By Mike Burnell: I would absolutely love to contribute more often to this website; however it is challenging to find an interesting, plausible premise in today’s barren boxing landscape. This is why you see so many articles on the same topics from many of the same authors. I will do my best to maintain my credibility by not writing “fast food” articles.
The unfortunate consequence of mass producing articles without substance and dripping with bias is disinterest among readers. In the half dozen articles I contributed last month virtually all comments were favorable and I appreciate it. I enjoyed that until an article that I composed to “stay current” (Why Pacquiao will Destroy Cotto, Fire up the Grill and Simmer) posted was quickly revealed for what it was (though I still like and believe in the premise). I pledge to not post unless I have something relevant to display. This doesn’t mean that I don’t expect disagreement, it is the wellspring of diversity and the reason we are all looking at this screen. I embrace educated disagreement.
Moving forward this article is about the same match that everyone is buzzing about and I, for one can’t wait to see it. There is a reason that writers are feverishly tapping the keyboards on the same topic with wildly different opinions. There is not a more intriguing bout to be made (until the winner faces the reluctant Mayweather) We are boxing junkies who see things with different perspectives and are ultimately united like a dysfunctional family including the drama of extended family who doesn’t see each other often and generally disagree.
Uncle Ned may not agree with me (though he has been tipping the flask a bit) the bout between Miguel Cotto and Manny Pacquiao is fairly easy to predict. Miguel is absolutely a very tough costumer and a top 5 welter and has the scalps on his belt (and scars on his brow) to prove it.
In my opinion his heart can’t be questioned though I do understand hardcore fans looking at his taking a knee vs. Margocheato as submission. No one reading this article could absorb more punishment than Cotto, but we also don’t assume the risk that leads to becoming a millionaire in an evening win or lose. Who reading right now wouldn’t fight for a fraction of that money?
In a day of almost all time high unemployment we junkies will find the change in the couch cushions to view this bout and many identify with blue collar workman who is Cotto, It’s impossible to ignore his marketability. He will be meeting Filipino overachiever Pacquiao who, agree or not, convinced Cotto to meet at 145 rather that meet an old, weight drained “Sugar: Shane Mosley at 140. Regardless this is one of very few bouts we must manage into our budgets if you are an addict of the sweet science we will order now and pay later. Cotto vs Pac bring it on!
Cotto at 28 is tired and has endured much punishment in his last few performances. One may ask if it is for the adoration of his country. The responsibility of being the “next Tito” was thrust upon him. He is not Tito. Cotto succeeded in an epic bout with Zab Judah and capped it with a razor thin win over Shane Mosely. He was soundly defeated by Antonio Margorito who endured his bombs and eventually stopped him in what many will consider a possibly tainted win. Most recently he won a disputed decision vs oft avoided Josh Clottley.
Cotto will weigh in one lonely pound under his usual weight and will absolutely re-hydrate before fight night (reminiscent of Gatti v Gamache) and be huge on fight night. It won’t matter, this is a case of a tough fighter who has been through wars with solid fighters and survived vs. nothing less than an all time great who is a knock knocking on legends door.
There aren’t many bouts that I will allow myself to pay the bucks for but this one will be a barn-burner.
Pac TKO 9 on cuts in a competitive but clear victory.
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