Cotto tops champion's waitlist

LAS VEGAS – So, who’s next or what’s next for Manny Pacquiao?

As of Saturday, moments after Pacquiao manhandled Ricky Hatton of Britain, Top Rank chief Bob Arum doesn’t have the final answer.

“Miguel Cotto may be in line to fight Pacquiao next,” said Arum of the Puerto Rican welterweight.

But Arum said while he’s looking at Cotto, who happens to be Pacquiao’s stablemate at Top Rank, he would have to sit down with his matchmaker, Bruce Trampler, and trainer Freddie Roach about the next fight for the new IBO junior-welterweight champion.

“I’s smart enough to know but technically I’m really a dumb-ass,” he said in jest in front of the packed media center of the MGM Grand.

“Until I sit down with Bruce and Freddie Roach to discuss who should be next, I’m not going to volunteer any names. I don’t want to make a mistake,” said Arum.

Two other fighters who are possible Pacquiao opponents, the comebacking Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Juan Manuel Marquez, are squaring off on July 18 at the MGM, and this leaves Cotto as one of the good choices.

Arum said everything depends on Pacquiao’s schedule, too.

“I asked him when he wants to fight again then he figures it out how long it would take to make a movie. You see he’s making a new movie. So, we’ll have to sit down and figure it out,” he added.

Then he laughed at Marquez facing Mayweather.

“He shouldn’t be fighting Floyd Mayweather. He should be fighting (Humberto) Soto or (Edwin) Valero. That’s his weight class. That’s where he belongs (super-featherweight). But if he wants a piece of the little Filipino, be my guest,” Arum said.

The Mayweather-Marquez fight was officially announced during a press conference just hours before Pacquiao took on Hatton.

“Mayweather? He could have fought Manny Pacquiao if he waited another day. I think he’s scared of Manny Pacquiao. So, we’ll keep Manny busy and I’d like a fight in November or December. We won’t wait for anybody,” said Roach.

“If Cotto comes down a few pounds, we could make that happen. Or if (Shane) Mosley comes down a few pounds we can make that happen,” he said.

There’s just a too many options for Pacquiao.