Thread: The Welterweight Division TODAY

First, I think we all agree this is the HOTTEST division in boxing right now. Watching last night’s fights, I marveled at the graphic where they showed the top dogs in the division currently. So I thought I’d take a crack at analyzing each one and their respective chances against each other in the near future.

PBF – Cotto:

Being a Cotto fan, I’d love for Cotto to win. But I have to admit to a little nervousness here. Floyd is fast, slick, and has a good defense. He’s too smart to get into a slugfest with Cotto and would probably choose to stick and move the whole fight long. Cotto’s best chance would be to pressure him and wear him down with body shots. This would be a tossup.

PBF – Williams:

PBF can box, Williams can box. Plus, Williams is a lot taller and busier with his punches. Floyd would have to come in to have any chance, and Williams would pepper him with his jab. Williams knows Floyd poses little or no KO threat to him (Williams showed he can take a pretty good punch), so he can be a little more bold. Williams by decision.

PBF – Mosley:

Mosley is as fast (or faster) than Floyd, IMO. Plus, he’s stronger physically. Right now, I see this as a bad matchup for Floyd. Unless the fight happened a couple of years from now, where age would be a factor, I see Mosley winning a tough decision over Floyd.

PBF – Cintron:

I think people are underestimating Cintron based on his loss to Margarito a couple of years ago. Plus, they’re saying that Walter Matthysse was a bum, thus discrediting Cintron’s amazing performance last night. I think that’s a big mistake. The Cintron that lost to Tony that night is NOT the Cintron that KTFO’ed Matthysse last night. He’s always had the physical tools. Now, he has Manny Steward in his corner, and a better attitude inside the ring. I think he’s one dangerous MOFO. Cintron may need a tuneup fight before going in with the slick Floyd. But if he does and they meet down the road, I may even pick Cintron by KO.

Cotto – Williams:

Although I said Cotto-PBF would be a tossup and that Williams would decision PBF, I think Cotto would be too much for Williams. I’m sure Cotto took some very good notes last night as to what to do and not to do against Williams. Margarito should’ve pressured Williams a lot earlier than he did. Cotto would not make the same mistake. Cotto by UD or TKO late.

Cotto – Mosley:

Wow! What a FOY this one would be. I love Cotto, and am a big fan of Mosley. This one would be tough for Cotto. Mosley’s got helacious speed and some pop to go along with it. I’d hate to pick against Cotto in any fight, but it’s hard to see him beating Mosley at this juncture. Probably Mosley by decision.

Cotto – Cintron:

As a Puerto Rican, I hope this never happens, unless they both clean out their respective sides of the division and it comes time to unify. If they ever meet down the road, honestly I would fear for Cotto. Cintron has the size and power to make things rough for the warrior from Caguas, Puerto Rico. But then again, Cotto’s got the warrior mentality and the ruggedness to outlast most welterweights. Tough one to pick.

Williams – Mosley:

Mosley’s too seasoned for Williams. He’d find a way to get inside and do damage. His speed would give Williams fits, also. Mosley by easy decision.

Williams – Cintron:

I know there’s a lot of Williams fans that are going to be mad at this, but I think Cintron would bomb the hell out of Williams. Again, people underestimate Cintron, but it’s hard to find fault in the demonstration Kermit put on last night. That was nothing short of awesome. People may now say Matthysse is a bum, but I think that is just selling Cintron short. Cintron by UD or TKO.

Mosley – Cintron:

Again, a tuneup fight would be in order for Cintron. But I see this as been very competitive as well. If Cintron continues his improvements under Manny, I see him dominating the division before too long. Another tough one to call.

Good break down. I disagree, though, that Cotto would be too much for Williams. At 5'7", it will be tough going for Cotto to get inside and whip off his body shots. I mean, we saw the problems Margarito had getting inside Williams, and he's 5'11". Cotto would be tough for anybody, but I think the huge Williams size advantage would carry the day and he'd win 116-112 type of decision.

I agree that Cintron is underrated, and I think he would be Williams toughest challenge in the division because he's a pretty big dude himself--5'11", I believe--and has a big time punch that could slow down or stop Williams. That would be a heck of a fight. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that is the next bout for these guys. The big money guys are going to duck them until they make bigger names for themselves. A unification bout between the two would be a great fight and set the winner up for one of the big names.

There's definitely a lot out there.

I don't pick anybody over PBF, I'm not a super fan like some people, but I don't favor anybody against him.

Cotto-Mosley would be interesting.

I think Cotto matches up very well with Paul Williams.

Right now, out of the group the two that I see as the bottom two are Williams and Cintron. Being the bottom two isn't a bad thing with this good of a group though. Cintron, I'm still holding out some reservations on. He's obviously a massive puncher and Manny's style will work well for him. But you say that people will discredit his win by saying Matthysse is a bum now, but I thought Matthysse was a poor fighter going into it so although I was impressed with Cintron and he ended it earlier than I though he would, its still not enough for me.

