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http://www.saddoboxing.com/wp-admin/As we bask in the glory of great fights already held this year and look ahead to bouts like Floyd Mayweather Jr. vs Juan Manuel Marquez in July and Manny Pacquiao vs. Somebody in October, let's not forget a fight that is just upon us; the battle between Miguel Cotto and Joshua Clottey on June 13th in Madison Square Garden, which could get lost in the shuffle. That would be a shame.
The match ... Full Boxing Article here...
Good points Al, I think this will be a great fight & can't wait!
This is a fight fans fight if ever there was one. Someone on the fence about boxing should watch this one & if they don't like what I think we'll see here, boxing just isn't for them.
I think Al is overrating Clottey a bit.
Nice stuff Al,well said.I'm always a little leery at picking a guy who's largest amount of notoriety has come from a loss,whatever the circumstances with Clottey hurting his hands.Physically he is sound and capable...but his ...erm....desire seems to wander.Though he did step on the gas with Judah,was very focused and I believe on gis way to knocking Zab out.
True enough,this fight seems to be flying under the radar but should be a great one.Picking Cotto over twelve.
I just hope Cotto wins. Got high hopes for him
Where the hell is Diane by the way?
I also am picking Clottey. I think Cotto will get frustrated by Clotteys' defense and sooner or later its gonna get dirty. Clottey is also a little rough with the head leading in so that also will add to the frustration. Clottey just has to apply enough pressure and not get outworked. The issues I think he has to worry about are his problems making weight and Cottos body shots, mixed with his already questionable endurance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Kel
I don't think she's been here since DannyG got banned. Shame really.
Anyway I'm picking Cotto but I'm not supremely confident about it.
Cheers guys ;)
OK just had to update that article as i missed the part out where he mentions you guys and your comments on his last article.
Sorry AL :embarassed:
but great to see your reading them ;)
This gonna be a tough competitive bout but i feel Cotto will win.
I think Clotty is a live underdog too.. 11/4 is a worth a couple of bob. I am in shockingly bad form though.
Weren't they the same person?Quote:
Originally Posted by Kel
Great read Al - Agreed on the point that Clottey is better than people believe!
Really looking forward to this one, but I'm going with Cotto
Clottey will have a weight advantage in the Ring over Cotto and that's the only reason the fight can go the distance. Cotto is going to out box Clottey. Clottey will pressure Cotto for about 4-6 rounds but will be broken down. If Cotto is able to land good power shots in the late round he has a chance to knock Clotty out.
I agree Clottey doesn't get his just due. And he is a live fighter for Cotto. But I can't see him winning
I've been waiting to see Clottey get another chance for a while. It always seemed like his was the forgetten man in what has been boxings most exciting division. I think the "trap game" analogy is a good one, but I don't think too many people are underestimating Clottey. Cotto is the favorite, and rightly so, but Clottey is a very dangerous opponent and I think most people recognize that. I think Cotto will win, but I think it will be a very close fight.
No, they weren't. Anyone who thinks they were the same person is a gibbering moron. It sucks that she got run out of here because of childish beefs.Quote:
Originally Posted by Kirkland LaingWeren't they the same person?Quote:
Originally Posted by Kel
Thanks Al Bernstein, I enjoyed that. It brings some much needed attention to what some might not consider a high profile fight.
Cotto has always been a pleasing fighter to watch, even when the momentum turned against him in his bout with Margarito. Clottey is a worthy opponent for Cotto, showing that he's not just an average fighter in his fights against Zab Judah and Margarito. The fight should prove that he's not just a pick-me-up to jumpstart Cotto's career but rather a strong challenger that'll give Cotto a run for the money. I look forward to watching this action fight.
I didn't catch your first article here, but I'll be sure to tune in and read what you have to say from now on. Keep up the good writing.
nice read and a lot of good points, always enjoyed your work. Welcome to the site.
Excellent article! I agree with most of the people here - Clottey is a dangerous opponent, but Cotto should be able to get past him. However, it still remains to be seen how Cotto will do against a fighter like Clottey so soon after the Margarito loss. This is a big challenge and should give us a good glimpse into what the future will hold for Cotto. I personally think he'll get back on track, but I'll be watching this fight to see for myself ;D
I think its a pickum, enjoyed the read easy to understand. Mind sense always is ;D.
Good article bringing to light a very relevant fight at one of the best weights.
Very interesting read, thanks Al!
The Cotto/Clottey fight does seem to be a little under the radar as compared with other big name fights taking place this year. It has the potential to be a very good fight. Two of the best in the same weight class going at it. No catch weights or anything like it to detract, just a good old fashioned fight between two fighters who are able to make in on equal terms. I have high expectations for it.
