Miguel Cotto is in his prime...

i aggree but i think he has just reached his prime.... i always like to think a prime fighter is around 27- 30 years of age... unless its like a erik morales who has been boxing pro since 16 an was in as many wars as he was... he was already on decline at around 28 or so... but cotto definatley has jus entered his prime an unless he tightens up his defence i see his prime length on decline in about 2 years

 

Agree with most of this. I think most people are more so pointing out that we have not seen the best of him yet, especially when analysing hypothetical match ups. I wouldn't say he is a pure brawler though... I actually expect Cotto to transform into much more of a boxer later in his career, much like Barerra, Hopkins etc etc.

 

This...

Cotto has better defense than most inside fighters. It's not like Cotto goes all in offense kind of style with no regard of his well-being.

I think Cotto will only get better due to experience, and honing his skills further. I don't see him withering much after 33 - of course - this could all change if he does a Vargas, which I don't think is likely.

Personally I think a 30-32 year Cotto will be at his very best, which will be his prime.

 

out of curiosity do u consider Pacquiao past prime? what about Zab Judah?

 

Absolutely agree mate. Cotto is a VERY intelligent fighter. He has shown throughout his career that he won't get himself into slugging matches.... After the Torres fight at least anyway. He has learnt to rely on his boxing ability, and he will do so more and more. By box i don't mean fight on the outside, but rather adapt and make the necessary changes to beat his opponent. This could be using effective pressure, or sticking and moving. He is much more well rounded then people give creditfor. Good post BTW.

 

:good - thanks for elaborating on my post.

As long as he stays clear of too many KO artists, but varies his opponents(still top notch guys) - I see him becoming an incredible well rounded fighter - maybe even complete.

Like you correctly say - he is an intelligent fighter.

And thanks and yours as well.

 

umm i do consider pac still in his prime but i see him declining.... um im not to sure how old zab judah is but i no hes not past his prime but he has other issues to worry bout like his confidence stamina an following his trainers orders... etc etc..... why do u ask?

 

I think Pacquiao is a bit past his prime.

I am quite unsure of when Judah's prime was. He has been missing the mental part of the game from the get go. For all we know, he may not have hit his prime yet.

 

I'll have to recant a statement I made earlier about Cotto having yet to hit his prime. I agree that he's in his prime years, but I don't think we've seen the best from him. Cotto is still improving; he's sharpening up his technical skills, defense, and boxing ability. I expect him to become a very complete and adjustable fighter.

 

i agree, cotto is in his prime right now, but i think pac is still on his prime although he's a bit on the decline side. We'll see once he steps at 135

 

"Prime" is too vague a term. IF he gets better, which he probably will, then what? Is he primer?

 

Durability will be different from fighter to fighter.. One big aspect is a fighters defense, ability to roll with punches.. Cotto seems to be good defensively, but then so was Chavez for a long time with subtle movements.. Ability to press the action, moving foward actually saves a lot of miles on fighters, so long as the opposition isn't quite set and throwing bombs at you while you are moving foward.. Opponents moving backwards will have less power..

I think this coupled with Cotto ability to fight defensively should allow him to last a while. So long as he's able to dish out the body work that he has been dishing out, I have a feeling he will be around a while. Quesiton is, can he be outwilled? Saw that he can fight defensively against Mosely, but if someone can beat him at his own game (being a body snatcher) he will grow old over night.. If he fights defensively against a mirror of himself, he will be in deep trouble.

 

if he is, i guess the question is wether the Cotto in 1-2 years time will beat the PBF of the same time because that is the fight that will define everything for him...

would be a ****ing kick ass fight....id back PBF UD

 

:good