Miguel Cotto may be a fight or two away from fighting for the lineal middleweight championship of the world. More than that, he may have a good chance of winning the belt.
If I wrote those first two sentences two years ago, you would have questioned my boxing knowledge if not my sanity. Miguel Cotto (37-4, 30 KOs) will enter the ring on an HBO card on October 5, 2013 against Delvin Rodriguez (28-6-3, 16 KOs) in the Amway Arena in Orlando, Florida. An impressive victory may set him up for a history making opportunity against the lineal middleweight champion of the world, Sergio Martinez, next year.
How did we get here?
Two years ago at this time, Cotto was looked upon as a shopworn fighter who was playing out the string for a couple more decent paydays. He was on the verge of avenging his controversial loss against Antonio ?Cheato? Margarito while proudly holding an ?alphabet belt?, but Cotto appeared a fighter who could be out of the sport within a year or two.
Photo by Will Hart / HBO
On the other hand, at this time two years ago, Sergio Martinez was a top 5 P4P undisputed middleweight champion and regarded as one of the best and most talented fighters in the modern era. His combination of speed and power was a sight to behold. He would have been an overwhelming favorite to dominate and humiliate Cotto in any proposed bout.
So what has changed?
Martinez , 38, has recently displayed an obvious and rapid decline, where he is having trouble staying healthy outside of the ring and he can?t avoid suffering numerous knockdowns, inside the ring. He is currently sitting out the rest of this year and recuperating from injuries, after receiving a gift of a decision against Martin Murray this past April. He?s now as vulnerable as he?s ever been during his impressive reign.
The 32 year old Miguel Cotto has positioned himself for a shot at Martinez, despite the way his situation looked two years ago, because of his amazing performance against Floyd ?Money? Mayweather on May 5, 2012. Despite losing his light middleweight title via a legitimate unanimous decision, Cotto pushed and punished Mayweather like nobody ever had before. Cotto looked rejuvenated and showed that he had a bit more left in the tank.
Photo: Tom Hogan ? Hoganphotos
Even in Cotto?s next fight where he lost to Austin Trout, Cotto still acquitted himself well and lost a very close decision to a supremely gifted fighter. Trout?s skill set likely would have beaten a prime Cotto, if they were at the same weight. It should also be noted that Cotto physically looked flabby soft around the middle in that bout and tired in the later rounds. Cotto showed that he did not train properly for what he clearly believed would have been an easier night at the office.
So we?ve reached the point where Cotto is a strong and legitimate contender at light/junior middleweight and Martinez is a declining and small bodied middleweight. It is highly conceivable that Miguel Cotto will be challenging Martinez for the middleweight championship of the world in 2014, at a catchweight in the 156-157 pound range.
A final reason why the fight will likely happen, assuming Cotto is successful on October 5th? Money.
Miguel Cotto is a pay per view (PPV) draw. In the past half decade?the post De La Hoya era?Miguel Cotto has trailed only Mayweather and the great Manny Pacquiao in PPV buys. Cotto has achieved this because of his large Latino fan base, and skillful fighting spirit. Also, Miguel Cotto?s resume is arguably the most impressive in modern boxing history. He has fought most every relevant opponent of his era; including multiple Hall of Famers.
Miguel Cotto would also make a great politician, and I mean that in the most positive light. In this ugly and hate-filled ?Cold War? era of boxing where Golden Boy with Showtime and Top Rank with HBO, have denied fight fans the opportunity for premium matchups, ol? Miguel Cotto has still thrived on both networks. After working with Top Rank for most all of his prime years, Cotto facilitated an amicable drama free split early last year, in order to join up with Golden Boy for a lucrative and historically significant fight with Mayweather. His challenge against Austin Trout was also a merger of his company, Miguel Cotto Promotions, with Golden Boy and on the Showtime network.
Photo: Rich Kane ? Hoganphotos
However, Cotto was able to somehow finagle his way back to HBO for his next fight this fall against Rodriguez. Of course, Sergio Martinez is also an HBO fighter. It?s quite remarkable. Miguel Cotto is an excellent businessman. Now he is likely a year away from having a chance to add the most impressive of titles, to what is already a first time ballot Hall of Fame resume.
I will be in Orlando on October 5th covering the journey from ringside. You will see a preview and specific analysis of the HBO card in the days leading up to the event. It really only makes sense that Cotto is helping to close out what has already been a fantastically memorable year for boxing. Miguel Cotto?s career is in the final stretch, but as he is wont to do, he has positioned himself into another historic opportunity to add to his legacy.
