Cotto: A Man on a Mission
September 6th, 2009
By Jason Lee: On November 14, 2009, Miguel Cotto will be entering the ring against the pound-for-pound king Manny Pacquiao in for what most people are calling fight of the year. I’ve read so many articles and a lot of people are saying that Cotto has no chance, that he is shot, he’s damaged goods. I feel this is not the case. Cotto has been training for nearly a month and he is taking this serious, very serious.
Pacquiao is a good fighter and has some great wins over some very good opposition, for example, Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Juan Manuel Marquez (even though, in my opinion, I thought Marquez was robbed), Oscar de la hoya, ( regardless what people say) and Ricky Hatton.
Cotto isn’t any of those fighters. He is bigger, stronger and has good boxing skills. A lot of writers, experts and boxing fans are judging Cotto by his last three of fights. Let’s get this straight: Cotto looked great against Margarito in the first six rounds. So when I hear people saying that Cotto looked bad in his last three fights, I just laugh because it’s funny. But I do agree Cotto didn’t look so good in the Joshua Clottey fight, but in the first couple of rounds, Cotto looked sharp. However, I think that huge gash above Cotto’s left eye kind of messed him up mentally, but again he showed us guts and squeaked by with a win.
I believe that old Cotto will show up on November 14 and it spells trouble for Manny. Cotto will neutralize Pacquiao’s speed and deliver some damage. I don’t think Pacquiao is going to be able to with stand Cotto’s punches and I’m sorry to say this but the outcome doesn’t look too good for Pacquiao. Freddie Roach retracted his prediction about a knockout and now seems a bit nervous now. He realizes now that Cotto isn’t damaged and that he is focused and ready to get in the ring and win.
There is still hope Pacquiao can win by decision if he decides to box all night, but that’s still a very slim chance because Cotto is a good counter puncher. Look at the Mosley fight. Cotto neutralized Mosley’s speed and Miguel was pretty fast in that fight. But again, we can only wait and see. If Pacquiao wins, and I mean without any second guesses, then there can be no excuses by anyone, Cotto will be the better man and he will have deserved it.
My prediction is that Cotto is going in as an underdog, but I believe he will shock everyone. Cotto will come in use his jab and neutralize Pacquiao’s speed and deliver some heavy punches to the head and body. Remember, Pacquiao likes to jump in and jump out, but he will be walking into some shots. I think Pacquiao will stun Cotto a little bit and win some rounds, but Cotto’s counter punching body assault and his ability to cut off the ring will be too much for Pacquiao.
I believe that Pacquiao will fall in the later rounds. This is going to be a great fight between two proud warriors, backed by two great islands and their people. Boxing fans will enjoy this fight and give both men the respect and admiration that they deserve for keeping the sport of boxing alive.
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Without a doubt a great article as much as this will be the fight of the year and one of the best fight of each boxer’s career.i’m from Caguas P.R and a fan of every boxer from P.R but also a paquiao fan. But in this one I have to stick with who I think will be the better fighter and will show to the fight more prepared and that is Cotto,paquiao haven’t even started trainning yet because he is making a movie,and Mr.Roach is not too happy about that realizing now the big threat that cooto is, yes the man got hurt before somebody said he got tired against Margacheato but try getting hit with a freaking casket,and cotto hit mrgto as hard as mosely did or even harder what’s make me think this guy was juiced or something,yeah he came out negative but they got ready for the testing,anyway that’s the past but as a boxing fan I lost all respect for that mexican. Now clotey, needless to say a fearsome hungry african(lion) boxer who looked dominated in the first round then the heads collided, and cotto show what a big heart of a warrior he’s got by not quiting and walking out victorious,so without taking anything from manny who is a gladiator that loves a good rumble, cotto should dominate the faster but weaker and not prepared for this fight paquiao. Then again I will be wathcing this fight in my friends house who is a philipino, so i’m really looking forward for this fight it will be awesome, and may the best man win. Yo voy a mi gallito de pelea.
thanks for the comment owenspud and i will be writing a few more articles on this fight and the upcoming sept 19 fight between marquez and mayweather
Amidst all the hype and partisan cloud,this is the best I have read by a mile!I agree with the prediction but it’s the rounded sporting nature of the article which impresses me so much.Hats off to you and I wait in anticipation for more!
