Miguel Cotto vs Fernando Vargas

Discussion in 'World Boxing Forum' started by NoChin, Aug 23, 2026 at 10:32 PM.


  1. NoChin

    NoChin Sir Nikita Tszyu is a gentlemen and a scholar Full Member

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    Prime for prime, who wins?
     
    NoChin, Aug 23, 2026 at 10:32 PM
    NoChin, Aug 23, 2026 at 10:32 PM
    #1
  2. MidniteProwler

    MidniteProwler Fab 4. Mayor of Aussie Boxing Full Member

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    Cotto is the better fighter in my opinion as Vargas was juiced to the eyeballs in his prime.
    They were not in the same weight class when they were prime but Vargas was KO'd by a lot of smaller guys in Oscar, Tito and Mosely so I think Cotto would also be able to knock him out.
     
    MidniteProwler, Aug 23, 2026 at 10:49 PM
    MidniteProwler, Aug 23, 2026 at 10:49 PM
    #2
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  3. NoChin

    NoChin Sir Nikita Tszyu is a gentlemen and a scholar Full Member

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    I agree. Nando had a suspect chin that Cotto would exploit. Vargas gets put to sleep.
     
    NoChin, Aug 23, 2026 at 10:58 PM
    NoChin, Aug 23, 2026 at 10:58 PM
    #3
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  4. Dynamicpuncher

    Dynamicpuncher Obsessed with Boxing Full Member

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    At 154 Vargas wins he's too big and strong at the weight.

    Cotto's best weight was 147 he wasn't as effective at 154 going 5-3 overall with mixed results.
     
    Last edited: Aug 24, 2026 at 3:58 AM
    Dynamicpuncher, Aug 24, 2026 at 3:51 AM
    Dynamicpuncher, Aug 24, 2026 at 3:51 AM
    #4
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  5. Smokin Bert

    Smokin Bert Boxing Addict Full Member

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    At 154, I would go with Vargas.
     
    Smokin Bert, Aug 24, 2026 at 6:15 AM
    Smokin Bert, Aug 24, 2026 at 6:15 AM
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  6. SquaredCircle

    SquaredCircle Well-Known Member Full Member

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    Vargas would grind Cotto down at 154.
     
    SquaredCircle, Aug 24, 2026 at 11:07 AM
    SquaredCircle, Aug 24, 2026 at 11:07 AM
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  7. The Real Lance

    The Real Lance Boxing Junkie Full Member

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    Vargas via stoppage at 154. Cotto was NOT at his best at 154. He was only a champ at 154 because Arum fed Yuri Foreman to him.
     
    The Real Lance, Aug 24, 2026 at 11:35 AM
    The Real Lance, Aug 24, 2026 at 11:35 AM
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  8. Ike

    Ike Active Member Full Member

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    A very tough fight for Cotto, who wasn't a natural super welterweight, unlike Vargas, and who was no longer in his prime when he fought at 154 pounds. Would the Puerto Rican's speed, footwork, accuracy and heart at super welterweight prevail over Vargas's aggression, greater size and superior power? I say no. Vargas by stoppage after the ninth round, with Cotto narrowly ahead on the judges' scorecards.
     
    Ike, Aug 24, 2026 at 11:36 AM
    Ike, Aug 24, 2026 at 11:36 AM
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  9. kirk

    kirk l l l Staff Member

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    I really do think a prime Vargas has his way with Cotto and that its a bad matchup for Miguel.
    Vargas had too much fire, tenacity, skill and will for Cotto, who was always content to slowly and slightly concede rounds once the waters started getting deep, imo. Cotto also, despite having heavy hands, wouldnt possess the level of power against a natural 154lber required to really impose on Vargas and exploit one of Vargas's primary weaknesses (chin).
    Vargas could also turn up the volume when necessary to a pace that would make things very uncomfortable for Cotto.

    I dont really see a good path to victory for Cotto in this one, who was never a real 154lber, imo.


    Vargas clear UD or late stoppage.
     
    kirk, Aug 28, 2026 at 4:48 PM
    kirk, Aug 28, 2026 at 4:48 PM
    #9
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  10. Salty Dog

    Salty Dog globalize the Buc-ees revolution Full Member

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    Cotto was best 140 and 147 and Fernando was big and strong and good and can take some punishment which Cotto can offer even at 154. Even so, Fernandote for the late stoppage in a legendary fight. Did i use enough sentences that time? ;)
     
    Salty Dog, Aug 28, 2026 at 5:13 PM
    Salty Dog, Aug 28, 2026 at 5:13 PM
    #10
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  11. drenlou

    drenlou VIP Member

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    Vargas UD in a competitive fight.
     
    drenlou, Aug 28, 2026 at 5:32 PM
    drenlou, Aug 28, 2026 at 5:32 PM
    #11
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  12. KO KIDD

    KO KIDD Loyal Member Full Member

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    I think Vargas runs through him
     
    KO KIDD, Aug 28, 2026 at 5:45 PM
    KO KIDD, Aug 28, 2026 at 5:45 PM
    #12
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  13. bjl12

    bjl12 Boxing Addict Full Member

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    147 Cotto
    154 Vargas
     
    bjl12, Aug 28, 2026 at 7:05 PM
    bjl12, Aug 28, 2026 at 7:05 PM
    #13