I'm a fan of his and regard him as a very good yet very vulnerable fighter. But I'm not sure he is a HOFer. I'm not talking on the sort of Barry McGuigan level here, I mean a guy that most people say 'yeah he was a great fighter.' Thoughts?
i think he'll end up in the hall. Hes fought everybody. Beat alot of guys before they became champions later on. Carlos Maussa, Paulie Malignaggi come to mind. He has alot of great talent on his resume, guys like Judah and Mosley. Has lost only twice. One to Margarito and one to Pacquiao, who as we know the former being doubt and the latter being...well...pacquiao. He's had an amazing career with alot of undefeated scalps on his belt, not alot of fighters can say that. There was a time when Cotto-Mayweather would have been the biggest fight out there. Had that happened, he would be a definite shoe in.
I dont know his early career was great but then he never has been the same other hall of famers lose and take a beating and have a great career after showing resilience Plus Cotto never really beat a tough champion to earn a title he always got a vacant or paper title I mean his 140 career was devastating and he beat champs like Malinaggi, Coreley and Torres but is that HOF at 147 he beat Quintana Clottey Judah and Mosley, Mosley being the best name on there Judah and Clottey are good too 154 well Mayorga on paper was a good scalp but in reality I dont know Maybe Im just putting him under the knife too much but he is close 3 belts at 3 weights and some great fights and brutal performances, lets see how he ends the career
Like I stated in the other thread, Steward is turning him into a passive fighter. Dont expect to the see the Cotto of early who use to come in the ring and dominate his opponents with his relentless offense and body work. Now he seems more inclined to try and jab/box his opponents. I dont see the killer instinct I once saw in him.
I agree and it sucks from a fan perspective but this will protect him from beatings and also is necessary as his opponents get bigger and bigger vs Margarito he realized some guys are too big and tough to brawl he needs a plan B he will get extra miles
How do you think he'll do against Kirkland, Angulo or Alvarez? A big win over one or two of them would really help his resume - young, powerful and undefeated fighters. Though I suppose he's beaten a guy like that before in Torres.
Yes. People are forgetting about the earlier part of his career, what he done coming up was exceptional until 'that' fight..!
I think if he beats Margarito it'll go a long way to getting him in the HOF. Providing the fight happens of course. Good point about earlier in his career too, floyd_g.o.a.t. Maussa, Ndou, Corley and Paulie were all solid wins. Then you have Judah and Mosley, another step up.
Well in terms of skill Cotto is a far superior fighter to Margarito. But instead of strategically holding Margarito after a combination Cotto just tried to move or cover up which allowed Margarito to build a rhythm. I'd like to see Cotto do what he did in the first fight in terms of punching, but to hold like Mosley did when he has finished his combinations. Basically stop Margarito getting into a rhythm whilst also buying him a breather.
Cotto is my favorite active fighter, so I am biased here, but he always fought the best non-"retired" competiton and put on entertaining fights. He has belts in multiple weight classes and over notable, even HOF-aliber opponents. So I have him in.
Hes fought 99% of everyone out there to fight at 140 and 147..... and only lost twice. With the chance to avenge one of them. Not sure what more Cotto could have done in all honesty. He lost to Pac, big deal. The Margarito fight is shrouded in mystery due to the wraps, and a lot rides on this rematch.