Trainers scuffle at Manny Pacquiao, Miguel Cotto weigh-in

By Brett Okamoto

Friday, Nov. 13, 2009 | 4:54 p.m.

Freddie Roach had warned Miguel Cotto’s camp all week through the media that if Cotto weighed in even slightly over the agreed-upon 145-pound weight limit for the WBO welterweight title fight on Saturday, he would pull Manny Pacquiao from the event completely.

Pacquiao weighed in first at 144 pounds, then Cotto at 145. Roach put up his hands as if he were to say he was happy with Cotto’s weight, but then got into an argument with Cotto’s trainer, Joe Santiago, after Santiago approached him and said something.

Roach then began walking toward Santiago, who pointed to the scale and yelled, “Yeah, 145 (expletive)."

The incident didn’t escalate further, however the trainers were separated by Top Rank CEO Bob Arum, who mouthed, “Just stop it,” to Roach.

“As you can see,” said actor Jeremy Piven from the stage, “there’s a lot of tension with this fight.”

The two fighters didn’t seem to notice the scuffle between their trainers, as Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KO) and Cotto (34-1, 27 KO) met centerstage in a traditional stare down for media before briefly tapping each other on the arm.

Piven then detained the fighters for a bit of colorful banter for the hundreds of fans who packed into the arena.

He even asked Pacquiao if it is his strategy to become abstinent during training for a fight.

“This is like the Jimmy Kimmel show,” Pacquiao said. “Once I start my training I have to focus on my fight so there is no more, I mean, there is no more night time.”

To Cotto, he asked if the efforts he makes to cut weight make him angry.

“I think everybody is unhappy when they can’t eat,” Cotto said. “But I’m pretty healthy. I ate well for this fight. My strength will be too much tomorrow night.”

New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs also got a turn on the microphone. He called both fighters "warriors" and said it was anyone’s guess how long the fight could last.

Retired boxer Roberto Duran, as well as Juan Manuel Lopez and Nonito Donaire were also in attendance.

Televised bouts:

WBC Continental Americas Welterweight Title fight:

Jesus Soto-Karass (24-3-3, 16 KO), 147.5 pounds vs. Alfonso Gomez (20-4-2, 10 KO) 145.5 pounds

WBA Super Welterweight Title fight:

Yuri Foreman (27-0, 8 KO), 154 pounds vs. Daniel Santos (32-3-1, 23 KO), 154 pounds

Middleweight fight:

Troy Rowland (25-2, 7 KO), 159 pounds vs. Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. (40-0-1, 30 KO), 160 pounds

Brett Okamoto can be reached at 948-7817 or brett.okamoto@lasvegassun.com.