Pacquiao ready to rumble with Cotto, says trainer

LAS VEGAS – All signs show Manny Pacquiao is all set to rumble against Miguel Cotto in their 12-round World Boxing Organization (WBO) welterweight slugfest this Saturday (Sunday in Manila). Just ask Alex Ariza. “Everything’s perfect," said the soft-spoken Ariza, who monitored the fitness and condition of the 30-year old boxing sensation from the Philippines as he trains against the underdog but very dangerous champion from Caguas, Puerto Rico. The final day of an eight-week training that encompassed two countries and three cities came Thursday at the IBA gym, where Pacquiao sweat it out for more than an hour under the watchful eyes of Ariza and master trainer Freddie Roach. The world’s top pound-for-pound fighter was loose and relaxed as he goes about his usual thing in the gym, capped by four rounds of hitting the mitts with Roach. Twice, Pacquiao had to apologize to his 49-year old trainer as he accidentally hit him in the jaw during the course of their mitts practice. “Sorry, coach," he repeatedly said. By the time it was over, Pacquiao wanted another round. Roach would have acceded had not one of the mitts flew off his hand following a powerful left by the boxing idol. “He’s like a horse," said Ariza later. “Once the gate opens, boom, he’s gone." The atmosphere at his elegant suite in the 60th floor of The Hotel was just as energetic when Pacquiao arrived from training. There waiting for him were parents Rosalio and Dionisia, who are going to watch him fight live together for the first time. With another sister of him also arriving for the title fight, Manny said he can’t be happier this time. “Masaya ako dahil first time nilang manonood ng laban ko (I’m happy since it will be the first time they will be watching my fight live)," said a beaming Pacquiao. Pacquiao has more than enough reasons to smile later on after he had dinner. “He weighs in at 146 pounds after meal," Ariza declared, making him just one pound over the 145 catch weight on the eve of the fight’s official weigh-in. Ariza added the Pacman is scheduled for an hour roadwork Friday (Saturday in Manila), before having a light breakfast of probably boiled egg and hot milk. Then in the afternoon, the official weigh-in is on. Roach and Ariza plans to have Pacquiao tip in at 144-145, and then come at around 148 to 149 on fight night. “We’ve covered just about everything. Manny’s ready to go," Ariza said. – GMANews.TV