Pacquiao eyes Cotto at 147 lbs.

 After learning a painful lesson in a weight class that doesn’t suit his body, Manny Pacquiao will demand that his next fight — very likely against Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico on June 9 — would be at the welterweight limit of 147 lbs.

“It’s hard for me to fight at a higher weight class,” Pacquiao told the Bulletin when asked whether a rematch with Cotto can still be made.

Not at 150 lbs, said Pacquiao. Not even at 149 or 148 lbs.

Cotto’s name has emerged as Pacquiao’s solid backup plan in the event his promoter Bob Arum cannot salvage a megabuck match with Floyd Mayweather.

Arum is now back in Las Vegas and tasked to do anything possible to strike a deal for a Mayweather fight on the request of Pacquiao.

During a recent visit to Mexico, Cotto was interviewed by the local press there and asked about his plans, and the shaven-skulled puncher admitted that there are offers on the table.

“Right now we are listening to offers and see what’s the best for us,” said Cotto, who had lost on a 12th-round stoppage to Pacquiao in November, 2009, at a catch weight of 145 lbs.

Saying that he is “willing to face the big names,” Cotto said he is open to a second clash with the Filipino or a showdown with Mayweather.

By NICK GIONGCO
mb.com.ph

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