H.A.N.D.S. BOXING 

 
 
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by Troy J. Hines 10/23/09

It has been said in regards to Prize Fighting that a good big man will beat a good little man any day of the week.  But what about a GREAT little man?  Let’s back up a minute.  Who is Mr. Hines referring to?  Most people would probably believe that I am referring to Pacman, as the“little man”, because most people are still under the fallacious impression that Cotto is the much BIGGER guy.  Let’s look at the tale of the tape:Height:  Cotto 5’7”/ Pacquiao 5’6” ½:   Advantage Cotto by ½ inchReach: Cotto 67 in/ Pacquiao 67 in:  EVENChest Normal:  Cotto 39 in/ Pacquiao 38 in:  Advantage Cotto by an inchChest Expanded:  Cotto 41 in/ Pacquiao 41 in:  EVENForearm:  Cotto 12”/ Pacquiao 12”:  EVENThigh:  Cotto 22.5”/ Pacquiao 20”:  Advantage CottoNeck:  Cotto 16” / Pacquaio 16”:  EVENFist:  Cotto 11”/ Pacquiao 10”:  Advantage Cotto by an inchSIZETo say Cotto is the bigger guy would be an honest, but sophomoric, answer that hides the truth via the lack of details.  There is no significance in size that changes the outcome of this fight.  But edges in Speed, Power, Chin, and Skill are significant.SPEEDThe speed edge goes to the South Paw from the Phillipines--  Mr. Pacquiao.  He has the faster hands, and is more complex than just his signature overhand left.  Credits go to Freddie Roach and the genetic master himself—GOD!POWERThe power edge goes to the” Boricua de Caguas”--  Sr.  Cotto.   I believe his thunderous shots are the reason many believe he is the bigger man-- he throws “bigger”.   Of course this is only my opinion.  After all, I haven’t allowed either gentleman to hit me in the liver.   But if we want to look at knockout percentages Pacquiao’s is 75% of his wins.  Sr. Cotto—79%.   Actually 0.794117, but who’s counting?  CHINThe Chin edge goes to Pacman even though he was knocked out twice early in his career.  I have seen too many fighters wobble the gifted and talented Miguel Cotto, with the inabilityto finish him.  Ricardo Torres, Zab Judah, and even DC’s own DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley hurt the heavy punching Puerto Rican.   I would have mentioned earlier the Cotto/ Margarito Classic, but there are too many question marks on the use of DRY WALL in connection with the “Tijuana Tornado” to comment.   But Pacquiao is of another breed.   He’s a finisher!SKILLThe last and most important column of discussion is SKILL.   In the words of legendary trainer Roger Mayweather, “The fighter with the most skill is going to win the fight…”  Cotto’s most impressive victory to date, in my opinion, is his win against Sugar Shane Mosley.   Although he won by a narrow margin, he won, and  he arguably out boxed one of the best pure boxers, pound-4-pound, on the planet.   Make no mistake, Miguel Cotto, is a dangerous boxer whocan fight orthodox or south paw making him arguably one of the most skillful fighters in the sport.  Similarly, Manny Pacquaio’s most impressive wins to date are against the “Golden Boy” and Ricky Hatton.  I am purposely not mentioning his win against Marquez, because in my opinion he LOST the rematch.   In addition, it is without question that the coach of “The Pride of the Phillipines”, Freddie Roach, has given the formerly one-handed fighter, two dangerous hands.   So who does Mr. Hines give the advantage of skill to?  I’m calling it EVEN.So let’s recap:  Size—EVEN…  Speed—Pacquaio…  Power—Cotto…  Chin—Pacquiao…  Skill—Even…   In my opinion I would favor Pacquiao 2:1, Pacquiao’s innate aggression and speed will make the difference in this fight. Cotto’s best opportunities will come by setting traps for the aggressive South Paw and countering.  Stick and move!

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