Pacquiao set to deliver Cotto knockout, says trainer

Filipino World Boxing Organization (WBO) super lightweight champion Manny Pacquiao stretches during practise at the Rizal memorial stadium in Manila October 21, 2009.

LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Manny Pacquiao's trainer Freddie Roach has predicted a knockout by the Filipino southpaw when he challenges Puerto Rican Miguel Cotto for the WBO welterweight title next month.

Roach had initially forecast the November 14 bout in Las Vegas would go the full distance but he has since changed his tune because of his fighter's impressive work in training camp.

"Camp is going very, very well and we are 100 percent ready for the fight," Roach said on a teleconference call with Pacquiao on Wednesday.

"I feel like Manny, the way he is punching right now and with the power has at this weight, is going to knock Cotto out. I am very confident and I look forward to the win.

"I just think Miguel Cotto's defense isn't good enough. He's hittable and people that Manny can hit he knocks out."

Pacquiao, who has a career record of 49-3-2 with 37 knockouts, spent a month training with Roach in the Philippines before returning to Los Angeles this week to complete his preparations.

Although their time in Manila had to be cut short with Pacquiao being distracted by mass local attention, Roach described their trip to Asia as a great success overall.

"We had the best first four weeks we have ever had and Manny was on fire from day one," he said. "We are just getting ready for Miguel Cotto whatever he brings. If he wants to box us or if he wants to fight us, we are ready for both."

Pacquiao, a winner of six world titles in as many different weight divisions who is regarded by many as boxing's best pound-for-pound fighter, is again moving up in weight to take on Cotto.

SPLIT DECISION

He respectfully acknowledged the challenge posed by the Puerto Rican who retained his WBO title with a gruelling split decision win over Ghana's Joshua Clottey in June.

"Cotto is a bigger guy than me, a hard puncher and strong," Pacquiao said. "He is the champion for this fight and I am the challenger.

"So I am not underestimating Cotto's abilities in boxing," added the Filipino, who cemented his status as the sport's top fighter with a stunning second round knockout of Britain's Ricky Hatton in May to claim the IBO light welterweight crown.

Cotto, 34-1 with 27 KOs, is renowned for his punching power, strength and intelligence but Roach firmly believes Pacquiao's speed will give him the upper hand.

"He (Cotto) makes certain adjustments when he fights southpaws and it's something we expect," Roach said. "But he has never fought a guy like Manny Pacquiao with his speed.

"I think he's going to have trouble with that speed. I really don't think he can handle it."

Roach also rebuffed the danger posed by the Puerto Rican's left hook.

"It's pretty strong but I don't think it's the strongest we ever faced though," he said. "Hatton was supposed to be stronger than us also but I had no worries about that because that doesn't win fights.

"Boxing ability will win fights and Manny is a better boxer than him and will show that on the night."

(Editing by Greg Stutchbury)