It has been said in regards to prizefighting that a good big man will beat a good little man any day of the week. But what about a GREAT little man? Let’s back up a minute… Who is Mr. Hines referring to? Most would probably believe that I am referring to Pacman as the “little man”, because most people are still under the fallacious impression that Cotto is the much BIGGER guy. Let us look at the tale of the tape:
Height: Cotto 5’7”/ Pacquiao 5’6” ½: Advantage Cotto by ½ inch
Reach: Cotto 67 in/ Pacquiao 67 in: EVEN
Chest Normal: Cotto 39 in/ Pacquiao 38 in: Advantage Cotto by an inch
Chest Expanded: Cotto 41 in/ Pacquiao 41 in: EVEN
Forearm: Cotto 12”/ Pacquiao 12”: EVEN
Thigh: Cotto 22.5”/ Pacquiao 20”: Advantage Cotto
Neck: Cotto 16” / Pacquaio 16”: EVEN
Fist: Cotto 11”/ Pacquiao 10”: Advantage Cotto by an inch
SIZE
To say Cotto is the bigger guy would be an honest, but sophomoric , answer that hides the truth via the lack of details. There is no significance in size that changes the outcome of this fight. However, edges in Speed, Power, Chin, and Skill are significant.
SPEED
The speed edge goes to the South Paw from the Phillipines-- Mr. Pacquiao. He has the faster hands, and is more complex than just his signature overhand left. Credits go to Freddie Roach, and the genetic master himself--GOD!
POWER
The power edge goes to the Boriqua de Caguas-- Senor Cotto. I believe his thunderous shots are the reason many believe he is the bigger man-- he "throws" bigger. Ofcourse, that is my opinion… After all, I have not allowed either gentleman to hit me in the liver. However, if we want to analyze knockout percentages Pacquiao’s is 75% of his wins. Sr. Cotto—79%... Actually 0.794117, but who’s counting?
CHIN
The Chin edge goes to Pacman even though he was knocked out twice early in his career. I have seen too many fighters wobble the gifted and talented Miguel Cotto with the inability to finish him. Ricardo Torres, Zab Judah, and even DC’s own DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley hurt the heavy punching Puerto Rican. I would have mentioned earlier the Cotto vs. Margarito Classic, but there are too many question marks on the use of DRY WALL, in connection w/ the Tijuana Tornado, to comment. But Pacquiao is of another breed-- He’s a finisher!
SKILL
The last and most important column of discussion is SKILL. In the words of legendary trainer Roger Mayweather, “The fighter with the most skill is going to win the fight…” Cotto’s most impressive victory to date, in my opinion, was his win against Sugar Shane Mosley. Although he won by a narrow margin—he won. In addition, he arguably outboxed one of the best pure boxers, pound-4-pound, on the planet. Make no mistake, Miguel Cotto, is a dangerous boxer who can fight orthodox or south paw making him arguably one of the most skillful fighters in the sport. Similarly, Manny Pacquaio’s most impressive wins to date are against the Golden Boy and Ricky Hatton. I am purposely not mentioning his win against Marquez because, in my opinion, he lost the rematch. To add, it is without question that the coach of “The Pride of the Phillipines”, Freddie Roach, has given the formerly one-handed fighter, two dangerous hands. So who I give the advantage of skill to? I’m calling it even.
So let us recap. Size—EVEN… Speed—Pacquaio… Power—Cotto… Chin—Pacquiao… Skill—Even… In my opinion, I would favor Pacquiao 2:1. Pacquiao’s innate aggression and speed will make the difference in this fight. Cotto’s best opportunity’s will come by setting traps for the aggressive South Paw and countering. Thank GOD for match ups like this, Lord Knows boxing needs it. November 14th, will be as titled, FIREPOWER!
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