Pacquiao and Cotto Exude Confidence at Pre-Fight Press Conference

Two of the world's best pound-for-pound boxers are scheduled to square off with one another at Las Vegas' MGM Grand Hotel on Saturday night when 49-3-2 Manny Pacquiao faces 34-1 Miguel Cotto. Both fighters displayed confidence at the pre-fight press conference on Wednesday as Pacquiao and Cotto expressed their opinion that they would be the one leaving with the World Boxing Organization welterweight championship of the world on Saturday.

Pacquiao, who began his boxing career fighting at 105 pounds, will be fighting at 147 pounds on Saturday night, which is the highest weight that he will have ever fought out. However, the Filipino boxer is well-aware of his opponent's greatest strengths which include his brutal power, granite chin and ability to overcome adversity to keep coming forward.

When asked about his thoughts on the upcoming fight, Pacquiao said, "I am prepared for anything he has to offer. I have studied all his tapes, and I feel like I know him like I know myself. Speed, power and being smart will lead to success. It's going to be a great fight between two great fighters."

Cotto is coming off a victory against dangerous welterweight Joshua Clottey and his only career loss has been made controversial due to the recent suspension given to Antonio Margarito for illegally removing padding from his gloves prior to his most recent fight against Shane Mosley. Many pundits believe Margarito may have taken the same measure against Cotto.

In response to questions about his opponent's apparent speed advantage, Cotto said, "I'm prepared for the speed of Manny. My hand speed is pretty equal to Manny's. I know what I'm capable of doing, and there is no doubt in my mind that I'm going to win this fight."