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Artwork - Richard T. Slone
Puerto Rican WBO Welterweight Champion Miguel Angel Cotto
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Given the much anticipated war that is brewing for the November 14 clash at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, we profile Puerto Rican and WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. Undoubtedly, pages, scrolls, and YouTube videos will populate the internet flush with opinions and views in the build up for Cotto's welterweight fight with pound for pound king and Filipino phenom Manny Pacquiao.
Only These Two Fighters Matter
(I can only count my blessings that I shall indeed have the opportunity to witness the fight of the year live at the MGM arena.) At the end of the day, the views of writers, analysts, and observers are no substitute for what actually transpires in the ring, and with that humble recognition, the vigorous preparation rests only with the ring warrior themselves - with the guide of Virgil-like characters in Freddie Roach and possibly Emanuel Steward on the side of Cotto. It is afterall Pacquiao's and Cotto's limbs and health on the line. Not ours.
To them - exclusively - belong the excruciating sacrifice and pain of thousands of sit-up crunches, and dozens of rounds of sparring, and the hundreds of blows to the cranium and ribcage which Mother Nature did not design for spectator entertainment shock or gladiator spectacle. It was Man who ordered the brutality on these two, and Pacquiao vs. Cotto shall be monetarily compensated accordingly.
Last Line of Defense
Speaking of brutality, Miguel Cotto stands as the last line of defense in Manny Pacquiao attempting to gain entrance in the almost ineffable, holy-like parthenon of boxing's all-time idolatry. Sure, Manny is already a future hall of famer, and has firmly planted his legend in the minds and hearts of boxing fans. History has carved out his permanent shining star in the dark night skies of prize fighting.
What the Cotto challenge represents is simply something that has never been done before in the entire history of the sport. Manny Pacquiao may not be the greatest fighter of all-time, as Bob Arum may hint at or suggest. Promotional stuff. Although the marketing guru has represented Muhammad Ali before. (Although Manny Pacquiao has developed a following in the Philippines that may already have eclipsed Ali's following when he was boxing icon.) And I do not believe Pac-Man - or necessarily expect him - to be the greatest fighter ever. He possesses a left jab, left hook, and right hook only, out of the large arsenal of possible attacks in the entire spectrum. Nor can he necessarily fight backwards, clench well, or box excellently out of the ropes - or handle his "kryptonite" well, which is fight against an excellent right-handed fighter (ala Juan Manuel Marquez). Still, to win 7 world championships in 7 different weight classes must be treated as a truly mind boggling and awe-inspiring attainment. Lance Armstrong won all of those Tour De France races, and Michael Phelps won all of those Olympic gold medals. Take a look at what "little" Manny is doing! No amount of television shock-value (of Paris Hilton tabloid gossips) can make people forget the formerly homeless and poverty-struck kid who fought as a 106 lb. flyweight.
May God have mercy upon my enemies, because I won't. - General George S. Patton
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Chris Farina (Top Rank)
Miguel Cotto (34 wins, 1 loss)
Status: WBO Welterweight Champ
P4P Ranking: top 10
Age: 28
Hometown: Caguas, Puerto Rico
Height: 5 feet 7 inches
Weigh-in Weight: 145 lb.
Likely Fight Night Weight: 156 - 159 lb.
Reach: 67 inches
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Junior Welterweight vs. Middleweight
Miguel Cotto presents a very difficult guard against Manny from entering those hallowed gates of boxing immortality. In the Oscar de la Hoya fight, Pacquiao weighed in at his highest weight ever: 142 lbs. On fight night, he came in at approximately 149 lbs. For the Ricky Hatton fight, he came in at 138 lbs.
For the Cotto fight, we assume that Manny weighs in at 140 lbs. Cotto should weigh in at 145 lbs. But the welterweight champion could balloon up to 156+ lbs (perhaps as high as 160 lbs), which is a weight range that is in middleweight category.
Manny Pacquiao has unexpected power and barrage punching capabilities. But Miguel Cotto has taken the toughest punishment from the likes of Antonio Margarito, Shane Mosley, and Zab Judah. He has an excellent chin.
Cotto (L) sticks a left jab on Joshua Clottey (R) [Reuters]
Puerto Rico's Hero
Born and raised in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Miguel Angel Cotto, 28, is born to a boxing family and has boxed for most of his life. A married husband and a father of three, Cotto first made waves in Puerto Rico by being a national amateur champion from 1997 to 2000. He represented Puerto Rico at the 2000 Sydney Olympic games.
Climb toward Boxing Stardom: Corley, Torres, and Malignaggi
Cotto was a then undefeated (22-0) junior welterweight prospect when he defeated the tough DeMarcus Corley (29-3-1) in 2005 (the same fighter who also gave Floyd Mayweather, Jr. trouble when those two fought). He won the WBO light welterweight belt.
