SAN DIEGO, Feb 1, 2012 – It’s not the fight of the century fans hoped for, but the announcement today that Floyd Mayweather Jr. will fight Miguel Cotto on May 5 in Las Vegas shouldn’t disappoint anyone.
Mayweather was granted a one-fight license to face Cotto at the MGM Grand on May 5 by the Nevada State Athletic Commission in a unanimous vote. Mayweather told the commission the deal was in place to fight junior middleweight Cotto.
Thus ends weeks of speculation about a possible Mayweather fight with Manny Pacquiao before Mayweather begins serving an 87-day delayed jail sentence for domestic violence on June 1. Mayweather’s attorney successfully convinced Clark County Justice of the Peace Melissa Saragosa to defer Mayweather’s term from January to June to honor his existing deal with the MGM Grand to preserve the infusion of income into the Las Vegas economy, which is hurting due to a downturn in tourism.
Despite much speculation about Mayweather facing the wildly popular Manny Pacquiao, there were simply too many roadblocks to making it happen before Mayweather does his time, and the MGM Grand is too small a venue for this bout. It’s still in the mix for the fall, and building a little more anticipation while the promoters (hopefully) get their acts together and work up an agreement with a setting fitting for this match-up isn’t bad news for fans.
Mayweather couldn’t resist taking a shot at Pacquaio, posting this comment on Twitter: "I'm fighting Miguel Cotto on May 5th because Miss Pac Man is ducking me."
Floyd Mayweather remains the biggest draw in boxing. Photo: Associated Press.
The flashy seven-time world champion Mayweather spoke with as much respect as he ever musters up for anyone, saying he is excited to be facing the heavier, determined Cotto. “Miguel Cotto is a world class fighter who can never be taken for granted and continues to prove he is one of the best in boxing," said Mayweather. "It will be a challenge for me to compete with him at this weight, but this is the type of test I thrive on and gives me the motivation to train even harder. I have no doubt in my mind that my title belt collection will increase once again and Cotto's reign as champion will come to an end on May 5."
Miguel Cotto is coming off a superb victory over Antonio Margarito into his bout with Floyd Mayweather. Photo: Associated Press.
Cotto says he is more than ready to face Mayweather coming off his successful defense of his title, a thrilling tenth round TKO over Antonio Margarito in December that many people called the best fight of the year. "I am here to fight the biggest names in boxing. I’ve never ducked anyone or any challenge in front of me. I have accepted everything to give the fans what they like... great and exciting fights. That is what the sport of boxing is all about; making the fights that the fans want and deserve to see. On May 5, stay tuned, because I will convincingly beat Floyd Mayweather."
Mayweather (42-0, 26 knockouts) and Cotto (37-2, 30 knockouts) will be an entertaining fight with buildup potential similar to Cotto’s recent victory over his nemesis Antonio Margarito. Like Margarito, Mayweather is a larger than life personality full of big talk, trash talk, and never-ending talk about himself, his talents and his exploits. The pride of Puerto Rico, Cotto turned a slow burn to his advantage. While he is known for his sportsmanship and good manners, he has his say when the time is right and he prefers to do his talking in the ring.
Mayweather is 34; Cotto is 31; there is a one-inch height advantage for Mayweather, but he fights at a weight of 147 while Cotto goes at 154. Speculation is that they’ll agree to a “catch-weight” of 150. However, at his only fight in the 154-pound class, Mayweather beat Oscar de la Hoya in 2007. The two fighters have also agreed to Olympic-style drug testing.
Some would have preferred to see Mayweather against 21-year-old rising star Saul “Canelo” Alvarez of Mexico for a Cinco de Mayo theme. Alvarez (39-0-1) is wildly popular among Mexican and Mexican-American fans. Depending on whether a Mayweather-Pacquaio matchup can be put together, Alvarez may be Mayweather’s “warm-up” bout after he does his time this summer.
This fight will be a big event if not a huge one, and there is plenty of intrigue to this matchup. On the surface it may appear to be a mismatch. Mayweather has the superior speed and technique, but Cotto has plenty of skills. He trains hard and works with patience and determination. He can take a punch and he’ll stand in and press Mayweather forward as he did Margarito. It’s possible his steely nature could throw Mayweather off his game. There is also the intagible element of Cotto coming off one of his biggest wins ever, and there is much to be said for the spark that comes from confidence.
Mayweather will be the favorite to beat Cotto, but this fight will be competitive and will likely go the full distance. Count me among those who would get huge satisfaction seeing Cotto shut Mayweather down and shut him up. It could also be the best possible outcome if fans want Mayweather and Pacquaio to face off this fall. Pacquaio would love to take it to a chastened Mayweather.
Who will Manny Pacquiao fight in June. Not Floyd Mayweather. Photo: The National.com
As for Manny, many including me believed Pacquaio would fight Cotto in a rematch bout. Now the leading candidate to meet Pacquiao is junior welterweight Timothy Bradley, Junior on either June 2 or 9.
Fans, mark your calendars and we’ll have a heck of a Cinco de Mayo party online covering the fight for you right here on Communities at Washington Times. Arriba!
Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, is President/Owner of the Falcon Valley Group in San Diego, California. She is also a serious boxing fan covering the Sweet Science for Communities. Read more Media Migraine in the Communities at The Washington Times. Follow Gayle on Facebook and on Twitter @PRProSanDiego.
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