Miguel Cotto Changes the Landscape of Boxing

An aspect of boxing that separates itself from the rest is that fact that every fighter is considered a live body.  The boxing faithful may ridicule and shoot down any possibility of a comeback, but at the end of the day… words only go so far.  Once that bell rings, all bets are off and history has shown us that the unfathomable can happen.  


courtesy of mmi-boxing.si.com

Miguel Cotto walked into Madison Square Garden last Saturday night as a fighter who’d supposedly seen his best days wither away like ashes in the wind.  What made his match-up with Sergio Martinez so captivating was the fact that both fighters were on the down side of their career and were fighting to solidify their legacy.  It was a throwback bout.  The type of fight that could easily be the difference between a Hall-of-Fame fighter and a fighter who was very good, but never one of the greats. 

As history has shown us time and time again, Miguel Cotto defied the typical logic of the boxing brethren and administered a performance that may go down as the best of his career. 

Cotto proved that he is a true prize-fighter and has always conducted himself well in the ring.  He’s never been the strongest, fastest or possessed the most boxing ability, but he’s prided himself on doing everything well with the determination to chase greatness.  It’s a quality today’s average boxer can’t appreciate. 

When Sergio Martinez was beat from corner to corner last Saturday night, picking himself off the canvas four times, it was apparent that the once proud champion was in the ring with a fighter that was rejuvenated.  Cotto’s had his ups-and-downs in his career… and prior to his dominating victory over Martinez, he’s found himself on the losing end of the majority of his big fights. 

Humility and boxers is something of a far-fetched idealism that usually only becomes relevant when a fighter is finally humbled.  For some fighters it never happens and you’ll usually see them in the ring years too long.  I’d consider humility a blessing to a fighter.  Some would consider it weakness and a lack of confidence, but in a sport where attributes are predicated on physicality, pride can easily be the biggest detriment to a boxer’s career. 
There is no doubt in my mind that Miguel Cotto’s ability to succumb to humility will extend his career and legacy.  His decision to reach out to the great Freddie Roach changed the course of career and the landscape of boxing.  Cotto’s destruction of Delvin Rodriguez was the first sign of his rebirth and the out-classing of Sergio Martinez was the icing on the cake.  This is a different Miguel Cotto than we’ve seen in the past seven years. 

The quest for greatness by challenging for Martinez’s middleweight championship opened the door for some highly intriguing match-ups in the future.  He’s still in the top 5 regarding boxer popularity and will always be a major draw in New York. 

A fight with Canelo Alvarez would be the apex of this extended story.  Canelo continues to build his brand as overall the most captivating young fighter in the sport.  It would add a needed boost to the most decorated ethnic rivalry in sports, delivering Mexico’s best versus Puerto Rico’s king.  I consider both fighters to be extremely similar and the fight would provide some incredible theater. 

Word is that if Canelo beats the game Erislandy Lara on July 12^th, the epic bout between the two would be scheduled for December. 

And then there’s Floyd….

Floyd is the master of manipulating opportunity in his favor.  He’s beaten Cotto before.  He’s beaten Canelo before.  What better way to add to his legacy then to earn a middleweight title. 

The stage is set.  Floyd wins in September then challenges the winner of Cotto-Canelo for a super-rematch in May of 2015.  It makes too much sense for all parties involved and the revenue possibilities are probably as good as it gets. 

Regardless of the chain of events…. Miguel Cotto resurgence and rejuvenation has added an incredible spark and dimension to boxing’s imagination.  That’s what makes the sport so amazing and everlasting!

It only takes one fighter… or one win… or one upset to adjust the landscape of the boxing world.