The majority of fans think Floyd's age was the reason Cotto performed well as a Mayweather opponent. I just rewatched this fight and differ. Cotto's unique package of characteristics was responsible for the competiveness. His good timing + power jab + somewhat sneaky body punching + infighting ability Floyd won't have to fight this hard again unless it's Trout or Martinez
Yes and no. Yes, you're right, but so are those who say a younger Floyd handles him easier, in my opinion. Like 2006 Floyd, would've boxed circles around him ala Baldomir until Cotto began to gas as he always does in which Floyd would be walking him down ala Zab.
I know some people will say "stupid" to this and some Pacquiao fans will call it agenda driven, but the Cotto that lost to Mayweather was the best I've seen him since pre-Margarito I. I really believe so.
I agree. And lets face it Trout poses threats Cotto had never seen before, or rarely: a) natural 154 pounder (Yuri, in the most respectful way, is featherfisted) b) height (Margarito is only comparable) c) southpaw d) officially outweighed (and likely unofficially too) For what it's worth, losing a 7-5 decision is not a POOR performance. Maybe poor for him and expectations, but it's not like Trout won with an embarrassing 10-2 or dominant 9-3.
^ACS I gave Cotto 4 and 1 even. If you scored it 9-3, will you admit Cotto was very much competitive in most of the rounds?
Cotto, imo, if coming as prepared as he was for their fight.... would always give May problems, imo. Hes not stupid, has a good jab, has deceptive speed, can control distance, is strong, and can put in good body work (crazy to think that he used to be a body snatcher pre margo) However, that all being said... Mayweather was still slipping in that fight imo. I can see it with my own eyes and see Mayweathers lost a half step from the Ortiz fight (just imo) Im not very high on 154lb Cotto.... at all really. Whether thats the best version of him since he lost to Margarito could be true, but for me thats not really saying a whole lot. (Big props to his trainer though, imo hes perfect for cotto) Anyways, was a good fight, muuuuch better then I thought it would be. I had it 8 to 4 for Mayweather I believe.... still, would have rather have seen it in 2007. Would have been fought on a much higher level, imo.
couple of things. 1) anyone who fights floyd is going to give it their all. 2) floyd promises to go toe to toe with Cotto. And he could stick and move but didn't for 12 rounds. 3) floyd has slown down. His age and his long layoffs are starting to show. 4) he was never really that effective at 154 and the bigger gloves plus some factor into it. 5) Cotto is a smart boxer who got good timing and feints. Style give mayweather less opportunities to counter.
Yeah, Cotto at 154 really lives off of his 147 and below resume. I rated Dzinziruk #1 during the time period where the division was stacked but every resume was thin in length or depth. Most people elevated Cotto to #1 straight away after Yuri, or at least after Mayorga. I tried to resist, but entering the Floyd fight he was somehow my #1 [shrugs]. I second the notion on Cotto's trainer. 2007-08 Mayweather vs. Cotto would have been another true superfight. Even in 2012, it was closer to a "superfight" than most out there, which tells how great it would have been to see sooner.
I do agree that his trainer played a huge role. One of the few fights where cotto didn't gassed for 12 rounds. But then again everyone who fought Floyd didn't gassed due to how big the win would be. If you can't show up fighting Mayweather then you should just retire.