Later that year, Cotto scored an impressive KO over then undefeated Ricardo Torres (28-0) later in 2005. A left hook did it.
Cotto would also win by way of unanimous decision over undefeated prospect Paulie Malignaggi (21-0) at the 140 lb. limit in 2006.
King of the Welters: Quintana, Judah, and Mosley
Miguel Cotto would elevate his stardom by becoming the WBA welterweight champion in late 2006, with a win over then-undefeated Carlos Quintana (who remains the only boxer to have defeated top 10 pound for pound fighter Paul Williams). At the time, Quintana sported a 23-0 record but suffered brutal body shots to the body at the heavy hands of Cotto.
Cotto would then TKO the athletic and fast Zab Judah in 2007 (the same fighter who gave Floyd Mayweather, Jr. early trouble in their clash). Cotto's boxing skills showed itself in the judges' scorecard who had him winning 97-91 prior to the 11th round TKO.
Cotto would then defeat future hall of famer (and top 10 pound for pound fighter) Shane Mosley in a unanimous decision in 2007.
Cotto (L) lands a power left on future Hall of Famer Shane Mosley
Scouting Report: Strengths
1. Power and Intelligence.
Cotto's power manifests itself through brutal left hooks and strong jabs. Miguel Cotto is a left-handed fighter who has an orthodox stance. Additionally, his power can force itself through jabs, even when blocked. Just because Manny Pacquiao blocks Cotto's jabs and hooks does not mean Pac-Man will not be eventually worn down by them.
A 160 lb. Cotto would be near middleweight size on fight night, and has faced a much larger Antonio Margarito before. Not only that, this larger fighter has victoriously dealt with the flashy speed of Shane Mosley and Zab Judah before. For Pacquiao to win his 7th title, it will become crucial for him to escape Cotto's power. In military warfare terms, Pac-Man might be a speedy cruiser, but Cotto is a roving destroyer. Or Pacquiao's style might constitute special forces - such as the airborne Army Rangers - but Cotto is a seek-and-destroy, rolling tank.
War is an art and as such is not susceptible of explanation by fixed formula. - General George S. Patton
2. Experience, Chin, and Guts
Cotto has adjusted well to a variety of fighting styles, which reveal his real-time intelligence in the ring. Cotto was able to successfully corner Carlos Quintana. With Joshua Clottey, Cotto was also able to cut off the ring to throw his barrage of power punches. And despite deep cuts against Margarito and Clottey, Cotto was able to constantly and accurately fire back. (We place an asterisk on his loss to Margarito due to suspicions of loaded gloves.) Pacquiao's blitzkrieg work-rate will be met with a Cotto that has "been there done that," which reduces the element of surprise that Oscar de la Hoya and Ricky Hatton fell victim to. Mr. Freddie Roach. The world knows your fighter is awesome. How can you now formulate an element of surprise? Doesn't Cotto see it coming now?
Conclusion
Miguel Cotto is the last guard standing to the boxing world's acceptance and recognition of Manny Pacquiao's all-time foothold. Gone should be the frothy, spineless debates. A former 106 lb. light flyweight against a 160 lb. middleweight tank. Not many have donned that regal robe. And a few revered ones have ever done so, or contemplated having the manhood to attempt to.
Ali. Leonard. Duran. Marciano. Foreman. Tyson.
Dempsey. Armstrong. Frazier. Louis.
These words live forever in the sport. Never tarnished. Shining in its luster. Immune from insult.
Overbearing in its honor and sacred example. Belittling the cynics or those with characters whose disposition fall short of a true gentleman.
Their actions revealed more than mere opinions or viewpoints could ever attain.
These men risked death, time and time again, in search of immortality. Like Achilles.
All men die. In their blood, in their exultation, their pre-eminence carved a statue of admiration that defies death itself. When a Muhammad Ali passes away, his memory is etched permanently in the consciousness of society.
Cotto will hold on to that Golden Key. He is the machine that many have found hard to dislodge.
The door behind him rarely opens. Manny Pacquiao, if he wins, is the only one in the entire planet who will know what it is like to enter - and go through the other-wordly experience inside that door. No one else can ever know.
No one.
The great American thinker Joseph Campbell remarked, that heroes reveal how we, too, can undergo the experience of being alive. That is the meaning of life. For us to find our paths that allow life's magic and wondrous energy to be released. The experience of being alive.
November 14, 2009 is 116 days away.
Copyright 2009. Marv Dumon. May not be republished without author's written consent.
