Roach Changes His Mind, Says Pacquiao Will Knock Cotto Out

Call your bookie.

Freddie Roach has become renowned for his spot-on predictions over the last year, and so when a few months ago, soon after the November 14th Pacquiao/Cotto fight was made, Freddie called it as Pac by decision, many took it as written in stone.

Not Freddie though. He's having second thoughts. After checking out where Manny is at in his training, he's now thinking stoppage.

“I picked him to win by decision," Roach told the Inquirer of the Philippines, "but until I started working with him to this camp, the way he’s punching, his speed… we will knock this guy out.”

This comes in the aftermath of the Mayweather/Marquez mismatch, which gave many pause who previously had seen Pacquiao as a lock to beat Cotto. The size difference played such a clear role in Mayweather dominating Marquez, and Mayweather isn't even a big welterweight. Along those lines, Cotto, who is a very big welterweight, may prove just too big for Manny after all.

There is the equalizing issue of Pacquiao's phenomenal handspeed to consider, however, and Roach sees this as the key to victory. “Basically we’re going to have a fast start and we’re not going to give [Cotto] any momentum,” said Roach. “The way Manny is really fighting right now, I guess we’re going to frustrate Cotto with his speed.”

Source: http://www.sportingnews.com/blog/The_Rumble/entry/view/36943/roach_changes_his_mind,_says_pacquiao_will_knock_cotto_out