in a fight]."
If Pacquiao goes on to win the bout and collect the guaranteed $13 million aside from the share he will have in pay-per-view hits, it will be his 11th cnsecutive victory since losing to Erik Morales in a unanimous but close decision in 2005.


SOURCE: PEOPLE'S JOURNAL
AUTHOR: Zean MACAMAY