Jonny Stapleton – Manny Pacquiao’s Irish stable mate Dean Byrne has backed the Philippine superstar to emerge victorious from boxing latest ‘mega fight’ in the MGM Grand this coming Saturday. Former Crumlin amateur Byrne has been training in the famous Wild Card Gym along side the Pacman for his last three ‘super fights’ and believes just as in those bouts Pacquiao will emerge victorious when he takes on Miguel Cotto this weekend.
Byrne, who has been tipped for the top by Freddie Roach, believes Paqiuao will defeat the Puerto Rican powerhouse and remain pound for pound world champion..
The Dubliner claims Pacquiao is as hungry for success as ever and went as far to predict he will bring a premature end to the fight and finish Cotto before the seventh bell.
“I haven’t been with Manny for all of this camp but I have been there training with him since the Marquez fight. I have seen him prepare for the Del Hoya and Hatton fights. I have seen him up close and I have spared against him. When you do that is easy to see why the Pac Man is pound for pound the best fighter in the world. I believe he will stop Cotto in round 7. He is still as hungry now as he ever was. Success hasn’t stopped him wanting to win. You just have to look how he trains to see that.
“I said he would stop Dela Hoya in nine and he managed that in round eight. I also predicted a second round KO against Ricki Hatton. Manny gets better each fight mentally and physically. I am sure he will defeat Cotto. It will be a great fight to watch. I wish I could be there to support my hero and friend,” Byrne said before explaining how beneficial he has found it working with one of boxing’s biggest names.
“He is the nicest guy you can meet out side the ring and the fact he has become a super star hasn’t changed him. I have learned a lot from him and I hope to be champion of the world like him some day. I am glad to be training in wild card and to have Freddie Roach in my corner but being able to train alongside a legend like Manny is the icing on the cake.”
Shawn Porter to Walk Pacquiao into Ring Saturday Night!
Los Angeles, CA – 2008 US Olympic alternate Shawn “Showtime” Porter will lead boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao into the ring Saturday night for his showdown with WBO Welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Porter, 10-0 (8 KO’s), served as Pacquiao’s primary sparring partner and played the role of Cotto during his six weeks in camp. While swapping punches with the best fighter in the world was often a grueling task, Porter was grateful for the opportunity.
“”It’s truly an honor that Team Pacquiao brought me into camp” said Porter, whose intense sparring with Pacquiao was featured on HBO’s Emmy Award winning 24/7 series. “It was a lot of fun, a great learning experience and something I will remember far beyond my years as a professional fighter.”
Following training sessions in Pacquiao’s native Philippines, fans mobbed Porter for pictures, autographs and to ask about his experience sparring with their national hero. Even though the public attention was quite unexpected, Porter is flattered with his newfound support.
“The type of recognizance I got was unbelievable.” “For people to stop me and say “hey you’re Shawn Porter” thousands of miles away from my hometown of Akron, Ohio is great.”
“The fans treated me as if they have known me for a number of years. I definitely look forward to continually building my fan base in the Philippines because their fans are incredible!”
The highly anticipated Pacquiao-Cotto “Firepower” pay per view hits airwaves at 9 pm ET and is promoted by Top Rank.
Porter’s next bout is taking place November 21 at Fitzgeralds Casino in Tunica, MS. Details will follow in the coming days.