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Boxing Articles: Houston Boxing Examiner
Blog: mdumon.blogspot.com
Marv Dumon has been an avid boxing analyst and observer for over 20 years, and additionally serves as the National Business and Finance Examiner. Marv's professional background conveys experience in investment banking and management consulting, as well as, operational experience with two Fortune 500 companies. He has published over 200 articles and client research papers for Forbes and related organizations. Marv received his BA, BBA, and MPA from The University of Texas at Austin. Contact information @ marvin.dumon@gmail.com.
Comments
some writer said that this will not be for championship belt so pack shoukd not win 7 title?
is there a title on the line?
i read the somewhere. i dont know the answer but i think there should be bec cotto is ww champion
sorry packy nut swingers, your man is going down, cotto with big shots and the hype is finally fnally fnally OVER!
yes to answer ur question. cotto has wbo belt so that will be on the line. cant wait for nov 14! but this fight is too tough to call. will just enjoy
uh oh you already know what i think! lol
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great fight coming in nov. i cant wait. go Manny!!! u make us proud!
cotto you will go down on nov. it is our pacquiao's destiny to be victorious. we cannot be conquered just like when we threw out the japanese in world war 2. it is manny's destiny. mabuhay!
sorry guys, cotto is too strong and smart. cotto by TKO rd 11
this is a great fight between 2 warriors. but i'll have to lean on cotto. he beat mosley, judah, and quintana.
cotto might be tough, but marquez is packys toughest foe ever and pac already got past him. pac by decision
Not title in the figth, but who cares
Welterweight division is between 141-147 lbs. limit. This means Pacman-Cotto is a championship match even it is in the catchweight of 145lbs. So Cotto's title is on stake in this fight. Manny will be the only one to have a chance for the 7th title in 7 divisions. And I think that it is DESTINY for Manny to be one of the Greatest Fighters of all Time!!!
no ads pls..what you will see in the pacfans-corner.com is there poster logo between pacman and cotto which is dubbed as "no holds barred.." why do you keep on advertising that site mang resty? i wonder y?
i mean "their".. this is a nice piece of literature courtesy of mr. dumon..
Watch Free Online Movies:
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damn good article.
Bravoooosssss! nice piece man.
KO by Manny in 2 or 3. Cotto is strong but too slow. Manny's lightning fists will do the job.
headline on Nov 15 - pacman tko cotto in the 10th round in front of mayweather. yes he will be there on Nov 14 to witness the 7th title of pacman. the estimated ppv will around a million while mayweather-marquez will generate around 400,000 ppv. this will set up the 60/40 sharing in favor of pacman.
Destined for Greatness part 2,Pacquiao by round 5 TKO.. the bloody face of cotto would be difficult for him to continue the fight.another margarito vs cotto replay. but this time no plaster of paris..death by a thousand left hand....
You have said it with superb science and technical knowledge... You're the man!
Overhyped Publicity!!!,,Nobody could bring BIG L to king Pacman..even KELLY PAVLIK
If Pacman is a hype, Cotto is already an expired, damaged, demeaned, boxer. Rather than expire against a nameless fighter, Cotto would rather end his career with a retirement fund courtesy of Pacquiao. So tell Cotto to seek his retirement fund from other boxers and not from a mere hype.
Are you not ashamed from calling somebody a hype but will give your countryman the earnings of his lifetime? Anyway, his retirement fund will just go to his uncle as payment for unpaid professional fees.
Next time you post stupidity, don't drag Boricua into your alias. It is an insult to a wonderful country.
If WBO Welterweight is not on the line why Pacman is the #1 contender in the welterweight division. Please WBO website for ranking. On Nov 14 even The Welterweight Ring Magazine must be on the line also coz Cotto is #2 rank in welterweight and he beat #1 rank Shane mosley.
The strong desire of Manny to become Congressman in our province will fuel him the most to take this fight. He exactly knew that if he let this fight slips in his hand, his desire to become representative will also be tainted and put into dark. This fight is a must for him, it's his golden ticket. Sorry for Miguel but The Pacman will never, never let this fight slips no matter what happen. He will fight for this to the death. Miguel will be facing the beast of all beasts on Nov. 14, expect a total war against The Pacman from the moment the bell rings until the referee calls a halt to the bout!
let me just say that pac is a ryt-handed southpaw, barerra is a left-handed orthodox,so this is really not new,and is a very strong stance for whoever who use it.i also would like to add that its not really a j-welter against a middleweight,its more a welter against a superwelter cause pac will clearly be in the 144-149 and cotto will be in the 154-160 range.nevertheless,that still is a lot of weight.also,pac has a left strait,not a left jab which inc his firepower rating radically.cotto is trully a great fighter and he has fought a lot of his fyts backpeddling,whether as a plan or because of exhaustion.but on those cases,noone has ever exploited this except for margarito.in his last fyt,he clearly started to backpeddle cause of exhuastion,if this ever happens,pac will clearly take advantage and be very effective.pacquiao has clearly improved his defense not by blocking,but by evading.cotto nids to overcome this and land with clean power shots to win. this will be a great great fyt
If we all pray and storm the heavens for Pacquio win, we will do it. Nothing is impossible with God, a former flyweight against an almost middleweight. It's like David and Goliath all over again. Go Manny. We are all behind you.
