Replay airs TONIGHT–Snapshots from Pacquiao-Cotto fight!
No spoiler alert needed as most everyone in the boxing universe knows by now that last Saturday night the world’s pound-for-pound king, Manny Pacquiao, scored a 12th-round TKO against the proud and courageous Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto. After the original HBO PPV broadcast, the fight replay will air tonight at 10 p.m. (Eastern/Pacific) on HBO’s cable channels.
Pac Man earned his seventh title in seven weight classes; now the push from fans to pundits to promoters is for a matchup with Floyd Mayweather Jr. While former welterweight titlist Cotto couldn’t quite weather the storm of the Filipino lightning rod, many think a Mayweather contest will be one for the ages. Talks between the two camps have reportedly already begun, probably as early as last weekend! The 30-year-old’s performance in the Cotto bout surely sets himself up for a Mayweather mega match–how could it NOT happen?
But before all the talk began about Floyd “Money” Mayweather, while revisiting last weekend’s fight in Las Vegas there was still hope and optimism from Team Cotto. Miguel was a warrior in his last battle against Joshua Clottey, after overcoming his controversial bout versus Antonio Margarito (who may or may not have had loaded hand wraps back then). Cotto’s camp says Tony used illegal knuckle pads, while Margarito’s team denies any wrongdoing. So for the beloved Puerto Rican slugger, last weekend’s fight was truly a pinnacle moment in his career.
And during our Vegas adventures a week ago, we were swept up in the pure excitement that only the big fights bring out. Being part of this boxing mass of humanity is one of the best parts of the trip. Here are some fun snapshots from our trek to Sin City as I recall memories from the weekend.
A highlight during these marquee matchups is that you get to meet people from all over the world, who all love the sweet science as much as you do. In this crazy carnival atmosphere, it’s a chance for the most loyal and boisterous fans to be seen and heard. We saw banners, masks, wigs, face makeup, outfits and more that showcased the hardcore fans’ allegiance for their favorite fighter.
During the weigh-in last Friday afternoon, there was plenty of “Pinoy” power encircling the stage, but the “Boricua” power was not to be denied! It 
was neck in neck as the crowd cheered for their boxer of choice. The thousands in attendance came out strong, and came out early. The Grand Garden Arena’s doors were locked just 45 minutes after they opened. No more empty seats to accommodate the fans. It was so crazy there that even a Manny lookalike was mobbed as he made his way around the arena.
We met many international fans like Gary and Lisa, who came all the way from Dublin. The young couple were rooting for Cotto. The explained that in Ireland they stay up ’til 2 a.m. or later to catch the U.S. fights live. On their international channels, they are rewarded for watching twilight broadcasts as the normal PPV fee is waived. They had watched Miguel’s fights many times on the telly and became big fans of his, with tons of their Aussie mates “going mental for ” Cotto…loosely translated this means that they are big supporters of Cotto. And this time they wanted to be here in person.
As we watched yellow Pacman characters march by all touting Pacquiao as “The Mexicutioner,” the the Irish pair still had plenty of hope for a Cotto victory. And before the carnage that was to come, thousands of other voices remained strong in their optimism as well.
I met Eli Colón, who was with a group of enthusiastic pals all cheering for their comrade, who they stated with pride is “100% straightforward Puerto Rican.” Colón explains their island pride heritage and teaches me their chant, “¡Yo soy Boricua Pa’que Tu Lo Sepas!” which means “I’m Puerto Rican, just so you know!”
Another fight aficionado closer to home was Ben Saiz from the San Fernando Valley area of L.A. He mentioned that he’s loved boxing from “way back in the old days.” He quickly rattled off names from the past who he had seen fight live back in the day while growing up in Southern California. Saiz also reminisced about boxing on free TV; he always watched the Gillette “Cavalcade of Stars” program to see his boyhood heroes. He said his love of boxing has been passed down to the next generation, as his two sons were also planning to watch the fight with him.
Exiting the weigh-in, we saw Joe Santiago, Miguel’s trainer greeting well-wishers and his foe’s trainer Freddie Roach, who was approached by tons of people as he managed his way through the hallway. We also got a glimpse of undercard attraction, Julio Cesar Chavez Jr., who was surrounded by clamoring fans. And we were happy to run into Genaro “Chicanito” Hernandez, who was in town to provide commentary for the fight. Genaro continues to win his war against cancer, and he looked even stronger than the last time I saw him.
