Quick Flurries: Pacquiao/Margarito & Cotto/Berto
by A.F. on Jul 24, 2010 4:00 AM EDT
in Quick Flurries
13 comments
No big surprise here. We already knew it was either Antonio Margarito or Miguel Cotto up next for Manny Pacquiao, with the suspended Mexican brawler as the leading candidate.
Yahoo - Kevin Iole... Arum said he decided to choose Margarito instead of Miguel Cotto, whom Pacquiao stopped in the 12th round in November, because it would be perceived as a more competitive bout. The bout will be offered on HBO Pay-Per-View.
A couple years ago, this would have been a mouth watering clash - how could anyone resist the relentless heavy handed pressure of the granite chinned Margarito vs the speed and precision of the dynamic Pacquiao. Now it feels like a shoddy substitute. Forget the hand wraps scandal for a moment - hold your nose and pretend Margarito's clean as a whistle. His body of work for 2009-2010 is not good enough - getting absolutely blasted by an ancient Shane Mosley, and a far from inspiring decision win over Roberto Garcia does not merit a bout with this class of fighter.
For this to have some real appeal - beyond the silly eighth alphabet title - Margarito would need to establish himself as a viable threat. That hasn't happened and we're left with one of the best fighters of this generation against a highly questionable opponent - that doesn't deserve the opportunity.
Moving on to some news that doesn't make you wonder what the point of following this sport is. An intriguing potential clash between Cotto and Andre Berto is reportedly in the works.....
Boxing Scene - Rick Reeno... DiBella has discussed the fight on a few occasions with Cotto's promoter Bob Arum, the CEO of Top Rank. Cotto was one of two frontrunners to face Manny Pacquiao on November 13. Top Rank made a decision, as expected, to match Pacquiao with Antonio Margarito, which leaves Cotto free and clear. DiBella's decision to further pursue a fight with Cotto was dependent on the outcome of the Pacquiao sweepstakes.
In terms of big fights, this is about as good a match-up as Cotto could ask for - especially at 154lbs. When looking at this options at junior-middle, potential opponents like Paul Williams, Sergio Martinez and Alfredo Angulo seem a little too big for a fighter that's been dented by a number of smaller men.
Berto doesn't present the same physical mismatch as those fighters, and while he brings some solid attributes to the table, he's also shown vulnerabilities that Cotto's heavy hands might exploit. At the same time, Berto appears to have enough pop to test Cotto's questionable durability. The winner here might be the man that shows the most resolve - the one that keeps pushing until the other starts to crack.
It's a nice fight. Let's hope it's more than just talk.
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Both fights not good
Andrew I couldn’t agree more with what you just said regarding Pacquiao vs Margacheato it just makes no sense why is Tony given an opportunity to make millions just boggles my mind?
In regards to Cotto vs Berto I’d rather see over-rated Andre vs William or Martinez which are more of a test than a beaten up Miguel Cotto whom is pretty much on his way down and out of boxing. Yes Cotto beat Foreman but he also got tagged while doing so. Cotto needs to consider retirement he just hasn’t been the same ever since losing to Margacheato.
LatinoPorVida
Margarito’s getting the opportunity because it makes business sense for Top Rank. That’s the unfortunate reality of a crappy situation.
I’m surprised you don’t like the idea of Cotto/Berto. Two fighters that like to attack with some defensive vulnerabilities = a lot of good exchanges. I think that has the makings of a potentially great fight.
TheBoxingBulletin.com
I still say Cotto is washed up
Of course I should have known this yes your right it’s because Bob Arum ONY cares about himself not us fans.
In regards to Cotto vs Berto I still say Miguel is washed up. If Cotto was at his best I would then be excited but now c’mon it seems like everybody wants a piece of Cotto knowing he’s never been the same after getting hit with cement. Berto is being protected someone needs to throw this guy in with the real lions!
LatinoPorVida
I have to side with Andrew here...
Cotto/Berto is a legit match-up, which has two fighters who come forward with not the best of defense, Berto with the speed advantage, Cotto with the heavier hands. I too think Cotto is past his prime, but he’s by far the best opponent Berto has faced. When Cotto starts landing, how will Berto react? Will he go back into his shell and be tentative, or come out all guns blazing? It’s intruiging, and it has potential to produce a very good fight.
I have nothing to say about Pacquiao/Margarito, only that I want it at Abu Dhabi.
I think it’s a great match-up. I’m also leaning towards Berto as I think Cotto’s slipped a little, but not to the point where’s a spent force. It will be interesting to see how Berto deals with a few early hooks to the body – he very well might go into clutch and grab mode, and if that happens, I don’t see him ever sending Cotto into retreat.
TheBoxingBulletin.com
Yeah that's my view of it too...
Cotto’s skills haven’t completely deteriorated, but they’ve definitely slipped. Berto has been open to hooks to the body, and I think Cotto can buzz him.
Anything competitive at a high level is a bonus for me as a fan at the moment… Pacquiao-Mayweather has taken away my enthusiasm away from the sport. And Pacquiao-Margarito just stinks, too.
Cotto will fold
Dafs all I got to say is once Berto starts landing big shots Cotto will fold mark my words he is not the same fighter he once was you will see
Berto is over-rated I am still not convinced with him being one of the rising stars at least not until he beats an elite excluding Cotto and Margarito. Berto should give Collazo his well deserved rematch!
LatinoPorVida
Mayweather vs Cotto?
BTW I forgot to mention I heard there are talks of a Cotto vs Mayweather fight therefore this fight between Cotto vs Berto might just not happen afterall
LatinoPorVida
Which is even more ridiculous...
Bradley is a perfect opponent for Mayweather… Too small, not skilled enough, and a much better fighter than Margarito… 1 up over Pacquiao. Mayweather/Cotto is 2 years too late.
I would pick Berto over Cotto too, as I would have picked Berto over Mosley in January, but it’s still a better match-up than Berto/Malignaggi… Cotto might fold and starting to run like he was being chased down the back roads of Philly, but he would leave it all in the ring, even in defeat.
Who else is there for Berto bar Cotto and Collazo (who he won’t fight until Collazo is definitely faded)?
My assessment on Bradley was slightly harsh...
What I meant to say was… *not skilled enough to beat Mayweather
Trust me guys Cotto is shot
After watching Cotto’s last fight I say he should hang his gloves he’s only going to take further punishment if he decides to continue boxing. Cotto already has his own promotional ban from what I’ve heard plus I am sure he’s made more than even money. Cotto seems smart why keep boxing I don’t know? Let the new Puerto Rican star take over which is JuanMa whom I believe will be the next Felix “Tito” Trinidad
Dafs I agree Berto will probably fight a 40 year old Collazo if not never he knows he lost that fight!
As far as Bradley goes I’d rather see him against Khan, Zab Judah vs Tim Bradley would also be exciting!
LatinoPorVida
I don’t disagree that Cotto should retire. I think he’s in for some trouble against the top junior-middleweights. But if he is going to keep fighting, taking on a welterweight like Berto makes sense and I wouldn’t count him out.
Sounds like it’s not happening though as according to Boxing Scene, Cotto’s not interested in the fight.
TheBoxingBulletin.com
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