By Sasha Isakharov – On November 14, 2009 in the MGM Grand Garden Arena, it is reported that Cotto will take on the current Pound for Pound King Manny Pac-Man Pacquaio at a catch weight of 145lbs for Cottos’ WBO welterweight title, which will be Cotto’s toughest test of his career by far. A great trainer will be needed in order for Cotto to pull off what could be the greatest upset in boxing history since the 1990 bout of Tyson v. Douglas in Japan..
Cotto was involved in a physical confrontation with his Uncle and former trainer Evangelista Cotto weeks before stepping into the ring with Clottey on June 13, 2009 at Madison Square Garden. Miguel Cotto had Joe Santiago on his team as his trainer who was only an assistant trainer before the incident between Miguel and Evangelista, which may have been over the alleged Plaster of Paris in Margaritos’ hand wraps. Before the Margarito fight, Cotto’s team failed to be in the room while Margarito was having his hands wrapped to take on Cotto on July 26, 2008 at the very same arena where Cotto will be scheduled to fight Manny Pacquaio. Cotto does not like to talk about either incident so the issues are left to be ambiguous. However, for Evangelista to throw a brick at Miguel Cotto’s lavish ride may have been symbolic of what the fight between the two was over.
Cotto lacked a strong voice in his corner to have him work harder but the hometown crowd is what may have helped the Puerto Rican Super Star get through the grueling bout despite a severely deep gash above Cottos’ Left Eye which caused a significant amount of blood to leak into Cotto’s eye devastatingly effecting the fighter resulting in eating punches at the will of Joshua Clottey. Cotto, despite having an extraordinary and well experienced trainer in his corner to relax Cotto mentally, did not quit and continued to fight, knowing that he was up on the scorecards scoring an early knockdown. Cotto has tremendous heart and proved it on that night once again by fighting through adversity.
Emanuel Steward most likely would have encouraged Cotto to double up on the jab and use the jab more often as Steward is notoriously known as a fan of the jab, which Steward believes ultimately sets up every power shot. Joe Goosen on the other hand, would have encouraged Cotto to finish Clottey and move in on the kill. Cotto was relentless against Zab Judah for instance, when he applied much pressure causing Judah to succumb to the vicious onslaught and barrage of massive power punches ultimately forcing the referee to justifiably stop the fight so that Judah can fight another day.
Cotto, love him or hate him, is a warrior. Fans do not like to see Cottos’ footwork, which would be the case with Emanuel Steward as his trainer, just look at the fans reaction to the 6’6″ Heavyweight Champ Wladimir Klitschko. Emanuel Steward is also a fan of judges whom he trusts to give the fighter the victory if in fact he wins. Fans want to see a boxer go in the ring, leaving it a bloody mess and knock his opponent out cold like Pacquaio did to Ricky the Hitman Hatton in devastating and crowd pleasing fashion in under six minutes by the way. Boy, did the Hitman get nailed!
Joe Goosen on the other hand, was the trainer of Diego Chico Corrales and always encouraged Chico to go in for the kill. Joe Goosen had confidence in Chico because of Corrales’ will and “one more round” attitude no matter the obstacle and odds against him. Cotto has about the same heart, will, and determination as Chico did if not more, which was displayed by Cotto against Ricardo Torres on September 24, 2005 at the Boardwalk Hall, in Atlantic City, New Jersey. Joe Goosen very well may be the best trainer for Miguel Angel Cotto. Goosen may be able to rejuvenate Cotto. The team just may be able to shock the world come November 14, 2009. How shocked would you be?