I've been thinking, Cotto is a smart fighter, not just a brawler, and since he'll no doubt understand that Margo not only has a size advantage, but that he also has one of the hardest chins at welterweight, one of the hardest punches at welterweight and is one of the toughest fighters at welterweight, do you think that he might, instead of utilizing his trademark Stalk and Bang approach, choose to box Margo off the back-foot as much as possible? And if so, do you think the fight is more likely to be less entertaining than many seem to think it will be?
Hard to say - it will be difficult to box against Margo for so many rounds since Tony's constantly pressing the action- besides Cotto has a tendency to stand in and exchange when things heat up (see Mosley). Hard to imagine this as a boring fight. After the Paul Williams fight nothing can stop Margo from brawling, starting at the opening bell.
It should be good fight. Both fighters will back up when needed. I doubt we will be looking at a toe to toe brawl.
Cotto will be prepared for anything but should know Margo will likley start off fast. His best bet IS to box\ jab and move, sometimes mixing it up. Perhaps test south paw, counter and side step. Thats probley what's best and I'm sure he'll do it for the most part but Cotto, like Vargas, tends to slug it out with his opponent when hit, almost instictivly. I exepect a war no matter what game plans are put in place for Cotto. THIS WILL BE BATTLE.
I liken Margo to Vargas and Mosley too - when hit he turns into the Hulk. It's going to be a war for most of the 12 rounds - if it goes that far.
Right On Target....if By Fighting Off The Backfoot You Mean Running Then I Totally Agree With You. Cotto Will Not Come To Fight Hes Gonna Come To Win And To Beat Margo Especially If You Are Smaller You Have To Hit And Run.
I think Miguel Cotto will make it a "battle" early on and once he piles up a decent lead, he's going to turn it into a boxing match which he should win easily. It'll still be an outstanding fight between two very game fighters.
Cotto Will not run, This is a battle of two latin warriors. Tremendous pride at stake. If Cotto starts backing up or refuses to get into some exchanges, the crowd will let him hear it. It will turn into a slugfest & it literally could go either way!
Cotto will have to use his brain. He shouldnt throw the game plan out of the window when fighting Margo, that would be dumb, its gives Margo his best chance to win. Cotto is an allround fighter, thats why he is in everybody p4p list, he can go forward and back, box and fight. I think we will see a smart Cotto in this fight, he''ll be the matador and land the cleaner punches over 12, he def cant knock Margarito out! In fact I think if anybody is stopped, its cotto! I see a close hard fight, exciting to watch, but no Gatti - Ward style brawl, there is too much class in these fighters for it to turn that way. Cotto 115-113. :good
game fighters great warriors same difference. Both will come out looking like roses regardless of the outcome.
There's a difference between running and effective strategy which includes good lateral movement and jabbing like crazy. Margarito prettty much has one option, seek and destroy. Cotto has the skills to win this fight in several ways: stick and move all night (run), box effectively from the outside throwing jabs and hard combos without running, brawl (not a good option), or combine inside and outside work. I would recommend that Cotto use good movement throughout and establish his jab, get Margarito off balance, and then go hard to the body. Keep a level head and don't get into a burly man contest when Margarito lands. If Cotto tries to be a manly man and trade, that is his worst chance for victory.
I doubt very seriously Cotto will fight margarito head on that would be stupid.. Cotto is the more skilled and I see him using head movement and angles to his advantage .. Im assuming that margarito is the stronger of the two and he would like nothing more then to have Cotto stand in front of him .. Cotto should take a page out of clotty's fight with Margario , since he and Clotty are similar in hight and build .. Margarito will be looking to make this a fight on the inside and using his strength to push the smaller cotto backward and wear him down , let face margarito is no boxer , he's a big strong guy that like the wear his opponents down , I expect nothing different when he fights cotto. If cotto can keep turning and boxing margarito past six then I take cotto by UD But if Margarito can get out of the gate early push the smaller Cotto around the ring then you have to like his chances of a late round stoppage.. I think cotto and his team are smart so Im going with cotto by UD
The crowd will not be in there fighting , cotto will and if he lets the crowd dictate the peace of the fight or make him do something foolish like fighting Margario head to head , then he will get KOed.