By Jhonny Gonzalez
The trainer of WBO welterweight champion Manny Pacquiao, Hall-of-Famer Freddie Roach, expects a big pay-per-view buyrate for the May 5th junior middleweight battle between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and WBA champion Miguel Cotto.
"It's going to do well on pay-per-view, because Cotto is still one of the best boxers in terms of pay-per-view, behind Manny and Mayweather. He attracts a huge audience on pay-per-view. For us, Cotto would have been a much bigger challenge than Tim Bradley. As far as I'm concerned Manny has faced fighters like Bradley, "said Roach to Jose Gorrdian.
Cotto was Pacquiao's first choice for a June 9th return date. After both sides disagreed on the contracted weight limit, Cotto reached an agreement with Mayweather. Pacquiao will likely face Bradley.
"I feel that a rematch with Cotto was the best match for us right now, for boxing fans and the world. He's coming [off] a victory over Antonio Margarito and every time I see him he looks better and better. The fight would have been more competitive and profitable for us, but you don't always get what you want," Roach said.
Roach is pulling for Cotto to upset Mayweather, with a distance hope that a rematch with Pacquiao will happen in the fall.
"I don't know how good their chances are [to win], but I hope Cotto will win. My best wishes to Miguel, and I hope that he has the best fight of his life. Mayweather is a very good counter-puncher, but Miguel has a good coach in his corner and they seem to get along. Miguel and his coach have to figure out what to do," said Roach.
