By Pat Quinn: Miguel Cotto’s legacy has long been cemented, and the final fight week of his career is upon us. By now, eyebrows have lowered with the choice of opponent. Sadam Ali has been talked and written about enough. The rumblings of Cotto’s protection have loomed since I started following the sport. However, we all know his accolades speak for themselves.
In my opinion, his most impressive accomplishment often goes overlooked. Assault in the ring is a documentary that may provide some perspective. The aftermath, for Billy Collins, was truly unfortunate.
Antonio Margarito could’ve been responsible for taking it all away from Cotto back in July of 2008. Miguel’s perseverance was not only on display during that fight, but it continued for the near decade of world class boxing that ensued. Enough can’t be said about the guy’s merit.
This is the point where Top Rank, who also promoted Collins, will receive their commendation. Obviously, Roc Nation and Golden Boy got involved much later down the road. Bob Arum and company stepped up to the plate by keeping Cotto healthy and relevant for years to come after the brutal battle. Say what you will about Arum, but they couldn’t have done a better job during that crucial time period.
Some may argue, they fed him to Manny Pacquiao after he looked bad in the Joshua Clottey fight. I understand that point of view, but they made it up to him. Cotto took boxing back to Yankee Stadium, with a winnable title shot against Yuri Foreman. Don’t forget, that was his first fight at Junior Middleweight. Ricardo Mayorga was his first defense before the rematch with Margarito, where justice was served. It’s hard to believe that was over six years ago because of the performances that still lied ahead.
If you fast forward through Floyd Mayweather, the Middleweight title, and Saul Canelo Alvarez, then you get to Yoshihiro Kamegai. If nothing else, he is an absolute warrior. You’re only as good as your last fight. Well, Cotto looked like a machine when he obtained the vacant WBO Junior Middleweight crown back in August. The near shutout performance is a testament to what the 37-year-old is still capable of. So, it’s Miguel Cotto – one last time – Madison Square Garden. I know I’m not the only one looking forward to it.
