Miguel Cotto vs Manny Pacquiao 2 (in late 2014)

[EdwardRevolver1993]

This fight was briefly brought up after Cotto's win over Martinez, but nothing materialized.

But what if Pacquiao decided to move up and face Cotto at some 153-155lbs catchweight for Cotto's WBC/Lineal belts, that he took from Martinez?

For Cotto - a chance to avenge another one of his losses.

For Pac - a shot at an unprecedented 9th divisional championship (and a lineal one, in this case).

Yeah, a catchweight bout for the middleweight lineage. Which is, well, would've been rightly taken with a grain of salt. But we know how it works with star fighters.

There would've been no network or promotional roadblocks. Pac wouldn't leave Arum until 2019. Cotto (although being a free agent at the time) worked with Top Rank and HBO for the Martinez bout.

Cotto was never really a full-fledged middleweight. He was coming in light for his middleweight bouts (153.5 for Geale and Canelo bouts, and 155 for Martinez bout).

Pac could probably try to come at about 149-150 as he did for the JMW bout vs Margarito.

The only issue could've been the fact that Cotto trained under Freddie Roach as well, at that time. And was always complementing Freddie for his late career revival.

But as Roach once stated - if ever the dilemma of choosing between two of his pupils will arise, he'd have to side with Manny. Let's say, Cotto goes back to Pedro Diaz (who trained him for Marg 2 and Floyd bouts).

How this rematch ends?

[gilgamesh]

Why do a rematch of a thoroughly one sided beating?

[tiny_acres]

Why do a rematch of a thoroughly one sided beating?

I would of liked it at 155. Pac had Cotto starve down to 145 for their first fight.

I would pick Cotto at 155

[EdwardRevolver1993]

Why do a rematch of a thoroughly one sided beating?

Well, if the rematch would've happened, it would've taken place 5 years after their 1st fight. Although still formidable, I think Pac slowed down by 2014 (in comparison to Pac from 2009, at least).

Also, if the fight is above 147 mark - that could've physically suit Cotto.

And just overall, I still kinda thinking that Cotto had a style and ability to beat Pac. What he would've needed is a competent corner (better than the one he had in 2009) and a sound strategy.