Miguel Cotto – Adjustments, Set & Go!
September 3rd, 2009
By Will Cruz: Anyone who knows even a little about boxing or has followed Miguel Cotto’s career will tell you that one of his strongest qualities as a fighter is his ability to adjust in the fight given what his opponent might bring that night. That is what earned him hard fought victories again the likes of Joshua Clottey, Shane Mosely, and Zab Judah. While many have questioned his events outside the ring, he is no different in that department.
The obvious? This is Cotto’s biggest fight of his career. A fight that will solidify his stake on the mythical P4P list, but more importantly will determine his legacy. With that said, that should be enough to motivate Cotto and Pacquiao as well, to prepare more intensely than any other time in their careers. Ah, but with Cotto there is always something more. If you look at Cotto’s interviews since his lost to Margarito, and put the pieces of the puzzle together.
Cotto knows what a win over Pacquiao means. It means a potential showdown with Mayweather, a fighter that Cotto is confident he can defeat, and more significantly a rematch with Margarito and the opportunity to redeem himself. Then? A ride into the sunset, retiring young, healthy, and on top of the game. Sound ambitious? Sure it does. Is it possible? For Cotto, absolutely! Cotto is as determined a fighter as I have seen in recent years. His dedication is far above his love for the sport. He dedicates himself to achieving success.
Last week Cotto made yet another adjustment. One that should be concerning to Pacman and his corner. He moved his training in Puerto Rico to a gym that provides 20’ X 20’, and 24’ X 24’ rings. The ring they will fight in on November, will indeed be a 20’ X 20’ ring. Miguel Cotto is preparing himself to chase Pacquiao around the ring if needed.
He understands that in order for him to win the fight in Las Vegas, he will have to put a beating on Pacquiao. And he has all the intentions in the world to do just that. If Pacquiao stands in front of Cotto and exchanges power punches, Cotto feels that he will land the one that will end the night. If Pacquiao runs around the ring, Cotto will find him. Another adjustment made by Miguel Cotto with serious intentions.
On November 14, the fastest, most dangerous fighter he has ever faced will step up and give Cotto plenty of work. Many say that Pacquiao’s speed will be the difference in this fight. And that is a very valid point and could be true. However, I would not put my money on that. Cotto’s ability to adjust and find a weakness in his opponent will be the difference in my opinion.
Whether he uses his timing, boxing ability, or his raw strength, he will have done what he wanted to do all along. That is adjust, set up the showdown with Mayweather and Margarito, and go on to retire and never look back. If that is the way Cotto goes out, then here’s to one of the greatest fighters to lace ‘em up in many years. In about 10 weeks we will begin to answer some of these questions.
Will Cotto take the next step to the top, or will he have to adjust again? Either way, as fans we will witness the best fight of the year on November 14. If ever I’ve been so sure about a fight living up to its potential, it is this one. And like Cotto, we too will have to make an adjustment; which fight party to attend on November 14.
Tags: 28 Responses to “Miguel Cotto – Adjustments, Set & Go!”
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COTTO WILL DESTROY PAC IN THE LATER ROUNDS ,,ROUND 7-8-9 COTTO WILL PUNISH PAC CAUSE HELL BE SLOWER BY THEN AND TIRED OF RUNNING,,COTTO THEN WILL LAND AT WILL AND HURT PAC EVENTUALYY KO ING HIM IN THE 11TH,,
Great article Will Cruz, excellent writing and, refreshingly, without a personal agenda.
I agree that Cotto’s skills set is being over looked a little, and maybe people are already looking for excuses should he loose to PacMan (weight drained etc). I think both fighters are 100% professional and wouldn’t look for petty advantages for such a big fight. Am REALLY looking forward to this one.
Cotto will become KUTO after Nov. 14. This will be a big celebration in the Phil.
Will Cruz-Very good article. Keep up the good work. Imo you know more about boxing than some of the self-proclaimed experts.
Thanks for your comments everyone. We can agree to disagree on who wins, but we all agree it will be a great fight!!
I have no doubt in my mind that Miguel Cotto will win this fight by KO.
Both Paquiao and Cotto are great fighters but I like Cotto the way he selects opponents coz he’ll face whoever will be placed in front of him not like Pacman who used to cherrypick his opponents to gain money and honor to his country.
But offcourse these things are not his alone, its Roach’s strategy too.
This is a very good match any fighter can win. Either Pacman or Cotto but please I’m sick of excuses, drain, not in his prime,or any thing. If a fighter lost please accept defeat without any excuses at all. You signed and accept the contract to fight then excuses is not acceptable to any form whatsoever. Special mention to manuela Perez please write down now all you excuses so by the end of day you hvae no more excuses to write. This is a very good article well done.
