It
was a breathtaking evening at the MGM Grand last night in Las Vegas,
as Floyd Mayweather (43-0, 26 KOs) and Miguel Cotto (39-3, 32 KOs) went head-to-head and a showdown
that was definitely one for the ages. The tempo began crisp and
tight, as the first round was started in typical fashion with both
fighters testing the waters. But as soon as each pugilist got in
their individual comfort zones it was on. Never before has Floyd
Mayweather been in such a bout and it was compelling to see him truly
in a fight, meaning that he did not dominate his opponent from start
to finish which is customary in most of his bouts. Of course there
were the signature Mayweather moves, the shoulder rolls, the dynamic
angles, and the great counterpunching. Yet on this night there was
something, or someone more importantly in the ring with Floyd, and
that was Miguel Cotto.
Cotto
looked technically sound in the ring against Mayweather. His
composure was there as always and it was a night where he came to
fight. From the opening bell the energy was high and skirmishes
mounted, as exchanges between the two fighters became powerful, on
even ground, and of frequent occurrence. Cotto used his left hand
effectively and connected with Mayweather down the pipe, pressing the
action while also applying pressure on the ropes, although he didn’t
stick to what was working for him. Mayweather avoided several of
Cotto’s punches, but not all of them, as indicated by his bloodied
nose (something that is unheard of in a Floyd Mayweather, Jr. fight).
Both men clearly came to win and it was a pleasure to see such an
unexpected fight meet and exceed the public’s expectations by leaps
and bounds Saturday night.
Mayweather
hurt Cotto late in the fight and it may have been more from
exhaustion than being worn down systematically. Floyd didn’t pick
apart Cotto in this bout, and while he did utilize his defense
brilliantly as we have seen in the past, Mayweather did not control
the action like he normally does. This happened because Cotto applied
pressure and lots of it. Not to short change Floyd in anyway of
course, as he did land clean, jarring bombs throughout the night that
left his signature all over Miguel’s face, a face that tends to
swell relatively quickly during his fights. Credit must be given
where it is due, to Mayweather for coming out victorious, showing
that he is not just a tactician and surgeon in the ring but can also
get down and dirty when the situation calls for it. And to Cotto, who
showed incredible heart and courage, and fought one of the best
fights of his career and gave us all a glimpse into what a true
Champion is made of.
Whoever
you were backing in this fight, there is no denying that no one
expected this matchup to turn out as exciting and truly entertaining
as it did. Most predicted that Mayweather would utterly toy with
Cotto, defeating him in a fashion much like he has eliminated all his
other challengers, a virtual one man show that we have become all too
accustomed to seeing from Floyd where the fight is one-sided all
night. But Mayweather had to earn it on Saturday and it was worth
every penny. Congratulations are extended to both pugilists, as one
man looks ahead to a short incarceration and subsequent release, a
celebration of his recent victory, and his next opponent in the ring,
while the other continues on with his loving family, driving forward
with a grit and determination that can never be wavered or removed as
he continues to fight on.
Now
that was a fight!
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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