Al Bello - Getty Images
Miguel Cotto is a legitimate star, a fan favorite, and a fresh matchup for Floyd Mayweather. But can Cotto actually win? (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Yesterday's announcement that Floyd Mayweather Jr will face Miguel Cotto on May 5 was met with a mixed response by different sections of the boxing fanbase.
Some diehard fans seemed in favor of the fight, if only because it's a fresh matchup between two legitimate stars. Casual fans, apparently operating under the idea that Mayweather vs Pacquiao was still remotely in play, rejected the fight pretty much 100% across the board.
With a day to process the fight, has anyone come around on the fight? Does anyone like it more or less? And most important, does anyone think Miguel Cotto can win this thing?
Both fighters sounded confident with their first thoughts on the fight, sent out via press release.
"Miguel Cotto is a world class fighter who can never be taken for granted and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing," said Mayweather. "It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder. I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto's reign as champion will come to an end on May 5."
"I am here to fight the biggest names in boxing. I've never ducked anyone or any challenge in front of me," said Cotto. "I have accepted everything to give the fans what they like: Great and exciting fights. That is what the sport of boxing is all about; making the fights that the fans want and deserve to see. On May 5, stay tuned, because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather."
Both fighters are known quantities. Cotto, 31, will have a supposed advantage in that he's likely more comfortable fighting at 154 pounds. Mayweather, who turns 35 on February 24, has never tasted defeat, and is 1-0 at the weight, beating Oscar De La Hoya in 2007 despite being the visibly smaller man.
But can Cotto win? That may be the ultimate question here. Yes, both fighters are stars, and most of us like Miguel Cotto, and Floyd is Floyd, with his polarizing personality and history. There are things that are intriguing about the fight. Does Miguel Cotto, in your opinion, really have a shot at winning this, or is he going to be an easy night for Mayweather en route to 43-0?
0 recs | 97 comments
I voted yes
I think he has a shot in the sense that he can win if everything would go perfect for him. But I don’t expect it to.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
Do you consider him a legitimate threat or just a guy who can win on a miracle night?
Scott Christ - February 2, 2012
I said yes also
I think he’s somewhere in-between legitimate threat and miracle guy. I think miracle night is way too dismissive and legitimate threat is too kind.
erod - February 2, 2012
I actually lean toward legitimate threat. Cotto has generally been better against boxers where he can assume the role of pressure fighter than against guys that come at him. He struggled with Ricardo Torres, Antonio Margarito, Manny Pacquiao, and Joshua Clottey because they had the power/style to back him up. When he comes forward he is generally more effective, and sits down more on his punches.
I think he will be more effective on the ropes than other Mayweather opponents because his accuracy is underrated, and he is more economical/skilled than Victor Ortiz and Ricky Hatton with his punches. A lot of it will likely depend on if Mayweather stands still or still has the legs to move around.
After typing this I feel like I’m starting to talk my self into an upset.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
Cotto being better against boxers is purely a manufactured myth...
Manny Pacquiao and Joshua Clottey can’t be put into the same bracket as Ricardo Torres and Antonio Margarito. In the Pacquiao fight, Pacquiao absorbed Cotto’s pressure for 4 rounds until Cotto was mentally ruined after the knockdowns. He did nothing after round 4. Clottey fought the fight on the back foot throughout, but let a lead slip in a bit of a mental block move. Paulie Malignaggi also gave him trouble somehow. Yuri Foreman, Michael Jennings and Alfonso Gomez score an n/a rating when comparing with Mayweather.
It’s like saying Mayweather generally has more trouble with southpaws because he beat Shane Mosley, Diego Corrales and Carlos Baldomir.
Dafs - February 2, 2012
How can Clottey not be put in that group? He came forward the whole fight, and some people accused Cotto of blatantly running at times.
I understand what you’re saying about Pacquiao, but I put him in there because he was able to actually back Cotto up, even in the first four rounds. He was able to back him up even early because he hurt him early.
I don’t mean to soiund like a jerk, but I don’t understand what you’re saying with that last sentence.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
That’s the point I was trying to make. It makes no sense.
