Manny, not Cotto, will dictate terms, weight

It’s Manny Pacquiao, and not Miguel Cotto, who should dictate the terms of their projected showdown later this year. “It’s up to Pacman,” said lawyer Franklin Gacal yesterday amid reports that trainer Freddie Roach has agreed to 145 lb as the catchweight for the anticipated showdown in Las Vegas. Gacal said a couple of days ago that they want Cotto, the WBO welterweight champion, to go down to 142 or 143 lb for the fight, scheduled Oct. 17 at the MGM, to happen. Roach said the other day he’s fine with 145 lb, adding that he doesn’t even care of the Puerto Rican champion who hasn’t fought under 145 in his last eight fights, weighs as much as 200 lb. Gacal said with due respect to Roach, whatever the three-time Trainer of the Year said is not the boxer’s official stand on the weighty issue. Pacquiao’s legal adviser said it’s Pacquiao who will have the final say even if the reigning pound-for-pound champion said last Monday he’d fight Cotto at any weight they agree on. “Kahit ano (Whatever),” he said repeatedly. Then he retracted by saying everything is being discussed right now, including the purse split which could go 70/30 or 65/35 in Pacquiao’s favor. Cotto, at 28 two years younger than Pacquiao, said he can’t go lower than 145 lb just to face the Filipino icon and stake his 147 lb crown, which he barely defended against Josh Clottey. “Cotto will have the upperhand if he gets the 145. He’s younger, he’s bigger and he’s a natural welterweight,” said Gacal, adding that Pacquiao has only fought once over 145. “Manny should be the one dictating the terms. Otherwise, it’s crazy,” said the lawyer. Pacquiao said he wants to fight on Oct. 17 as previously announced, and not on Nov. 14 as promoter Bob Arum wants, citing the World Series in October as the main reason for the change. (PHILSTAR)