Saturday is fight night, the night when one of the most anticipated fights in the last few years takes place as lineal (but not WBC) middleweight champ Miguel Cotto steps into the ring with Canelo Alvarez. Cotto and Canelo are two of the most recognizable fighters in the world, both headlining their share of pay per view fights each. Miguel Cotto is the more established star, but in the last few years Canelo has become probably the biggest box office draw not named Manny or Floyd. Besides the star power, what makes this fight so anticipated is the fact that both fighters seem to be heading into this fight looking as good as they ever have. Canelo is the young lion, who seems poised to take over the box office throne. Cotto has found resurgence in his hall of fame career ever since he’s paired up with Freddie Roach.
Another reason this fight is so intriguing, there is no clear cut favorite. Vegas has Canelo as the favorite, but many believe Freddie Roach has Cotto fighting as well as anybody in the ring. The key to Cotto’s recent success has been the reemergence of his lethal left hook. Miguel Cotto has knocked out every opponent since Roach has taken over his camp, now the question is can he knock out the bigger Canelo. Miguel Cotto doesn’t have to rely on a knock out to win, if he can counter punch and avoid the big shot from Canelo many experts feel Cotto can box his way to a victory.
Canelo is coming in as red hot as his hair. Many feel Canelo is too inexperienced to beat Cotto with Roach, but when you look at his recent resume it tells a different story. Canelo’s last 5 fights have a healthy mix of big punchers and slick counter punchers. Alfredo Angulo and James Kirkland were the big punchers that Canelo simply imposed his strength and will on, while Mayweather, Austin Trout, and Erislandy Lara were at the time the most dangerous counter punchers Canelo could’ve faced. It’ll be interesting if Miguel Cotto can show something that Canelo hasn’t already seen in the ring.
This mega fight will come down to if Canelo can hit Cotto. If Cotto can move enough to avoid a power shot and land that left hook, Cotto has a great chance at victory. If Canelo ends up being too strong and too fast for Cotto to handle, it could be a long night for the future hall of famer. The stage is set for this huge event, promoters Jay-Z and Oscar de la Hoya have already made a big public bet, the rivalry of Mexico vs Puerto Rico has already been stuffed into every promotion, and HBO has already ran Face/off and 24/7. All that’s left is for fight fans hardcore and casual to find a fight party and get ready for what probably will end up being a very entertaining mega fight. My prediction, fight fans and Canelo win.
– John Dyer / @JohnJohnDyer
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