The proud waves of pacquiao stop at cotto’s shore
Looking forward to that fight
Thanks for reading my article and good comments with good opinions
Pacman is due for a let down and Cotto is due for a big win. I dont think pacman has faced anyone with the skills of cotto. Cotto is a realy good boxer with power and defense and will win on points or a knockout.Not to take anything away from pacman. But Oscar was old and Ricky was not very skillfull. Those were easy fights, this will be difrent. Just like margarito looked good in some fights but not when he faced skill. the same whill happen to pacman.
Cotto might come in as the underdog but why should it shock anyone if he wins? A couple of years ago most everyone would have scoffed at this match up thinking Manny have no chance whatsoever at winning. So I guess people ARE giving Manny THE credit for the de la Hoya and Hatton win after all. Also, some people might have the opinion that JMM won over Pac but it was a close fight that could have gone either direction and shouldn’t in any way be considered a robbery as stated by the writer. In fact, I think it would have been more controversial had the decision gone to Marquez. Anyways, this is no easy fight for both Manny and Miguel but if the Pacman can stay away from the heavy bombs of Cotto in the early rounds, I think he can cruise to a good win in the homestretch.
I totally agree with the writer. Margarito’s gloves undoubtedly were loaded which is why he won, along with the fact that Cotto started too fast with a bad fight plan. With the nastiest cut I have seen recently Cotto not only had to make the fight in the final rounds against Clottey, he solidly beat Clottey. It Clottey had sustained a serious cut like that in the 3rd round against Cotto the fight would not have gone the distance and if Clottey wasn’t so scared of Cotto’s power, he got caught good many times, he would have and should have won a unanimous decision. Cotto is not damaged goods and against Pac Man he will show the world he is still one of the best P4P fighters today and surely better than Pac Man.
I know Manny is a great boxer and he is the champion but i would love cotto to win this fight i think its time to let other be the champions and enjoy the crown too
When the dust settles Cotto will be favored at the betting venues when they realize the disparity in size.
im not soo sure about COTTO bein the UNDERDOG, if u go to any of the most known beting websites ull see COTTO and PACMAN are really close… maybe the news and the people support PACQUIAO too much but wen it comes to beting on him not every one goes all in on PACQUIAO…
THIS IS FOR ‘GAZ’— COTTO HAS NOT TO EVEN NEED TO LAND HARD SHOT, CUZ HE HAS A GREAT AND POWERFULL JAB… SO, EVEN IF COTTO DECIDES TO BOX, EITHER WAY ITS A DEAD END FOR PAQUIAO
THIS ONE IS FOR ‘YOUNG G’— NOT EVEN WITH A 4 YEAR ADVANCE IN TRAINING PACQUUAO COULD WIN COTTO, PACMAN SHOULD NEED TO REBORN AGAIN TO AT LEAST HAVE THE SMALLEST CHANCE ON WINING…
Young G, I do have to suggest that if Pacquiao does eat some hard shots he might be stopped.
When has he been hit by a hard hitting welter before? he might not be able to take it!
The key to winning for Pacquiao is twofold, firstly not to get hit with big shots, secondly to out work Cotto until he tries to take a break or gets marked up.
i think manny need to hurry up and get in the gym and he shouldnt be training in baguiao because of all the distance. He should be listening to the man who helped him so much with his carreer, freddie roach. but i do believe pacquiao will rise to the occasion. I believe Pacs speed and movement will the fight. his head movement and footwork has to be at their best like inn the de la hoya fight. if pac can take away the left hook he can win the fight. i think pac will eat some hard shots dnt get me worng the power, youth and skill of cotto does worry me very much but i believe freddie will do everything to have the pac ready for nov…..one thing is for sure this is going to be the fight of the year
well you alsoh ave to think right now what you will write in case Pacman will win. Will you eat your words?
i’ll come in this site after nov 14 and read your article wink wink
Very good article Jason; It’s difficult for phoney boxing fans to understand Cotto’s abilities. Yes there has been boxers that never fought the same after a beating but when you find out you had a lost because of plaster I strongly believe that something like that would only give you more confidence because he didn’t knock you out.
Clottey is a great fighter that many have dodged and I do agree that it is hard to look good with a fighter like him, especially having only one eye available and the other getting burned by blood. Pac-man would not stand a chance against Clottey.
