Ethan Miller - Getty Images
Manny Pacquiao will rematch Miguel Cotto on June 9 in Las Vegas. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
Manny Pacquiao's next fight appears set, and could be announced as soon as Monday. The RING reports that Miguel Cotto has agreed to all but a few minor terms for a rematch, and the two will meet again on June 9 in Las Vegas.
Reports say that the Thomas & Mack Center on the campus of UNLV is "in the running," but you could probably bet your last couple of dollars that the MGM Grand will host the fight.
Cotto is the apparent winner of a four-man race which included Juan Manuel Marquez, Timothy Bradley, and Lamont Peterson, and it has been fairly heavily rumored in the last two weeks that Cotto was, indeed, going to be the selection unless the earth turned upside down and Pacquiao fought Floyd Mayweather Jr in May.
The fight is already receiving backlash from many in the boxing community and the fanbase who feel that no matter what, Cotto simply isn't a tough style matchup for Pacquiao. The two went pretty even for the first four rounds of their November 2009 bout, but in the end Pacquiao simply wound up the much better man, and by the time Kenny Bayless mercy-stopped it in the 12th round, Cotto was refusing to engage Pacquiao.
Cotto (37-2, 30 KO) is coming off of a tenth round stoppage of Antonio Margarito, in large part due to what Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO) did to Margarito 13 months prior. Cotto's rematch with Pacquiao will give him a chance to avenge his only unavenged defeat.
Pacquiao is coming off of a highly controversial majority decision win over Juan Manuel Marquez in November.
Just remember where most of you heard it first: Jinkee said Cotto.
0 recs | 70 comments
Since inevitably someone will ask WHY this fight is happening, here’s the catch-all answer:
I understand hating the fight, thinking it’s crap, believing as boxing fans often will that because they don’t care or Tony Kornheiser doesn’t care, nobody does, but this fight is worth:
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
True, but Manny vs. virtually any reasonable opponent is worth money, and no fight is worth as much money as Manny-Floyd. This is just another TR cash grab, without even the slight excitement of wondering how Manny’s going to match up against the opponent in the ring. I can’t even open up my wallet on the premise that “styles make fights.”
The Boxer Rebellion - January 21, 2012
Money, but not this money. Virtually any reasonable opponent does not have Miguel Cotto’s fanbase, which has proven they’ll travel to Las Vegas, and virtually any opponent does not have Cotto’s current hot name. The Margarito fight went over pretty big, generated a lot of press, and they’re striking while the iron is hot.
Take Mayweather out of the equation, because seriously guys it’s not happening, and PR battles aside, neither side gave any indication that it ever would. Arum said on November 14 he wasn’t going to pursue a Mayweather fight, for God’s sake.
So let’s look at the other options, all reasonable for some reason or another:
Juan Manuel Marquez – Almost certainly wants more money than Cotto has agreed to. Also refuses to fight in Las Vegas. This was a huge hit to his chance of landing this fight. The fight simply is not worth the money in Texas that it is in Las Vegas.
Timothy Bradley – No fanbase, let alone one comparable to that of Cotto. Also can now get another Pacquiao undercard spot, hopefully in a legitimate fight this time, and make his case for a November date with Pacquiao (which is what I think will happen).
Lamont Peterson – Get real.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
Also, and this is a slightly lesser concern than what Manny wants: Miguel Cotto wants this fight. Top Rank is appeasing Cotto, who is basically working “for” them from now on without a contract. Why? Because unlike most people, Miguel Cotto has options out there. He could have fought Floyd Mayweather, probably. He could have fought Canelo Alvarez. They want to keep Cotto loyal to their company and they’re giving him what he wants.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
Admittedly, my knowledge of how money gets made in boxing is pretty rudimentary, but a fight against Cotto that 1) turns off the more casual fan, who says “I’ve seen this before,” and 2) turns off the hardcore fan who WOULD be more interested in any of the fights you listed above — doesn’t seem to bode well for PPV numbers.
