I CAN'T WAIT

Like so many mega-fights in the past, the MGM Grand will host what should be the fight of the year this weekend. Manny Pacquiao, pound-for-pound the best fighter in the world (and champion in six weight classes), will attempt to take the WBO welterweight title from a focused Miguel Cotto. Pacquiao ( 49-3-2, 37 KO's) is the huge favorite despite having to bulk up considerably to meet the required weight. It will be the heaviest class the Filipino legend has ever fought at, but anticipates no ill-effects to his tremendous speed and quickness. Cotto (34-1 27 KO's) is a year removed from receiving his first loss from Antonio Margarito and his plaster filled gloves. A fight he was dominating through the first six rounds. The controversal loss put a blemish on his record, but has sparked a desire to prove the experts, who give him little chance this weekend, wrong.

Pacquiao has experienced his usual circus-like training regiment. He surrounds himself with a massive entourage, eats a half dozen meals a day (each chased with a protein shake), talks at length with trainer Freddy Roach and is constantly being pulled in different directions for various out-of-the-ring endevors. He is the most famous face in his country and tries to do as much as he can everyday for his people. He says after boxing he will run for office. He is on commercials, the radio and recording music. When he is in the ring he gives every ounce of energy, but sometimes Roach has to remind his fighter what his priorities are. His training is intense and routine. His conditioning has also been strenuous because of the need to add weight. He takes in approximately 7000 calories a day, but is burning 500 more. Roach and conditioning coach Alex Ariza have fine tuned Pacquaio attempting to balance the new weight with muscle tone. Pac Man will have to trust his speed and instincts against the larger Cotto and hope he can avoid his opponent's power punches. It seems few people are giving Cotto a chance, he shouldn't be overlooked. He should be undefeated and wants to remind the boxing community what he is capable of.

If Cotto is defeated he gives up his belt and falls down the welterweight totem pole. If Pacquiao falls, he has six titles to fall back on. Cotto has a BIIIIIIIIG chip on his shoulder from the Margarito fight and understand he has the stage Saturday night to remove it. Cotto is fighting at his desired size against a quicker, but smaller opponent. Cotto has been deemed the underdog, which on its own provides a fighter motivation. He has trained exclusively with southpaw sparring partners in anticipation for the left-handed Pacquiao. He claims he has seen everything Pac has to offer either in the ring or on video. Cotto is focused and looks pissed off. Pac Man never stops smiling, filming commercials and joking. However, Cotto also knows his opponent can end the fight in a single round.

I like Cotto.

I like Pacquaio too.

I'd be surprised if Cotto is knocked out. I see both fighters being potentially knocked down.

Part of me expects Pacquiao to win a close decision in what should be a classic fight. However, a growing part feels like Cotto is in the perfect position to pull off an upset and hush the naysayers.

I don't know who to pick.

Cotto.