As for some comments in here like, “Reptile’s,” If you have seen Cotto fight since his underdog career, then you would know how he saves a lot of his energy for the last six rounds. Cotto is a much greater fighter than Pac-man. No comparison. The excitement for Cotto will come when he calls out for Margerito and it’s just right around the corner. Believe that.
Good points made but don’t rule out Pacquiao stopping Cotto. Cotto marks easily and the relentless punching from Pacquiao could open this up.
Also Cotto likes to take a bit of a rest during the mid rounds after a slow start. He is smart with it and makes sure he does enough to win but he will have to fight 100% of the time
A great fight that could go many different ways
great article! I count the remaing days to this fight.
cotto will win in this fight undoubtedly. No worries for pacquiao, whether he win or lose. He is getting the lionshare of the purse anyway and that’s whats important. that’s why he is not yet training until today, because, win or loose, he will have the biggest payday, in all of his fights.
I agree on this article 100%. I thought manny will win when the match was made but later changed my mind a month later when I learned that manny is underestimating cotto. Don’t get me wrong, he is. Cotto for me isn’t damaged goods too. I think that cut just affected his fight with clottey. Cotto is takin this fight very very seriously and I believe we will see the best of cotto come november 14th. I’m a fan of both fighters cuz they are very exciting when they fight.
I like this article because it doesn’t show hatred to either boxers. Well I’m a Big Manny Fan here and I’m hoping that my boxer will win. I know Cotto got what it takes to hurt Manny. I can hardly give any predictions here… both are great boxers. Win or lose I will still be a pacman fan.
That’s why i’m pacman fan because he always take risk in fighting bigger boxer..pacman win by KO.
I tend to agree with the Author, but I believe the article fails to articulate the reasons why the authors believes that Cotto will be vicotious. It only reflects an opinion.
First let me say that I belive that Pacquiao is a GREAT fighter, not merely a good one. Pound for Pound, he is more explosive and exciting that Cotto. All things being equal, I would give the Filipino Cyclone the edge. However, at a higher weight, a really good boxer will beat a great small opponent.
I see the Pacman using his footwork and quick hands to give Cotto plenty to think about. I also, can see Cotto using his skills to keep Manny honest and take away some of his offensive arsenal. Once Cotto makes the Pacman take a step backwards, it will be his fight.
Cotto would be wise to use his jab and body attack to slow the Crazy man for the philipines. Once he finds his tempo and timing, he should be able to counter all the win to victory.
For the Pacman, I don’t think the key to victory will be an all out offense… that will be stupid and Roach will not allow it. He needs to pepper Cotto with quick combos and use the big ring to move in and out. If I’m sure of one thing, is that Cotto has never seen such a display of speed. Keep Cotto at bay and using that straight left will be the key to victory.
Again, I see a Cotto win. But regardless of the outcome, one of my favorite fighters will be the loser and the other the winner.
A Pacquiao loss would actually be a good thing for boxing. A loss would effectively postpones Pacquiao’s planned retirement. Remember that Pacquiao doesn’t take losses very well. He’d always give a lot of excuses when he does and he’d be pestering for a rematch…even visiting his opponent’s locker room to beg for it.
In case people forget, a Pacquiao victory means that he’d be good for just one more fight or he’ll even retire right after this one. And that’s not good for boxing, which is in need of a mega box-office hit. It’s not good for Pacquiao too because he’s been widely criticized as someone who’s timed his fights pretty well, fighting once-formidable opponents in their decline (translation: cherry picking old fighters).
Watch out for another “great boxer” getting retired!
The pattern continues ..
Give credit to Pacquiao. This could be the end of his streak. He’s not afraid to put his career on the, unlike Floyd who only chooses to fight little ones.
pacquiao is the jackie chan or jet li in boxing. he can finish his opponent in a blink of an eye w/ his fast hands even if they are bigger than him. size doesn’t matter as long as matter doesn’t size hahaha.
Let’s not forget that gives Cotto problem’s are fighters who are bigger and stronger then him, that have only happen twice Margo and Clottey 2 of the biggest guy on the division who would’ve given hell to anyone the night the fought Cotto, If Manny can do what this bigger stronger guys have done which is out power and Push Cotto back then Manny will win this fight Hands down, but can Manny Push Cotto back with just Speed and a double right jap and a straight left?