I won’t be buying this one, which is something I’ve never said about a Manny PPV.
The Boxer Rebellion - January 21, 2012
We’ll see what happens during fight week. Everyone always says they’re not going to pay for THIS one, no sir, and then the numbers never really go anywhere.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
Simply put, if the numbers didn’t add up, they would not be doing this fight.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
You’re probably right.
What’s becoming increasingly clear to me is that, long after they both retire, my first thought about both Manny and Floyd’s going to be, “they never fought each other,” rather than “those two guys were two of the best I’ve ever seen.” That will probably be my second thought, but what a shame.
The Boxer Rebellion - January 21, 2012
You’re 100% right on that one. But in my very expansive sample size of 1, I’ve immediately known I was going to buy every recent Manny fight. This one, I’ve no interest in whatsoever.
The Boxer Rebellion - January 21, 2012
And that’s fair. Like I said, I do understand not liking this fight, not wanting to see it, not giving a shit about it, not buying it. It just needs to be clear: There’s going to be legitimate interest in this fight, and that’s why it’s happening.
Other than that, everyone’s free to dump on it. I was hoping against hope Bradley would get the nod because I think it’s a more interesting fight. But I’ve been 97% certain for 2-3 weeks it was going to be Cotto.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
(unless they give us a hell of an undercard, which seems unlikely, because when does that really happen?)
The Boxer Rebellion - January 21, 2012
I’m not buying it either at least on the strength of Pac-Cotto. If they put a fight I love on the undercard, maybe. But I’d have to love it a lot, because you can always see them the following Sunday. I’ve never not bought a Pac fight before, but he’s not really Pac anymore, and this is just a rerun anyway.
BoxAnne - January 21, 2012
Exactly.
Matt Mosley - January 21, 2012
Though i’m not absolutely convinced he’s on the slide, all the signs are there, imo.
His political career probably has a lot to do with it though.
He should have done one or the other, imo, although things don’t always work out how we’d like them to and maybe it was the prime time to run for office when he did.
I just wish he’d left it a year or two and retired from boxing first.
Also, this Pac v Mayweather crap talk continues to be both boring and predictable. How anyone has the time, patience or boredom threshold to follow that is beyond me.
Just let me know if they ever make the fight. I’m sure now that they won’t, which is ludicrous and diminishes both fighter’s standings as both fighters and men, imo.
Not that Floyd was thought much of as a man beforehand.
Matt Mosley - January 21, 2012
Agreed with pretty much all you say here, Matt. Hope you’re well, haven’t seen you around here in a while!
Oli Goldstein - January 21, 2012
Yes, thanks for asking, Oli. Hope you are well too.
I have been moving house (harderwork than it sounds:) plus travelling to Manchester (100 mile round trip) to work every day for the last month or so, so have had very little free time.
Also been following the NFL (if they don’t make some big fights this year i may switch sporting allegiances :) – i love the NFL now, almost as much as boxing) playoffs closely and with it not being a busy time of year for boxing i have just been having a quick look most days.
Will be around whenever a good fight is on and will look out for your articles.
Cheers.
Matt Mosley - January 21, 2012
Blimey, 100 mile round trip sounds tough going! I’ve tried to get into NFL myself a couple times, but I’ve just never caught on. The TV timings were always a bit of a pain, to be honest. Hope the new house is pucker, good to hear from you.
Oli Goldstein - January 21, 2012
I thought only us red-blooded ’Mericans spoke in miles.
lcollins1 - January 21, 2012
In the UK, we also speak in miles – it’s those bloody Europeans who deal in kilometres. Much prefer the good ol’ fashioned mile.
