Articles of 2004
Miguel Cotto: One of Boxing’s Future Stars
Miguel Cotto is a future star. And, though he's just 21-0, that future may be sooner rather than later.
The multi-talented junior welterweight blew away a very game and brave Kelson Pinto Saturday – a fighter who had defeated Cotto twice in the amateurs. Some wondered whether Pinto was to Cotto as Vernon Forrest was to Shane Mosley. But, as it turned out, it was Cotto who had Pinto's number in the professional ranks, using an array of short power punches to destroy his archrival.
The root of his success, however, isn't necessarily punching power – even though he has an abundance of it. No, Cotto's primary strength seems to be his boxing instincts and his calm demeanor. Cotto knows when to punch with authority, when to back off, when to move the opposite direction, when to attack and when to take a breather. There were numerous times Saturday when Cotto attacked like a 140-pound Pit-Bull, then backed off just as Pinto was starting to time his punches. There were times he led, and times he countered.
Sometimes he would box; other times he would punch.
Talk about the very definition of a boxer/puncher.
Cotto is often compared to countrymen Felix Trinidad and Wilfredo Gomez, but, stylistically, he bears resemblance more to Gomez. Both were aggressive, but Trinidad was more puncher than boxer – though, with his tall, lean frame, he probably could have boxed an opponent's ears off if he chose to.
Gomez was more versatile. Not only was he a murderous puncher, as he demonstrated against the likes of Derrick Holmes and Carlos Zarate, but he could jab and move with the best of them. Check out his masterful 1984 decision over Juan LaPorte, where he mixed it up and confused the defending champion – and the fight ultimately took the look of a sparring session.
The only knock on the great Puerto Rican duo: Both had unpredictable chins. Trinidad was dropped by Yory Boy Campas and knocked out by Bernard Hopkins. Gomez was knocked out by light-punching Salvador Sanchez and by Azumah Nelson.
Cotto's chin seems to be carved from granite. Which is why – dare we say it – Cotto could end up being greater than either.
His jaw has been severely tested in his last two fights. Back in May, rock-hard Lovemore N'Dou caught Cotto with some big shots, and Cotto responded by changing his strategy from brawler to boxer and winning a decision. Though he was getting nailed, he was aware enough to change strategies mid-stream.
Saturday, he walked right through Pinto's punches – no minor task considering his two-time amateur conqueror had 18 knockouts in 20 contests. Unlike N'Dou, he chose to go toe-to-toe with Pinto. And the results were overwhelmingly in his favor.
Now, Cotto's future is limitless. After destroying Pinto, it's only a matter of time before he guns for the elite 140-pounders, which includes perhaps the most talented crop of fighters in the sport. Kostya Tsyzu, Sharmba Mitchell, Arturo Gatti, Vivian Harris, Ricky Hatton and, perhaps the best pound-for-pound fighter on the planet, Floyd Mayweather will prove whether Cotto is great – or not.
Regardless, Cotto is right there – just about ready to see how far his incredible skills can take him. And if his career is half as exciting as those of Trinidad or Gomez, the boxing fans will be in for some kind of treat.
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Avila Perspective, Chap. 330: Matchroom in New York plus the Latest on Canelo-Crawford
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
Vito Mielnicki Jr Whitewashes Kamil Gardzielik Before the Home Folks in Newark
-
Featured Articles19 hours ago
Results and Recaps from New York Where Taylor Edged Serrano Once Again
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Catching Up with Clay Moyle Who Talks About His Massive Collection of Boxing Books
-
Featured Articles5 days ago
From a Sympathetic Figure to a Pariah: The Travails of Julio Cesar Chavez Jr
-
Featured Articles3 weeks ago
More Medals for Hawaii’s Patricio Family at the USA Boxing Summer Festival
-
Featured Articles1 week ago
Catterall vs Eubank Ends Prematurely; Catterall Wins a Technical Decision
-
Featured Articles4 weeks ago
Richardson Hitchins Batters and Stops George Kambosos at Madison Square Garden