I was just wondering why he changed trainers again and this time, he replaced a HOF trainer with a college professor? I really hope Cotto knows what he's doing and this isn't Joe Santiago 2.0. Santiago did a horrible job in the corner in the Pacquiao fight.
I heard it's because (1) he's cheap and (2) he likes to have more control than he did with Manny. Plus with Manny he's not the #1 focus.
Lets not totally underestimate the guy he got. Hes not Santiago. He (if you believe 24/7) was head of the most successful amateur program on the planet for 20 years. So hes hardly a novice in boxing. And the guy clearly knows training as hes a professor of Physical science. Seems to be doing an ok, just from what Ive seen in 24/7. And also it needs to be said. Cotto is 31 years old,been a pro for 10 years has had 38 pro fights, been boxing since he was a kid, has fought the best out there,and is a has been a champ in 3 weight divisions. He is unlikely to learn anything "new" or change his style at this stage. Basically all he needs is someone to push him,and make sure he's applyinmg himself. People who think a trainer can make a huge difference to someone like Cotto at this stage of his career,is mistaken. He just needs someone top push him and maybe sharpen up some things. You cant unlearn 20 years of training.
^ Wrong. Small mistakes can always be fixed. Changing styles is one thing but applying new techniques and tricks is manageable. For one Cotto could learn to clinch and block the uppercut. Some fighters love to move backwards in a straight line. Teach them otherwise.
His style is his style, it will be his style regardless. Its been ingrained in him since he started boxing. Yes,he can be made sharper, but its still going to be Cotto in there,thatw e've always seen, just maybe a little snappier and a little more polished. Thats the most you can hope for. Floyd Mayweather had Hatton for 2 fights, and the moment Pacquiao threw a punch what did Hatton do? Reverted back to form. At that stage of a guys career, all you can do is make sure they're applying themselves and make sure they're as sharp as can be. Guys at this level can all fight, throw a jab, throw a hook,throw a straight right etc. And their style is their style, so the best you can hope for is to make them the best version of what they already are.
True for the most part, but Cotto makes mistakes that look fixable. 1) i think he eats uppercuts because he doesn't see them. He doesn't see them because of his head positioning. You have to tuck your chin, but Cotto over does it. 2) Miquel has an extremely good jab, but he tends to abandon it when he needs it most. The answer is probably drill -- drill -- drill.
It's never a good idea to get a new trainer when your a vet because you can't completely change your style this late in your career. A lot of vets have let Steward go. Cotto, Dawson, Taylor, etc. I think part of it is Steward not being able to completely dedicate himself to one fighter. Maybe the money. Maybe they just don't buy into his concepts.
This new guy, was head of the Cuban national program, have you seen the Cuban amatuer Boxing team?! They're a powerhouse in proffesional Boxing. Santiago was a guy with a degree in sport science, that was it. Cotto valued comfort over quality for that fight. What I like about this guy, is that he has Cotto training at speed, which will benefit him so much more than his slow motion gym work.
I'm guessing his personality didn't mesh well with Steward's over-priced, egotistical, diva personality. No one has a bigger opinion of Emanuel Steward than Emanuel Steward.
One, Steward is too busy and only dedicates a few weeks to each fighter and cost a lot. This "college professor" is well prepared and experienced trainer who used to trained the Cuban national team and met Cotto when he was amateur.
I am pretty sure cotto is just fighting for money now and probably figures why shell out for an expensive trainer.
New trainers doesn't mean new style. But they can work on different techniques and correct mistakes. A trainer can only teach so much. So, with new trainer comes new knowledge.