Oli Goldstein - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Spot on. Really, physically, I think Manny’s not that far away from his prime. If he dedicated himself 100% to the sport, he could probably still perform at near optimum levels. But his head and heart just really aren’t in it anymore, in my opinion. When I hear him say things like “I’m satisfied with my career…I don’t need Mayweather…etc…” I think to myself that those are not the words of a hungry fighter, not the words of someone who will try to be the best fighter they can be. But the moment someone brings up elections, public service projects, etc.., the guy’s face lights up. His passions lie elsewhere now. Pacquiao still loves being Pacquiao, loves being a star, loves entertaining, and loves raking in the dough, of course, but I don’t think he really loves the game the way he used to. And when that time comes, it’s time to go.
Areglado - January 21, 2012
Agreed
I wish it weren’t so but live moves on.
pakinpower - January 21, 2012
He is definitely a part time athlete
Given his already substantial and increasing activities outside the ring
pakinpower - January 21, 2012
I know nothing makes me want to spend $69.95 like the argument that Manny is going to be slightly crappier and less motivated this time around.
PPV BOXING — FEEL THE EXCITEMENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The Boxer Rebellion - January 21, 2012
I'm gonna send you some copies of my local press
That will try to sell you that Cotto will run over Pacquiao this time around.
IRodC - January 21, 2012
Boo.
BoxingOutlivesFads - January 21, 2012
Boooo x 2
Matt Mosley - January 21, 2012
Boo cubed.
El Destruyo - January 21, 2012
I said it in the other thread, but I’m interested in this fight if only because we can easily measure what, if any, slippage has occurred with Manny. Someone with a good style matchup for him that he already fought once in his absolute prime. We’ll see if recent fights have shown decline, or just crappy opponents (Clottey, Margarito, Mosley) and his kryptonite matchup (Marquez). I’m in.
AndrewDM - January 21, 2012
why cant cotto just shun pac and go for floyd or canelo…f the loyalty with arum..they defended maragarito over you..
Vicmatic1 - January 21, 2012
Because this fight will pay him better.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
I agree with you, but Scott’s right, they showed him the money haha
Apprentice - January 21, 2012
Because he makes more
Floyd is arguably the hardest person to get money from and his competition is partly the result of what he demands and who is willing to take the smallest share.
Cotto will make a huge payday here. Pac always does. So the two will be happy.
BTW, there were rumors that Cotto was a least speaking to Golden Boy.
Guess their offers weren’t as attractive.
pakinpower - January 21, 2012
I dont believe that Pacquaio is showing any signs of slippage or decline at all
He dominated Cotto. He dominated a guy who didnt wanna fight in Clottey. He dominated a much bigger Maragrito. I mean really dominated Maragarito, 10x worse than what Cotto did. He didnt look spectacular against Mosley, because Mosley bitched out, and ran the entire fight, like dog with its tail between his legs.
Its very hard to look good against somebody who is in survival mode from round one, well round three. And people talking bout: " Well, he should’ve cut off the ring better". “He doesn’t know how to cut off the ring”. “Mosley exposed Pacquaio” Which is one of the more stupider things that I have EVER heard in all of boxing. I couldn’t believe that I actually heard people on this site feeding into that bullshit that Naseem Richardson was trying to sell after the fight. Talking about: “I just laid the blueprint on how to beat Pacquaio”. LOL!!! What a joke. You just showed the blueprint on how to lose every round of a fight, get booed, get the crowd screaming to your opponent,:“KNOCK HIM OUT”, and the blueprint of how to never have another PPV fight again, ever in life. I couldn’t believe that that idiot tried to give himself some kind of moral victory or pat on the back after that display. But anyway, next was Marquez, who in some people’s eyes beat Pacquaio before. Pacquaio had a split decision and a draw previously. So why the big shock when the third fight ends the same way.
Pacquaio has not slipped and he will dominate Cotto again. And I do see Cotto running again in this fight and trying to play counterpuncher, which he is not. Pacquaio by TKO
Zfan - January 21, 2012
Sorry your post lost a little credibility when you called Naazim Richardson an idiot.
