Many pundits thought Miguel Cotto would be the one to upset Manny Pacquiao in a title match, but they were wrong. Cotto gave it five strong rounds before struggling. Cotto, overcome by Pacquiao’s speed, could not escape the onslaught of punches coming his way. In the 12th and final round, Manny went rabid on his opponent, prompting the referee to stop the match.
“They should have stopped it three rounds earlier, when Cotto started to run,” said Freddie Roach, Pacquiao’s trainer, who, once again, called the shot on how this one would go.
And now Cotto, one of the toughest, most feared welterweights of the era, was reduced to dancing and ducking backward, apparently praying for a miracle. Afterward, Cotto said what has become obvious to all now.
“I have fought all the greatest welterweights,” he said, “and Manny is the best.”
Pacquiao’s move up through the ranks, from a 106-pounder 14 years ago to a 145-pound welterweight champion (they fought the 147-pound division at a catch weight of 145) has been like a military march.
Manny has now won a record seven straight titles in seven divisions, gaining 40 pounds throughout the process. But that’s not the most amazing part…
After 12 rounds of boxing, Manny met up with his band at Mandalay Bay to play a late-night gig.
Cotto checked himself into the hospital.