Dafs - February 2, 2012
Ahhhhh. Thank you, for I am a bit slow at times.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
Maybe I need to rewatch the Cotto/Clottey fight, but I remember Cotto being the one pressing the action early until Clottey began to come forward in the middle/second half of the fight. Clottey didn’t pressure the same way Margarito and Torres did, in a face first kind of style. Clottey boxed a lot more, if that makes sense.
Dafs - February 2, 2012
Yeah I get what you’re saying. He is not as purely aggressive as those two for sure.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
I would see it as about ab 80-20 split in favour of Mayweather.
Cotto could win, but I don’t expect it. He will probably just be that bit too slow, and wind up having a very frustrating night. Cotto needs to take something out of him early before he settles to really have a shot.
Duan - February 2, 2012
No for me
I like Cotto but for me I don’t give him any chance. Don’t get me wrong he deserves this chance but he will be too slow simple as. He won’t see the shots coming like most don’t against Floyd. I’d love it to be a cracking fight and hopefully Cotto can get close…but I just don’t see it happening. Floyd all the way for me.
Thomas Hill - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
Volume punches
Duan, Mayweather is not a volume puncher like pacquiao. He is fast, don’t get me wrong, but he does the in/out without much combinations. Cotto has one of the most solid jabs in the group and a killer hook to the body. If he can corner Mayweather he might be able to soften/slow down him a bit to be more effective. Don’t know what the plan would be, but every time that I seen fast punchers they are always neutralized with jabs. I wish Cotto the best.
Manuel Perez - February 3, 2012
does he have a shot? of course. you can never count someone out in this sport-especially someone with Cotto’s resume. world class fighter 100%. however, i simply don’t see any advantage he has. aside from the weight, mayweather has an edge over him in just about every relevant category.
that being said, i am very excited to see this fight. should’ve happened about 3 or 4 years ago but a fresh fight b/t two of the sports best.
quincyte - February 2, 2012
not really
stars aligned, miracle night…call it what you want. cotto can win, but everything has to be perfect. 99.9999999% isn’t good enough, because floyd is usually 100%. i expect that here and i don’t think floyd will underestimate him.
KidSleez - February 2, 2012
Voted no…….only question I have is will Cotto go the distance and lose 12-0/11-1 UD or get KO’d.
And this isn’t a slight on Cotto, but how great I think Mayweather is…….and I say that begrudgingly. .
DPlainview - February 2, 2012
That’s my feeling on it too. What’s the “SURPRISE” that Cotto can use to throw Mayweather? I can’t see it. He’s too flat footed, me thinks.
Dafs - February 2, 2012
The only wildcard Cotto has is trainer Pedro Diaz. Diaz vs. Roger could be interesting.
Dafs - February 2, 2012
Doubt the KO'd
Man, I doubt Cotto will be KO’d by Mayweather and doubt it will be a 12-0/11-1. That is like thinking Cotto is Margarito when it comes to fighting Mayweather. We know Cotto is a very skilled boxer and for most fight he has always been competitive except for Pacquiao. I think the reason we saw the performance in that fight to be very questionable is cuz he had no trainer and no plan. He has invested in better trainers after that to correct that, so I give him a good chance that he can show everyone he is been underrated for just one lowsy mistake with one of the best fighters out there. He is taking the other big name, if he prepares he can show off and get the respect he deserves from all those that say he is done. That is why I want to see this fight. To see how he can prove to be a foe to reckon with for everyone lose or win.
Manuel Perez - February 3, 2012
mosley has a better chance of beating canelo
nickfoxx - February 2, 2012
We agree this time.
Scott Christ - February 2, 2012
Wow. So you give Cotto absolutely zero chance?
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
I think Mosley if he connected with a huge shot can still knock out just about anyone. Power’s the last thing to go. Also, Canelo ain’t Mayweather.
Scott Christ - February 3, 2012
I dont think Cotto is fast enough to out box Mayweather and Floyd is to smart to get into a fight rather than a boxing match. Cotto will touch him up abit but not enough to win the match, maybe a couple of rounds tho.
sigidy - February 2, 2012
I just can’t see it.
even at his best i feel that Cotto’s style is made for Mayweather with his accuracy, counterpunching and handspeed.
