V8:Can Cotto Defeat Pacquiao, But Lose On A 'Wild-card'?

September 9th, 2009

Can Cotto Defeat Pacquiao, But Lose On A 'Wild-card'?

Much speculation has brewed recently in the underground Puerto Rican community about the odds of Miguel Cotto finding himself on the opposite end of a 'gift decision'. After so many times where many thought he unfairly got the nod, (Clottey and Mosley fights), there's room to believe that streak may finally end, giving him a dose of the same unfortunate reality. This seems impossible when you consider that Cotto isn't gonna be as easy to hit (or find) as many people think, making it somewhat harder to score a fight in Pacquiao's favor. Dela Hoya and Hatton were easy targets, and neither has ever been known to have even a little bit of defense, but Cotto (on the other hand) has learned quite well how to slip quick punches, and his fights against Mosley, Judah, and Malignaggi, all speak this truth. With the world literally awaiting a Pacquiao/Mayweather showdown, is there truth to the growing speculation of those who wonder if Cotto can actually get a points victory in this fight? We know he's gonna be the aggressor, as Pacquaio won't make the mistake of trying to walk him down for 12rds. We know that he (Cotto) has basically all of the size related advantages coming into the fight. We know that he brings the power advantage into the fight as well, but what difference does all that make in the end if the true money fight hinges on the victory of his opponent? Hopefully this is all speculation and not reality. A poor decision on the biggest stage the sport has seen in years would be fatal to a sport many think is already on its last leg. Stay tuned.

Pacquiao Gives Mayweather The Nod

The pending Mayweather/Marquez showdown places Filipino Manny Pacquiao in a very odd position. As the sports current P4P king, it's an odd position for him to be on the outside looking in, but in this rare occasion, he finds himself right there as he awaits a showdown between two men who need no introduction to him at all. In Marquez, you have arguably the only man in recent times to fully dissect and comprehend 'Mount Manny'; and across from him, you have Mayweather, a man who many view as the only person capable of soundly defeating him. With two men who could play a strong role in Pacquiao's immediate future waging war against one another, who does the Pac-ster like in the end?......Floyd Mayweather jr. Now, could this be simply an acknowledgment of Pacquiao that Mayweather is the 'best man'? Or is this just a nudge at his old nemesis in their post-war aftermath? Perhaps we'll never know, but despite the fact that Pacquiao won't be ringside when they fight, what we do know is that he's highly interested in the outcome. Many have made an issue about how many people will tune in to watch the Mayweather/Marquez showdown, but when you have the attention of the biggest name in the in all fighting sports and he's tuned in with a vested interest, I dont think it really matters?

Marvin Sonsona: The Next Manny Pacquiao????

For such a small man, Manny Pacquiao has played a huge role in putting the Filipino nation on the map. In America, basketball legend Michael Jordan became the measuring stick, or more recently perhaps Tiger Woods, but these guys only represent a sport. In the Filipino nation, Pacquiao has become the face of ALL sports. Literally the entire nation. Keeping that in mind, it's pretty intriguing that many in the Filipino nation have gone on record lately to say that 19 year old Marvin Sonsona (14-0, 12KO's) will be the 'next' Manny Pacquiao. He may have an awesome ability to put backs-on-mats and earn victories, but becoming the next Pacquiao.....I'm not quite sure he'll defeat those odds. With his youth, great talent, and buzz appeal, it'll be interesting to watch and find out, though.

Khan vs Pacquiao: A 'Wildcard' Wildcard???

Recent reports shed light on the fact that an Amir Khan/Manny Pacquiao was a strong possibility before Cotto agreed in principle to face Pacquiao. Khan has come a long way, but perhaps he has never had a greater time to be thankful for his Dad, as he was the resisting force that ultimately stepped in and said his son wasn't yet "ready" for such a challenge. Khan has looked his best since joining Freddie Roach, but considering the fact that Roach's main charge (Pacquiao) would have retained his services in that fight, many think there's absolutely no chance Khan would have a chance! With Pacquiao considering a political future and soon a retirement from the sport, perhaps this bout will never happen. But a loss to Cotto and a new found demand for a Cotto/Mayweather showdown would leave Khan and Marquez as Pacquiao's biggest options remaining. The odds of it happening don't look too great, but we're often reminded in this sport....stranger things have happened. Stay tuned.

Floyd Mayweather Jr.: Isn't it great to see Floyd Jr. and Floyd Sr. keeping the peace? Watching them roll the dice, argue about who's muscles are bigger, and compete at the fast rope, was classic. Sucks that ego's tend to divide those who should rightfully be together, but now that they are back again, one has to wonder how much can will this all really help the Jr. Mayweather? He's already undefeated, so is it fathomable that he could even be better than what he was before he left? He seems to think so, and if he can back it up, things are really about to get interesting. In less than two weeks we'll all find out.

Juan Manuel Marquez: 'Mr. Peebody' Goes To The Edge For An 'Edge'

HBO's most recent 24/7 series gave many fight fans a glimpse of perhaps the most gross spectacle seen on reality tv in quite some time. We've seen people eat beetles and bugs, we've seen people jump in hot water, and we've seen people do some wild things in this reality tv driven society, but watching Marquez suck down freshly cracked quail eggs, and follow that act with drinking a cup of his own urine made many wanna reach for the remote and hit the off button! Can someone remind this dude that there are far better ways to replenish lost vitamins? I've spent many days visiting the poverty stricken streets of Mexico, but this guy comes from a highly educated background and I'm sure it takes no genius to locate the nearest GNC...Or at least the Mexican version of it, anyway! I love the guy as a fighter and supported him before many around the sport took note of him, but if this is what it takes to fight your butt off, yet still come up short in two of the most important fights of your life, I'd hate to know what he'd actually do to win! (Maybe a Pacquiao trilogy isn't such a great idea)...

Clottey/Mosley: Case of the A-B-C's......As In 'Another Bad Creation' For Clottey's Career?

Joshua Clottey has been one of the best fighters the loaded welterweight division has had to offer in recent years. That being said, despite his great talent, his results haven't always met the mark. Against Antonio Margarito, it was an injured hand that was rumored to have slowed him down. Against Miguel Cotto, is was poor score calling. They say the third time's the charm, but in this case, it's feasible to believe that things may not end up so 'sweet' (pun intended). 'Sugar' Shane Mosley presents more speed, more experience, and arguably more power than any of those fighters, and being more of a fan fave and popular name in the sport, you have to wonder if this fight will also result in another tall order that forces the humble Ghana native to come up short? No doubt, his matchmakers haven't done him many favors. One can only hope that the best man wins, regardless.

Jermain Taylor: Houston To Germany...Non-Stop

The city of Miami is known for many things. Water, sunshine, bikini clad Latina's who pack all the ass-sets (clear my throat), and a lot of celebs. With everyone who is someone trying to call the magic city home, one former resident (Jermain Taylor) has found a new place to lay his head at night. Citing too many distractions in South Beach, (shocker???), Taylor has decided to make Houston, Texas his home base as he prepares for German great Arthur Abraham. Taylor recently spoke of how running out of gas down the stretch in basically all of his key fights of the past, and facing a man who's a world-class conditioned cyclist, there's no question energy and stamina will be a basic necessity in this fight. Deciding to stop partying on South Beach usually means a man has gotten a bit older. In this case, it could be precisely what the doctor ordered - as it relates to Taylor's chances of having the required youthful energy to defeat a great man who'll be standing across from him.

(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, Youtube (VIVEK1251), Twitter (VIVEK747), Myspace, and Facebook)