Good well rounded article Al. I have been singing Clottey's praises for a while now. The guy is solid as a rock with a great defense and a steel will.
I am picking Clottey and it wont be an upset IMO. Cotto has problems when he cant break his man down and with Joshua's size, strength and defense Cotto is going to have to fight in reverse and although he fought beautifully off the back foot against Mosely, Clottey will pick his shots better and be more measured about it limiting Cotto's counters.
Thanks and great to have you aboard AL ;)
cheers for that Al - I had forgotten about this one coming up
Have to admit I have yet to see Clottey fight but I had looked at his record when it was announced and thought that this may be an uneasy night for Cotto.
So now I am looking at the TV schedules - not too sure if we going to get it over here in UK ??
Good article Mr. AL ... I'm glad to have the same pick (Clottey) with a well known boxing historian...
More power...
.
link --> Pacquiao May Be Best Ever Under 135
by Al Bernstein
I have taken some time to let the events of May 2 gestate a little. I have rolled them around in my mind and come up with some historical perspective. I now believe this basic fact, IF Manny Pacquiao can beat any one of Floyd Mayweather Jr., Shane Mosley, or Miguel Cotto, he will have stamped himself the best fighter EVER at 135 pounds or below. Here is my reasoning. The quartet of Pacquiao, Marco Antonio Barerra, Juan Manuel Marquez and Erik Morales produced the greatest series of fights seen at any time in boxing. They occured during a decade's span in a few weight divisions. This series of fights exceeded even the Hagler, Leonard, Duran, and Hearns combinations of matches. I know, many of you are gasping at that last statement, but it's true. Pacman and his little crew overall had more classic battles than Hagler and his legendary bunch. And, even though Marquez has a legitimate argument to the contrary because of his two close fights with Pacquiao, Manny narrowly emerged from that pack with the best results and biggest name. And then Manny did something that really seperated him from that group--he moved up in weight and dominated. Now, I fully understand that David Diaz at i35 was only a so-so lightweight champ, and Oscar De La Hoya ended up being a shell of his former self when he fought Pacquiao (although he was a big favorite before the fight). And, I also conceed that Ricky hatton had slipped in recent fights--and many thought he was never a great fighter. But, still, the WAY Pacquiao won over Ricky was impressive.
All of that is why I am not quite ready to totally make Manny a deity--but I am close. If he beats one of the aforementioned fighters he will have proved that no one in history has been able to dominate the smaller weight divisions like him. From 112 all the way to 147 he has performed well. That's astonishing.
Lets not get carried away Al and forget fighters like Ricardo Lopez, Willie Pep.Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxer
Have you ever seen Joshua Clottey vs Richard Gutierrez ? because if you have i would be worried if your Joshua Clottey fan, because he struggled with body shots in that fight. He almost also got himself DQ again like he did in the Carlos Baldomir fight, and he only had an injured hand against Antonio Margarito, not a broken hand and fighters have won with far worst injuries. I seriously question Joshua Clottey's desire i really do.Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxer
I think a healthy 100% Clottey will give Cotto a very tough fight or totally upset Cotto.... Sure Cotto can target Clottey's body but he must watch out very carefully the stinging counterpunches combos from Clottey...Quote:
Originally Posted by ICBHave you ever seen Joshua Clottey vs Richard Gutierrez ? because if you have i would be worried if your Joshua Clottey fan, because he struggled with body shots in that fight. He almost also got himself DQ again like he did in the Carlos Baldomir fight, and he only had an injured hand against Antonio Margarito, not a broken hand and fighters have won with far worst injuries. I seriously question Joshua Clottey's desire i really do.Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxer
I think Cotto will avoid a toe-to-toe battle coz Clottey got very fast hands and tight defense... Clottey will pressure Cotto with his forward movement, tight defense and fast stinging combos until Cotto gets tired and forced to go toe-to-toe which will be Cotto's downfall...
.
Finito and Pep are great boxers but they dominated basically just one division unlike PAC who performed well from 112 to 147 division (an amazing span of 9 divisions)... PAC is a 4-time lineal champ and got titles in 6 different weight divisions... Very impressive resume...Quote:
Originally Posted by ICBLets not get carried away Al and forget fighters like Ricardo Lopez, Willie Pep.Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxer
I totally agree with Mr. Al Berstein that PAC probably the best fighter ever at 135 and below...
