Smack Talk at Firepower Press Conference? No, More Mr. Nice Guy

Posted by Ryan Bates on 11.11.2009

Pacquiao and Cotto exchange pleasantries, not barbs, at the final press conference for Firepower.


Photo by Chris Farina / Top Rank

For those who expect boxing press conferences to be total trash-talk battles, Wednesday's press conference between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto seemed more like a few rounds of Koom-bay-ah.

"If I win this fight," said challenger Manny Pacquiao of Saturday's main event clash at the MGM Grand, "it's a history in boxing, and it's an honor to my country." Manny acknowledged that his fight against Miguel Cotto was "the most important in my boxing career."

And, diligent as ever, Manny promised he would do his best "to give a good fight to my fans."

In excellent English, Miguel Cotto also commended his opponent. "I trained a lot, like never before, because I know the skills of Manny," said the WBO welterweight champion.

"Manny is 100%," said Freddie Roach, whom Pacquiao referred to as his "master in boxing." Roach said Pacquiao is in great shape. "I've never seen him better."

The only thing near any sort of fireworks came from Cotto trainer Joe Santiago. "Miguel is the best he's ever been," said Santiago. "I hope that Manny Pacquiao will be at the same level. It will be a great victory for Puerto Rico."

Santiago concluded his statements by turning to Team Pacquiao and saying, "Good luck to Manny Pacquiao on Saturday... you're going to need it."

As for the Powers that Be, nothing but commendation flowed from their lips.

"When the bell rings on Saturday night," declared CEO of Top Rank Bob Arum, "there will not be one icon and one great fighter in that ring. There will be two great fighters in that ring."

"It is very appropriate that the press tour for this fight followed a baseball theme," said head of HBO Pay-Per-View Mark Taffet. "This fight is clearly a home run." Taffet affirmed that this fight, as all signs indicate, will clear one million pay-per-view buys. "It's hot as a pistol. It's a tribute to Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto."

In addition to high praise, there were also some tokens of gratitude, the most notable of which was presented by Las Vegas mayor Oscar Goodman, who presented both Pacquiao and Cotto with Keys to the City for their humanitarian work outside the ring.

But, the true trinket of note was the WBC Diamond Belt, which Executive Secretary of the WBC Mauricio Suliaman assured was not a new belt.

"The WBC voted unanimously that this is the greatest fight in recent years. This is not a new championship, it is not a new title. It is just a trophy for the winner of Saturday night."

Trophy or not, Manny showed his usual charm. When Suliaman tried to prop up the belt encrusted with 600 diamonds, he failed, remarking it was heavy. Suliaman set the belt to the side of the dais; Manny grinned and snatched the belt up putting it in front of himself.

After Suliaman's remarks, he tried to take back the belt. Manny smiled and shook his head no.