So I'd like to see Williams-Cintron. I think most people would right off the bat pick Williams and I'd probably lean towards him but I think its a good fight and Cintron's right hand could definitely find a home as long as he just doesn't go too defensive. The thing with Cintron is I just need to see him in a tough fight being pushed and see if he breaks down mentally like he did versus Margarito. That might have been a one time thing but you never know, cause he just clearly broke down mentally after he got cut. But he's got a lot of ability, no doubt.

Originally Posted by LeftHookToTheBody

Good break down. I disagree, though, that Cotto would be too much for Williams. At 5'7", it will be tough going for Cotto to get inside and whip off his body shots. I mean, we saw the problems Margarito had getting inside Williams, and he's 5'11". Cotto would be tough for anybody, but I think the huge Williams size advantage would carry the day and he'd win 116-112 type of decision.

I agree that Cintron is underrated, and I think he would be Williams toughest challenge in the division because he's a pretty big dude himself--5'11", I believe--and has a big time punch that could slow down or stop Williams. That would be a heck of a fight. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that is the next bout for these guys. The big money guys are going to duck them until they make bigger names for themselves. A unification bout between the two would be a great fight and set the winner up for one of the big names.

Have a cool click, and welcome to the forum. I realize the height and reach difference would be tough for Cotto to overcome, I just think if Cotto found a way to get inside Williams' long reach, he'd punish him to the body much worse than Margarito was ever able to do. Not an easy task, mind you, but doable for Miguel, IMO.

It's really amazing isn't it? And not only do we have those guys at the top, but we have guys like Carlos Quintana, Joel Julio, Antonio Margarito, Joshua Clottey, Zab Judah and potentially Hatton, Malignaggi and Berto. It's ridiculous how stacked this division is right now. Every guy on that list has a chance to score big.

I'm with OumaFan right now, I don't think I'm going to take anybody over Mayweather, especially Mosley. He would have to work hard against Williams and really develop a plan to bypass that activity of Williams and try to keep him honest but if anyone can do it it's Mayweather.

I would absolutely love to see him fight Cotto. That fight I want more then anything right now because Mayweather has never faced a guy who just goes in there and makes guys fall down. Hatton, as much as I like him and feel he is sold short, is basically the guy who people think can do what Cotto really could do. I hope that made some sort of sense.

Cintron is good, but again agreeing with Ouma about the mental aspect of things. Though his power is scary and he knows how to get in position to use it.

Great stuff at 147, I saw this coming a long time ago and now it's finally at fruition.

If people can't get into boxing right now, they need to be checked for a pulse. It's been DECADES since it's been this good.

Well done, Titofan.

I enjoyed reading that and greatly appreciate the effort.

Originally Posted by TitoFan

If people can't get into boxing right now, they need to be checked for a pulse. It's been DECADES since it's been this good.

CC. I would kill for a welterweight tournament to be put on network TV. And it's not just that there is talent, it's exciting fighters. Nobody in that top echelon can be classified as boring except possibly Mayweather, but he's the best so that brings an element of excitement to the thing.

Originally Posted by BoxingGorilla

Well done, Titofan.

I enjoyed reading that and greatly appreciate the effort.

Thanks, BG. And I know I probably left out some very deserving WW's, but trying to include all those combinations would've taken me all day.

Originally Posted by amat

Originally Posted by TitoFan

If people can't get into boxing right now, they need to be checked for a pulse. It's been DECADES since it's been this good.

CC. I would kill for a welterweight tournament to be put on network TV. And it's not just that there is talent, it's exciting fighters. Nobody in that top echelon can be classified as boring except possibly Mayweather, but he's the best so that brings an element of excitement to the thing.

CC back, amat. I agree with your assessment. And who knows.... Mayweather's considered boring by many, but I think if he was in there with someone who forced him to fight... it we may just see a different side of Mayweather.

Originally Posted by TitoFan

Originally Posted by LeftHookToTheBody

Good break down. I disagree, though, that Cotto would be too much for Williams. At 5'7", it will be tough going for Cotto to get inside and whip off his body shots. I mean, we saw the problems Margarito had getting inside Williams, and he's 5'11". Cotto would be tough for anybody, but I think the huge Williams size advantage would carry the day and he'd win 116-112 type of decision.

I agree that Cintron is underrated, and I think he would be Williams toughest challenge in the division because he's a pretty big dude himself--5'11", I believe--and has a big time punch that could slow down or stop Williams. That would be a heck of a fight. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that is the next bout for these guys. The big money guys are going to duck them until they make bigger names for themselves. A unification bout between the two would be a great fight and set the winner up for one of the big names.

Have a cool click, and welcome to the forum. I realize the height and reach difference would be tough for Cotto to overcome, I just think if Cotto found a way to get inside Williams' long reach, he'd punish him to the body much worse than Margarito was ever able to do. Not an easy task, mind you, but doable for Miguel, IMO.

Thanks for the welcome.

Oh, Cotto certainly has the potential to hurt Williams, and a TKO win would not shock me. But I don't think he'll be able to put enough rounds in the bag to win on decision. It'd have to be via KO or TKO, IMHO.

