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Roach: Pacquiao should control fight early on


LAS VEGAS – How Manny Pacquiao gets to control his fight against Miguel Cotto early on would have a big say on the outcome of the title bout. “We have to set the pace of the fight, especially for the first round," trainer Freddie Roach pointed out. “We can’t give him (Cotto) the momentum and confidence coz he will grow." Roach predicted the Filipino pride is likely to knock Cotto out late in the ninth or tenth round of the fight, although he did not discount the possibility of taking away the Puerto Rican native as early as the opening round. The three-time Trainer of the Year added he believes the former 2000 Sydney Olympics campaigner will try to be a counter-puncher, the way Juan Manuel Marquez fought Pacquiao the two times they met.
Manny Pacquiao, left, and Miguel Cotto pose during a news conference at the MGM Grand on Wednesday in Las Vegas. AP
Marquez undoubtedly, was among the few opponents who gave the pound-for-pound king a hard time in the ring, losing by a split decision in their rematch last year and settling for a draw during their controversial 2004 title fight that saw him stood up from three devastating knockdowns in the opening round. “I truly think Cotto’s going to run around us a little bit because he’s going to try to be more of a counter-puncher in this fight. “I’m not exactly sure if he’s going to try and use his strength early or use his boxing ability early. We’re just prepared for whatever he brings," he added. And that means even to the point of going toe-to-toe against the bigger and stronger champion. “One hundred percent. We will trade with him if he wants to, yes," Roach said. - GMANews.TV
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