I've been telling people... don't be surprised if Cotto edges this one out. It won't be an easy fight but if Cotto gives it a 100% (and he has to be on his A game every round) it will be a very close and competitive fight. For me it comes down to this... I truly believe Diaz is a key difference strategy wise and Cotto is listening. Cotto has the tools to execute a smart plan.
He doesn't want a weight drained Cotto, but a shopworn, past prime Cotto is fine by Floyd. His double standards and self-hype are annoying at best.
Going by what you've seen in the ring recently from Cotto, what makes Cotto showporn, and past prime? Is Mayweather in his prime?
I've followed Cotto's entire career. The man has been in some very tough fights and hasn't fought anybody with quickness since Pac. Even against Mayorga and Margarito, he doesn't look as quick and sharp as he did a few years ago. Mayweather is also past his prime, but has always made sure to avoid any of the heavy damage that really takes a toll on a fighter. He just always wants to spin his own legacy as though he has spent the last decade taking on the biggest challenges possible.
I've been following Cotto's career since 2004. I thought Cotto looked pretty quick and sharp against Margarito. I think these fighters are tougher than we give them credit for. Cotto is only 31, and hasn't taken much punishment in since the Pac fight in 2009. He's not the same fighter he was a few years ago, but fighting in that style is what lead to him taking so much punishment. He's evolved. The big question about Cotto, is where he is at mentally. I think beating Margarito put him in a good place mentally, but we'll never know for sure until he gets put in a tough position again. I think this is an interesting fight. These two are two of the best fighters of their era, their still two of the best fighters out there today, and they've both been performing at a high level lately. I think this is a fight that people are going to want to tune in to in order to see what happens.
As stated before, I'm looking forward to the fight. I just know that Mayweather wouldn't be taking it if he didn't feel that he has signficant advantages. In this case, he is faster and, despite the age difference, fresher.
