The trainer of Miguel Cotto says the Puerto Rican can shock Manny Pacquiao and become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
Underdog should not be underestimated in Vegas
The trainer of WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto says the Puerto Rican can shock Manny Pacquiao to become the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.
The underdog will take on six-weight champion Pacquiao at the MGM Grand on November 14, with the critics giving Cotto little chance of a victory.
Despite the long odds against him, the 27-year-old will be fighting for his place in boxing history.
"When that night comes and he wins, everyone will know that Puerto Rico does have the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world," said trainer Joe Santiago.
"A lot of people are picking Pacquiao to beat him and he is motivated by that. Miguel has a little extra because the people don't think he can win this fight.
Fire
"We know he can and he knows he can but he will have to show everyone what he is capable of doing against this type of opponent. He will come out with a little more fire."
The pair meet at the catchweight of 145lbs and Santiago believes Cotto is bigger, stronger and more determined than his opponent.
"Cotto is the first true welterweight that (Pacquiao) will have fought in his career. He is young and still in his prime so that is what Pacquiao is facing," Santiago said.
The Puerto Rican is 34-1 with 27 knockouts, and has picked up victories over a number of top fighters including Shane Mosley, Zab Judah and Joshua Clottey.
Cotto's only loss came last year to Mexico's Antonio Margarito, but his camp aren't expecting a second defeat, claiming Pacquiao's speed won't be a problem for the Caguas-born fighter.
Speed
"I think that Miguel has shown everybody that he can deal with speed. I think with the type of rhythm that Manny brings to the fight that people don't think Miguel can stay with that speed," said Santiago.
"I not only think he can stay with the rhythm but I think he will enjoy fighting that kind of fight. It will be an interesting fight and Miguel will come out victorious by just doing what he always does, coming forward, throwing punches and being strong."
In Cotto's last fight, a split decision victory over Clottey in June, he suffered a cut over his left eye from a head butt in the third round which had to be fixed by a plastic surgeon.
"It came out very nice, I have not seen anything wrong with his cut. I don't think it will be an issue in the fight," Santiago said.
