Roach: "WBO Will Sanction Pacquiao-Cotto Regardless"

[Haglerwins]

If he came in at 147 having signed to fight at 145 max, he'd keep the title but would have to pay a big penalty to Pacquiao, under the terms of the contract.

You're forgetting precedence. Contract would be void in that regard. Not making the title a part of the negotiations and trying to force it on the table after the fact yet keep the weight at 145, would be a violation of the WBO's own rule that the champ can weight up to 147.

[Dave Rado]

At the time of Henry Armstrong where the weigh-in is at the day of the fight, this Paquiao vs Cotto match will be between a welterweight and a middleweight.

Same day weigh-ins were abolished for medical reasons, to protect the health of boxers, because boxers were thought to be at serious risk of brain injury due to not being able to rehydrate properly. The rules were changed for the whole of boxing, not just for one fight, and not just in order to give an advantage to one fighter. That's very different to trying to change the rules for one fight, just so Pac can say he won a title in seven weight classes.

[Dave Rado]

You're forgetting precedence. Contract would be void in that regard. Not making the title a part of the negotiations and trying to force it on the table after the fact yet keep the weight at 145, would be a violation of the WBO's own rule that the champ can weight up to 147.

The contract wouldn't be void, because the WBO and the title were not involved in it. The contract is just a private agreement between the two fighters and the promoter.

[rao007]

You guys have to remember---PACQUIAO WASN'T THE ONE WHO INITIALLY PLANNED ON PUSHING FOR THE TITLE!!!

When WBO first heard of the match they immediately went after for the fees--they were the ones who pushed Pacquiao to be the number one contender for the title. Pacquiao in his own column said it wasn't for the title but later changed it when he heard of WBO's intentions. So, if I was in Pacquiao's position--why wouldn't you accept it?

[Haglerwins]

You can't put a person in a position to penalize themselves on a backward technicality. It would be against the law. In theory, Cotto would be bound to 145 if not for the added non-negotiated stip that the title is on the line or it's no fight. He couldn't be penalized monetarily, yet be out of bounds to weigh in at the limit like the rules allow him to. The agreement does not account for the title being in the picture and creates a legal loophole.

[joerville]

Same day weigh-ins were abolished for medical reasons, to protect the health of boxers, because boxers were thought to be at serious risk of brain injury due to not being able to rehydrate properly. The rules were changed for the whole of boxing, not just for one fight, and not just in order to give an advantage to one fighter. That's very different to trying to change the rules for one fight, just so Pac can say he won a title in seven weight classes.

I'm stating the difference of the time of Henry Armstrong and now... I'm not trying to change the rules... just stating the facts...at the top the ring during the fight Paquia will be weighing around 147 lb and Cotto around 160 lb and I think this will be a good fight.

[Walker Smiff]

Roach is a ***** AND THE TITLE SHOULD NOT...I REPEAT, SHOULD NOT BE ON THE LINE. Roach needs to stfu...pronto.

[versatech]

Same day weigh-ins were abolished for medical reasons, to protect the health of boxers, because boxers were thought to be at serious risk of brain injury due to not being able to rehydrate properly. The rules were changed for the whole of boxing, not just for one fight, and not just in order to give an advantage to one fighter. That's very different to trying to change the rules for one fight, just so Pac can say he won a title in seven weight classes.

Would it better if boxers just stick to their natural weight.Why would they risk health draining themselves in a lower division if they can easily transfer to the next higher division or whatever division suits them.

[MOREBASS]

Would it better if boxers just stick to their natural weight.Why would they risk health draining themselves in a lower division if they can easily transfer to the next higher division or whatever division suits them.

Because of the advantages in size and strength that they recieve, when fighting in a lower weight division. If most fighters are cutting weight, then it would put you at a disadvantage if you were fighting closer to your natural weight, because the fighters in your division would probably be larger men, cutting down in weight.

[buckdacious]

Why does everybody care??? I guess nobody is giving Cotto a shot....