Cotto vs Judah bolstered by stacked undercard
 By Danny Serratelli (June 9, 2007) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © HBO PPV)
Cotto vs Judah a great match, one of the rare fights where either guy can win by decision or by KO. It’s hard to imagine Zab not winning the early rounds and putting them in the bank, but if he wins them easy, will he get over confident? Cotto will bang to the body and pressure Zab, but the biggest factor in this fight seems to be that Cotto is a much better fighter at 147 than he was at 140.
Cotto has shown the heart and resiliency to fight when it really becomes a fight. Zab seems to be the more physically gifted and
has a speed advantage along with the some power, but when the going has got tough in his biggest recent fights he has not made the proper adjustments.
I had Zab taking 4 of 6 from Floyd, and that tells me in a 4-6 round fight Zab can beat anyone, but this fight is 12 rounds. It would not surprise me to see either or both men hit the deck at some point; however, I do not foresee a knockout. With the Puerto Rican Day parade going on in NYC, my pick is Cotto by decision in a fight that he has to come back from an early deficit to capture a decision victory.
Undercard Notes
Humberto Sosa vs. Bobby Pacquaio: Bobby Pacquaio seems to have picked up something he didn’t have earlier in his career…maybe confidence? Better training with a rich and famous brother? Who knows? Anyway, he’s a big underdog, but a live one in his fight tonight with Humberto Sosa.
Anthony Thompson vs. Yuri Foreman: The late well known boxing writer and a friend at the fights, Rob Sadler, was telling me how great Anthony Thompson was for years whenever I was in Atlantic City of Philly. There is more of a story there, but this isn’t the place for it. I’m pulling for Yuri Foreman to win this fight either way. Thompson is the favorite and probably the more physically gifted, but Foreman is sound and can pull the upset. On paper it doesn't look like an action fight, but a technical battle that should be close on the cards if Yuri can out work Thompson.
Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. vs. Grover Wiley: If Chavez Jr. can’t beat Grover and avenge his dad’s loss that took place when Chavez Sr. was 43 years old and had fought well over 100 fights in a LONG career, he should let his dad fight his next fight. While this is still a step up for the young Chavez Jr. he should win a decision. Word is he wants Arturo Gatti if they both get by their next bouts, not a wise decision for the young and unproven Chavez.
Peter Quillin vs. Jamal Davis: Quillin has been a joy to watch as he has progressed and I have looked forward to his fights. As an added bonus, and just in case you are hungry, ‘Kid Chocolate’ showers the crowd with chocolate after his fights. Quillin by KO.
Wayne Johnsen vs. Anthony Bartinelli: This fight is a step up for Johnsen and one that will be one of his first opportunities to really shine on a large stage. His handlers have been cautious to date and understandably so considering Johnsen got a late start and had limited amateur experience. From what I see and have heard of Bartinelli he can punch, he can take a good punch, and his fights are usually action fights
Johnsen will probably look to use a good jab and much improved skills to outbox Bartinelli, but Bartinelli, unlike many prior opponents will make him fight. Despite the fact that many people haven't had the opportunity to witness it yet, Johnsen is also a very tough guy. When the going gets tough, Johnsen will deliver the goods tonight. Pick here is Johnsen by stunning late round stoppage or a hard fought unanimous decision victory.
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