By Robert Jackson: This latest edition of ‘Just the facts’ will look at two fighters, former Top Rank stablemates, who while many years late will be facing each other on Cinco De Mayo. Both fighters attributes and past accomplishments will be analyzed and discussed followed by a prediction, so read on.
Trainers and Training
In the area of trainers and training, Floyd Mayweather’s training routine with trainer – Roger Mayweather, is a winning formula. All of Mayweather’s training is connected and tied to its usefullness in the boxing ring. There’s no seperation between the strength work, and gymwork performed by the P4P king, nothing is done for it’s own sake. Several continuous minutes of mitts work is follwed by several continuous minutes of body punching and then repeated, bag work and calisthenics follow, then jumping rope ends the workout. This is the Mayweather pattern. Floyd’s mitts work as witnessed on HBO’s 24/7 series and youtube seems to be sharper than ever.
Miguel Cotto, working with Pedro Diaz for his 2nd fight has implemented a more scientific approach to his training, and added various routines to increase his fitness, quickness and other physcial characteristics. Most noticeable during the 24/7 series is Cotto’s strength work and combination punching routines. Drills with tennis balls are used by Miguel to add quickness, multitasking capability and good hand/eye coordination.
Trainers and Training: Advantage Mayweather
Skills
When it comes to skills, Mayweather may indeed be at the head of the line. Defensively he’s hard to hit even while standing right in front of his opponent. In his last fight, Victor Ortiz’ frustration level was very high due in part to his inability to land flush on Mayweather. Mayweather’s counterpunching ability and quickness also took it’s toll of Vicious Victor. Not a mover like he once was Mayweather now standing in the pocket fighting is a formidible ‘inside’ fighter, with great body punching to go with his vast arsenal of boxing tools.
In the past one would have to say that Cotto’s ‘left hook’ especially to the body was a fight ender. The left hook upstairs was a weapon to be feared. Since his last fight against Antonio Margarito, Cotto returned to the his famed left hook to the body and head and ended that fight with a late rounds TKO. Since the Shane Mosley fight Cotto has also showed good boxing skills and an educated jab. Expect Cotto to try and jab his way in on Mayweather so that he can land his left hook.
Skills: Advantage Mayweather
Intangibles
The unknowns for this fight would have to be the weight at which they’re fighting – Cotto has fought at 154lb for 3 fights and Mayweather just one 5 years ago. Roger Mayweather has said that “weight don’t mean anything”, it’s about skills. But will the weight affect the naturally lighter Mayweather?? Other than the weight, Mayweather will enjoy a 5” reach advantage over Cotto.
After a two fight run under Emanuel Stewards watch, where Steward seemed to have corrected Cotto’s balance problem; Cotto under Diaz looks like he’s back to fighting leaning over his front foot. Also at question is Cotto’s stamina which leaves him during the late rounds of a fight. Did Pedro Diaz’ scientific methods which involved the taking of blood from behind Cotto’s ear for analysis, discover anything which could be used to improve Cotto’s endurance problems late in a fight? Cotto also comes into this fight with tons of confidence since his rematch with Antonio Margarito and with winning professes to have exorcised his demons and reclaimed himself.
Intangibles: Even
Conclusion
Having debated the various features of both fighters, two facts stand out that may be the difference between success or failure for either man. The weight issue, where Mayweather could be undersized while Cotto is comfortable at the 154lb weight. Mayweather will want to be smaller so that he’ll be quicker, plus he’s probably done the strength-work necessary to compete. Floyd will come into this fight between 150lbs – 152lbs, Cotto will be right at the limit, so Floyd shouldn’t be severely affected by the weight. The second issue in this fight will ultimately be Cotto’s balance with him leaning forwards over his left leg. This only happens because Cotto is a natural lefty that fights in the traditional stance. Because his left leg is his stronger leg he depends on it more and leans over it, thus giving Mayweather a lot of ‘uppercut’ opportunities. Mayweather will also slip the Cotto jab and counter it with his own right hand or jab, taking it out of play. The left hook that Cotto is known for won’t be a problem for Mayweather either, nor will Cotto’s right hand that Mayweather can easily shoulder-roll.
On fight night Cotto will get ‘blown out’ by a superior ring technician with his corner throwing in the towel during the middle rounds of the fight. Then the Mayweather naysayers will go into full spin to find fault in the Mayweather victory.