While promoter Bob Arum forges ahead in trying to finalise a Manny Pacquiao-Miguel Cotto boxing super-fight for November 14 in Las Vegas, the question remains as to whether it is the best match out there for Pac-Man? Sugar Shane Mosley believes he should be the one getting the next shot at boxing’s pound for pound No.1 fighter. SecondsOut’s team of writers have been polled as to their opinion on who Manny Pacquiao should fight next?
“I’d like to see Pacquiao fight Shane Mosley next. Shane has the ability to execute the proper in-fight adjustments (something De La Hoya couldn’t do) to make for a competitive fight. Mosley .”
- Gregory Juckett, Content Editor - New York, USA
“While Manny Pacquiao facing Miguel Cotto is worthy of super-fight status, I think Sugar Shane Mosley would be the bigger test for Pac-Man. Bob Arum promotes both and maybe he wants Cotto to face Pacquiao before he loses to someone else? Obviously, Pacquiao-Cotto is a better deal for Arum, as there is no other promoter to deal with. I just think that Mosley beats Cotto and would give Pacquiao a better fight. Mosley.”
- Paul Upham, Content Editor - Sydney, Australia
“If I had to choose an opponent to face Pac-Man, it would be Juan Manuel Marquez. We already know that a third match-up between that pair is not going to happen this year so I’d like to see Pacquiao and Mosley face-off instead. Pacquiao has been dominant recently and seems to be getting even better but Shane has the speed, size and ability to cause the lbs for lbs champion fits. Couple that with the fact that both guys aren’t likely to shy away from a good tear-up and you have the makings of a terrific super-fight. Marquez.”
- Michael Norby, Contributing Editor - New England, USA
“Triangles, in boxing there are many triangles. Here we have Cotto beats Mosley, Mosley beats Margarito, Margarito beats (?) Cotto. Perfect triangle, but there are two more sides floating around out there at 147 pounds, Mayweather and Pacquiao. Pac-Man vs. anyone at around 140 to147lbs is interesting. Mayweather won’t be available in November but the others will. Right now Cotto is a touch hotter because his loss to Margarito is suspect and he beat Mosley. So Cotto should fight Pacquiao next with Mosley next in line. Only thing wrong here is that Cotto may or may not have really beaten Clottey last time out but fact is he was the winner, so he should be next. Cotto.”
- Jerry Glick - New York City, USA
“Manny should be facing neither Cotto or Mosley. He should be facing Pretty BoyMayweather Jr .”
- James Smith aka. Smitty, Host, In This Corner TV - USA
“It’s impossible to fault the former flyweight for targeting Cotto - maybe the best welter in the world post - Wrapgate - but I can’t help feeling Pacquiao and crew seem to be ignoring the obvious rubber match with arch rival Juan Manuel Marquez. With a draw and split decision between them, JMM kept his worth and profile high in the wake of his debatable loss, moving up another division and becoming the lightweight king by beating two of the top three boxers at 135lbs. With Pacquiao seeming at his best at 140lbs, why not invite Marquez up for a third battle while they’re both peaking? With Cotto and Mayweather looming as likely opponents, why wait until after what will undoubtedly be gruelling matches for both? This is one of our generation’s great trilogies waiting to happen, let’s see it next! Marquez.”
- Sean Waisglass - Canada
“Last time I checked we weren’t living in a perfect world, so I wholeheartedly believe neither Miguel Cotto nor Shane Mosley will be fighting Manny Pacquiao on November 14. Why? Because Floyd Mayweather Jr. came back for one reason: Manny Pacquiao. A Pac-PBF showdown will not be compromised by either Cotto or Mosley because everyone knows they are just too dangerous to fill the time before any fight, never mind the biggest fight in boxing. What should really happen on November 14 is Cotto-Mosley II because right now the welterweight picture is uncertain at the top. Cotto has already beaten SSM, but Shane annihilated Cotto’s conqueror Antonio Margarito. Either man can be seen as number one. PBF and Pac will be fighting for a mythical title, so Cotto and Mosley must try to position themselves as the number one contender to the Pac-PBF victor. Mayweather Jr.”
