Miguel Cotto talks about declining Pacquiao fight – Boxing News
Puerto Rican fighter Miguel Cotto rejected Top Rank’s offer to fight Manny Pacquiao, former WBO welterweight titlist, in a rematch. While most fans believe Cotto was afraid of Pacquiao, the Puerto Rican defends his decision saying he was not offered a good
amount by Top Rank.
“The only offer Top Rank ever made us was the same money as in 2009,” said Cotto in an interview with ESPN.com. “[Arum] made the same offer he made in 2009, and we found it kind of funny. That was the reason we decided not to face Pacquiao. That, and they
also wanted me to go down to 150 pounds and give him the same advantage that they gave Pacquiao in 2009, a catchweight.”
According to Bob Arum, he offered Cotto $13 million but Cotto says he never got that offer. According to Cotto, Arum offered him the same amount that he did back in 2009, which he found offensive. Cotto believes boxing is a business but everyone has to play
fair. He finally asserted if Arum made the offer, he should confess it on his face.
“Miguel Cotto always agrees to fight the best. I've never said no to anybody, but you need to treat me fairly in business,” Cotto added. “If he wants a big name and wants to fight the best, no catchweight.”
“Making catchweights is easy for them. They make the other guy have trouble making weight and they take advantage of that,” Cotto added.
For now, Cotto is scheduled to fight Trout on December 1 at the Madison Square Garden. Cotto is one of the most famous fighters in the USA, and Madison Square Garden is his home. He holds a huge fan base, making his fights one of the most successful ones
at MSG.
A fight against Pacquiao was dangerous for Cotto, since he had already lost to the Filipino back in 2009. Cotto is coming off a loss to welterweight titlist Floyd Mayweather. The Puerto Rican lost to the American unbeaten fighter on May 5, this year. Now,
he needs a win and definitely int his scenario Pacquiao was not the right choice to make.
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