Underdog role no concern for Cotto against Pacquiao

Miguel Cotto has no qualms about being listed as the bookmakers' underdog for his WBO welterweight title defence against Filipino Manny Pacquiao in Las Vegas next week.

The Puerto Rican, who has an enviable career record of 34-1 featuring 27 knockouts, is confident his power and meticulous preparation will trump Pacquiao's speed when the fighters clash on November 14.

"I don't know anything about the betting business," Cotto said from Las Vegas.

"I am just here to try to bring my best every day in the gym. With all the work I make in my training camp, I am going to the fight to win money. I am here for myself, not for any kind of bet.

"I am prepared for anything Manny can bring to this fight."

Pacquiao, (49-3-2, 37 KOs), is widely viewed as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world but Cotto believes the Filipino southpaw has picked the wrong opponent for his first bout in the welterweight division.

"Manny comes from a lower weight division and if he thinks he is going to have the same power as Miguel Cotto, he is thinking pretty wrong," the Puerto Rican said.

"He has picked the wrong moment and the wrong fighter. If he thinks he is going to win against Miguel Cotto, he is pretty wrong."

Pacquiao cemented his status as the sport's premier fighter with a stunning knockout of Ricky Hatton in May to claim the IBO light welterweight crown.