Miguel Cotto has again taken one step ahead of Manny Pacquiao as the reigning World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight champion already broke training camp in Tampa, Florida and is now headed towards Las Vegas. The 28-year old Puerto Rican held the final day of training at his camp Friday and is now looking forward to departing for the âSin City", about two weeks before meeting Pacquiao inside the ring in one of the yearâs biggest fights.
WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico Top Rank photo
Cotto also began training three weeks ahead of Pacquiao. Chief trainer Joe Santiago was very much satisfied with the way Cottoâs camp turned out the past eight weeks. âWeâve had the perfect camp. Miguel is determined and focus. We are about to head out for Las Vegas." In contrast, Pacquiao is still training at the Wild Card gym in Los Angeles and wonât be heading for Las Vegas until Nov. 9. The Filipino boxing champion didnât arrive in L.A. until last week after spending the first part of his training camp at the Shape-Up gym in Baguio City. Trainer Freddie Roach said the 30-year old pound-for-pound king is almost 95 percent ready for the bout, saying that his ward âis jus getting better and better." Roach added, âheâs punching so much harder than he used to." But in what has been a growing word of animosity between Roach and Cottoâs team, Santiago said they are not taking seriously what Pacquiaoâs trainer had been preaching about. âWe do not pay attention to whatever Freddie Roach is saying. We are focused on one person â Pacquiao. Roach is trying to play mind games with us, but itâs not working," said Santiago. Team Cotto is expected to be in Las Vegas on Sunday. Except for Tuesday (Nov. 3) when the 2000 Sydney Olympian travels to Los Angeles for a press workout, Cotto will be training on a daily basis. âItâs been a while since Miguel has had this kind of drive, determination and focus," added Santiago, who replaced Cottoâs uncle Evangelista, as the championâs trainer. And if Pacquiao is punching so much harder this time, Cotto is now also throwing punches by the volume, according to conditioning coach Phil Landman. âDuring sparring I count every punch. For the Clottey fight, Miguel averaged 45 punches per round. Here in Tampa while training for Pacquiao, Miguel has averaged 65 punches a round," noted Landman. âThis is a very good number. Miguel is ready, prepared to fight and will win."
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