Pacquiao relaxed, ready for slugfest with Cotto

HOLLYWOOD – Proof that all’s well in his training camp, a happy and relaxed Manny Pacquiao showed up for his scheduled media workout at the Wild Card gym here Wednesday (Thursday in Manila). “Training was good. I don’t think I was even distracted during the camp," said Pacquiao when asked about the tension – including the series of calamities – that occurred when he first began training camp in Baguio City. “I’m happy," said Pacquiao, flashing his familiar boyish smile. Pacquiao’s eight weeks of hard work at camp boils down next week when he challenges Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight title at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada. A victory by the 30-year old warrior known as the “Pacman", would make him the only boxer in history to win seven titles in seven different weight classes. And that’s what makes him going on. “This is a huge fight for me," said Pacquiao (43-3, 37 KOs). “I’ll try to win a seventh title in seven divisions. And no other boxer has done that." Roach again persisted Pacquiao is going to beat the reigning welterweight king. “He (Pacquiao) definitely has all the edge, that’s why we’re gonna win this fight."
For the latest Philippine news stories and videos, visit GMANews.TV “Everything, he’s the better boxer, the better puncher, has the better defense," added the said the 49-year old former boxer turned trainer. After doing the round of interviews and photo ops, Pacquiao did his thing on the ring by going four rounds on the mitts with Roach, worked on the speedball, before ending the workout with his usual stretching exercises. Top Rank big boss Bob Arum waxed nostalgic as he watched countless of people from all walks of life, including celebrities Mario Lopez and Mickey Rourke come over and see the Pacman in training. “Look at the press, look at the people. It’s like a throwback to the days of Ali. It’s incredible," said the veteran boxing promoter, who bared that Pacquiao’s appearance in ESPN’s Sports Center the morning of Wednesday received a high-rating that the show will be replayed. Pacquiao’s Sports Center’s TV appearance came the morning after he appeared in the Jimmy Kimmel Show. The universally considered pound-for-pound king acknowledges that his speed is the biggest edge he has against Cotto. And while he’s a 2-1 favorite over the 28-year old Puerto Rican, he said he still won’t take Cotto lightly. “He is strong, he has a left hook and an uppercut. He is one of the toughest opponents I have ever had. I think he will be coming forward, being aggressive," Pacquiao said. - GMANews.TV