Miguel Cotto will thrive on his tag as underdog when he finally faces P4P king Manny Pacquiao (Manny Pacquiao 1/2, draw 20/1, Miguel Cotto 6/4 fight odds) on November 14 in Las Vegas, according to his trainer Joe Santiago.

The tough Puerto Rican accepts Pacquiao is at the peak of his powers and will have to defy the odds (Cotto By Decision or Technical Decision 13/2) and his critics to prevent the Filipino superstar from winning an unprecedented world title in a seventh weight division at the MGM Grand.

Suggestions that WBO welterweight champion Cotto (34-1, 27 KOs) has the advantage because he is the naturally bigger man are blown out the water given that Pacquiao dismantled Oscar De La Hoya in December last year with consummate ease.

However, Santiago said: “Miguel is very driven by the people saying Pacquiao will beat him. It’s extra motivation and he is coming with more fire because people are saying he can’t win.”

He added: “Cotto is at his best, and he is out to show that against Manny.”

Santiago also said Cotto would answer critics who have argued the 28-year-old does not have the speed or agility to cope with Pacquiao (49-3-2, 37 KOs).

He added: “People don’t think Miguel can stay with Manny and his speed and rhythm but I think he will and it will surprise people.”

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