Cotto avoids prediction on Pacquiao-Mayweather

MANILA, Philippines – Unlike other boxers, WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto does not want to share his opinion about the upcoming mega fight between Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather Jr on May 2 (May 3 in PH).

Cotto had crossed paths with both men in the squared-circle at the height of their physical prime.

The 34-year-old Puerto Rican was routed by Pacquiao via twelfth-round stoppage in November 2009, while he dropped a unanimous decision to Mayweather in May 2012.

In an interview with BoxingScene.com, Cotto chose not to make any prediction for the much-awaited ring encounter, which takes place at the 16,800-seater MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

“Both camps know what to do. They will implement [their strategies] and we are going to see a great fight,” he said.

Cotto, who also trains under the tutelage of Freddie Roach, affirmed that he will not be watching the Pacquiao-Mayweather duel live as he plans to stay busy in training camp for his targeted return in June.

“[I won’t be at the fight], I’ll be training for my fight,” he shared.

The 5-foot-7 slugger failed to reach an agreement to face Saul “Canelo” Alvarez in May as he was heavily rumored to be Mayweather’s back-up option, in case that the much-awaited bout with Pacquiao falls through once again.

Many had felt that Cotto was hampering the marquee match-up against Alvarez to secure the rematch with Mayweather.

Alvarez is currently scheduled to square off with James Kirkland in Houston, Texas on May 9 (May 10 in PH).

However, Cotto appears not to be bothered by the way things played out in the negotiations.

“No [I’m not bothered because I didn’t get the rematch]. Everyone has their time and place. And right now it is their time,” he stated. – Rappler.com