Duran: Manny solid favorite

LAS VEGAS – There was a lot of movement inside the main press center of the MGM Grand Friday afternoon when Roberto Duran, the great, legendary champion from Panama, came in.

Sporting a very unfamiliar figure, heavy on the belly and minus his old beard, he was still recognized by those who knew him, young and old, and shortly after his arrival he was giving away interviews.

Scribes from Manila had the chance to talk to the famed boxer nicknamed “Hands of Stone.”

The 58-year-old former champion in the lightweight, welterweight, junior middleweight and middleweight divisions gave his quick thoughts on Saturday’s fight, and chose Manny Pacquiao to prevail over Miguel Cotto.

“It’s a very tough fight but I like Pacquiao,” said Duran, who waged unforgettable fights against Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Thomas Hears in the ’80s. He retired in 2001 with a record of 103 wins, 16 losses and 70 knockouts.

Duran is not picking Pacquiao just because many believe he fights the same way as the reigning pound-for-pound champion from the Philippines, but because he believes that the latter has toughness only great champions possess.

“Pacquiao is tough when he fights. He’s very strong so I like him. Pacquiao is the man that charges. When he lands, he goes for it. But he is a risky fighter, too. He doesn’t wait for another chance. He just goes on,” said Duran.

He was doing well with his English, but as the interview grew longer he called in a friend to do some translation.

“Pacquiao is a good fighter. If you hit him once, he won’t be there for your second shot.”

Yet, boxing’s Hall-of-Famer said it’s not going to be a walk in the park for Pacquiao because Cotto, from Puerto Rico, is a tough customer, saying the fight could even last the distance when most people are predicting a stoppage.

“Cotto is coming with experience. He is strong. I think it’s going to be a decision. There could be a knockout but I don’t expect one. Cotto will take care of himself. He will see to it that he doesn’t get knocked out,” said Duran. - Abac Cordero