[Submitted via press release]
Photo: HBO
Miguel Cotto is never in a bad fight and Floyd Mayweather jnr is never in a dull one.
It therefore stands to reason that this weekend’s match-up between the pair in Las Vegas has the potential to be explosive.
Cotto, the WBA light-middleweight champion, is rejuvenated following his recent dismantling of Antonio Margarito, while Mayweather sits pretty with
his flawless 42-0 record.
The bout will be broadcast live on SuperSport 2 and HD 2 from 3am on Sunday morning (6 May).
A recent poll by Ring magazine had all 22 experts picking Mayweather to win, but any man with two hands and ambition stands a chance. Cotto is a vicious
body puncher who has the ability to hurt anyone he fights.
Mayweather’s great gift is his speed, however, and Cotto will find it difficult to match him in this department.
Mayweather has had an extraordinary career since turning professional in 1996. He has won numerous titles between super-featherweight and welterweight and been involved in 18 world title fights, winning every one.
In keeping with his addiction to controversy, “Money” will go to jail three weeks after the fight on a domestic abuse charge.
“I’m here to fight. Going to jail is another day,” he told the media this week. “I don’t even worry about that. I’m always going to give it to you clean . . . my
main focus is my job. I go out and do my job and be at my best for my job.”
At his best, Cotto is a formidable opponent, boasting a powerful jab and a knockout ratio above 75 percent.
He’s beaten a range of name opponents, among them Ricardo Mayorga, Shane Mosley and Zab Judah.
Mayweather isn’t taking him for granted: “Cotto can fight. Cotto is a helluva fighter. Every time you watch Cotto you’re going to see an exciting fight. I’m
not Antonio Margarito. I’m not Yuri Foreman. He’s facing Floyd Mayweather. This is a little different. I don’t want to remotely put in his mind that this is
going to be an easy task. I don’t think he thinks it’s going to be an easy.”
The first rate undercard is headed by popular (and unbeaten) Mexican Saul Alvarez against veteran Shane Mosley.