By Timothy Medina Since December 1st, 2012, many people have claimed that Miguel Cotto is not the same fighter he once was and that he is washed up. With two consecutive loses in 2012, it seemed to most boxing fans that Cotto’s career was over. Cotto only had one last chance to prove those who doubted him wrong in a bout against Delvin Rodriguez. Last night at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida it only took Cotto three rounds to prove them wrong.
Rodriguez’s advantage in height and arm length did not matter last night. Cotto was able to take every punch Rodriguez threw at him, and just walked right through them. Everybody who was watching the fight was seeing the Cotto that we have not seen in years. From the first round, Cotto was already displaying one of the most devastating punches of the past decade and what made him successful through most of his career. I am speaking of Cotto’s famous left hook to the body.
Cotto carried that left hook to the body into the second round and was controlling the pace of the fight. Rodriguez continued to be stalked by the reborn Puerto Rican star, which led to Rodriguez being crowded against the ropes. Miguel was starting to hit Delvin harder, and was doing more damage. As the second round was coming to a closing, Cotto went from wearing down Rodriguez with body punches, to coming upstairs with hooks that appeared to do serious damage. When Rodriguez went back to his corner, it was clear that he was dazed.
Miguel took notice of this and was ready to deal more damage. The third round began and Cotto wasted no time. He went straight for the kill and within fifteen seconds, Rodriguez hit the canvas as a result of a left hook upstairs. Referee Frank Sanatore Jr. did not even give Rodriguez an opportunity to get back up. The referee stopped the fight eighteen seconds into the third round and Miguel Cotto was rewarded a victory by technical knockout. Cotto would improve his record to 38-4 with 31 knockouts and handed Rodriguez the seventh loss of his career.
Now I know there are boxing fans that are going to say Cotto fought a “nobody”, but this was a tune-up fight for Miguel to see where his career would head. Cotto needed an opponent who is capable of putting up a good fight and could go the distance with him. Delvin Rodriguez fit the bill. Just like Cotto, Rodriguez went twelve rounds with Austin Trout and would lose by unanimous decision. Rodriguez bounced back from his loss to Trout and won by technical knockout against his next two opponents. He was the perfect opponent for Cotto. The reason Cotto was able to dispose of Rodriguez so quickly is Freddie Roach became his trainer, and was able to get Miguel fighting like he used to when he was young. Roach got Cotto back to being a body puncher, and has Cotto using his left hook to the body more. This is why Cotto was able to wear down Rodriguez down last night, and send him to the canvas. “Junito” is back in prime form and is ready for tougher opposition.
Max Kellerman asked Freddie Roach if Cotto is ready to fight top fighters again and he simply replied “Yeah. Line ’em up.” After watching Cotto against Rodriguez last night, I feel he is ready for top opposition. Top Rank Promoter Bob Arum wants Cotto to move up to the Middleweight class to face Sergio Martinez for his WBC 160 Pound Title. There are even rumors of Cotto being the next target for Saul Alvarez. I personally would rather watch Cotto match up against Martinez. A win over Martinez would give Cotto a fourth world division title. I have no interest in seeing “Canelo” fight after his poor back to back performances against Austin Trout and Floyd Mayweather Jr. I’m curious to see how Cotto would fight as a middleweight, especially now that the warrior from Caguas, Puerto Rico is back better than even. However, I want to hear what other boxing fans think about this. Tell me who you believe Cotto should fight next.
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