I have been reading threads about this match in the last week. Most of those who favor PBF do so because of his speed, defense, control of distance, and ring experience. These are all legitimate reasons, but when considered in relation to Cotto's body attack, patience, preasure, and ability to cut the ring off, you nearly have a wash in the pysical dimensions of the sport. However, Floyd is entering a territory in his mental game which is dangerous for opposing fighters, in that his understanding of how to win and ability to change course at any given juncture of a fight is being combined with his physical prime. When this happens to a great athlete, its damm near impossible to beat them. In Jordan's second threepeat run, he had reached this physical and mental platuea, and even when he was outgunned, outscored, flu-ridden etc.. he always found a way to win. Again, this is the culmination of the physical prime of an athletes career, combined with a deep understanding of the sport. Cotto and Williams bring challenges that will be Floyd's greatest IMO, but I still favor him in light of this developement. Breaking down fighters is like doing puzzles, and Floyd has simply gotten too good at it and too fast at it.
Good post ACB. Another reason why PBF is so hard to beat. He's the smartest boxer in the game. He can figure you out and find a way to beat you.
Floyd has always been great, and smart. But Im talking about the melding of physical and mental primes, something that happens in an athletes career around 30 years old. If it happens to an already great athlete, watch out.
