Puerto Rican Prominence: Look at Miguel Cotto

It was victories like his historic battle with Sugar Shane Mosley at the Garden and a victory like his 11th round TKO stoppage of Zab Judah which has been recognized as the calling card for Miguel Cotto. On November 10th 2007, Miguel Cotto in front of the pro Puerto Rican crowd at Madison Square Garden in New York City handed former 3-time world champion Shane Mosley his 5th pro loss. Not only did Miguel win the fight hands down, but the spectacular bravery and showmanship earned him a #2 ranking as the best welterweight (147lb) in the world.

Cott's young but he's still learning. At 27, he's still undefeated (31-0 25KOs) and has already added the WBA welterweight title around his waist. Obviously, Miguel Cotto is still hungry for more mega opportunties and looking for an even greater matchup for 2008. Unusually skilled with array of attack, power and speed, he's a homerun hitter and if given the opportunity can probably stop any man in his division at 147lbs. He possesses an unusual array of punching power, balanced attack, defensive skills and combination strength. His ability to put punches together have given him a slight advantage over opponents despite crtics constantly giving him the underdog status. One has to wonder, with Mosley and Judah already listed on his resume, if Cotto's name is ever mentioned beside the likes of a Floyd Mayweather Jr, Oscar De La Hoya or Ricky Hatton, dollars signs will spark! As of right now, The welterweight division is too hot to avoid playing match maker.

Playing match maker with public demand: Miguel Cotto vs....

(1) Floyd Mayweather, (2) Oscar De La Hoya, (3) Antonio Margarito, (4) Ricky Hatton,
(5) Paul Williams or Kermit Cintron,

Here we have a list of the top (5) prospects for Miguel Cotto. A fight with either Floyd Mayweather or Oscar De La Hoya will probably generate the most income for Cotto's bank account as well as the most lucrative option for his supremacy. Whereas fights with Margarito, Hatton, Williams or Cintron may not generate the PPV revenue his promoters are interested in. Nevertheless, it's safe to say that if Cotto gets involved in any of these fights, it will stir up the division in ways we couldn't imagine. Even a rematch with Shane Mosley or Zab Judah could make sparks fly. However a rematch with Judah or Mosley is less likely since the division has more opportunities for Cotto to establish himself. Considering Mayweather retires, Cotto will have to face Paul Williams for the #1 spot at welterweight.

Cotto vs. Mayweather or De La Hoya:

As mentioned before, this is the most lucrative opportunity. The risk will definitely be worth the payday and the option to secure supremacy is golden.

Cotto vs. Hatton:

Given the fact that Ricky Hatton is such a draw in Manchester and a beloved figure because of his heart and determination. Hatton-Cotto will probably be a #2 option if we aligned the business pieces. The fight would take place in Madison Square Garden and would be huge.

Cotto vs. Williams, Cintron, Margarito

A fight with Paul Williams, Antonio Margarito or Kermit Cintron, could be his biggest risks. All three guys are a lot bigger and stronger. There's no doubt that Cintron, Williams and Margarito are good fighters and so big that they could fight beyond 147lbs. The problem is, these three have not reached the same level of stardom that a Hatton, Mayweather or De La Hoya has. Thus, the money may not equal the risk. But a fight with these three isn't too far a longshot. Eventually they will.

Cotto has options right now. He's the #2 guy in the division.