Miguel Cotto vs Yuri Foreman Preview

This one could be more competitive than people think. Yuri Foreman can fight a little, thanks to several years of development in New York's amateur program. His professional title will be on the line when he takes on Miguel Cotto in what is sure to be the toughest fight of his career.

Advantages for "The Boxing Rabbi" are slim in this match-up. One could point out that he's taken way less punishment than Cotto, so far. It does feel like one guy is as good as he'll ever get, while the other has probably been slowed some, which might make things interesting.

The only other edge I can find is in the feet. There's nothing special about what Foreman does in the ring, but he seems to have a solid understanding of footwork and range. And while there are many question marks surrounding him going into this fight, we do know that he is capable of moving laterally for 12 rounds.

The legs are the first thing to go on a damaged fighter and I think it's safe to assume Foreman has more juice left in his. Unfortunately, that's about all he has going for him this time. In order to win on the big stage he'll need to stay at a distance all night, and hold on tight when things get uncomfortable. If he can move side to side faster than Cotto comes forward, then we have ourselves a contest.

Cotto just has to be himself. Even if he isn't the same man who beat Shane Mosley in 2007, it shouldn't matter too much. The proud Puerto Rican knows what it's like to compete against real world champions, and is still only 29 years old. I don't think we'll see him turn into an old man just yet. At worst, the gap in athleticism will have evened out some.

There are concerns about the new weight class from those who back the favourite. Save them for another fight, against a different opponent. 154 lbs is a good weight for Cotto right now. He's been boiling himself down to make an unnatural weight for years. Hell, he's been coming into the ring as a middleweight since he was a jr welter! Getting down to jr. middle will be a breeze compared to 140 and 147 (or 145) and should bring out the best of what he has left. Sweating off more than 10 lbs and then fighting the next day has never helped a fighter who has a ton of miles on his legs.

Stylistically, this fight is the stuff of Cotto's dreams. A light punching guy who fights in retreat, with little in the way of physical gifts is absolutely perfect for a former champ who was just beaten up. Once his foe shifts into reverse, the veteran will forget all about what happened last time out. It's possible that Yankee Stadium will be filled with fans who paid for Cotto-Jennings II.

Those looking for the upset will be disappointed. I think we can count on Foreman doing everything he can to win, but it's just hard to see him landing many clean shots. In my opinion, his best shot at winning a decision is to make the rounds as uneventful as possible. Some judges think the guy who is moving the most is doing the boxing, so maybe he can steal close ones that way. They'll also be able to hear a thudding sound every time he gets nailed.

I'm taking Cotto by decision, in a fight that gets pretty ugly down the stretch. The man is something fierce when he doesn't have to worry about the incoming. I think Foreman will fight his fight, and show a lot of heart, but it looks like he is just out-gunned. The heavier punches and more positive work get the W for Cotto. I'm thinking 9-3.

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