Fight snapshot: Predictions for Pacquiao-Cotto

By Jeff Haney

Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2009 | 4:48 p.m.

Courtesy of the formidable promotion machine for the fight, here's a selection of predictions from sports figures and celebrities for Saturday's welterweight title fight between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto at the MGM Grand:

"I think there would have been a good opportunity for Pacquiao to win if he faced Cotto before he fought (Joshua) Clottey, but now Cotto is thinking defense. I think Cotto is going to pull out a decision, and now because of the terrible beating he took against (Antonio) Margarito, he knows he can't get into a knockdown, drag-out brawl. He's going to be smarter, and I think Cotto wins in a 12-round decision." -- George Foreman, former two-time heavyweight world champion

"I pick Manny Pacquiao by knockout. I think he will knock him out in (round) 7 or 8. Manny just has too much for Cotto." -- Mike Tyson, former undisputed heavyweight champion

"Pacquiao is going to chop Cotto up. Out of respect, Cotto will get some rounds, but Manny is the Bruce Lee of boxing. His basketball and martial arts background give him that speed and agility. You can't tell where his shots are coming from. Unlike Rocky, Bruce Lee was a real dude and so is Manny." -- Bernard Hopkins, former two-division world champion

"I think Manny Pacquiao is going to be too quick for Cotto. I was ringside when Cotto fought Clottey. He seemed to struggle a bit in that fight and it is hard to say what he will do against a faster, quicker Pacquiao. I know people say Cotto is the bigger guy but I still think Pacquiao beats him in a decision." -- Joe Calzaghe, former super middleweight and light heavyweight champion

"Manny Pacquiao. He's the best. He's on top right now." -- Chad Dawson, light heavyweight world champion

"It's going to be an interesting fight, and I think Pacquiao better take it very seriously. I think Cotto will win because he's a little bit bigger and is a real welterweight. His power may be enough to overcome Pacquiao's speed. I think Cotto wins in a decision." -- "Sugar" Shane Mosley, future hall of famer

"If Cotto stays busy, he'll win a decision. I think that Cotto will win the fight, but I thinks it's gonna be a good fight." -- Winky Wright, former undisputed light middleweight champion

"Manny is a big puncher and a good boxer, but he has never faced a natural welterweight like Miguel. Cotto is the most dangerous fight of Pacquiao's career. On the night of the fight, Pacquiao will still not be a full welterweight. And Cotto is very strong. As the fight plays out, around rounds 7, 8, 9, that's when Cotto starts taking over. I think Cotto will win by decision, but he might even get a knockout. With all of my heart I think Miguel Cotto will win." -- Felix Trinidad, former three-division world champion

"I'm a Puerto Rican like Cotto, but I like Pacquiao because he has fought better guys, like (Oscar) De La Hoya. I see him having no problem against Cotto. Cotto is not a smart fighter, he boxes, and he's shown his colors already. He can be beat. So can Pacquiao, but I like Pacquiao. He has an unorthodox style, with punches coming from all over. Cotto tries to box. I see Pacquiao possibly stopping him. Pacquiao's on a roll, he has the confidence, and he has the boxing momentum. I see him winning." -- Hector Camacho, former three-division champion

"Pacquiao is a good boxer and Cotto is a fighter. I'm going to give the edge to Cotto, and not just because he's Puerto Rican, but because of the way he fights. He always comes to fight, he's always in shape. Cotto is going to have the edge. I see him winning by decision, but I do think he can knock Pacquiao out if the chance arrives." -- Carlos Ortiz, boxing hall of famer

"I think Pacquiao will win in 12 rounds, but if there is a knockout I think it will happen in the ninth. Pacquiao is too quick for Cotto." -- Terrell Suggs, Baltimore Ravens

"I think Pacquiao will win with a knockout in the eighth round. He is the best pound-for-pound fighter right now and he will be too much for Cotto to handle." -- Brandon Marshall, Denver Broncos

"I think it's going to be a great fight, but I think Cotto's got the edge because Pacquiao leaves himself open too much. So I'm going with Cotto in a decision." -- Kellen Winslow Jr., Tampa Bay Buccaneers

"It should be one of the best fights of the year between two incredible boxers. Cotto's size advantage could help him early on. If it does go the distance, I think Pacquiao's technique and experience will be tough to beat. But I say Cotto wins at the end of the day." -- Kris Jenkins, New York Jets

"Manny's quickness on his feet and landing punches will help him to win by knockout." -- Justin Morneau, Minnesota Twins

"Manny. He's quick and that might be too much for Cotto to handle." -- Justin Verlander, Detroit Tigers

"Miguel Cotto will end Manny's domination with hard jabs and will knock him out in the later rounds to end Pac-Man's reign." -- Gordon Beckham, Chicago White Sox

"Pacquiao and Cotto are two of the best welterweights out there. While both fighters possess tremendous punching power and heart, I believe that the speed of Pacquiao will earn him the WBO welterweight belt. If Pacquiao is victorious, Floyd Mayweather Jr. would be the next fight that I and all fans would want to see." -- Donald Trump

"Pacquiao is my guy. We've hung out before. He's the kind of guy you'd want with you if a bar fight broke out. I will be there to support him." -- Tyrese Gibson

"I've seen plenty of people talk about standing in front of Pacquaio, but those people always seem to not make it through too well. Cotto will be the same. Pacquiao in a walk. Knockout in the fifth or sixth." -- Carrot Top

"I'm going to have to go with Pacquiao. I saw his last fight and he's just out of control." -- Sam Trammell, actor ("True Blood")

"Pac-Man wins 'cause Pac-Man fights. If Pac-Man loses, then the Philippines won't have no lights." -- Andre Royo, actor ("The Wire")