LAS VEGAS – Freddie Roach wants Miguel Cotto to feel what Oscar dela Hoya and Ricky Hatton felt in the opening rounds.
He wants Manny Pacquiao to dictate the pace and even go for the kill if and when the opportunity arises.
“I really hope he comes out and shows his strength early on,” said Roach as he spoke to mediamen following Wednesday’s official press conference at the MGM Grand.
Roach said Pacquiao should try to get into Cotto’s mind very early in the fight, and make his presence felt the way he did with Dela Hoya, whom he stopped in eight rounds last December, and Hatton, whom he crushed inside two rounds last May.
“We have to set the pace in the first round. We can’t give Miguel the momentum and confidence because he will grow. And if we can put that in his head right away, like most people say, ‘what the f___k is this?’”
“Just like what we did with Oscar and Hatton. Although Oscar said he can take punches from Manny all day because he doesn’t punch that hard. Then why did he quit?” he said.
Roach said Pacquiao is so ready to fight that after Wednesday’s workout at the IBA Gym he tipped the scales at 144 lb.
It’s been that way the last couple of days here in Vegas, and the great American trainer said Pacquiao should show up for tomorrow’s official weigh-in right under 145 and then climb the ring the following day at 149 lb.
He expects Cotto to show up for the fight at around 160.
“I wish him the best. I know he’s powerful. I respect Miguel Cotto but he’s gonna get knocked out in this one. What round? Before the twelfth,” said Roach.
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