Common Opponent: Miguel Cotto Compares Pacquiao and Mosley, Predicts a War

Manny Pacquiao and Shane Mosley have a few common opponents. Both have beaten Oscar de la Hoya -- Pacquiao did so in 2008, retiring the "Golden Boy," while Mosley won tight decisions over a younger, stronger Oscar in 2000 and 2003. Both have also demolished Antonio Margarito, and their destructions of the Mexican warrior in January 2009 and November 2010 likely both play a key role in Margarito's current status as a potential retiree from the boxing game.

Miguel Cotto is the third shared link between the two, and the Puerto Rican star -- who like Pacquiao, jumped to Showtime from HBO this year in a surprise move -- is expecting a battle. Nick Giongco quoted Cotto earlier today:

"Mosley is tough and Pacquiao is also tough and when you put these two fighters together, you are going to watch a war. ... The speed is the same. The explosiveness of Pacquiao is going to be the key."

Cotto also said he still hopes to return to welterweight and face Pacquiao in a rematch, which is the opposite direction of Top Rank's rumored plan to have Cotto face Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. at middleweight in September.

Cotto lost to Pacquiao in November 2009 by 12th round TKO, while he outpointed Mosley in a terrific fight two years previous, in November 2007.