36_chambers_ofdeatH - January 21, 2012
I don’t mean idiot as a whole, if that makes sense. I like what he did with Hopkins. The Trinidad gameplan was a masterpiece. Bernard won every round and dominated Trinidad, and stopped him. Now THAT was great. But when he says that the gameplan he gave Shane Mosley exposed how you beat Pacquaio, and that was the blueprint, thats just garbage. Mosely lost every round, got knocked down, and ran for the vast majority of the fight, and got booed. So what the hell is he talking about. I felt like he was trying to give himself a pat on the back for Mosley surviving the fight. And yes, he was an idiot for that.
Zfan - January 21, 2012
I’d rebut, but I’ll just offer these. Not because I’m trying to be short or anything, just I already said it before and I type enough words. :)
What I said about this in November
What Lee Payton said about this in November
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
The reason I’m convinced Pacquiao is slipping – and fast – is his performance against Marquez, above all. I’ve never seen Manny fight so tentatively, look so leaden-footed, struggle to explode with a left hand or have such difficulty in getting into his punching range. Marquez was able to keep a safe distance between Manny with consummate ease. Dress things up how you like, talk about his demolition jobs two years ago, but Marquez was forced to do far more in the first two fights to counteract Manny than he was in the third; this time round, he fought his fight and Pacquiao suffered. In the first two fights, Pacquiao did his thing and Marquez did his, but Juan Manuel was constantly forced to react to what Manny did.. Here, Manny just followed Marquez around the ring with little end product, getting tagged whenever he looked to get into range. The difference is stark between this Manny and the guy who fought Cotto.
Oli Goldstein - January 21, 2012
Exactly my opinion! I put a fan post about it and a lot of people disagreed. I heard a lot of “styles make fights”, but if you go back and watch Pacquiao-Marquez II, Manny was much more explosive. He very clearly has lost a step.
Sammlung - January 21, 2012
I can't tell if he's slipping just yet
But I can say that he does not work as a elite fighter full time the way he did three years ago. And at this level, every little bit of extra effort can make a significant difference, especially against elite competition.
The Marquez fight as a dance. Both men IMO were tentative and that is why I don’t care to see a fourth fight. The first two fights they hit and got hit. This one was achess match; an exciting one but so much less offensive that I can only imagine a fourth havng even less.
Styles make fights and these two match up so well they all but negate each other.
pakinpower - January 21, 2012
They better stack the undercard.
BoxingOutlivesFads - January 21, 2012
I hope this card gets less than 500K buys
I know it is gonna be impossible for that, but I hope boxing fans and fans of both these fighters take somewhat of a stand against these two so they realize they can only get the really big money when they face each other. This is ridiculous. He’s not even fighting a new opponent.
HaterSlayer - January 21, 2012
I like Cotto, he’s a great fighter. I don’t even mind this match-up, to be honest. I still think Bradley’s one win away and I have no interest in a 4th Marquez fight. But the problem is, you couldn’t make a more perfect match-up than Pacquiao-Mayweather and it doesn’t get much better than Cotto-Canelo either. You have two great potential fights sizzling with subplots and instead we get the opposite. It’s just typical boxing stupidity. The other thing is, what weight is this fight? If Top Rank and Uncle Bob gave Margs a 150 catch and won’t do the same for Miguel, it’s a total dick move for one and really diminishes the small chance of this fight being competitive. I always thought the 145 hurt Cotto in the first fight and I’m pretty sure 147 will do the same to him here.
JFoley - January 21, 2012
What weight is this going to be at?
Better be 154 with no catchweight
Frank Lee - January 21, 2012 via mobile
Well it won’t be, so what’s your next requirement?
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
If Cotto asked Margarito for 150 (which is was probably just a mind-game move, I doubt even he wanted it that low), then obviously he should have no problem with that. Anything lower though I think ya run the risk of some drainage issues. How much do you think Cotto usually weighs in the ring? 160-165?
