After watching Cotto VS Margarito again last night there is NO DOUBT in my mind that Margarito used plaster HOWEVER there are a couple of observations i made: 1. Margarito did not feel Cottos punches....and he got hit CLEAN. 2. Margarito's stamina was superior in part due because Cotto did not went for his body so he was fresh. This time Cotto will go to Margo's body and will cause Margo's to break down. 3. Going into round 11 the first fight was even. Cotto was getting hit left and right WITH PLASTER and he STILL lasted 11 competitive rounds. Granted he did not finished the fight but HE ALMOST DID while getting hit with plaster. Translation....Cotto will be much fresher this fight and Margo's true punch damage will be tested. 4. Cotto's boxing skills are superior in every way...end of story. 5. You could see from the 2nd round on that Margo's punches were just too strong for Cotto. He was getting hurt from every punch. I have never seen this before. I 've seen Cotto getting hurt because a good punch (Torres, Judah , come to mind) but then he will recover and finish his opponent. There was no recovery this time as every punch was hurting him... I wonder why? Having said all that Margarito is a relentless boxer, he just come straight to put pressure. Because Margo wont have plaster this time Cotto will have better stamina, be able to take punches better and therefore stay fresh during the rematch. As i mentioned Cotto this time will go to the body, clinch more often (see Margo vs Mosley) and hit Margo on his troubled eye and just outboxed Margo. Cotto should win this fight and possible KO Margo. If he where to lose he will retire as there is need to pursue anything else. My prediction Cotto will KO Margo in round 11....opposite of their first fight.
We have to see. Cotto does have trouble when pressured. If he realizes that he cant hurt Margo, then he will get tired once again. But still, war cotto!
Cotto fought stupid first time round. He outboed him totally but wasted far to much energy. He should have fluried and held rinse repeat he would have won no problem. Even without the body work. This time he needs to follow mosleys plan. Fast 12 hold. If theres a chance to rip to the body take it but dont become obssed. Margaritos eyes must be some concern. Althought tony won the 1st fight he took some big clean shots, got hammerd against shane and beaten to a pulp against paq. I think cotto is faviourte for this. He hasnt taken as many beatings and he can box better, he needs to fight intelligetntly most of all
