MANILA, Philippines - Miguel Cotto is optimistic about Manny Pacquiao’s chances against Floyd Mayweather Jr. in their megabuck match on May 2 in Las Vegas.
Speaking recently to Sports Nation, the Puerto Rican boxing star cited Pacquiao’s speed and relentlessness as key assets as the Filipino icon tries to deal Mayweather his first loss.
“I think his (Pacquiao’s) explosiveness and his quickness is going to be big issues for Floyd on May 2,” said Cotto, currently the WBC middleweight champion.
Cotto has fought both Pacquiao and Mayweather, putting him in a credible position to give his thoughts on how the two superstars will fare against each other. Pacquiao stopped Cotto in 2009, while Mayweather outpointed him three years later.
But Cotto had his moments against Pacquiao and Mayweather, especially against the latter when they battled for the WBA super welterweight title in 2012.
He thinks Mayweather will try to box Pacquiao throughout their fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
“Floyd is a smart boxer. I think he is going to put Pacquiao at his distance and (try to) contain Pacquiao,” Cotto said.
Nevertheless, Cotto insists Pacquiao has a shot at beating Mayweather in their showdown, which is deemed to be the richest ever in boxing.
“I think being with Freddie Roach for my last two fights, I think Freddie is going to have Manny ready for Floyd. I think Manny has a big chance (to win),” he said.