JFoley - January 21, 2012
Somewhere in there. But last anyone said, it would be at 147. I have no idea if that would really bother him but then I don’t think the 145 was a problem the first time either.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
This is lame… enough with the circle jerk posturing…
Why does boxing keep shooting itself in the foot….
We don’t need this fight…. we need the best fighting the best…
Zocalo - January 21, 2012
Of course we’d all rather see him fight Mayweather, but Cotto is probably the next best fighter in that weight range (though you could make an argument for Tim Bradley or Canelo, I suppose). It’s not like he tried to fight Robert Guerrero, LOL.
AndrewDM - January 21, 2012
Cotto is better than Canelo, Chavez, Bradley, Peterson, Maidana
And most other potential candidates to fight Manny or Floyd.
He has earned the right to demand big fights. Now he is getting them
pakinpower - January 21, 2012
Yo pakin, but Cotto can’t box, and Pacquiao has problems with boxers. Bradley and Peterson would give Pacquiao stylistic problems…
cylee1180 - January 21, 2012
I'd prefer Bradley myself
And would love to see him fight Peterson, Khan et al
I get Cotto because Cotto is a proven attraction. But I would like to see fresh, fresh and fresher
pakinpower - January 21, 2012
Cotto didn’t used to could box, but last time out he did, and he looked good—the new trainer, I think.
BoxAnne - January 22, 2012
UGH!!!!!!!!
I’m actually kinda hoping Cotto wins this time around,Pointless fight,absolutely Pointless
Curtis2012 - January 21, 2012
This is lame, but fuck it.
Why did any of us expect better? The whole Mayweather-Pacquiao saga has just embodied the sad condition of the modern world: material gain trumping archaic notions of valour and honour. Once upon a time, Mayweather and Manny might have cared about their legacies, but these days, it’s all about lining the pockets.
Oli Goldstein - January 21, 2012
Cotto is no worse than the 2nd or 3rd best junior middleweight in the world, and were he to drop back to welter, he could arguably be considered top 5 in that division. Even now, you could make a case for him being in the bottom of the top 20-25 p4p. Manny isn’t picking a bum or nobody. He’s picking an accomplished, world class, elite fighter. So… I can’t call this a bad fight. The first one between them was a good fight, and with Manny seemingly losing a step or two, it may even be a little better the second time around. It’s not the big fight everyone wanted, but it might be the 2nd best fight for Manny. And who knows, maybe the big fight could still happen in the fall. Measured objectively, this is still two excellent fighters getting it on. Even without Floyd, I’m not upset by this.
Musashi - January 21, 2012 via mobile
Every boxing fan should be at least a little upset every time Manny and Floyd do not fight each other.
Sammlung - January 21, 2012
People forget that the first half of the fight was pure war
Very exciting stuff. Then Cotto got on his bike and just tried to land a counter bomb.
I really don’t have a problem with this one as I think Cotto can improve on his performance a bit.
He also gives Manny a great opportunity to look devastating again.
But two things kept Cotto from winning last time, and they will not change:
1. He’s very open up the middle and always has been.
2. He doesn’t have a real right hand. You need straight rights to get to Pac.
Still, it should be exciting and a bit more competitive than last time.
Lee Payton - January 21, 2012
Makes the puzzle of only wanting a fight in june fall into place
I believe the puerto rican parade us June 10th this year
J Theory - January 21, 2012 via mobile
I really don’t like the fight, personally. I feel like Cotto had his chance. Rematches should be reserved for very good fights that come down to the end, or controversial endings. This was neither. Cotto got his ass handed to him that night by a guy who wanted it more. I wouldn’t mind seeing Pac or May vs some of the new up and coming fighters, not just popular names.
Zfan - January 21, 2012
Rematches are a funny thing. Processed as a matter of two boxing entities with fanbases, and the cash that involves, this is a reasonable bit of matchmaking, and some are even arguing that the awesomeness of the first 5-6 rounds of the fight validate this as a rematch.
