Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA - Filipino boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao vowed to “give his best” against a bigger and stronger Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico in their much-awaited fight at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas in November.

It was another historic moment for Pacquiao when he walked into the first news conference ever to be held on the field of the new Yankees Stadium at The Bronx in New York City on Thursday (Friday in Manila).

“This fight is going to be a great, great fight. I’m excited and I’m happy to give you a good fight on November 14,” said the current pound-for-pound king.

Pacquiao, who was given a New York Yankees jersey which he wore at the event, came face-to-face with Cotto at the launch of their coast-to-coast media tour of their WBO welterweight title showdown in Las Vegas.

The General Santos native, who plans to run for Congress next year, said he recognizes Cotto’s strengths. He, however, assured his Filipino fans that he'll work hard and make use of what he has to put up a good fight.

“I know that Miguel Cotto is bigger than me and stronger, but I will do my best to give you a good fight,” he told the jubilant crowd.

Pacquiao also expressed thanks for the support, prayers, and confidence that Filipinos are extending to him.

He promises to continue to do what he can to bring pride to the Philippines.

“Gagawain ko lahat para sa karangalan ng ating bansa,” he said.

‘I’m no Oscar, no Ricky’

Cotto, for his part, acknowledged Pacquiao’s sensational wins over Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton.

But he promised the crowd that it will be a different story once Pacquiao faces him.

“I'm not Oscar de la Hoya, I'm not Ricky Hatton…I'm Miguel Cotto. Everybody knows what Miguel Cotto is capable to do over the ring,” he said.

The Puerto Rican said he is working hard to make sure he will retain his WBO title.

“He (Pacquiao) is a good boxer. I’m going to do enough preparations to beat him...I’m just going to put myself in victory’s way for this one,” said Cotto.

Training starts in Baguio

Pacquiao will kick off his training in Baguio City. He will then proceed to California, where he likes to train, before heading to Las Vegas for the big night.

“We’re going to the Philippines, start training for this fight, just do like we always do…give a 100 percent,” said Pacquiao’s trainer Freddie Roach.

Regarding talks about the alleged “communication problem” between the coach and his Filipino boxer, Roach said: “Me and Manny Pacquiao are really good friends…There’ll be no distractions in the Philippines. Once I get there, I’ll shut down the camp. If there are [distractions], I’ll throw them out, it’s not that hard.”

Roach earlier complained about Pacquiao’s hectic schedule outside of boxing as the fight date nears.

Pacquiao merely shrugged off the issue, saying that there was nothing wrong between him and Roach.

“Working with Freddie is very good because we’re a team,” he said.

• ABS-CBN