By Ahad Khan: Miguel Cotto (38-4) impressed with a 3rd round TKO victory over Delvin Rodriguez (28-7-3) on October 5th in Orlando, Florida. Cotto erased any doubts about being washed up with a dominating performance that culminated with a left hook upstairs early in the 3rd round.
The signature punch from Cotto sent Rodriguez into the ropes and onto the canvas, after which the fight was promptly stopped.
Cotto controlled the pace and the ring in the first two rounds, constantly bouncing and stalking Rodriguez around the squared circle. Seconds before the bell signaling the close of the second round, Cotto landed a couple of thudding shots against Rodriguez while the underdog was pinned against the ropes near his corner.
The shots seemed to daze Rodriguez, as he was visibly woozy even after the timely bell. Unfortunately for Rodriguez, he was not able to recover before the start of the third round. Rodriguez came out of his corner on heavy legs and immediately wrapped Cotto up.
Cotto recognized the vulnerability and capitalized with a left hook 15 seconds into the round. Rodriguez fell into the ropes and, as the referee moved in immediately to stop the fight, hit the canvas. Rodriguez seemed a little surprised at the stoppage initially but did not appear to put up much of a protest.
Cotto, coming off back-to-back losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Austin Trout, looked like the Miguel Cotto of old, remaining confident and composed throughout the short bout.
Big names are being mentioned for Cotto’s next fight, among them Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Sergio Martinez. Team Canelo has expressed interest in a Cotto fight, one which would almost certainly not disappoint. Meanwhile, Team Cotto has thrown out the possibility of a match-up with Martinez.
Cotto made a few changes prior to this fight, returning to Top Rank Promotions and fighting under new head trainer Freddie Roach. Wherever Cotto goes next, his performance on October 5th made it clear that he still has plenty left to offer the sport of boxing.
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