Manny Pacquiao: Miguel Cotto Turns Down Pacquiao Fight at 147

Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KO) was heavily rumored to be facing Miguel Cotto (37-2, 30 KO) on June 9 in Las Vegas. Team Pacquiao has stated Cotto could come in no higher than 147 lbs.

Cotto is the current WBA junior middleweight (154 lbs) and Pacquiao is the current WBO welterweight world champion. Cotto has refused to fight Pacquiao at 147.

Cotto hasn't fought near 147 since his November 2009 loss to Pacquiao. Pacquiao's only fight above 147 lbs was against Antonio Margarito (38-8, 27 KO) in November 2010 for a record eighth world title.

Cotto had the following to say to Boxing Scene:

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"He had no problems in dealing with Margarito at 150. He hasn't had problems with anyone regarding weight. With Joshua Clottey, they fought at 147. I [went] down to 145. The [rematch], I'm going to do it at my weight. I will not sacrifice my body again for the benefit of another boxer. It won't happen at 147 pounds."

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Cotto, the then-WBO welterweight (147 lbs) world champion, came in at a catchweight of 145 lbs to face Pacquiao in a fight that would result in a TKO loss in Round 12 for Cotto.

Cotto doesn't have a contractual obligation to anyone thanks to his contract with Top Rank running out last December in his rematch against Margarito. Cotto avenged his first loss to Margarito by TKO.

Cotto could get the chance to do so against Pacquiao but on his terms. Team Pacquiao is trying to find an alternate opponent in the aftermath of a breakdown in negotiations with Floyd Mayweather. (42-0, 26 KO).

Mayweather has a May 5 slot he is trying to pencil an opponent in for while Pacquiao pencils in someone for his June 9 event. Cotto still has the lucrative option of either fighter.