10.11.07- By Craig Mastendri: This fight was one of those marvelous times when the pre-fight hype and build up, lived up, and matched up with expectations when the bell finally rang! So far, Boxing’s big fourth quarter has come through again with another excellent fight. Fans were treated to a fight that had ebbs, flows, physical banging, and tactical switching, speed, defense, power, and tested wills!
The first, of the two biggest fights in the Welterweight Division, came in a narrow but respectable decision and fashion for Miguel Cotto. What had to be the biggest surprise? Is that Cotto’s hand speed and jab was faster and more effective than Mosley’s. Both fighters fought like Champions and momentum shifted back and forth in classic fashion. The give and take was outstanding! Miguel Cotto has taken another big step forward showing respectable power, decent chin, and boxing ability. If the “Mayweather Vs Hatton” Winner faces Cotto, it’s a huge statement fight, and money event at 147 pounds.
It takes two to make a great fight and Shane Mosley fought one hell of a fight in his own right. After four rounds, the score seemed even up, at two rounds each. Cotto then was able to jab effectively, pressure, and landed cleaner shots and impose his will. While Mosley was able to landed hard right hands and force Cotto to back up as planned. We found out for sure that Cotto has more than one gear! The middle portion of the fight was mostly Cotto’s. Cotto was opening up and landing cleanly while controlling the action.
Cotto’s power shots had Shane giving rounds away, being driven back, and searching for answers. Mosley dug down like the HOF Champion he is and started to find some! Showing effectiveness based off experience, and all the attributes, that have made him a Champion, by winning two or three of the last three rounds. Yet, for all the work Mosley did? Cotto had returned it. Even though Shane surged? Cotto did his own digging down and countering back.
Both men are total class! Mosley handled it well afterwards and acknowledged Cotto won a very close fight. Cotto was asked “Whom he wanted next?” The standard reply was given “That’s up to my Team.” When challenged specifically on Floyd Mayweather Jr.? Cotto said he’s available for all the top names, wants the big names, and believes he’s the best right now. Beating a guy like Mosley has certainly earned him that right! It’s certainly in line with the type of match making and promotion that has brought some excitement back to the game. Lets hope it continues!!
Undoubtedly, some will question the closeness of the decision. It was very close result with Mosley’s late rally. Cotto seemed to do just a bit more over the course of twelve rounds. I saw it as two of the judges did at 115-113 for Cotto.. With names like Mosley, Margarito, and the loser of “Williams vs. Cintron?” The makings of a bracket are there and one of them could re-emerge. Right now? Its Miguel Cotto’s time! He continues to prove and improve himself. There’s a new #1 contender at Welterweight!