If Manny is really one of the ATG (All time Greats) then he will find a way to win hopefully with his speed. If he is an impostor then he will lose because of the mere size difference between the two and Cotto’s YOUTH.
Will you finally acknowledge Manny as one of the ATG if he WINS?
Common, give credit where credit is due …
cotto wins by ko against pacman cotto at 146 is pacmans worst nitemare. cotto has to much power and is a very good boxer pacman does not have the body type to beat cotto. in my opinion cotto has problems with quality welters that are taller than him and pacman doesnt fit that mold this is gonna be the first honnest fight for pacman sense he fought jmm. it will be a great fight while it lasts
Finaly some one w/some sence well done it is a great article thank you very much. I have been following both fighters for a long time and ask my self; What would it happened if they had a bout? But they where at diferent waights. That was then now I see it like the fight of superman and captin marvel. It was prety unplesant fight watch two heroes that are loved by every one fight. This is going to bee the same. But with a lil diference cotto is my contry man and like evry contry has the same rule betrail is payed by death. I have to go where my heart is cotto. Manny is still one of my favorite. So bee it let the battle begaing. Ps: cotto will have pac ko between the 4th and 7th round.
Good objectly written article. I believe cotto and pacquiao is a good fight. Cotto has a good chance of KOing pac if he could hit him. But if pac hit cotto’s chin first with that powerful lefthook (like the one delivered to hitman)he too may kiss the canvas. I can’t wait for the night of November 14.
i am a fan of pacquiao, but i fear that this is the fight i would not want to watch..no offense pac but definitely cotto is not on your league.you will learn it comes november
Rest in peace manny as you are going down. You picked the wrong person.
Can’t wait for Nov 14. I wanna see all the stoopeed Pacmaniacs cry over Manny’s limp body. The day of reckoning, the day the cross-eyed midget will be exposed. National Mourning Day in the Philippines.
good for cotto, cheers to the writer, onething is certain is that pac will be figthing a harder opponent than floyd. so no excuses who is the one only p4pking when pac ko this braveman from caugas.
excellent article! really good.
wcloud what fight are you talking about with Cotto looking like a deer?
I just cant see Manny being powerful enough to k.o.Cotto.Alot of people forgot how beautiful Cotto fought Margarito until the PLASTER set in.I hear Roach is hoping Miguel gets cut.I personally thin thats a big mistake Cotto is not going to let that be a factor in what he is trying to achieve.
You make me proud to be a Cruz man! LOL Great article!
Thanks genoesu! I also see Cotto boxing beautifully much like he did in the first half of the Margarito fight. I see Pacquiao running out of options early on as he tries to figure out a way to hurt Cotto, but can’t.
Another great article Will.No matter who wins that night the fans be the ones who will win.Cotto showed his versitile way of boxing against Sugar Shane,when everyone thought there was something wrong in the later rounds.He outboxed on of the best boxers in the game that night.He showed he can box ,he nutralized Shanes speed by showing a wicked speedy jab,and has the ability to fight going backwards.Manny has never fought someone who has the same talent.Not taking anything away from the fighters he has fought.Miguel is in his PRIME and the victories over Pacman,Margarito,and Mayweather”who i think will never fight Cotto”will make him very healthy ,wealthy for him to retire on top.I see Cotto winning in 7 by k.o.
I think either way Cotto will get his rematch with Margarito but I’m not so sure Mayweather will fight Cotto even if he beats Manny. Mayweathers a good fighter but isn’t a great entertainer. I give him credit for fighting Marquez coming off a 2 year drought but dislike his selection in opponents & his claim to be the best. I think a great fighter is made by the victories over quality opponents more than undefeated record. I love how Cotto has always fought who ever they placed in front of him especially the avoided boxers (Carlos Quintana at the time was undefeated, Pualie Maginalia undefeated, Mosley, Margarito, & Clottey). To me actions speak louder words. If everyone would fight for the honor of the sport but thier ego’s aside a bit they’d prove to the world boxing is here to stay. P.S. Alot of the corruption, politics, promoters need to go.
good article i agree its going to be a great one.
Thanks for your comments…looking forward to this fight more than any other in a long time.
I REALLY believe that losing to Margarito and going the distance with clottey has made Cotto a better and more dangerous fghter. Cotto now realizes that he can be beat and he will prepare himself like never before. If Pacquiao beats him then Pacquiao will deserve the praise. If Cotto beats Pacquiao, then Cotto will deserve the praise.
I agree with “Whoa…” on finally focusing on something different. Great article, great perspective on the fight. It’s going to be a good one!!!
Thanks for focusing on something diffferent.