INQUIRER Sports

FILIPINO boxing icon Manny Pacquiao has reiterated once again that he will remain as a welterweight, and will not move up in weight after his fight on Nov. 14 with WBO welter king Miguel Cotto.

Pacquiao said yesterday during the media day at Wild Card Gym that he will fight at 147 or 140 lbs, but not beyond that.

If he is victorious against Cotto, he will become the first fighter in history to win seven titles in seven weight divisions.

When asked if he was not taking Cotto lightly, Pacquiao told Boxingscene, “Everything is okay, I always considered this fight [as] one of the toughest fights of my boxing career, that's why I didn't take it lightly for this training.”

Pacquiao, however, maintains that he had seen some flaws in Cotto's arsenal during his tough win over Joshua Clottey back in June where Pacquiao was watching from ringside.

“We've seen weaknesses of Cotto in that fight. I won't tell you that. It's our secret,” Pacquiao added.

Pacquiao also maintained that if he beats Cotto at 145-lbs, his next fight would be at “147, 140, either way.”

When reminded of Cotto's power, Pacquiao said he is not afraid of the Puerto Rican's much vaunted power, pointing out that he has power of his own, and has speed to make him win the fight.

“Cotto is strong and of course I believe in myself that I'm strong too. We will see in the fight. I have speed, I believe my speed will win me the fight,” Pacquiao said.