What are the keys to victory for Pac and Cotto?

[dans]

In order for each man to win, what will they need to do?

This is how I see it:

Pacquiao
1. Don't get into exchanges
2. Dart in and out - Get your punches in, then get out
3. Don't box going backwards - Pac will not be able to go straight ahead on Cotto, but he can't just fight retreating, Cotto thrives off that.
4. Throw your uppercut - Pac needs to exploit one of Cotto's weaknesses, the uppercut. When in close quarters Pac needs to throw his uppercut often.
5. Test Cotto's chin early - If I'm Pacquiao I go out in the first couple rounds and try to hurt Cotto. If you realize his chin isn't that great, fight accordingly, if you realize you can't hurt him, fight for the decision.

Cotto
1. Be Cotto - If Cotto fights in the style that brought him success, he will be hard to handle. If Cotto fights going backwards (Margarito, Clottey), it will be a rough night with Pac's speed.
2. Go to the body - Pac has shown vulnerability to the body and Cotto is a world class body puncher. Go to the body early and often.
3. Box when you need to - Pacquiao is quicker, but Cotto may very well be the better 'boxer'. When Cotto needs to win a round, he needs to try and box Manny.
4. Use his size - Unlike against Margarito, Cotto will be the bigger and stronger man. He needs to use this advantage in clinches and in close quarters to tire Manny out.
5. Go for the KO, but don't bet on it - Cotto needs to remember that Pacquiao is in uncharted waters. This is his first test against a legit elite welterweight and Cotto needs to know this. Throw hard punches and go for the KO, but realize that Manny has a very good chin and the KO may not be in the cards.

I myself am having a tough time picking a winner for this fight, but I believe these are some of the keys to victory for both men. What do you think?

[dans]

No one? Am I completely right then?

[Pullcounter]

No one? Am I completely right then?

you're making it too complicated.

pac: use speed advantage

cotto: use size advantage

result: whoever is moving backward is losing.

[dans]

you're making it too complicated.

pac: use speed advantage

cotto: use size advantage

result: whoever is moving backward is losing.

Although I don't believe that it's that simple, I think your result is accurate. I believe whoever is moving backwards will lose.

But answer this for me Pullcounter. If we both believe this to be true, and the boxing public in general believes it to be true, then why does it sound like Roach is going to have Manny fight going backwards? Makes no sense to me.

[WhoreUs]

pacquiao - needs to turn cotto and not let him get set. pretty much use the same game plan he used against oscar.

cotto - get to pacquiao early. back pacquiao up. pacquiao is good at moving to the side but he's not good backing up.

[Pullcounter]

Although I don't believe that it's that simple, I think your result is accurate. I believe whoever is moving backwards will lose.

But answer this for me Pullcounter. If we both believe this to be true, and the boxing public in general believes it to be true, then why does it sound like Roach is going to have Manny fight going backwards? Makes no sense to me.

because if pac stands in front of cotto he will get smashed.

[WhoreUs]

Although I don't believe that it's that simple, I think your result is accurate. I believe whoever is moving backwards will lose.

But answer this for me Pullcounter. If we both believe this to be true, and the boxing public in general believes it to be true, then why does it sound like Roach is going to have Manny fight going backwards? Makes no sense to me.

he's not gonna move backwards.

the game plan roach had manny use against oscar is the same he'll use against cotto.

turn cotto. don't let cotto get set.

[dans]

because if pac stands in front of cotto he will get smashed.

So you're picking Cotto?

Pac can't fight going backwards because it plays to Cotto's strengths, but he can't fight in the pocket because Cotto is too big and has too much power.

Then how can Pac win?

[fightfan_79]

you're making it too complicated.

pac: use speed advantage

cotto: use size advantage

result: whoever is moving backward is losing.

My take....

Pac: Speed advantage unless Cotto nullifies (Shane/Zab) but the punches from odd angles could counter that. When caught on the inside...immediately clinch.

Cotto: Smother and Bully Pac....DO NOT GO FOR THE ONE HITTER QUITTERS! That will allow Pac to counter with razor sharp right hooks and straight lefts.

Key X-Factors-

Pac: IF...and its a HUGE IF.....Pac can take Cotto's POWER...its curtains for Cotto.

Cotto: If he can effectively cut off the ring and not allow Pac to move and box (20 ft ring favors Cotto), its game over for Pac via 12 round UD.

[dans]

he's not gonna move backwards.

the game plan roach had manny use against oscar is the same he'll use against cotto.

turn cotto. don't let cotto get set.

I don't think that's enough to beat Cotto. Cotto applies too much pressure for him to apply this strategy as effectively as he did against Oscar. Plus Cotto is a much better body puncher which should negate some of this.