I’m sure this why Floyd was happy to do the fight at 154. Cotto won’t be able to react quickly enough to Floyd’s shots as the fight goes on, imo.
That doesn’t mean i don’t think Cotto won’t make a good fight of it, and i look forward to seeing it, but i would be very surprised if he won.
Speed is the major factor here, imo.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
Cotto is probably Mayweather's only real challenge
since fighting De La Hoya in 07.
Even though Mayweather will probably be heavily favored in this fight, I think Cotto has a chance to take it.
av1o3 - February 2, 2012
Cotto is a 3-1 underdog with the early oddsmakers
http://bettingzone.oddschecker.com/boxing-mma/boxing/floyd-mayweather-v-miguel-cotto/winner
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
He was 4-1 earlier and i think 3-1 is a bit short but maybe he’s had some early money placed on him.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
Sorry, he is 4-1. I usually have it set to decimal odds but changed it to frctional for you ’mericans.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
fractional
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
Isn't that still the closest it's been?
av1o3 - February 2, 2012
Odss only came out yesterday. They’ve stuck at 4-1 as far as i’ve seen.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
By comparison Victor ortiz was around 5/6-1 so i think 4-1 is about right for Cotto, if not maybe a little bit too tight.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
I don't think so.
I’m legitimately very excited for this fight, but I give Miguel very little chance of pulling it off. Seeing two genuine superstar fighters together is always a thrill – and this one has big event written all over it. However, Floyd is just in another stratosphere to Miguel in terms of ring IQ; as for the speed, footwork and a whole load of other things, he’s also way beyond. I can see the first four rounds being exciting, but I think Floyd takes over pretty quickly and leaves Miguel looking absolutely baffled as he flounders for 12 long, painful rounds.
Oli Goldstein - February 2, 2012
If Yuri Foreman can tag Miguel with that lead right at will...
Floyd will eat Cotto up. No chance in opinion.
PhinsAllDay - February 2, 2012
+1
Boss Man - February 2, 2012
I don’t recall Foreman hitting Cotto with lead rights at will.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
watch fight again...he was tagging him
PhinsAllDay - February 2, 2012
just no pop in his hands
PhinsAllDay - February 2, 2012
I remember him landing one or two decent ones. In Cotto’s defense he probably didn’t care if he ate a few because Foreman was so feather-fisted.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
lol. yea. Yuri cant crack at all
PhinsAllDay - February 2, 2012
me either really, but i also remember Cotto not having respect for Foreman’s power.
RRod806 - February 3, 2012
This is not at all my memory of the fight.
This is a huge exaggeration.
Matt Miller - February 3, 2012
Nope
Floyd has a huge reach advantage and he is going to walk down Cotto. Floyd’s straight right is going to rain down on Cotto’s face at over a 40% connect rate. I just don’t see how Cotto is going to get to the inside against Floyd when Floyd has a reach and accuracy advantage. Cotto won’t be able to get to Floyd’s body, even if he somehow reverted to old school Cotto.
Waldo Rastel - February 2, 2012
It isn’t necessarily difficult to get to the inside against Floyd – he’s not the mover of yesteryear, and instead sets his feet a lot. The real problem is that Floyd is an astonishing inside fighter, with every trick you can possibly imagine: the forearm smash, the elbow, pushing, holding and punching. Seriously, Floyd is in another league as an inside fighter, which is why he doesn’t just jab a guy and keep them outside all night. As soon as you’re close to Floyd, he’s moving you off balance, hitting you with the flash left hook, holding your arm and hitting you to the body. When you realise you can’t deal with him on the inside, you hang around on the outside and get popped by the jab. One of the principal reasons Mosley was so baffled by Floyd was the fact that he couldn’t touch him up close, but was then whacked around when he stood outside.
So yeah, Cotto won’t get to Floyd’s body – but not because he can’t get close to him. He’ll get close, and then he’ll discover what an outrageous defensive fighter Floyd Mayweather is.
Oli Goldstein - February 2, 2012
Actually meant the straight right, but he will use the jab from time to time too.
Oli Goldstein - February 2, 2012
I think Mayweather is such an effective inside fighter because he is so coordinated. Simply put, he can land shots at angles that most others cannot.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
That’s one of the principal reasons he’s a wonderful athlete – the inside fighting, though, comes from years of schooling and ring IQ. There’ve been tonnes of fighters in the past with great coordination who couldn’t do anything like what Floyd does on the inside.
