Photos by Chris Farina/Top Rank: TAMPA, FL - The near 90 degree Florida heatdid not stop fans and media members from showing up in droves for Miguel Cotto's Tampa training camp today for his final open workout before he heading to Las Vegas his November 14 fight against Manny Pacquiao. The Puerto Rican powerhouse celebrated his 29th birthday with the biggest media day of his professional boxing career reinforcing the magnitude of his pending date with Pacquiao. Cotto showed the crowd that he is ready to prove himself when he faces Pacquiao in the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena and live on HBO Pay-Per-View®. Below please find quotes from Cotto and his team.
Miguel Cotto
"This is a big fight because the public likes when the best fighters get into the ring. This is what Sugar Ray Leonard, Marvin Hagler and Wilfredo Benitez did for years - they each fought against the best, the way I am doing against Pacquiao."
Joe Santiago, Team Cotto Chief Trainer
"It's been a while since Miguel has had this kind of drive, determination and focus. Miguel has had the perfect camp. He has worked so hard every day. His punch rate is up in sparring because Pacquiao throws so many punches each round. We don't pay much attention to Freddie Roach's quotes on the internet. Our focus is on one person - Pacquiao."
Phil Landman, Team Cotto Conditioning Coach
"During sparring I count every punch. For the Clottey fight, Miguel averaged 45 punches per round. Here in Tampa while training for Pacquiao, Miguel has averaged 65 punches a round. This is a very good number. Miguel is ready, prepared to fight and will win."
