To those who were watching Jimmy Kimmel Live a while back and did not recognize who sang a (fairly off) rendition of Dan Hill’s “Sometimes When We Touch,” Emmanuel “Manny” Pacquiao is his name. If you still don’t know what he does, or what’s so special about him, you’re either A) not a sports fan, which is fine, or B) you didn’t listen to the show.
People who are not boxing fans or have not heard of Filipino boxing prizefighter Manny Pacquiao are a rapidly disappearing lot. His previous bouts against boxing greats Ricky Hatton, Erik Morales and Oscar de la Hoya were sold out within hours, with top-billing Hollywood V.I.P.s in attendance. Shaquille O’Neal, Jeremy Piven, Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson and Sylvester Stallone have all watched him fight in his exciting, take-no-prisoners speed-and-power boxing style.
Hailing from humble beginnings from General Santos City in the Philippines, Pacquiao has transformed from a son who ran away from home into something of a transcendent icon. Having been deemed as part of Time magazine’s 100 Most Influential People, 2008’s Boxer of the Year by Sports Illustrated and 2009 Best Fighter Award winner at the ESPYs, he is the first Asian and Filipino fighter to win five world titles in five different major boxing divisions.
On Saturday night, this decorated boxer is in for one of his biggest challenges, as he puts his 49-win, two-draw, three-loss record on the line against defending WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Cotto is set to defend his WBO title, and his record of 34 wins (24 by knockout) and 1 loss.
Has Pacquiao taken on more than he can chew with Cotto? Cotto is the defending champion for a reason, having taken care of great fighters himself, such as, Michael Jennings, Ricardo Torres, Joshua Clottey and “Sugar” Shane Mosley. He brings to the ring an aggressive, heavy-hitting style that can take apart the quick and nimble Filipino.
Who will win in this clash of the titans? The fans have already picked a favorite and so far it’s Manny Pacquiao leading the Predicto Mobile community vote with 61% saying he will go on to win and take Cotto’s crown.
Predicto user “mszj4200” voted Manny Pacquiao, saying “Manny is just too fast for Miguel Cotto.” Yet, Cotto has his own fans, such as “Mr.Mouse169,” who warns people to “watch out for the underdog!”
What do you say? Visit Predicto and get yourself heard!
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