Big George backs Cotto

Former two time heavyweight champion Big George Foreman has backed reigning champion Miguel Cotto to outpoint Manny Pacquiao in their WBO welterweight super-fight at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas this weekend. Foreman is one of a fistful of fighters both past and present to lend their opinions on the outcome of the biggest fight of 2009.

George Foreman, who first won the title from Joe Frazier in 1973, and regained it against Michael Moorer in 1995 said:

"I think there would have been a good opportunity for Pacquiao to win if he faced Cotto before he fought Clottey, but now Cotto is thinking defense. I think Cotto is going to pull out a decision, and now because of the terrible beating he took against Margarito, he knows he can't get into a knockdown, drag-out brawl. He's going to be smarter, and I think Cotto wins in a 12-round decision. Pacquiao has been riding high and has beaten some of the best in the world. And it leaves you kind of complacent when you're winning. And even if you don't want it to, sometimes you can't get up for a big fight. And that's a plus for Cotto."

However, another former two-time heavyweight champ, Mike Tyson favors the Pacman: "I pick Manny Pacquiao by knockout. I think he will knock him out in [Rounds] 7 or 8. Manny just has too much for Cotto."

Modern middleweight great Bernard ´´The Executioner`` Hopkins, preparing for his December fight with Enrique Ornelas also likes Pacquiao: "Pacquiao is going to chop Cotto up. Out of respect, Cotto will get some rounds, but Manny is theBruce Lee of boxing. His basketball and martial arts background give him that speed agility. You can't tell where his shots are coming from. Unlike Rocky, Bruce Lee was a real dude and so is Manny."

Welsh warrior Joe Calzaghe, who held both the super-middleweight and light-heavyweight crowns simultaneously, is another Pacquiao supporter: "I think Manny Pacquiao is going to be too quick for Cotto. I was ringside when Cotto fought Clottey. He seemed to struggle a bit in that fight and it is hard to say what he will do against a faster, quicker Pacquiao. I know people say Cotto is the bigger guy but I still think Pacquiao beats him in a decision."
A boxer who dearly wanted to fight Calzaghe is WBC interim light-heavyweight champ Chad Dawson who´s just retained his title against Glen Johnson and is arguably the best light-heavyweight on the planet, likes Pacman: "Manny Pacquiao, he's the best, he's on top right now."

Another modern great, three division title holder and current WBA welterweight king Sugar Shane Mosley who lost to Cotto but thrashed Cotto´s conqueror Antonio Margarito thinks the Puerto Rican powerhouse may be just too big."It's going to be an interesting fight, and I think Pacquiao better take it very seriously. I think Cotto will win because he's a little bit bigger and is a real welterweight. His power may be enough to overcome Pacquiao's speed. I think Cotto wins in a decision."

Ronald ´´Winky`` Wright, the former WBC, WBA and IBF junior middleweight champion and two time conqueror of Shane Mosely, also likes Cotto to win: "If Cotto stays busy, he'll win a decision. I think that Cotto will win the fight, but I thinks it's gonna be a good fight."
Puerto Rican legend Felix ´´Tito`` Trinidad, the former welter, light-middle and middleweight champion of the world goes with his fellow countryman: "Manny is a big puncher and a good boxer, but he has never faced a natural welterweight like Miguel. Cotto is the most dangerous fight of Pacquiao's career. On the night of the fight, Pacquiao will still not be a full welterweight. And Cotto is very strong. As the fight plays out, around Rounds 7, 8, 9, that's when Cotto starts taking over. I think Cotto will win by decision, but he might even get a knockout. With all of my heart I think Miguel Cotto will win."

Another Puerto Rican legend, former WBC lightweight king Hector ´´Macho`` Camacho, 47 years old and still fighting after almost 30 years as a pro, surprisingly backs Pacquiao: "I'm a Puerto Rican like Cotto, but I like Pacquiao because he has fought better guys, like Oscar De La Hoya. I see him having no problem against Cotto. Cotto is not a smart fighter."

And finally, possibly Puerto Ricos´greatest ever fighter, former undisputed world lightweight and light-welterweight champion, 73 year old Carlos Ortiz gives Cotto his blessing: "Pacquiao is a good boxer and Cotto is a fighter. I'm going to give the edge to Cotto, and not just because he's Puerto Rican, but because of the way he fights. He always comes to fight, he's always in shape. Cotto is going to have the edge. I see him winning by decision, but I do think he can knock Pacquiao out if the chance arrives."

The big fight is on Sky 1.

Big fight odds; Manny Pacquiao 1/3, Miguel Cotto 9/4 bet365