By Vivek Wallace – Approximately 8 days remain until fight fans around the globe can officially sink their teeth into a showdown that has given us all quite a bit to chew on in recent months. From stalled negotiations, to the title-vs-non-title debate, to the official weight; Every step of the way, this epic showdown has been as contested outside of the ring as many believe it will be inside of it. With negotiations completed and a huge showdown ensuing, today, we flip the page back to the fighters themselves, who have vowed to do their talking in the ring, as we in the media address the deep intricacies away from it. In last weeks ‘Call Em Out Fridays’ segment, we took a close look at Filipino phenom, Manny Pacquiao, and the road he took to land on this grand stage. This week, we hone in on his opponent, a man who took a similar path to stardom, yet somehow hasn’t received the same attention. When you look at the island of Puerto Rico, one can make the argument that per capita, it has produced more superior talent (in the sport of boxing) than any other location in the world. With Benitez, Camacho, Trinidad, and others officially cast in the past, perhaps the search for today’s carrier of the torch can be halted, as it appears the greatest of the latest to come from the island is in fact on the brink of cementing that very legacy. A victory for Cotto isn’t a sure shot, but with a scarred past and a level of determination that remains unblemished, it will be quite intriguing to see if he can truly be denied..
If there were a theme word applicable for the career of Miguel Cotto, it could arguably be “second”. Sounds comical in theory, but holds quite a bit of weight in reality when you examine his history in the sport. During his tenure thus far with Top Rank Promotions, despite his reputation for taking on the absolute best of the best, his dominance has been severely overshadowed by the flagship fighter (Manny Pacquiao) who continues to receive both, more thorough promotion, and acclaim. When it came to representing his homeland nation of Puerto Rico, he was always placed behind the shadows of the uninspired and often retired Felix “Tito” Trinidad. When questions relative to who the best active welterweight in the world may be were presented, it was always Mayweather, Williams, or Margarito. The examples of such tendencies are endless, and as a result, now percolating in the back of Cotto’s mind is the fact that there’s only one way to stop them. And that way all starts with the opportunity at hand.
For Miguel Cotto, there is no better opportunity or time than the present. Despite the questionable loss to Margarito and the somewhat shaky performances in the aftermath, like his biggest supporters, he knows full well that a thrilling victory on the evening of November 14th can unquestionably answer all questions and remove all doubt. Winning on such a grand stage after a humbling loss can be tough, as Ricky Hatton showed us, a humbled warrior rarely grows another set of wings. The last time Cotto stood on a world stage this grand, he suffered a bitter defeat to a man whose hands were later found to be more porcelain than powerful. Those deep gashes and cuts sustained may have healed physically, but the brutal sport of boxing teaches us daily that even over the course of time, mental wounds don’t simply fade away. When asked about his mental makeup leading into this fight on the heels of a devastating defeat, Cotto recently pointed out the fact that his opponent, Manny Pacquiao, has 3 losses on his record, (2 which came via KO), so perhaps we should ask him. Although those devastating loses that Pacquiao suffered came many moons ago, Cotto’s intent is to remind the Philippines that every native son that rises must one day set, too. Many have recently spoken on the fact that in the Pacquiao camp, it often appears at times that they’re in fact looking above and beyond Miguel Cotto. Of all the hanger-ons in Team Pacquiao that frequently render advice, neither have considered telling him that his opponent is not only in his prime, but he’s also the naturally bigger man, so looking ‘over’ him figuratively, (just like literally), will be harder than it may seem.
Famed trainer Freddie Roach has always been on point with his predictions, giving him a deadly accurate vision at calling the outcome of his fights. With a reputation to save and a burning desire to finally remove that “second” reputation by making it a first, I think it’s safe to say that Roach’s 20/20 vision to me appears more like 50/50, because there’s no question, Miguel Cotto clearly has an equal shot. Miguel Cotto has a rich history in New York City, but unlike their new championship Yankees, he won’t be given three strikes. He failed in his first time at bat. In what may be his final and decisive attempt, the operative question remains……Will this be his first monumental moment, or his final colossal collapse? In little over a week we’ll all find out. Stay tuned….
(Vivek Wallace can be reached at vivexemail@yahoo.com, Youtube (VIVEK1251), Twitter (VIVEK747), Facebook, and Myspace)