by Andrew Hall: Ever since the first time I saw Miguel Cotto on HBO I have been a fan. He has always had a relentless style where he methodically destroys his opponents. Unfortunately he was unable to adapt to the style of fighters Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao. Against Margarito, he seemed unable to force a clinch in order to get a rest and to frustrate Margarito’s attack. Against Pacman, Cotto seemed to not use his height advantage to its fullest effect. The question now remains: can Emanuel Stewart get Cotto back to the wrecking ball he used to be?.
I think the first fight back for Miguel Cotto went extremely well. He showed that he has some slick boxing skills. He also showed his ability to force the action and to time his jab from a distance. The only thing that was lacking from his performance was any indication on his readiness to deal with a fearsome puncher who can press the attack just as well as Cotto.
That is where Ricardo Mayorga comes in. He is a fearsome brawler with two murderous hands. He’s the type of fighter that is unpredictable and that poses some serious problems for Miguel Cotto. If Cotto can handle this guy he may very well be on his way to regaining his former glory. How can he do that? I think he needs to press Mayorga with his jab. Make Mayorga back up and hurt him with that jab, followed by a left hook to the body or a right cross to the face. He needs to act first. He cant give Mayorga a chance to throw a crazy shot out of nowhere. If he can keep his man off balance I see Cotto destroying Mayorga in 7 or 8 rounds.
Lets assume he gets passed Mayorga? There are rumors that Cotto may fight Pacquaio again if Mayweather doesn’t show any gumption to fight Pacquaio. Could Cotto do well against The Filipino Superstar despite taking a bad beating in their first fight? I think he could. In the first fight, Cotto was forced to come in at a catch weight which depleted some of his energy. Also, Cotto didn’t use his height and reach advantage. If he fights Pacquaio at 154 and uses those advantages to the fullest we could see a completely different fight than the first one.
I predict that Miguel Cotto makes a comeback in boxing. I think he will garner revenge on Pacquiao and Margarito so long as he uses the strategies I already discussed.