Someone who is “fast and young” must be chosen as referee of the November 14 showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Miguel Cotto.

This was the belief of Pacquiao chief trainer Freddie Roach, who told the Bulletin on Monday that the official who will be assigned must be quick of feet since he will be tasked to handle two strong and fast-moving fighters.

While Top Rank has a say in the selection of referee and three judges, it is the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) that decides from among its roster of officials who will be tapped to work the scheduled 12-round World Boxing Organization welterweight title match at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.

There are seven NSAC-licensed referees, led by the veteran Joe Cortez. Other top arbiters under the NSAC banner include Kenny Bayless, Tony Weeks, Vic Drakulich, Jay Nady, Robert Byrd, and Russell Mora.