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Yes but what is a 100 percent healthy Joshua Clottey ? are you saying that he wasn't 100 percent in the Carlos Baldomir fight ? or the Richard Gutierrez fight ?Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxerI think a healthy 100% Clottey will give Cotto a very tough fight or totally upset Cotto.... Sure Cotto can target Clottey's body but he must watch out very carefully the stinging counterpunches combos from Clottey...Quote:
Originally Posted by ICBHave you ever seen Joshua Clottey vs Richard Gutierrez ? because if you have i would be worried if your Joshua Clottey fan, because he struggled with body shots in that fight. He almost also got himself DQ again like he did in the Carlos Baldomir fight, and he only had an injured hand against Antonio Margarito, not a broken hand and fighters have won with far worst injuries. I seriously question Joshua Clottey's desire i really do.Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxer
I think Cotto will avoid a toe-to-toe battle coz Clottey got very fast hands and tight defense... Clottey will pressure Cotto with his forward movement, tight defense and fast stinging combos until Cotto gets tired and forced to go toe-to-toe which will be Cotto's downfall...
.
And what fight would you consider that you have seen him in 100 percent condition ? because lets state the facts here. Joshua Clottey has never beaten an elite fighter.
Zab Judah isn't an elite fighter anymore and is basically a stepping stone now. And Joshua Clottey didn't win that fight that impressively either. And the only other name is Diego Corrales.
But come on Diego Corrales had no business at Jr Welterweight, let alone Welterweight it was a totally unfair match up size wise. I just don't think Joshua Clottey is elite.
And his heart is also questionable aswell, especially when he basically lost alot of heart on only a hand injury against Antonio Margarito. He also gave away a win against Carlos Baldomir, and almost got himself DQ'ed again against Richard Gutierrez.
Joshua Clottey is a good fighter and is deserving of his shot, but he just doesn't seem elite to me. He's not that special in any one area except for his counter punching.
And while his defense maybe good he often goes into a shell, too much and lets fighters bang away at him without firing back. And you also say Joshua Clottey will come on late.
But Joshua Clottey himself has had stamina issues in the past. So i wouldn't be so confident in that prediction, Miguel Cotto will use his better boxing skills. And his superb body attack to earn a tough decision IMO.
Would you fancy a 1 week sig bet. You got Cotto, I got Clottey;)Quote:
Originally Posted by ICBYes but what is a 100 percent healthy Joshua Clottey ? are you saying that he wasn't 100 percent in the Carlos Baldomir fight ? or the Richard Gutierrez fight ?Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxerI think a healthy 100% Clottey will give Cotto a very tough fight or totally upset Cotto.... Sure Cotto can target Clottey's body but he must watch out very carefully the stinging counterpunches combos from Clottey...Quote:
Originally Posted by ICB
I think Cotto will avoid a toe-to-toe battle coz Clottey got very fast hands and tight defense... Clottey will pressure Cotto with his forward movement, tight defense and fast stinging combos until Cotto gets tired and forced to go toe-to-toe which will be Cotto's downfall...
.
And what fight would you consider that you have seen him in 100 percent condition ? because lets state the facts here. Joshua Clottey has never beaten an elite fighter.
Zab Judah isn't an elite fighter anymore and is basically a stepping stone now. And Joshua Clottey didn't win that fight that impressively either. And the only other name is Diego Corrales.
But come on Diego Corrales had no business at Jr Welterweight, let alone Welterweight it was a totally unfair match up size wise. I just don't think Joshua Clottey is elite.
And his heart is also questionable aswell, especially when he basically lost alot of heart on only a hand injury against Antonio Margarito. He also gave away a win against Carlos Baldomir, and almost got himself DQ'ed again against Richard Gutierrez.
Joshua Clottey is a good fighter and is deserving of his shot, but he just doesn't seem elite to me. He's not that special in any one area except for his counter punching.
And while his defense maybe good he often goes into a shell, too much and lets fighters bang away at him without firing back. And you also say Joshua Clottey will come on late.
But Joshua Clottey himself has had stamina issues in the past. So i wouldn't be so confident in that prediction, Miguel Cotto will use his better boxing skills. And his superb body attack to earn a tough decision IMO.
Sure why not and i also heard you got married, congrats on that bro.Quote:
Originally Posted by JT RockWould you fancy a 1 week sig bet. You got Cotto, I got Clottey;)Quote:
Originally Posted by ICBYes but what is a 100 percent healthy Joshua Clottey ? are you saying that he wasn't 100 percent in the Carlos Baldomir fight ? or the Richard Gutierrez fight ?Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxer
And what fight would you consider that you have seen him in 100 percent condition ? because lets state the facts here. Joshua Clottey has never beaten an elite fighter.