- Derek Bonnett - Connecticut, USA
“The only person I want to see Manny Pacquiao lock horns with is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. There is a rampant debate as to which of the two are the world’s best pound-for-pound. I believe Money May is but Pac-Man has a strong argument. As much as I’d love to see Pacquiao fight Cotto or Mosley, the fight I really want to see is the perfect boxer versus brawler in Mayweather against Pacquiao, which Mayweather would win via decision. Mayweather Jr.”
- Mike Sloan - Las Vegas, USAMosley’s domination of Antonio Margarito made him the man at the 147lbs division. The winner of Mosley-Pacquiao, against Floyd Mayweather Jr (should Mayweather be successful against JM Marquez), would set up a historic bout for the welterweight and pound for pound championships. Cotto is not going anywhere, and could use a rest after two brutal bouts within a calendar year. And when Floyd finds an excuse, Cotto will be in a much better place to step in to face the winner. Mosley.”
- Jason Pribila - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
“I think a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto is an excellent match-up and should it be finalized, I’m looking forward to it. However, as much as I respect Manny and his trainer Freddie Roach, this catchweight nonsense has to stop. If Manny wants to take on belt holders in the welterweight division, so be it - but the weight limit is 147 pounds. Period, end of story. Cotto.”
- Matthew Hurley - Boston, USA
“I would personally love to see Shane Mosley vs. Manny Pacquiao next. Why? Well, I think Sugar Shane has all the tools in the world to give Pac-Man a tough and competitive fight. Mosley might be a bit too old, that could be his downfall, maybe, (it remains to be seen) but I really believe if someone could stop Manny it’s him. Mosley.”
- Teddy Stenmark - Sweden
“Speed against speed, power with power and what I like more about Mosley than Cotto is that Mosley isn’t that easy to hit. Mosley.”
- Lwazi Ndzobongo - South Africa
“I would like to see PAC fight Shane. I have a lot of respect for Freddy Roach but for him to ask Mosley to come down to 144lbs is ridiculous. They didn’t have an issue with De la Hoya fight at 147? Maybe because Roach was right, that Oscar couldn’t pull the trigger as he said? On the other hand Mosley can, plus he has speed as well! If you’re wanting to be called P4P then fight Mosley! Yes, Cotto beat Mosley but styles make fights and this is the one I want to see!! I’m sure the fans do too? Mosley.”
- Andy Rivera - New Mexico, USA
“I would like to see Cotto up against Pacquiao as he has more chance of making the fight exciting. He has the fresher legs and has enough energy to keep coming forward for 12 rounds. It’s not that I think Mosley isn’t worthy, I just think he won’t be able to hang in there for 12 rounds. Cotto.”
- Gary Reilly - Scotland, UK
“Although I find it difficult to take a firm stance, I lean toward Miguel Cotto as the man to challenge. In terms of recent accomplishments, Cotto demonstrated tremendous guts and guile in his close win over Joshua Clottey in June. He has been one of the most exciting and successful fighters in the sport this decade, seemingly fighting in a Fight-of-the-Year candidate every year, while establishing himself as a top ten pound-for-pound fighter. Mosley was more impressive than Cotto in his last fight, a dominant TKO win over Cotto-conqueror (and confirmed cheater) Antonio Margarito, but struggled somewhat in his fight before that, a last-second KO of Ricardo Mayorga. Also, remember that Cotto won a close but clear decision over Mosley in 2007. Business-wise, Cotto has demonstrated a far more devoted and passionate fan base than Mosley, who typically relies on his opponent to fill the seats. In terms of style, either fight figures to be tremendous, but Cotto and Pacquiao are closer in size and weight than Mosley (who has fought as high as junior middleweight) and Pacquiao, so they may be more evenly matched. Plus, the potential for drama in a Pacquiao-Cotto war is slightly higher, as Cotto has a greater penchant for suffering cuts, knockdowns, and other adrenaline boosters than the steadier Mosley. Ultimately, I am giddy at the prospect of either fight but, forced to choose, I would say that Miguel Cotto presents the more interesting matchup for Manny Pacquiao on November 14. Cotto.”
- Scott Kraus - Morristown, NJ, USA Floyd Mayweather Jr. That is the fight the boxing world is looking forward to. Floyd was the pound for pound best when he so called retired, he is still unbeaten, and Manny with his explosive wins over Oscar and Ricky has now assumed the top position in boxing. To be honest no matter how Manny might fare against either Cotto or Mosley, he really is too small to be facing them, and should not have to, not with Floyd now back in the picture. Hopefully we see this fight soon.