At fight headquarters, the big match saturated everything; everywhere you looked was a reminder of the fight to come. Our friends staying at the hotel showed us their room key–and sure enough, the Pacquio-Cotto fight poster was even printed on their MGM key card! That key probably became an instant eBay sensation. Outside of the hotel and casino, the buzz continued to trickle out. Street corners had “creative” vendors hawking their wares to tourists as they waited to cross the boulevards. We also saw the “Firepower” mobile, a painted bus showcasing a mural of the two combatants wheeling by.
The next night, both Cotto and Pacquiao fans seemed split down the middle as shouts from all areas of the arena could be heard. And for two rounds, it was a competitive and exciting fight with it’s back-and-forth action. But after the knockdowns in rounds three and four, the thousands of Cotto fans felt like they had the wind knocked out of them as their roars became subdued. It really became “The Man Show” as the tiny tornado, Manny Pacquiao, went on a devastating whirlwind of activity with his power and speed. Speed and power that just cannot be denied; he pulled that trigger time and time again.
We were all given a small clue when his walkout song was “Eye of the Tiger.” Talk about Pinoy power, the southpaw was like a battering ram! To borrow from another slugger, L.A. Dodger Manny Ramirez, Pac Man became “Man Ram” during the fight. Just “Manny being Manny” I suppose. The Filipino plays a superhero in his upcoming film “Wapakman” and on this night, he was unstoppable with his superhero powers.
Sadly for all the Cotto fans, as the rounds continued Miguel began to take on a survival mode stance in this now one-sided fight. No one will ever accuse the true welterweight of the fight of not having heart, courage and will to survive. Cotto showed his heart and bravery and will still be loved by fans worldwide, and I am hoping he will get a victory in his return to the ring.
But unfortunately, in the worst-case scenario for the Team Cotto, the Puerto Rican puncher got picked apart by Pacquiao (try saying that tongue twister a few times!).
After 12 brutal rounds, Cotto’s defeat was officially in the books. And as soon as the ink was dry, “We want Mayweather” was the chant echoing around the MGM Grand. Some also joked that the only one who could possibly beat Pacquiao would be a Klitschko! But as the throngs of people slowly made their way out of the venue, most of the buzz was about a Mayweather-Pacquiao fight. It has been reported that the “Firepower” card sold over 1.25 million PPV buys, so one can only imagine that numbers that a Pacquiao-Mayweather dream match would make.
Post-fight, we saw our pal Harold Lederman, who was heading out of the building. HBO’s “unofficial” judge was peppered with questions from fans as he was quickly noticed by the crowd. “Harold, what did you think of the fight?”…”What rounds did you give Cotto?”…”Harold, who would you pick: Mayweather or Pacquiao?” The good-natured and always-friendly Lederman took the barrage of questions in stride as fans requested a photo with the popular veteran judge as well, as various packs of fans began yelling, “Manny, Manny, Manny” as they celebrated his win.
And last Saturday night, it was all things Manny. His fans come out in force, toting their homemade signs and parading around in the colors of their homeland flag. “It’s practically treason if you’re not a Pacquiao fan!” one group from the Philippines told me.
For Emmanuel Dapidran Pacquiao (just Manny to the rest of the world) the real question is what can he NOT do?
To his countrymen, the barely 5′ 7″ dynamo can do it all:
Undisputable World Champion: Done
Singing Superstar: Done
Family Man with Four Kids: Done
Charitable Humanitarian: Done
THE Fighting Pride of the Philippines: Done
Future Politician: In the works!
Walks on Water: Maybe next week?
No doubt, Pacquiao transcends a nation. He brings belief and hope to a country that has suffered much. And somewhere in the sea of Filipino flags waved wildly last Saturday night is a little boy or a little girl, perhaps a future champ who sees their hero, Manny Pacquiao, achieve super stardom power never before seen from the humble Philippine islands. With a new WBO Welterweight belt and the inaugural WBC Diamond Belt around his waist, their icon proved he’s worth his weight in gold (or diamonds!).
Well, tonight you can review Manny’s stunning performance against, the (at the time) once-beaten Caguas hero Miguel Cotto. The Puerto Rican boxer, who had victories over the likes of Shane Mosley, Carlos Quintana, Zab Judah, Paulie Malignaggi, Randall Bailey and many others was no slouch coming into the fight. Even though the official odds listed him as a 3-1 underdog, many in boxing circles felt the talented Cotto had a great chance to score an upset–until “Man Ram” took over.
Tonight’s replay competes with UFC 106 and the Showtime Super Six Classic. While boxing may be vying with MMA for alpha dog status, at the MGM Grand in Vegas–the Entertainment Capital of the World–all eyes were on the squared circle.
Last weekend the pure pugilistic sport was the number one pound-for-pound king, just like the victor Manny Pacquiao.
Photos by Michele Chong and Steve Harpst