MIGUEL COTTO HAS 10-6 OPENING ROUND
Miguel Cotto-Sergio Martinez
San Francisco, CA– On paper the fight looked close. At the end of the night it was one of the biggest routs in recent middleweight history as Miguel Cotto (39-4, 31 KOs) of Puerto Rico played Congas on Sergio Martinez for almost every second of recorded battle. In my mind and that of both combatants, the fight was over in the first round really as Cotto decked Martinez of Argentina three times, the second of which was “face planter,” all set up by a left hook that wobbled Martinez. I scored the round 10-6 because of the three knockdowns.
PUERTO RICAN MAKES ARGENTINA CRY WITH BLITZKRIEG
Cotto was a jr. welterweight (140), welterweight (147) and super welterweight (154) champion and is thought to be in the twilight of a wonderful career when he goes and mugs Martinez (51-3-2, 28 KOs) with another knockdown in round nine. What turned out to be a mismatch was halted six seconds into round 10 when Martinez decided to stay on his stool after being beaten on like a drum for 27 minutes.
DON’T BE FOOLED BY MIGUEL’S NEW DRESS
Now they will say this was all because of trainer Freddie Roach, fine. But I still say Cotto is on the downside regardless of what he did in New York Saturday night. He’s still nearly 34, going on 39 because he has been in many wars and pummeled by both Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao.
GREAT WIN YET STILL FEEL COTTO SHOULD QUIT
The linear (recognized world title) middleweight championship has changed hands and is now in the hands of Cotto and promoter Bob Arum. Cotto’s only fight going forward should be with WBA kingpin Gennady Golovkin (28-0, 25 KOs) and I as a media member, win or lose, hope that Miguel who is now retire. Cotto has the money, the legacy, a family, and have you seen Wilfred Benitez lately?
THREE DIVISION CHAMP CAN’T WIPE HIS…MOUTH
Benitez was a little off when I was working with him in 1984, which may have been from sparring and holding his own at the age of 13 in the 70s with guys like Esteban De Jesus (first man to beat Roberto Duran) at Gleason’s Gym in New York City.
VERY FEW FIGHTERS REALIZE THIS AIN’T GOLF
Cotto should not have any tune ups and as soon as Golovkin wipes the floor with Daniel Geale on July 26, Cotto-Golovkin should be made. And again Miguel, win or lose you need to walk away as very few fighters are aware of the residual effects of professional boxing until it’s too late and they’re mood swinging, forgetting stuff, maybe a hitch in their step, look guys either don’t know until it’s too late. Or worse, they’ll never know!
INTELLIGENT COTTO SHOULD NOT LET GREED TAKEOVER
That’s why it is important for Cotto to get out after one more fight. And I only say one more fight because I know he won’t hang them up now. Puerto Rico needs Cotto badly as my peeps have seen Hector Camacho, Edwin Rosario and the aforementioned Esteban DeJesus die early. All the while Benitez may as well be and Felix Trinidad is broke! By going this route the Boricua can have money, fame, and most importantly the wherewithal to talk to his great grandchildren in 20 years. Congrats Miguel!
MARTINEZ RETIRES AFTER DRUBBING
Sergio is 39 and yet looked more like the near 70-year old version of the WWE’s Vince McMahon.
Pedro Fernandez