“I’d like to see Pacquiao fight Shane Mosley next. Shane has the ability to execute the proper in-fight adjustments (something De La Hoya couldn’t do) to make for a competitive fight. Mosley .”
- Gregory Juckett, Content Editor - New York, USA
“While Manny Pacquiao facing Miguel Cotto is worthy of super-fight status, I think Sugar Shane Mosley would be the bigger test for Pac-Man. Bob Arum promotes both and maybe he wants Cotto to face Pacquiao before he loses to someone else? Obviously, Pacquiao-Cotto is a better deal for Arum, as there is no other promoter to deal with. I just think that Mosley beats Cotto and would give Pacquiao a better fight. Mosley.”
- Paul Upham, Content Editor - Sydney, Australia
“If I had to choose an opponent to face Pac-Man, it would be Juan Manuel Marquez. We already know that a third match-up between that pair is not going to happen this year so I’d like to see Pacquiao and Mosley face-off instead. Pacquiao has been dominant recently and seems to be getting even better but Shane has the speed, size and ability to cause the lbs for lbs champion fits. Couple that with the fact that both guys aren’t likely to shy away from a good tear-up and you have the makings of a terrific super-fight. Marquez.”
- Michael Norby, Contributing Editor - New England, USA
“Triangles, in boxing there are many triangles. Here we have Cotto beats Mosley, Mosley beats Margarito, Margarito beats (?) Cotto. Perfect triangle, but there are two more sides floating around out there at 147 pounds, Mayweather and Pacquiao. Pac-Man vs. anyone at around 140 to147lbs is interesting. Mayweather won’t be available in November but the others will. Right now Cotto is a touch hotter because his loss to Margarito is suspect and he beat Mosley. So Cotto should fight Pacquiao next with Mosley next in line. Only thing wrong here is that Cotto may or may not have really beaten Clottey last time out but fact is he was the winner, so he should be next. Cotto.”
- Jerry Glick - New York City, USA
“Manny should be facing neither Cotto or Mosley. He should be facing Pretty BoyMayweather Jr .”
- James Smith aka. Smitty, Host, In This Corner TV - USA
“It’s impossible to fault the former flyweight for targeting Cotto - maybe the best welter in the world post - Wrapgate - but I can’t help feeling Pacquiao and crew seem to be ignoring the obvious rubber match with arch rival Juan Manuel Marquez. With a draw and split decision between them, JMM kept his worth and profile high in the wake of his debatable loss, moving up another division and becoming the lightweight king by beating two of the top three boxers at 135lbs. With Pacquiao seeming at his best at 140lbs, why not invite Marquez up for a third battle while they’re both peaking? With Cotto and Mayweather looming as likely opponents, why wait until after what will undoubtedly be gruelling matches for both? This is one of our generation’s great trilogies waiting to happen, let’s see it next! Marquez.”
- Sean Waisglass - Canada
“Last time I checked we weren’t living in a perfect world, so I wholeheartedly believe neither Miguel Cotto nor Shane Mosley will be fighting Manny Pacquiao on November 14. Why? Because Floyd Mayweather Jr. came back for one reason: Manny Pacquiao. A Pac-PBF showdown will not be compromised by either Cotto or Mosley because everyone knows they are just too dangerous to fill the time before any fight, never mind the biggest fight in boxing. What should really happen on November 14 is Cotto-Mosley II because right now the welterweight picture is uncertain at the top. Cotto has already beaten SSM, but Shane annihilated Cotto’s conqueror Antonio Margarito. Either man can be seen as number one. PBF and Pac will be fighting for a mythical title, so Cotto and Mosley must try to position themselves as the number one contender to the Pac-PBF victor. Mayweather Jr.”
- Derek Bonnett - Connecticut, USA
“The only person I want to see Manny Pacquiao lock horns with is Floyd Mayweather, Jr. There is a rampant debate as to which of the two are the world’s best pound-for-pound. I believe Money May is but Pac-Man has a strong argument. As much as I’d love to see Pacquiao fight Cotto or Mosley, the fight I really want to see is the perfect boxer versus brawler in Mayweather against Pacquiao, which Mayweather would win via decision. Mayweather Jr.”
