7

It was lucky number 7 for Manny Pacquiao last night as he faced his toughest opponent yet. Both fought for the pride of their countries. Both had battle tested stories. Their similarities didn't end with the shared use of boxing as a vehicle to escape the tragic lives they lived on small island nations 5,000 miles apart. But where the drama lay was in the differences. Cotto was the arguably bigger and stronger fighter. His style was more paced but just as brutal. Miguel Cotto is known for his relentless attacks to the body and in my opinion had the best body shots in the sport. Pacquiao however was the speedy mid range brawler, who sometimes head hunted with reckless abandon to achieve the "home run" of boxing, his all to often flash KO. The questions were plentiful. Would Manny, the Pinoy Idol, be effective with his strength and speed after moving up yet another weight class? Would Cotto's size and unforgiving attacks to the body negate Manny's torrential flurrys? The answers, were just as varied. Many believed that either fighter could have won that bout. But what occure last night, on November 14th, was nothing short of spectacular. Cotto did al the right things in implementing his game plan. He looked quicker than expected, and with his head snapping jabs looked the stronger fighter. But Pacquiao's speed was not affected by his weight gain, and he seemed even stronger than ever. The first round was won by Cotto and until the third round it seemed pretty even. However, I never scored a round for Miguel after the first (Harry Lederman-HBO's real time score card keeper, gave Cotto the 5th.) Pacquiao Dominated the fight. He three knockdowns against a big-hearted foe. Miguel's corner wanted to call the fight before the 12th but Cotto wanted to continue. Miguels father wanted to end it even sooner, so did Freddie Roach, Manny Pacquiao's triner and coach. "I try to knock him out, because that's what my coach wanted", said Pacquiao in his post fight victory. Cotto fought valiantly in his attempt to force the fight to a decision. He tried to survive by dancing around the ring, but as the punishment wore on, Manny only grew more aggresive. The fight ended by referee stoppage 55 seconds into the 12th round. TKO for Manny who wanted to please his Filipino fans with a knockout of the Puerto Rican slugger. Not only did Manny win in an impressive fashion, but he also proved he could take a hit in his new welterweight class. He walked through the worst of what the heavy hitting Miguel Cotto could give, and walke away with his seventh world-title in as many divisions. This unique feat, has cemented Pacquiaos standing as the pound for pound king of boxing, and has earned him a high place in the Pantheon of the greatest fighters ever. The only question left now, is who is next? The world wants Mayweather, which was left obvious by the raucous chanting of "we want Mayweather" by the crowd. But if history bespeaks the present, than Mayweather will duck.

I... want Mosley.