Best Boxer on the Planet Manny Pacquiao

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Pacquiao backs speed to conquer Cotto

 

(CNN) -- Manny Pacquiao believes his lightening hand speed will help him triumph over Miguel Cotto's raw power as he bids to take his World Boxing Organization welterweight title in Las Vegas on Saturday.

 

The 30-year-old Filipino former flyweight world title-holder is hoping to become a five-weight world champion when he takes on Puerto Rican champion Cotto at the MGM Grand Hotel.

 

Pacquiao's major titles have come in a weights ranging from 112 to 140 pounds but despite moving up to different classes he is confident he has kept his speed which will give them the advantage against Cotto.

 

"My speed is still there. If you have speed then you generate your own power. We know that he is bigger than me and stronger than me but we studied his style for the past two months and we have our strategy," he said.

 

"I feel stronger at this weight than I ever have. My punches are harder, my speed is intact. I keep getting warned about Cotto's body attack but Cotto should be worried about my body attack.

 

"Cotto is the champion for this fight and he is not as easy as what people think. I don't take this fight lightly. He trained hard for this fight that is why we have to focus.

Speed, power and being smart will lead to success. It's going to be a great fight between two great fighters.

--Manny Pacquiao

 

"I am prepared for anything he has to offer. I have studied all his tapes, and I feel like I know him like I know myself.

 

"Speed, power and being smart will lead to success. It's going to be a great fight between two great fighters."

 

Despite moving up to welterweight Pacquiao confirmed at the pre-fight press conference that he will not move any further up the weight divisions.

 

He added: "No, no, no that is enough. It is amazing to even myself and I can't believe I can fight at 147 pounds.

 

"I started at 105 pounds but right now my speed is still the same. My goal in my boxing career is to always keep the speed even if I move up to high weight division because if you have speed you can create your power."

 

Pacquiao, rated by many as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, presents one of the toughest challenges of Cotto's career, but the 29-year-old is confident he can defend his title.

 

Cotto said: "I'm prepared for the speed of Manny. My hand speed is pretty equal to Manny's. But can Manny's power equal Miguel Cotto's on Saturday night?

 

"I know what I'm capable of doing, and there is no doubt in my mind that I'm going to win this fight."

 

Cotto also refuted suggestions he was being underestimated by the Pacquiao camp, which has been touting the possibility of mouth-watering bout with American great Floyd Mayweather Jr next year.

 

He added: "I'm focused on this fight. When I beat him this Saturday, he can think about whatever opponents he wants."

 

 

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Pacquiao has been included by Time Magazine as one of the world's most influential people for the year 2009, for his exploits in boxing and his influence among the Filipino people.Pacquiao was also included by Forbes Magazine in its annual Celebrity 100 list for the year 2009, joining Hollywood actress Angelina Jolie and fellow athletes Tiger Woods and Bryant. Forbes also listed Pacquiao as world's 6th highest-paid athlete, with a total of $40 million from second half of 2008 to first half of 2009. The athletes who ranked ahead of Pacquiao were Woods at number 1 spot ($110 million); Bryant, basketball legend Michael Jordan, and Formula One star Kimi R