Mosley is way faster than Manny. Just compare the fights. THe thing that makes Manny seem like he is fast is his off timing. The fact that he is difficult to time is what fuels the debate for whether or not this guy is really fast or not. Just watch how stupid and unorthidox he is. He has average speed, but coupled with off timing, it seems really fast because the fighters never see it coming. ITS ONLY OFF TIMIMG.
Reptile _you are in title of your own opinion and yes we will see Nov 14 Manny have 50% chance to beat Cotto just like Cotto have %50 to beat Manny whoever wins that night was because the better man won, have nothing to do with Cotto being “damage Goods” or “Manny the Smaller Guy” Everyone is basing this Fight on Manny’s victory over Hatton and De La hoya and Cotto’s lost to Margarito and Bad fight against Clottey..
Not Many people are looking at this fight from the real facts of each fighter which is “Can Manny Deal with Cotto’s power and Pressure? and can Cotto deal with Manny Speed and Foot work? Cotto’s been there before against Mosley,Judah and CLottey, NOW When Have Manny been there with someone that hits as hard as Cotto? Cotto’s been hit by guys that on fight night comes in weight well over 160lbs so we know he can take Manny’s punching power cuz Manny won’t weight as much of 151lb comes fight night…Manny in the other hand is going to get hit by a guy who might come in weighting 160lb can he handle that?
Actually, Jason lee and Hec I’ve seen the fight several times. I stand by everything I say.
Cotto loses. You’ll see in November. And when you do, just remember, the Reptile was right!
Whatever, Long live boxing, R.
Manny had some problems with fighters who knows how to box… See the morales and both Marquez fights. Cotto is a better technical fighter than pacquiao with a greater background in his early years. But Manny’s ability to impose his speed particulary his left hand is unquestionable.
The question here is how Cotto will use the length of the ring. Don’t suprise if Cotto uses the same lateral movement that provoke many problems to Margarito in the first six rounds in their epic battle.
Cotto has more tools to surprise than Manny, but Manny’s abilities (speed and movement) are just incredibel. We all know that pacquiao will use the in and out strategy. The thing here will be the cotto’s approach. Is he will be the stalker, the counter puncher, the boxer or a combination of everything.
If Cotto is able to trap Pacquiao like he did with Clottey in the six round the fight will not last the distance, but if cotto gets cut and Manny is able to put some uppers in the pocket Cotto will have serious problems and a long night.
Just pick your winner and wait to see the last man standing
Yup!Reptile need some studying to do! Cotto never looked like he wanted out on the 9th rd or any round against Clottey Yes he looked a bit tired and beat up from the Cut but he never showed signs of quitting, if he wanted to Quit he would’ve done it before round 4th and walk away with the win, instead he fought a defensive fight to prevent more damage to his cut, No one have looked good against Clottey,,,,why can Cotto get credit that he’s the first and only fighter that have made Clottey hit the canvas “WITH A JAB” whether he was off balance or not still a knock down and it will go down in history as one
Good points raised by all and a damn good article.
My thinking is really what has Manny taken from his last couple of fights?
He beat a veteran weight ravished skeleton in De La Hoya and sparked a clueless Ricky Hatton himself fresh from a disastrous training camp.
Cotto has had to come back from a devastating albeit dishonest defeat to Margarito and whilst not looking like the Cotto of old he has bounced back. The question has to be belief, Manny is no god indeed and Miguel is a true warrior and in terms of strength must have a huge advantage.
Cotto to win by stoppage late on.
Reptile ur an idiot obviously u don’t know boxing at all come nov 14 and u will see all u doing is jumping on the cotto is damaged bandwagon and using previous peoples statement like cotto wanted to quit in the 9 that’s false it’s hard to look good against clottey and how many fighters you know would fight with a huge gash like that I think u should smartin up and look at this fight realisticly
Any serious boxing fan knows that fighters who sustain a beating like Cotto did against Magarito are NEVER the same again. I take no pleasure in saying this. I like Cotto and was rooting for him to beat Margarito. At his best, Cotto was a fantastic counter puncher and a beautiful fighter to watch.
Unfortunately his best is now just a memory, left behind in the ring the night he fought Cotto. The plaster in the gloves revelation is academic, a battering is a battering. And that’s what Cotto took. Against Clottey Miguel looked like he wanted out in the ninth round and if Clottey had turned up the intensity a notch, Cotto would have been stopped for the second time in three fights.