And yet, it’s hard to feel that in my heart, and possibly even the hearts of those making strictly value-based arguments. Why? It’s a rematch. Rematches only need to exist when questions are unanswered from the original match, and even Cotto’s best part of the fight included him touching the canvas twice; the second half, frankly, was murder on a bicycle.
Rematches need to have a reason for being. Remember when Gus Van Sant did a shot-by-shot rematch of Hitchcock’s ‘Psycho?’ I saw that damn thing. Pretty excellent cast, often a good-looking movie (how could it not look good?)…all it lacked, and all that mattered, is that there was no fucking reason for it to exist.
I feel almost the exact same thing about this fight, and volunteer this tagline: “Pacquiao-Cotto II: Um, Why Not?”
El Destruyo - January 21, 2012
Is a rematch a remake or a sequel, though? Psycho had a sequel — granted your argument would basically remain the same (Psycho II was, like, kind of OK, but lost the tone of the original without Hitchcock’s genius).
As for Psycho III, Perkins made a mess of the whole thing (albeit entertainingly), and Psycho IV: The Beginning was pretty decent for a cable movie that tried to take the franchise back to its roots, sort of, 30 years later.
Scott Christ - January 21, 2012
If there is any difference in this fight, its on Pacman’s end. Cotto didn’t look any different to me in the second Margarito fight. Even while riding his bike, he received a lot of punishment. This should be the fight to retire him from the sport I think.
Craig111 - January 21, 2012
I may have already replied to this before in another thread but Cotto did a few things very differently in the second Margarito fight. 1) He held. He NEVER holds. At least, not as a strategy. Maybe accidently as in he’s buzzed (and I don’t even think he held like that either before this fight). 2) He almost never touched the ropes. 3) He recuperated between rounds a lot better than in previous fights. 4) He pushed. Cotto only pushed before when he was annoyed and someone else was holding him. This time he held and pushed purposefully.
Furthermore, Cotto’s balance improved under Steward’s tutelage.
None of this may mean anything against Pacquiao, but what it does mean is that 1) Cotto has a real trainer now, 2) He’s been able to adapt.
Apprentice - January 21, 2012
I know this probably doesn’t mean squat, but Cotto and his legal adviser have come out saying that these rumours are not true. Of course, the “tell” here is that Cotto’s legal adviser says that right now “Top Rank is committed to making Pac/Mayweather” so it probably means that he’s just trying to help TR save face until it is official that the May/Pac fight isn’t happening.
Source: http://www.elnuevodia.com/nohayacuerdoentrecottoypacquiao-1171323.html (In Spanish)
Apprentice - January 21, 2012
Another bit of news is that apparently Cotto and Pac can’t agree on a weight. Pac doesn’t want to fight above 147 and Cotto doesn’t want to come down so much.
http://www.primerahora.com/cottollegaaunacuerdopreliminarparaenfrentarapacquiao-604855.html
Apprentice - January 21, 2012
And he shouldn’t. If there is any truth to this fight being made and if he is genuinely motivated by anything other than making money then i don’t think he should go down to 147. And call me crazy but maybe he should scream “Take the Test”. Sorry I had to get that one out.
RRod806 - January 21, 2012 via iPhone app
Maybe they should check Manny’s wraps while they are at it.
Cotto looked awful after his last beating
pakinpower - January 21, 2012
I love that both these newspapers are owned by the same people
Yet call each other out for misinforming people on a regular basis
IRodC - January 21, 2012
Hehe, yes, that happens. But here it’s mostly a case of headlines because the article in Primera Hora screams that it’s a done deal YET, they run the same info as El Nuevo Dia (meaning, Cotto’s denial).
Apprentice - January 21, 2012
So is Peterson vs. Marquez on the table? Honestly, I think Peterson would crush him basically on size, youth, and the point they are in their careers.
cylee1180 - January 21, 2012
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