Miguel Cotto is the bottom rung in the high tier of fighters that can and would beat Manny Pacquiao. When he steps into the ring tonight to face Pacquiao at 145 lbs, it will be an eye opening experience for the Pac Man Express, that legion of fans convinced Manny is invincible.

Here's how I see it going down...

I suspect the pugilists will begin the fight standing toe to toe with neither willing to back pedal. I have a hunch they will also respect one another's power enough that their guards will be high and their agression tentative. However, as the fight moves forward I think Pacquiao will begin pursuing Cotto as Pacquiao's punch output increases in direct proportion to Cotto's sturdy defensive success. Cotto, for his part will fight expertly off the back foot (exactly as he did against Shane Mosley) landing well to the head and body on the lunging Pacquiao.

As the fight reaches the championship rounds I see Cotto landing with ever increasing precision to the point that he may hurt Pacquiao late. Unfortunately, having rarely displayed a killer instinct, this fight will prove no different as Cotto will continue moving away and landing on the frustrated Pacquiao without ever going for the KO. This method will eventually secure Cotto a close yet definitive unanimous decision.

My prediction: Miguel Cotto by unanimous decision after hurting Pacquaio in the 11th and successfully fighting off the back foot throughout.

As for the other fighters I foresee beating Pacquiao if the fights get made: Mayweather, Paul Williams, Margarito, Mosley, Clottey, Joan Guzman, Casamayor, and Juan Manuel Marquez.

Whatever happens tonight, I sincerely hope the winner next fights Floyd Mayweather, Jr. Only then, after Mayweather dominates will boxing fans truly appreciate the difference between the hyped (Pacquiao and Cotto) and the real deal (Mayweather).