Pacquiao vs Mayweather Has Manny got “Money” on his mind?

It’s nearly been a week since boxing superstar Floyd “Money” Mayweather outclassed not to mention out-sized Mexico’s Juan Manuel Marquez in their showdown, and boxing circles around the world are continuing to buzz with excitement at the potential match-up between the two biggest names in prize fighting; Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao. Although it’s the biggest fight out there right now, I remain skeptical in the chances of it ever happening. To start with, both fighters will claim to be the bigger draw, therefore complicating the process of negotiating the guaranteed purse percentages that each man will take. This will be a significant obstacle for a hopeful 2010 fight, but the most significant obstacle that I wish to talk about, goes by the name of Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao’s scheduled bout with the Puerto Rican welterweight star could be the biggest deciding factor in the Pacquiao vs Mayweather fight ever taking place. People seem to have neglected Cotto’s standing in boxing, presuming that Pacquiao will just steam roll him like he did to De La Hoya and Hatton, but this writer truly believes that Cotto will be Pacquiao’s greatest challenge to date. Cotto has consistently fought every killer on the block with only one man ever defeating him. Although there is room for speculation on whether or not Antonio Margarito used loaded gloves in his win over Cotto, the damage has been done and many boxing critics hold a view of Cotto as damaged goods. A view that may catch many off guard in November.

Cotto took apart Michael Jennings in his comeback fight before taking a huge test in Joshua Clottey; a guy that no one is in a rush to fight and no one ever looks good against. The victory over Clottey still posed many unanswered questions to some but for myself, I view it a different way. Cotto proved that he could not only defeat a rugged guy like Clottey, but he could go the distance with a relentless puncher. Pacquiao’s relentless punching mixed with his speed pose great threats to Cotto’s armor, but Cotto is certainly up for the challenge. He has proven in his fights with Judah and Mosley that he can handle speedy fighters with his ability to combine timed punches and the utilization of his jab to neutralize their speed. Cotto’s viscous body punching will also be a cause for concern in the Pacquiao camp, so limiting the room Cotto has to move and the time he has to think will be key. Pressure busts pipes and Manny’s constant pressure may cause Cotto to be on the back foot early but if Cotto makes it through the first few rounds, then Manny will be in for a long and painful night.

As legendary matchmaker Johnny Bos has suggested in his recent interview with Examiner.com’s Michael Marley, “If Miguel can be wary and careful for the first two rounds, then I think he will be in the fight all the way and can beat Pacquiao. Cotto is bigger and stronger if not quicker than. But he has to watch out for first or second round lightning by Manny.” There is a growing consensus in the hardcore boxing community that Manny will be in for a tough night against Cotto, so his ability to deal with the pressures and distractions of his celebrity lifestyle will be surely tested in the upcoming weeks.

If Manny has “Money” Mayweather on his mind, and all the potential revenue that a fight of that magnitude could produce, then he risks the chance of losing focus and possibly the fight against Cotto. Manny must remain focused on the job at hand and not be lured into the excitement of a Mayweather fight. Cotto is the real deal. Don’t think otherwise.

Source: http://www.boxingrepublic.com/2009/09/25/has-manny-got-money-on-his-mind/