Zab Judah isn't an elite fighter anymore and is basically a stepping stone now. And Joshua Clottey didn't win that fight that impressively either. And the only other name is Diego Corrales.
But come on Diego Corrales had no business at Jr Welterweight, let alone Welterweight it was a totally unfair match up size wise. I just don't think Joshua Clottey is elite.
And his heart is also questionable aswell, especially when he basically lost alot of heart on only a hand injury against Antonio Margarito. He also gave away a win against Carlos Baldomir, and almost got himself DQ'ed again against Richard Gutierrez.
Joshua Clottey is a good fighter and is deserving of his shot, but he just doesn't seem elite to me. He's not that special in any one area except for his counter punching.
And while his defense maybe good he often goes into a shell, too much and lets fighters bang away at him without firing back. And you also say Joshua Clottey will come on late.
But Joshua Clottey himself has had stamina issues in the past. So i wouldn't be so confident in that prediction, Miguel Cotto will use his better boxing skills. And his superb body attack to earn a tough decision IMO.
I consider a 100% Clottey the one who showed up in the early part of the Margacheato fight, before he injured his hand...Quote:
Originally Posted by ICBYes but what is a 100 percent healthy Joshua Clottey ? are you saying that he wasn't 100 percent in the Carlos Baldomir fight ? or the Richard Gutierrez fight ?Quote:
Originally Posted by XaduBoxerI think a healthy 100% Clottey will give Cotto a very tough fight or totally upset Cotto.... Sure Cotto can target Clottey's body but he must watch out very carefully the stinging counterpunches combos from Clottey...Quote:
Originally Posted by ICB
I think Cotto will avoid a toe-to-toe battle coz Clottey got very fast hands and tight defense... Clottey will pressure Cotto with his forward movement, tight defense and fast stinging combos until Cotto gets tired and forced to go toe-to-toe which will be Cotto's downfall...
.
And what fight would you consider that you have seen him in 100 percent condition ? because lets state the facts here. Joshua Clottey has never beaten an elite fighter.
Zab Judah isn't an elite fighter anymore and is basically a stepping stone now. And Joshua Clottey didn't win that fight that impressively either. And the only other name is Diego Corrales.
But come on Diego Corrales had no business at Jr Welterweight, let alone Welterweight it was a totally unfair match up size wise. I just don't think Joshua Clottey is elite.
And his heart is also questionable aswell, especially when he basically lost alot of heart on only a hand injury against Antonio Margarito. He also gave away a win against Carlos Baldomir, and almost got himself DQ'ed again against Richard Gutierrez.
Joshua Clottey is a good fighter and is deserving of his shot, but he just doesn't seem elite to me. He's not that special in any one area except for his counter punching.
And while his defense maybe good he often goes into a shell, too much and lets fighters bang away at him without firing back. And you also say Joshua Clottey will come on late.
But Joshua Clottey himself has had stamina issues in the past. So i wouldn't be so confident in that prediction, Miguel Cotto will use his better boxing skills. And his superb body attack to earn a tough decision IMO.
Clottey has not YET beaten an elite fighter but I pick the tough defense minded Clottey over Cotto primarily on the basis of their respective performances against their common opponents in Margacheato and Judah... Cotto quits against Margo in the 11th round while Clottey took Margo to a close UD loss... Judah quits against Clottey in the 9th round while Cotto TKOs Judah in the 11th... Clottey is also much bigger than Cotto...
I agree Diego is somewhat not yet acclimatized at welter but saying Diego has no busines at Jr. Welter is absurd since Diego can't make 135 anymore... He has to move up, he has no choice... (RIP Diego)
I'm predicting Cotto to tire first than Clottey since Cotto will be moving a lot and bouncing a lot to evade the always come forward Clottey... I really don't think Cotto will stand there going toe-to-toe with Clottey in the early rounds... Cotto will box Clottey early and moves/bounces a lot that will consume a lot of his energy... Soon as Cotto tires first, he will be forced to stand toe-to-toe and that where Clottey will pick him up...
.
Nice read thanks AL.
I somewhat agree with you here.
Also with Xaduboxer in the above post; dont think Cotto will go toe to toe at first either if theres any lingering doubts.
Will depend alot on Clotteys mindset too.
Cotto could be slightly gun shy on early commitment and may get rocked a few times early which could even the ending out as I think his skill and precision equaling accumulated power will eventually prevail.
Its about 50/50 for me.
I'll always call for the underdog on the night though, so call me in.
Good read Al I am glad someone else thinks of Clottey a bit higher then he is credited besides me.