Oli Goldstein - February 2, 2012
I remember Hatton talking about Mayweather on the inside
He’l block a left hook and then hit you immediatley with a right uppercut. Vice versa with the other wing.
Hatton was supposed to dominate if he got inside. When he couldn’t, he took away the gameplan, and then the heart
Sweet science - February 2, 2012
Joe Cortez can also dominate on the inside :)
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
Now that's funny there, I don't care where you come from
honorablecbm - February 2, 2012 via iPhone app
haha
Still, Mayweather was far more than a match than Hatton on the inside
Sweet science - February 3, 2012
I have a suspicion there’s a lot of Mayweather haters/Cotto fans skewing the voting here.
No way should Cotto be 65% in favour of beating Floyd.
That’s LOL material right there.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
It’s not asking if he will beat Floyd. It’s asking if he has a shot.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
Yes, i can read thank you.
65% is still high.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
Well my point being that I voted yes, but I don’t favor him to beat Floyd. I would assume the vast majority are like that.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
I suppose it depends how you define " a shot". A lucky punch? Floyd on an off night? Or that you really think Cotto has the ability to beat him.
On the latter point i say the answer is no.
But then it would be boring if we all went for the same pick.
Their have been much bigger usets than 4-1 in boxing history and i think Cotto has had some confidence building fights since the loss to Marg and will be determined as ever to finish his career on a massive high.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
There
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
Yeah I agree with you there. The word “shot” can be interpreted in many ways. I tend to think someone has a shot if they could somehow find a way to win, but that certainly doesn’t mean I’m confident he will.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
If you understood it, then why did you describe it like this?
That is not the same as saying “no way should Cotto be described by 65% as having a chance.”
Matt Miller - February 3, 2012
Sorry i’m not a lawyer and don’t analyze every……..single……….word.
I know what i meant whether you do or not.
As i said, different people would have different perceptions of what “a chance” meant.
Basically i don’t think he is going to beat him, so i would therefore not vote “yes” here, and that’s why i didn’t.
Matt Mosley - February 3, 2012
I should say “a shot” which is what the question was asking.
A lucky KO punch, Floyd trips over his boot laces and knocks himself out.
As i said 65% is pretty high, IMO!
Cotto won’t win. Take it to the bank.
Matt Mosley - February 3, 2012
should have been:
Matt Mosley - February 3, 2012
Cotto fan
i assume? :)
Matt Mosley - February 3, 2012
Yes and an English Professor too,
which means I sometimes get a bit persnickety about word choice.
Matt Miller - February 3, 2012
I suspect your suspicion is suspiciously correct.
Boss Man - February 2, 2012
Based on contrasting styles, I see a beat down with Cotto being cut up vadly and then backpeddling by round 7 or 8..
Boss Man - February 2, 2012
On fight night, I am going to pay extra attention to Cotto’s jab (pls feel free to correct me if you dont agree/im flat out wrong) but I think Cotto has a good jab. In his fight with Pacquiao, he was effective the first two rounds working behind his jab. Dont get me wrong, Pacquiao is no Mayweather when it comes to defense but Cotto usually finds success working behind the jab. When ODLH fought Mayweather, Roach pleaded to him to keep jabbing and in the rounds he did – he won. Cotto is going to eat a lot of counters but if he can commit to the jab, stay patient and find a way to cut the ring off and trap May on the ropes.. he has a shot. Like everyone else though, noone expects him to win BUT i beleive he is a legit “threat”.
jerranamo - February 2, 2012
I think Cotto has a good jab. he showed it off great in the Mosley fight, for example.
But i’m sure he’ll miss with a lot more than he lands against Floyd, as everyone else does.
Matt Mosley - February 2, 2012
Don’t forget Cotto is naturally left-handed.
Kory Kitchen - February 2, 2012
He has to jab and pressure Floyd for 12 rounds
Otherwise no way.
He must use the stick (a la Oscar) and aggress (a al Castillo) to have a chance.