Wars with Margarito and Clottey have revealed exactly the weaknesses that an educated fighter like Pacquiao sees and will exploit Pac will struggle early then rally to stop an always game warrior Cotto on cuts inround 5.
mayweather-marquez fight is more exciting! hehehe joke
7th Title in 7th Weight Classe!!!
Yuhoo!! Lucky to be alove to witness another history unfold before our eyes!
pinoy Boxing fans visit us at..
www.pacfans-corner.com
145 is not bad for cotto, he weighs 146 againts clottey.
that what makes manny great. we may like that manny will win, but he faces tougher and tougher opponent and we cannot be sure of the outcome. he always go for the better opponet compare of the last fight. and that makes a thrilling fight. win or loss, manny will always be remenbered as the fighter that gives life in boxing in our generation.
WOW. Wish I could write this way. Unfortunately, I'm built for insults and not essays. Kudos to a well-written piece, Mr. Dumon.
Superbly a piece of prized artwork,well written & beautifully detailed potrait of both fighters,a ripping read,i'm captivated..Well done Marv!!!
yeah 7th. champion in 7th. division. ur the man pacman. you can do it!!
let the fights begin...we want to see cotto kissing the canvas....123456789....game over in round 4....
exciting fights :::yes gayweather vs gaymarquez! hohohoho! hahahaha!....a comedy of the year award....better to sleep rather than to watch this hit and run show....hohohoho!!!!
On June 9, 2007, Judah took on WBA welterweight champion Miguel Cotto in New York City before a soldout crowd at Madison Square Garden. In the first round, Cotto landed a low blow (itlog) that put Judah to the canvas. Referee Arthur Mercante, Jr. offered a stern warning to Cotto. In the third round, Judah took yet another low blow (itlog) from Cotto, which resulted in Cotto receiving a point deduction. That's my technique mannn! itlog mannn!
Marvs,
You're bringing boxing writing into new level not an old school type. More article man!!!!
Another Trivia: Emmanuel mean's "God is with us" but Cotto through Arum's suggestion hired Emmanuel Steward in Cotto's camp then we got another Emmanuel against Manny. To think also that Miguel Angel is God's best army in Michael the Archangel. What a coincidence could it be? Does God plans to whip Pacquiao as disciplinary act? Why would God do such a thing? Is Pacquiao getting big headed and his heart is already full of dirt because of his involvement in politics? Man I envision Miguel the Archangel whipping Pacquiao's ass to teach him a very hard lesson. The lesson when to say no to a fight where there is no way of winning.
you are the shakespeare of boxing journalism
cotto vs malignaggi = cotto in 12; hatton vs malignagi = hatton via TKO ; pacquiao vs hatton = pacquiao in TKO 2rd..therefore pacquiao in 6rd TKO, because malignaggi can take punches of cotto while malignaggi connot take hotton & pac can take punches of hatton so PACMAN CAN TAKE PUNCHES OF COTTO. how can you say cotto so strong & powerfull than pac? Mr. Dumon?
Pacquiao is simply fast and strong; and quite clearly blessed by extraordinary talent whom he nurture with focus, discipline and humility. But Cotto is not Cotto for nothing.
I don't think Manny can KO Cotto; he's just too big and tough. Ricky was big but Miguel is not a 2nd-rate fighter. Lest we forget Manny started at 106, and you can not alter GOD's design just like that even with the best trainer and all.. Pacquiao will win no doubt - BY DECISION; since you don't need a KO to win. To ask for that is too much it might displease the GREAT DESIGNER..
very intelligent analysis.
mighty tank as i may describe of cotto. he looks big, looks strong.
but there is a saying in pilipino, "walang malaking nakakapuwing". hope it holds true.
remember too that we have this national animal called carabao... strong, thick skin, tame but fights to the end when provoked.... that is manny pacquiao, the carabao.
cotto might have been the best weaponry of today with his bulk to search and destroy the enemy....
but history shows that magellan was killed by lapu lapu with just a bolo.
that holds true today in manny, the modern lapu lapu.
cotto wins by brutal KO by round 10!!!!
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