Antonio Margarito/Miguel Cotto: The Clash Of Smash

Antonio Margarito23.05.08 – Jim Amato: Every now and then a fight is made and you get an electric feeling of anticipation. You can envision the fight taking on so many different scenarios that you have trouble projecting a winner. There is almost one certainty. This fight should keep you glued to the edge of your seat. No Calzaghe – Hopkins let down here. These are two warriors staking claim, bragging rights if you will to being the best fighter today in the historic welterweight division. The winner of this fight will be mentioned in the same breath as the past greats who graced the division and rightfully so.

Miguel Cotto has carried on the great dominance of fellow countryman Felix Trinidad and this bout could be Miguel’s defining moment. He has put himself in to superstar status with wins over Zab Judah and Shane Mosley. By defeating Margarito he can cement his legend and begin looking for new worlds to conquer. The fight everyone wants to see at some near future point is Cotto versus Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mr. Margarito may have some say in this matter. Although Cotto and Floyd would be a highly anticipated showdown, from a fan’s perspective I believe Cotto – Margarito will be the much more entertaining contest.

Looking at the big picture Cotto is the more talented of the two. He can box a bit and he’s one of the best body punchers I ‘ve seen in years. Margarito is a swarming boxer that throws punches from all angles and he has a chin of granite. My question is, how well will Margarito survive the body assault of Cotto. ? This could be the key to the confrontation along with Cotto’s under rated jab. If Cotto is unable to keep Margarito off of him, we may be looking at a real donnybrook. Cotto’s uppercut could also be a valuable tool is discouraging the forward march of Margarito. Please do not count Margarito out. He is a solid puncher, a real banger and the Cotto chin could very well be Miguel ‘s Achilles heel.

By all rights of reason the edge has to be given to Cotto but Margarito will be dangerous until the end. All I know is that I can’t wait for the bout to begin.