Problem is Cotto is quite old in ring years and has not been able to sustain any attack for twelve rounds
pakinpower - February 3, 2012
The only person I give a shot at beating Mayweather is Pacquiao.
I used to think Khan had a chance, what a fool I look now.
This is with the assumption that Martinez can’t make 154 pounds.
Dafs - February 2, 2012
Martinez can still make 154; talk was that he’d have to reach 150 to fight big game, and no, I don’t think he’d be in good shape there.
El Destruyo - February 2, 2012
I’m a huge Miguel Cotto fan, but I don’t give him much of a shot here…Mayweather is just at another level in terms of talent and skill. Miguel isn’t going to outbox Floyd in any sense. He’s not really a bullying/pressure fighter either so that strategy probably won’t work. I think there is a far greater chance Mayweather really embarrasses Cotto than Cotto getting anywhere close to beating him. I’m sure Cotto will give a great effort, but new trainer or not, he’s still going to be the same fighter.
I don’t think the weight will be a significant factor either. Props to Floyd for taking the fight at 154, but Miguel is not even a natural 154 pounder so it’s not like he’ll have a tremendous size advantage.
Sammlung - February 2, 2012
Good point with the last sentence
Sweet science - February 2, 2012
I voted No
Save by a flush left hook, but Mayweather is far too good to get caught by silly shots like that. I like Cotto, I wish him all the best but his face is going to be messed up come the championship rounds
Sweet science - February 2, 2012
I agree on this. I am a big Cotto fan, but even Margarito was able to tag him a fair number of times in the rematch. Floyd would have to get old in the ring to give Cotto a shot. I believe that Alvarez is a potentially more difficult match-up for Floyd given the physical size and strength. Cotto is probably going to enter the ring at a lighter weight than Ortiz did.
Despite that I’m glad the fight is happening. Besides Pacquiao this is the biggest money match that can be made for Mayweather. This is the kind of fight that the opponent (Cotto) being ‘a big name for the casual fan’ actually works. It doesn’t for Alvarez v Mosley.
Eoin_not_ian - February 2, 2012
Agree with all your points save this one
Alvarez is far too wet behind the earlobes to give May a challenge at this stage of his career. Mayweather would seriously have to get old and Canelo make some serious improvements for him to “have a shot”
Sweet science - February 3, 2012
Cotto's face gets messed up fairly easy these past few years
It may be a flesh thing or simply wear and tear but he his skin has succumbed to the wars he has fought.
pakinpower - February 3, 2012
No
Cotto and Mayweather are without a doubt my favorite fighters, with possibly Cotto being my overall favorite. This is a fight I’ve been wanting for 5 years, and I’m glad it’s coming to fruition, But I still can’t honestly say I think Cotto will win. Speed kills. Pressure or not, Mayweather’s speed will be the determining factor. Even though Cotto has the advantage at 154, he won’t be able to touch Mayweather. It’s unfortunate for Cotto because this is the only fight for him that I can honestly say he has no chance. Even a rematch with Pacquiao, Marquez has shown that timing and accuracy (which Miguel has both) can do as much damage as quick hands.
thetruth - February 2, 2012
“Some diehard fans seemed in favor of the fight, if only because it’s a fresh matchup between two legitimate stars. Casual fans, apparently operating under the idea that Mayweather vs Pacquiao was still remotely in play, rejected the fight pretty much 100% across the board.”
Spot on. Seeing Floyd and Manny in the ring is not the end all be all that casual fans see it as. Anyone with true interest in boxing sees Cotto and Mayweather as a really exciting matchup, regardless if it may have a predictable outcome
thetruth - February 2, 2012
I think almost all Mayweather fights have predictable outcomes… I guess we all look forward to see how good of a fight you can put up.
Honestly, I voted no and I am a huge Cotto fan. But there is one thing that sticks out in my mind. It’s that second round of the Mosley/Mayweather fight. Now, we know that Cotto has great timing, he showed it versus a much better version of Mosley (of course, he was also younger himself there, but his timing is still there I believe), so can he have a moment like Mosley? And if so, can he capitalize when Mosley couldn’t? In hindsight, that was reaaaaally lucky on Shane’s part, he was already shot by that time. I don’t think Cotto is anywhere near the level of Mosley right now (meaning, he’s loads better) so… this intrigues me.
