Sealing fight with Pacquiao Cotto's priority

MANILA, Philippines – For Miguel Cotto, a showdown with the world’s pound-for-pound fighter is definitely one of the top priority’s in his colorful boxing career. The reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight king finally broke his silence and talked with pride and honor a projected November 14 fight with boxing sensation Manny Pacquaio at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. The native of Caguas, Puerto Rico had past duels with the likes of world champions Sugar Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Michael Jennings, Zab Judah and Paul Malignaggi. But he said his planned 12-round title fight with the Filipino icon is definitely, according to him, “the biggest fight and greatest achievement of my career." Cotto’s statement came out in Primera Hora, the Guaynabo, Puerto Rican-based newspaper, his first public announcement since reports of a Pacquiao-Cotto showdown late this year cropped up shortly after he retained his 147-pound title belt with a split decision win over Joshua Clottey. “Everything I have had in my career has been all about challenges. Everything I have worked for has revolved around that and I have endeavored to reach certain achievements and I have achieved," Cotto added. Cotto suffered a deep cut on his left eye, the result of an accidental third-round head butt by Clottey, needing at least 21 stitches for the wound to close up. The New York State Athletic Commission has suspended Cotto for fighting in the next three months, giving him enough time to heal the wound and perhaps, be ready for his duel with the 30-year-old pound-for-pound king. Cotto had a conference call with promoter Bob Arum the other day, with the Top Rank official putting on the table the terms of the Pacquiao fight. “I was on the phone with Cotto’s people and I outlined to them the terms and points of the deal," said the veteran boxing promoter. “I expect their response by the end of the week." During the conversation, Arum brought up the idea of the bout being fought at a catch weight which he said, would be within 144 to 145 pounds. Cotto has not fought below 147 pounds since 2006, while Pacquiao and his trainer Freddie Roach want the match to be within the 143-144 level. In a consultation with Cotto’s nutritionist, Arum said the WBO champion would not have a hard time going down two or three pounds below 147. “Cotto is a welterweight and the nutritionist is saying the lowest he can go is 144," said Arum. “Manny will be fine with that. He doesn’t want a guy to get in there and injure himself by fighting at an unrealistically low weight." Arum is set to meet with Pacquiao close adviser Michael Koncz on Sunday to discuss the specifics of the deal he had with Cotto’s camp. Arum said he doesn’t see any hitches coming up along the way it did during negotiations for Pacquiao’s last two bouts against Ricky Hatton and Oscar De La Hoya. – GMANews.TV