Originally Posted by TitoFan

Originally Posted by BoxingGorilla

Well done, Titofan.

I enjoyed reading that and greatly appreciate the effort.

Thanks, BG. And I know I probably left out some very deserving WW's, but trying to include all those combinations would've taken me all day.

It's easy to forget about Clottey, but he is a tough assignment for anyone. I hope he is able to improve his profile so he can get another shot at one of the top guys. Right now, he just doesn't have the drawing power to entice someone to take a risk on him.

What about prospect-fringe contender fights, like Berto-Julio?

Still not sold on Julio, that right hand to get the knockdown on Bundrage was nice but I think Berto is a better prospect, and would beat Julio.

Originally Posted by OumaFan

What about prospect-fringe contender fights, like Berto-Julio?

Still not sold on Julio, that right hand to get the knockdown on Bundrage was nice but I think Berto is a better prospect, and would beat Julio.

As improved as Julio is, he still has timing and balance issues, I think Berto would beat him aswell. However, if Berto goes after Quintana and Quintana manages to return to form, I think Berto loses that one.

But that's why I made that second post because there are so many people, if you made a top 10 list right now it would be more stacked then any other top 10 list in boxing.

Originally Posted by TitoFan

First, I think we all agree this is the HOTTEST division in boxing right now. Watching last night’s fights, I marveled at the graphic where they showed the top dogs in the division currently. So I thought I’d take a crack at analyzing each one and their respective chances against each other in the near future.

PBF – Cotto:

Being a Cotto fan, I’d love for Cotto to win. But I have to admit to a little nervousness here. Floyd is fast, slick, and has a good defense. He’s too smart to get into a slugfest with Cotto and would probably choose to stick and move the whole fight long. Cotto’s best chance would be to pressure him and wear him down with body shots. This would be a tossup.

PBF – Williams:

PBF can box, Williams can box. Plus, Williams is a lot taller and busier with his punches. Floyd would have to come in to have any chance, and Williams would pepper him with his jab. Williams knows Floyd poses little or no KO threat to him (Williams showed he can take a pretty good punch), so he can be a little more bold. Williams by decision.

PBF – Mosley:

Mosley is as fast (or faster) than Floyd, IMO. Plus, he’s stronger physically. Right now, I see this as a bad matchup for Floyd. Unless the fight happened a couple of years from now, where age would be a factor, I see Mosley winning a tough decision over Floyd.

PBF – Cintron:

I think people are underestimating Cintron based on his loss to Margarito a couple of years ago. Plus, they’re saying that Walter Matthysse was a bum, thus discrediting Cintron’s amazing performance last night. I think that’s a big mistake. The Cintron that lost to Tony that night is NOT the Cintron that KTFO’ed Matthysse last night. He’s always had the physical tools. Now, he has Manny Steward in his corner, and a better attitude inside the ring. I think he’s one dangerous MOFO. Cintron may need a tuneup fight before going in with the slick Floyd. But if he does and they meet down the road, I may even pick Cintron by KO.

Cotto – Williams:

Although I said Cotto-PBF would be a tossup and that Williams would decision PBF, I think Cotto would be too much for Williams. I’m sure Cotto took some very good notes last night as to what to do and not to do against Williams. Margarito should’ve pressured Williams a lot earlier than he did. Cotto would not make the same mistake. Cotto by UD or TKO late.

Cotto – Mosley:

Wow! What a FOY this one would be. I love Cotto, and am a big fan of Mosley. This one would be tough for Cotto. Mosley’s got helacious speed and some pop to go along with it. I’d hate to pick against Cotto in any fight, but it’s hard to see him beating Mosley at this juncture. Probably Mosley by decision.

Cotto – Cintron:

As a Puerto Rican, I hope this never happens, unless they both clean out their respective sides of the division and it comes time to unify. If they ever meet down the road, honestly I would fear for Cotto. Cintron has the size and power to make things rough for the warrior from Caguas, Puerto Rico. But then again, Cotto’s got the warrior mentality and the ruggedness to outlast most welterweights. Tough one to pick.

Williams – Mosley:

Mosley’s too seasoned for Williams. He’d find a way to get inside and do damage. His speed would give Williams fits, also. Mosley by easy decision.

Williams – Cintron:

I know there’s a lot of Williams fans that are going to be mad at this, but I think Cintron would bomb the hell out of Williams. Again, people underestimate Cintron, but it’s hard to find fault in the demonstration Kermit put on last night. That was nothing short of awesome. People may now say Matthysse is a bum, but I think that is just selling Cintron short. Cintron by UD or TKO.

Mosley – Cintron:

Again, a tuneup fight would be in order for Cintron. But I see this as been very competitive as well. If Cintron continues his improvements under Manny, I see him dominating the division before too long. Another tough one to call.

I think you're overrating Shane Mosley here. He beats Floyd, Cotto, and Williams?? I think he loses all 3.
Mosley lost two clear cut decisions to Vernon Forrest, a tall rangy welterweight. What would Mosley be able to do against Williams that he couldn't do against Forrest?