Apprentice - February 2, 2012
That was a long long time ago
And a whole lot different Miguel Cotto.
pakinpower - February 3, 2012
Mosley’s straight right is far superior to Cott’s imo. Not only is it faster, but it is heavier. Can’t see it being much of a factor
Sweet science - February 3, 2012
Far, far better right hand than Cotto’s. No argument, I don’t believe.
Scott Christ - February 3, 2012
Maybe four years ago but not today
Cotto is no longer a come forward body-snatching agressor. He has become a far more deliberate and slower boxer puncher with a predisposition toward counter puncher, period. His defense has always been an issue and he has never been very hard to hit.
With two severe beatings under his belt, he is also far less inclined to mix it up the way he was earlier in his career…when his punches carried far more power.
Floyd is fast, defensive and the best counter puncher in the business.
Stylistically, this fight between these two fighters at this stage of their careers is a mismatched mess for Cotto.
Floyd will pot shot and uppercut Cotto until the end, winning by a wide and decisive decision.
pakinpower - February 3, 2012
"Both fighters sounded confident with their first thoughts on the fight"
breaking news: boxers show confidence leading up to fight
Gouken - February 3, 2012
I'd love it for a fighter to come and with the opposite
To try and psyce his opponent out
“I stand no chance, KO1 for him!
Sweet science - February 3, 2012
“I’m just here to be a stepping stone, and I have no problem with that”
Apprentice - February 3, 2012
Would be spot on for RJJ
Actually, he isn’t really that now is he
Sweet science - February 3, 2012
It's the kind of thing I would expect someone like
Del Boy to say. He is so chilled out and he loves a mind game or two.
Sweet science - February 3, 2012
65 percent
maybe too high..do i give cotto a shot..sure..perdro diaz may come up with a good gameplan and cotto may execute it and in the end it still might not be enough to crack the floyd defense, accurate counter punching, and speed. would cott be better served to switch southpaw which he naturally is to counter the shoulder roll? that being said, i tink floyd wins by decision. alot of other sites have peple saying floyd will stop cotto..i gotta disagree..above 140 who has floyd koed? a punch drunk ricky hatton who is no way shape or form the boxer miguel cotto is even at this point, not to mention a fight above his weight class and arturo gatti? another much smaller man who is not the boxer cotto is. yes we can include ortiz if you want but wihtout controversy, those have been floyds two kos..i wish i saw more of a floyd in the ortiz fight. would have like to seen more of floyd handling vixs pressure..that being said hes fought 4 rounds in the last two years, i know floyds an amazing athlete but could that be a factor also at age 35? still got floyd by decision
Vicmatic1 - February 3, 2012
excuse my typos..my work comp is crap!
Vicmatic1 - February 3, 2012
Don’t think he can KO Cotto, but I can see him busting up Cotto’s face and forcing a stoppage. That’s the only question I have………..TKO or easy UD.
DPlainview - February 3, 2012
Does he have a chance? Sure. Floyd could have gotten real old in the last few months. But the only kind of fighter I see having a legit shot is someone with the power and speed to capitalize on a Mosley-like shot that sneaks through Floyd’s defense for a knockout. Cotto’s not that guy, and he sure as hell ain’t outpointing him.
Floyd wins, 8 rounds to 4.
AndrewDM - February 3, 2012
Big Fan of Cotto and I like the fight but
for him to win everything has to go perfect along with Mayweather getting “old” over night.
If Mayweather stands his ground like against Ortiz, he has a shot to stop Cotto early. The fight being at 154 definitely helps Cotto though. Mayweather vs DLH was at 154 also and that ended up being pretty close.
Frank Lee - February 3, 2012
Cotto absolutely has a chance, and I voted yes. Mayweather’s only SD is also his only fight at 154. His power was diminished in that fight, and during the early part of the fight, he was more easily thrown off his game than usual. I think a good case can be made that today’s Cotto at 154 is smarter and better than Oscar was when he fought Floyd, though there are many complicating factors in that analysis I admit. While I still favor Mayweather, this is his biggest challenge in many years and a worthy fight.
Matt Miller - February 3, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Bad Left Hook to post a comment.