Those that say Cotto was ruined were wrong. His balance looked just as good as it did in the Mosley fight if not better, his jab was precise and sharp, and his combinations were fluid. Pac was just to determined to lose despite Cotto's size advantage and multi dimensional skills. And while Cotto was slower than Pac, I don't think this fight came down to something as simple as speed because Cotto exhibited great technique, keeping a tight guard, and even positioning his head in a place where he was less likely to be hit with uppercuts. Don't get me wrong, Pac's speed definitely contributed to his win, but it was his movement, angles, and SHEER determination that led him to win. I mean he was taking some hard shots, and didn't even look the least bit phased, and while I think Cotto's power is overrated as it is, the shots that Pac took were some hard shots, especially for a guy who's the smaller man. I was under the impression that Mayweather would easily outbox Pac, but now I'm unsure. I don't think Mayweather has ever faced a guy like Pac. He's faced a guy with speed in Zab, but nothing like Pac who has speed, power, and determination. The guy just doesn't wanna lose and he will do anything in his power to close the show. He's a showman and honestly deserves the PFP spot above Mayweather even if Mayweather shows better defensive skills. It's Manny's heart that sets him above Mayweather and if this fight doesn't happen, Mayweather might as well retire.
That was my first inital impression too, Cotto looked really sharp in the early rounds. Pac was just that good to do something with it. He adjusted and took control. When things weren't working, Cotto abandoned the game plan. Let's put ourselves in Cotto's shoes, you know you are good, your style, power, and speed worked against other opponents but not on this guy, what else can you do?
That's what was so impressive. Cotto went to plan B and started boxing, and Pac still managed to tag him at will.
