What’s Next For Miguel Cotto in 2010?

By Boxing News - 01/05/2010 - Comments

Image: What’s Next For Miguel Cotto in 2010?By Kirk Jackson: After such a tumultuous year in 2009 for Miguel Cotto, many are wondering what looms in the future for the proud warrior from Caguas, Puerto Rico.

As mentioned before, 2009 was a roller coaster year for Miguel as he began the year on a high note after stopping English challenger Michael Jennings for the vacant World Boxing Organization Welterweight Championship.

Unfortunately, continued tension would resume and escalate to a climax between Miguel and his uncle and trainer Evangelista Cotto, as a fight would ensue between the two and ultimately end their professional relationship with one another. All of this occurring before Miguel’s match up against tough Ghanaian champion Joshua Clottey.

As Miguel was able to overcome a hellacious cut and grind out a life and death struggle against Joshua Clottey, Miguel still had his toughest challenge of the year awaiting him. The phenomenal champion from the Philippines Manny Pacquiao, would meet up with Miguel Cotto in one of the biggest fights of the year.

Miguel would put up a valiant effort against Pacquiao, even out boxing Pacquiao at times, but it would not be enough as he would eventually succumb to the punishment being dealt by Ring Magazine’s best pound for pound fighter in the sport.

2010 has not started off so well for Miguel and the rest of his family with the passing of his father Miguel Cotto Senior. Many have to wonder after the untimely passing of his father, and after the totality of all the physical abuse he has suffered in the past two years, what lies ahead for Miguel Cotto in 2010?

There have been rumored match ups of intrigue, some including a match up with fellow promotional compatriot and WBA Super Welterweight Champion Yuri Foreman. Other match ups include a bout with fellow Puerto Rican great, Felix Trinidad at a catch weight above 160 pounds. There has been some talk of Miguel being matched up with recently faded Ricky Hatton, and reigning Lightweight Champion Juan Manuel Marquez, preferably at a catch weight within the 142 – 147 pound range. Many people including myself, would like to see Miguel rematch with Shane Mosley should he get past WBC Welterweight Champion Andre Berto in their unification match. I could only see the Cotto/Mosley fight happening if Mosley can’t secure a fight with Floyd Mayweather or Manny Pacquiao.

Although I believe a rematch with Mosley would be great for boxing and it’s fans, I believe more importantly Miguel deserves some time to himself so he can recover and take care of himself and the rest of his family. The past few years have been a hard burden for him physically and mentally, and he is entitled to some time off and privacy. I hope Miguel takes some time off to mourn, recover, and reflect before making a decision to return to this brutal sport. The chances are, given the caliber of fighter and person he is, Miguel Cotto will be back.



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