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Freddie Roach now picking Pacquiao to stop Cotto

Freddie Roach had been touting Miguel Cotto as Manny Pacquiao's toughest test. He now picks Pacquiao to knock out Cotto in November. (Photo via <a href="http://www.boxnews.com.ua/photos/474/Freddie-Roach5.jpg">www.boxnews.com.ua</a>)
Freddie Roach had been touting Miguel Cotto as Manny Pacquiao's toughest test. He now picks Pacquiao to knock out Cotto in November. (Photo via www.boxnews.com.ua)

Trainer Freddie Roach has stopped talking with caution, and he's getting confident. After seeing Manny Pacquiao train, Roach now says that his fighter will knock out Miguel Cotto on November 14. Roach had previously said he saw the fight going to a decision, and hailed Cotto as the toughest test of Pacquiao's career. This came after fights where he said Manny would stop Oscar de la Hoya (it happened) and he'd take out Ricky Hatton fast (also happened).

From Dennis Principe at The Inquirer:

"I picked him to win by decision, but until I started working with him to this camp, the way he’s punching, his speed, we will knock this guy out."

...

"Basically we’re going to have a fast start and we’re not going to give [Cotto] any momentum. The way Manny is really fighting right now, I guess we’re going to frustrate Cotto with his speed."

Roach changing his tune could just be gamesmanship, but he's been right the last two fights. A confident, big-talking Freddie seems like good news for the Pacquiao camp.

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