Ala Hann Sport picks

What a weekend. From NFL odds (Patriots/Colts, anyone?) to UFC 105 (Randy Couture in action) to the NBA, the sports schedule is packed. To top it all off, we get to watch the best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao battles Miguel Cotto in what should be an immensely entertaining bout. If Manny wins, he’ll likely get a shot at Floyd Mayweather Jr. next in boxing’s answer to the Super Bowl odds. Let’s analyze Saturday’s fight.

Manny Pacquiao (49-3-2) vs Miguel Cotto (34-1)

Saturday, November 14

Pacquiao Cotto odds: Pacquiao -280, Cotto +220

PACQUIAO – STRENGTHS

We could write a novel listing Manny Pacquiao’s strengths. At 5’6”, he’s often smaller than his opponents. You’d think, then, that he’d have a power disadvantage. Nope. He’s won titles at five different weight classes – proof that his immense punching power can floor guys bigger than him. Look at what he did to Oscar De La Hoya. In addition to power, Pacquiao has speed to spare, so he has the best of both worlds. Against a tough, brawling fighter like Miguel Cotto, that quickness will come in handy, as it will help Cotto escape dangerous situations and catch Cotto off guard on the attack.

PACQUIAO – WEAKNESSES

It’s very tough to find a weakness in Pacquiao’s game; he’s slightly shorter but he and Cotto both have a 67-inch reach. The only possible chink in Pacquiao’s armor could be psychological. Is there a chance he looks past Cotto because Mayweather awaits? Cotto doesn’t represent any new or exciting challenge for Pacquiao, as he’s arguably beaten better fighters already. Maybe Pac-Man won’t have the same intensity he normally brings to a fight.

COTTO – STRENGTHS

A furious, street-fighting type, Miguel Cotto entertains like few other boxers. He loves to walk forward and be the aggressor, swarming opponents and overwhelming them. He may even be the hardest puncher Pac-Man has ever faced.

COTTO – WEAKNESSES

Cotto’s aggression is almost always a plus but it theoretically could hurt him against a fighter of Pacquiao’s caliber. Manny can wait for Cotto to make a mistake and get overanxious, then use his superior speed to counter attack and hurt him. The same strategy worked beautifully against Ricky Hatton.

OUTLOOK

Miguel Cotto is a solid fighter and will certainly make Pacquiao work for his victory, but it’s tough to imagine anyone not named Floyd Mayweather having a chance against Pac-Man in his prime. Bet on Pacquiao to outclass Cotto.

Sportsbook pick: Pacquiao -280