Who wins? Take the current version of Miguel Cotto and a focused version of Lopez (say the one that fought Quartey, Campas, or Loughran). Cotto is more complete, but Lopez could punch. Look at the fight with Campas, if it's available, for reference.
I like Cotto by decision in a grueling fight. Lopez to me could just never get over that hump to become an elite fighter. Cotto is a cut above. Style wise it would be a battle of attrition. Cotto land the harder shots and more often, but comes out of this fight busted up and maybe even climbing off the canvas.
I see this as a very dangerous fight for Cotto as well. He'd be put on the backfoot in my opinion, thus having to use his movement, jab, and counterpunching skills. He could occasionally be the aggressor, but I wouldn't suggest fighting toe to toe or trying to technically pressure a puncher as dangerous as Lopez.
Lopez. As great as Cotto is, I don't see him backing up Lopez. I don't see a prime Lopez losing to someone that can't back him up and can't (if i'm being honest) take his best punch.
Cotto by UD. His lateral movement and body movements enable him to avoid strong, but too stright-forward Lopez attacks. He will counter Lopez easily. He will also land his powerful jab at will. PS I had Ike 114-112 over Lopez
Prime Ike gets over rated like f*ck on these forums. Very good fighter, didn't have the dimensions to his game that Cotto had for one though. Watched his fight against Vargas again the other day, and if people think that Ike startches Cotto they are absolutely kidding themselves. Very very tough fight to pick at this stage of Cotto's career, considering he really is only now entering his prime (Cotto v Quartey that is). Another instance of current fighters getting under rated when compared to the crop that have since moved on. For people on this thread. Watch the Ike fight vs Vargas then vs Oscar. Now watch Cotto v Mosley and again Quintana or Judah. If you still believe there is a any sort of disparity in the skill level shown, i have nothing more to say to you. *slightly off topic, but an issue that will arrise no doubt in this thread. !
THAT Ike probably won't, but we are talking about PRIME Ike, not a division higher optimal weight and long lay-off.
Quartey had some great skills but you're right, Cotto does have more dimensions to his game, I think Cotto is a much better compact close range puncher and can put punches together better. Both have excellent timing, Quartey just had a phenominal long jab. Cotto too though has a great jab, but Quartey would obviously have the edge in the jabbing department because hey that is Quarteys game - jabbin.
