Ricardo Mayorga Looks Past Miguel Cotto: Wants Manny Pacquiao, Vows a Knockout

It appears that the former multi-weight world champion Ricardo Mayorga (29-7-1) is aiming high. Not only is he aiming high, but he is going way beyond what his capabilities and opportunities could possibly offer; he is looking to fight world boxing sensation Manny Pacquiao (52-3-2). 

In a recent press conference of the upcoming WBA light middleweight title bout between Ricardo Mayorga and Miguel Cotto (35-2-0), aside from his usual verbal onslaught, Mayorga had this to say:

“This is the fight where I’m going to impose my will so much so that – because I want that fight so bad with (Manny) Pacquiao – that if I don’t beat Cotto by knockout and I happen to beat him by decision then I don’t feel like I’m deserving of a fight with Pacquiao. So that’s how strongly I feel I’m going to win this fight. Manny is a human being just like everyone else. He’s not invincible like God. The advantage he has is that when people step into the ring with him they fight with fear and they are very tentative. I would not come in with any fear and would not be tentative. When I knock out Manny Pacquiao I will become the most famous fighter of all time. So that’s what I want and am working for.” (Link)

Mayorga is certainly selling himself as usual, but is this a bit too optimistic? Despite the fact that Mayorga is facing a tremendous fighter in Miguel Cotto (whom I pick to win via UD, more likely a K.O.), he is looking right past him. In his last four fights, Mayorga is dragging a record of 4-4—not very hopeful.

Besides fighting Michael Walker (19-6-2) in December 2010, his previous fight was back in 2008 when he lost by a 12-round knockout to Shane Mosley. Time and his resume are playing against Mayorga. 

For the sake of the argument, let’s give Mayorga the benefit of the doubt and say he wins against Cotto on March 12. Let’s go further and imagine that somehow, Don King and Bob Arum become the best of friends and manage to make his fight come to light. How long could Mayorga possibly last in the ring with Pacquiao? 

When facing Oscar De La Hoya (39-6-0) in May 2006, Mayorga’s lack of stamina was clearly evident, gradually stripping him of most of his defense. By the middle of the fight, Mayorga was depending solely on backing up with a jab and throwing excessively wide punches. At this point, De La Hoya scored the knockout. 

This being said, would Mayorga be able to last against Pacquiao those very same six rounds that he lasted with De La Hoya in 2006? I can definitely imagine people flocking to the casinos and online sports-betting websites with pockets full of money, ready to safely drop it all on the ‘Pacman’ Pacquiao. 

For now, lets leave fantasies on the side bleachers and stick to what is actually happening Mr. Mayorga. 

Both Cotto and Mayorga are exciting fighters and are fully capable of switching from boxing to brawling. I think this event has great potential, with much to lose for Cotto and everything to gain for Mayorga. They both pack power and explosiveness, and I am hoping we will get to see it all. 

Let’s hope that March 12, 2011 can be an exciting day for boxing. MGM Grand in Las Vegas will host the bout between Cotto and Mayorga, and anyone will be able to catch this fight on Showtime PPV.