Mayweather - Cotto: The Devil Is In The Details

Mayweather - Cotto: The Devil Is In The Details

By Jason Petock, Doghouse Boxing (May 5, 2012) Doghouse Boxing (Photo © German Villasenor)
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Tonight’s scintillating matchup between Floyd “Money” Mayweather (42 – 0/ 26 KO’s) and Miguel “Junito” Cotto (37 – 2/ 30 KO’s) couldn’t have come at a better time for boxing aficionados. The climate surrounding the fight is electric to say the least, as tensions became extremely high towards the end of their stare down last night and harsh words were apparently exchanged between the two fighters. Each man has their own ideas as to where their strengths and weaknesses lie, with Mayweather promising, “Come May 5, I will be at my best. I have been here so many times that I know what it takes. I don’t have to brag. Cotto is not a talker. I am outgoing and outspoken. I have a lot of personality. That’s just me.” Cotto is also rightfully sure of himself, by stating, “No matter what, I am going to use what I have to fight Floyd. I’m prepared for his style. I am going to be the first guy to beat Mayweather. Everyone will see my strategy on May 5.”

There is a lot to analyze and breakdown when looking at both pugilists obviously. There is Floyd Mayweather’s speed, impeccable timing, and impregnable defense. Should Cotto land, and land effectively for that matter, he’s going to have to find the right openings. And finding an opening against Mayweather is like looking for light through a hermetically sealed safe. But that’s not to say that it can’t be done. Floyd has been wobbled in the past when he fought DeMarcus “Chop Chop” Corley (38 – 19 – 4/ 22 KO’s), and also in his bout against Zab “Super” Judah (42 – 7 – 3/29 KO’s). But finding such an opening can almost prove to be impossible when considering Compubox’s recent findings. Mayweather’s connect percentage against his opponents, which was averaged out over his last nine fights, has been found to be at around 46%. This number is far greater than how many times he actually gets hit, which falls in at around 16%.

With Miguel Cotto there is adaptability in the ring. Being able to change-up whenever he feels as a natural southpaw can prove to be a plus against Mayweather, as he can give him different looks when needed. Cotto has a strong jab, but it’s going to have to be on point against Mayweather, who basically sees everything coming and has a mean stick of his own that is quicker than his Puerto Rican adversary’s. Miguel is also a body snatcher. If he can dig into Floyd’s core it might be a little “Money” in the bank for him in the later rounds. A big issue is still the speed of Mayweather and some of the past hit ability of Cotto, who was hurt when he fought Joshua “Grand Master” Clottey (36 – 4/ 21 KO’s). Cotto can, however, fight on the inside or attack from the outside as well.

This bout may or may not be the typical walk-in-the-park that Floyd Mayweather is used to. There are extreme variables on both sides of the equation and to count out Miguel Cotto immediately would be a little short-sighted. Given Mayweather’s incredible ring skills and utter domination of pretty much everyone he has ever faced, it seems hard to see the script this time play out any different than in has in the past. Yet often in boxing everything is a crap shoot, and you never know what’s going to happen until the boxers step onto the ring apron and do their thing. Tomorrow night we are all going to witness two of the sport’s best, as they both clash in the ring and give their all. Are you not entertained? You will be..

Jason can be reached with your questions, concerns, gripes, moans, complaints, insults or kudos at BoxingWarrior@hotmail.com. Your feedback is appreciated as always. Stay honest and keep punching.

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