Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7, A Must See

HBO made its premiere telecast of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7 last October 25, 2009. Last Sunday, the 2nd part of the instalment was aired and different reactions and observations were handed down.

I personally watched the first 2 parts and I also want to impart my comments on what’s happening on both training camps.

Let’s examine first Team Pacquiao. 24/7 started showing the devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy in Baguio City, the site of the training camp of Manny Pacquiao. Because of the bad weather, they had to make several adjustments in their accustomed routine. Conditioning coach Alex Ariza made Manny swim in cold water in lieu of his morning jogging because of the rains pouring heavily in Baguio. Distractions are everywhere from the people wanting to have a glimpse of Pacquiao to the television shows he attended. HBO also showed how Manny disobey the instruction of Freddie Roach not to play basketball. The rift seems to escalate in Pacquiao camp as Roach and Manny adviser Michael Koncz continue to argue in several issues. Even Ariza had a run –in against Koncz, proof that there’s a real animosity going on in Team Pacquiao. As new typhoon Ramil moving in north direction, Freddie Roach was so concerned that they may got stuck in Baguio City. He talked to Manny and agreed to go down to Manila the following day. As they were ready to leave, an unexpected visitor came in. Senator Manny Villar arrived and sat down with Manny for several minutes. Seems irritated, Freddie now decided to interrupt the conversation and told Manny that they have to leave NOW.

Upon arrival in Manila, they went straight to Penalosa Gym for some work-outs. Days after, they are now on- board in plane to Los Angeles. There he was again greeted by a throng of fans waiting for his arrival. Roach is now at peace since Pacquiao can concentrate now at the Wild Card Gym.

Miles away from Tampa Florida, Miguel Cotto is busy mapping out his strategy against the pound for pound king. The show zero-in on Cotto’s relation with his family particularly with his wife and son. If Pacquiao’s camp was tumultuous, Cotto’s camp was relatively quiet. There were clips were HBO showed how relax team Cotto is by playing golf and swimming and diving in the pool. Past Pacquiao fights were keenly watch to unmask the weakness of their opponent. Unlike Pacquiao, Cotto preferred not to open his sparring sessions to the media although he gave some pictures of it. Cotto seems to be so focus and determined that fear might strike you while watching him.

Contrasting camps, similar purpose. Different strategies, the same goal. The final part of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7 will be shown on Nov. 8, exactly a week before the main event.

I’m looking forward to the exciting finale of Pacquiao vs. Cotto 24/7!