Don’t get me wrong, I don’t believe Pacman is as awesome as Roach and Arum would like us to believe he is either. But they know he’s good enuff to beat the damaged goods that Miguel Cotto, especially at a likely weight weakened 145lbs, which is something just about everyone seems to be overlooking.
If Pacman wanted to prove himself why hasn’t he taken up Shane Mosley’s offer of a fight? After all, Mosley battered the man who battered Cotto! Answer? Cos he’s too damned dangerous that’s why, and Cotto isn’t. It really isn’t rocket science folks. Smarten up!!
Yours in sport, Reptile.
Great article manny to win i 7 way to fast for cotto and if he is throwing accurately cotto is in big trouble
p.s hatton v cotto wot a slugfest that would be if hatton came in after a great training camp.
100% accurate…Cotto in 8 by ko or tko…By kidney shot
great article i cant wait for this fight
Well Said by the writer, I do believe Cotto can come out with the victory but he’s going to need a Plan B in case there’s Blood gushing every where, I notice he gets a little gun shy and his attack gets weaker,meaning he only attack for partial of the rounds and gets too defensive, which in the Clottey fight he got away with the win cuz it was Obvious the Arum was much rather see a Pacquiao/Cotto and Clottey/Pacquiao but in this Case Pacman is Arum Bread and Butter and any Closed rounds Pac will get them for sure, This is the Kind of Fight For Cotto that a closed decision like the Mosley or Clottey fight won work for him but against …to win this fight on Points he’s going to need few knocked down and keep pac on the defense, anything Closed the Judges will give Pacman’s speed the benefit of the round, Cotto need to go for the Stoppage or KO to secure a victory
rob thanks for the comment we will just have to wait and see but like i said in my article who ever wins when i say win i mean that no one can say it was controversial then no one can say nothing and every fight fan should show both of them respesct and admiration
Good article. I agree with you that people shouldn’t judge Cotto on his last 3 fights. He was great in the first half of the Margarito fight as you say. I am sure Michael Jennings doesn’t think Cotto is shot either. And Joshua Clottey would give anybody a hard fight. Joshua Clottey is a very tough cookie who just may beat Mosley in December (I would also pick him to beat pac if they ever fought)
So I would say that people are going to be surprised at just how good Cotto is. When he was undefeated people picked him to beat Mayweather (then p4p #1) so try to remember just how good this guy is.
may the best man win. i believe this fight will be really surprising people think cotto is shot . he was whipping margarito in the 1 half of the fight,but he got tired if anthing im worried cotto will get tired hope his stamina is good for this fight.but i think cotto will give manny hell, manny has speed but hes not bigger or stronger than margarito he doesnt have the presence as margarito.
good article, better than alot of the garbage i read on hear. cotto for me will be to big for the pacman, i thought he would struggle against hatton, but he shocked me as he blasted hatton out of there! mayby he will prove me wrong again. one things for sure we will be in for some fireworks!! i cant wait for this fight.
im rooting for Pacquiao…still an honest article and i appreciate the merits of your argument…very much unlike the malicious rubbish that are Manuela Perez’.
art obviously you dont know much about boxing mosley was one of the fastest boxers out there pac is not that faster then mosley people are giving pac too much of an edge because of his speed and if you truly believe pac can ko cotto then your saddly mistaking
mosley is a way slower than pacman cotto will not handle pacs speed- do not compare mosley to manny- ko for manny in 5 or less!!
i want cotto to win this one but i think pacquiao is gonna dominate him
awesome!! yeah manny is good, but its not god, he is taking a big risk by fighting a REAL elite welter, a real warrior who knows how to box… the best thing cotto have is the ability to change stance, because pacman have good power on both hands.
yea, really good article! makes a change from the usual rubbish i read on this site.
thanks for the comments dont get me wrong manny is good but i just think cottos going to be alittle too much for him
I think Cotto wins Mannys hype is gonna come to an end
I think he will get blasted out imo
I love the article, especially when he talks “that are two great fighters and that after the fight, no matter who wins and who loses, both will gain the respect they deserve.”….I think Cotto wins too
i agree with you 100% its going to be a good fight cant wait