- Mike Sloan - Las Vegas, USAMosley’s domination of Antonio Margarito made him the man at the 147lbs division. The winner of Mosley-Pacquiao, against Floyd Mayweather Jr (should Mayweather be successful against JM Marquez), would set up a historic bout for the welterweight and pound for pound championships. Cotto is not going anywhere, and could use a rest after two brutal bouts within a calendar year. And when Floyd finds an excuse, Cotto will be in a much better place to step in to face the winner. Mosley.”
- Jason Pribila - Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, USA
“I think a fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto is an excellent match-up and should it be finalized, I’m looking forward to it. However, as much as I respect Manny and his trainer Freddie Roach, this catchweight nonsense has to stop. If Manny wants to take on belt holders in the welterweight division, so be it - but the weight limit is 147 pounds. Period, end of story. Cotto.”
- Matthew Hurley - Boston, USA
“I would personally love to see Shane Mosley vs. Manny Pacquiao next. Why? Well, I think Sugar Shane has all the tools in the world to give Pac-Man a tough and competitive fight. Mosley might be a bit too old, that could be his downfall, maybe, (it remains to be seen) but I really believe if someone could stop Manny it’s him. Mosley.”
- Teddy Stenmark - Sweden
“Speed against speed, power with power and what I like more about Mosley than Cotto is that Mosley isn’t that easy to hit. Mosley.”
- Lwazi Ndzobongo - South Africa
“I would like to see PAC fight Shane. I have a lot of respect for Freddy Roach but for him to ask Mosley to come down to 144lbs is ridiculous. They didn’t have an issue with De la Hoya fight at 147? Maybe because Roach was right, that Oscar couldn’t pull the trigger as he said? On the other hand Mosley can, plus he has speed as well! If you’re wanting to be called P4P then fight Mosley! Yes, Cotto beat Mosley but styles make fights and this is the one I want to see!! I’m sure the fans do too? Mosley.”
- Andy Rivera - New Mexico, USA
“I would like to see Cotto up against Pacquiao as he has more chance of making the fight exciting. He has the fresher legs and has enough energy to keep coming forward for 12 rounds. It’s not that I think Mosley isn’t worthy, I just think he won’t be able to hang in there for 12 rounds. Cotto.”
- Gary Reilly - Scotland, UK
“Although I find it difficult to take a firm stance, I lean toward Miguel Cotto as the man to challenge. In terms of recent accomplishments, Cotto demonstrated tremendous guts and guile in his close win over Joshua Clottey in June. He has been one of the most exciting and successful fighters in the sport this decade, seemingly fighting in a Fight-of-the-Year candidate every year, while establishing himself as a top ten pound-for-pound fighter. Mosley was more impressive than Cotto in his last fight, a dominant TKO win over Cotto-conqueror (and confirmed cheater) Antonio Margarito, but struggled somewhat in his fight before that, a last-second KO of Ricardo Mayorga. Also, remember that Cotto won a close but clear decision over Mosley in 2007. Business-wise, Cotto has demonstrated a far more devoted and passionate fan base than Mosley, who typically relies on his opponent to fill the seats. In terms of style, either fight figures to be tremendous, but Cotto and Pacquiao are closer in size and weight than Mosley (who has fought as high as junior middleweight) and Pacquiao, so they may be more evenly matched. Plus, the potential for drama in a Pacquiao-Cotto war is slightly higher, as Cotto has a greater penchant for suffering cuts, knockdowns, and other adrenaline boosters than the steadier Mosley. Ultimately, I am giddy at the prospect of either fight but, forced to choose, I would say that Miguel Cotto presents the more interesting matchup for Manny Pacquiao on November 14. Cotto.”
- Scott Kraus - Morristown, NJ, USA Floyd Mayweather Jr. That is the fight the boxing world is looking forward to. Floyd was the pound for pound best when he so called retired, he is still unbeaten, and Manny with his explosive wins over Oscar and Ricky has now assumed the top position in boxing. To be honest no matter how Manny might fare against either Cotto or Mosley, he really is too small to be facing them, and should not have to, not with Floyd now back in the picture. Hopefully we see this fight soon.
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