Miguel Cotto Vs Floyd Mayweather JR: SIGNS OF AN UPSET

By Geno McGahee

HBO has started the hype machine, promoting the upcoming May 5th showdown between Floyd Mayweather, JR., 42-0, 26 KO’s, and Miguel Cotto, 37-2, 30 KO’s, the defending WBA Light Middleweight Champion. Max Kellerman hosted the face off recently and the entire scene was a curious one.

Mayweather and Cotto showed mutual respect for each other and were rather jovial as they discussed the fight, but Floyd was very preoccupied with a game that he had bet 100 thousand dollars on, ignoring questions and not taking his opponent all that seriously, it seemed. Floyd noted that Cotto was “undefeated” despite the two defeats, noting that Antonio Margarito cheated (true) and Manny Pacquiao fought him at a catch weight that drained him, making him unable to truly fight at his best (possibly true). It was the most respectful that Floyd has been to an opponent, but it is also the most distracted and withdrawn. Although he was there for this “Face Off” physically, he didn’t seem to be there mentally.

Cotto was once again saying all of the right things, stating that this is the biggest fight of his career and that he was going to win. There are certain times in boxing history where a fans’ instincts will kick in and there is the sense that all the elements are here for an upset. Mayweather’s legal troubles, the constant focus on Manny Pacquiao, leading most to believe that he is overlooking Cotto.

When Kellerman brought up Pacquiao, Floyd laughingly jumped in and said that he had to get past Cotto first. As much respect as he showed Cotto in one way, shaking his hand, complimenting his watch, and singing his in ring praises, he was also dismissive. He didn’t consider Cotto worthy enough for his full attention and still had Pacquiao on his mind.

On paper, Floyd has to be considered a huge favorite in this fight. He is undefeated and has breezed through every opponent up until now. He has the ability to adjust to any style and he is hard to find with his incredible defense. In the middle of the ring, he is nearly unbeatable. The only success opponents have had is when they have pinned him against the ropes and muscled him around. We saw some of this in the Victor Ortiz fight before Ortiz head-butted him.

Cotto has some very interesting things going for him. He has power. He has a tremendous jab that can do a lot of damage to Floyd if he can land it with regularity. In the Ortiz fight, Floyd didn’t seem as quick as he usually is, and if he is slowing down, this will open up great opportunity for Cotto. If the demeanor of Cotto is an indication as to how he will fight this fight, Floyd may be in for the toughest bout of his career.

On May 5th, Mayweather vs. Cotto will be on HBO PPV and the world will see if the Puerto Rican superstar can be the first man to defeat the pound for pound best in the game, Floyd Mayweather, JR.