Just another one of Wacko's Drunken Round by Rounds : Cotto vs Margarito!

[Wacko3205]

Wacko's Drunken Round by Round of the Cotto vs Margarito Super Fight.

Once again me bwoyo's...finally...long over due...it's time for another installment of Wacko's Drunken Round by Round. It's been a looooooooooooong time comin' & ole' Wacko'll probably be a bit rusty...but I'll do me drunken damnedest not to disappoint!!

This up & coming installment of Wacko's Drunken Round by Round features what is sure to be one of the tuffest battles of young Cotto's career & quite possibley...a battle of the ages. This one, dear friends, could end up being as taxing on the fans as it will be the fighters...& quite possibley a candidate for fight of the year.

Just days away from Wacko's birf day...this Saturday night on July the 26th, 2008 former world champion Antonio Margarito (36 fights, 5 losses, & 26 ko's) squares off against one of boxing's fastest rising super stars & the current WBA champion Miguel Angle Cotto (32 fights with 26 ko's & no losses) live on HBO Pay-Per-View at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, Nevada for bragging rights as to whom the legit kingpin of the welterweight division is.

It's going to be one hell of a night & a tuff call to make...because this one's gonna be a mouf' fulla knuckle sanwiches fo' sho!!!

As always...I like to do a little jaw jacking & get a little bit of hype built up amongst all me fellow forum goers prior to the bouts. This match up is a bit different...this bout here really needs no silly banter...nor does it need to be hyped, as most of us have been on pins & needles for the last month or so at the mere mention of either fighters name concerning the outcome.

So let's just get right down to it.

The Wackster's Factors of the Fight

Factors for or against Margarito:

Factor #1 : Size. One of the main factors of the match in Margarito's favor is that...quite simply...he is the bigger man & he's been established at this weight a bit longer. He's been here, there, & back again & in the end he will more than likely be the stronger man of this night. In Wacko's opinion...Cotto will be fighting a toe to toe battle with someone that cracks as hard...maybe harder than Cotto has ever been clipped. Either way it's an up hill battle in several departments regarding Margartio...size & power will be the tip top one's of them. Factor to Margarito.

Factor #2 : Speed & Abilities. It's been noted that Margarito is one of the most feared & heavy handed hitters of the welter class...but power aint everything & lately...Margarito has been beaten with a little ring work. He's often a terror within the ropes...but the rangey & lankey Paul Williams basically took Margarito to the cleaners with his speed & jab. While Cotto is the smaller man...he's the better boxer of the two, IWHO, provided that he fights with his head & not his heart. Cotto has proven of late that he can box & take pressure going forward or backwards...maybe accuracy & speed will work out for Cotto...but again...that's provided that he uses it. Cotto looked good against Mosley & great against Judah & unbelieveable against Gomez...but he was still fighting smaller men. Cotto's speed coupled with his size & power could work for him if he uses his head & boxing smarts all night long. Factor to Cotto.


Factor #3: Chin & Durability. While Margarito looked exposed against Williams...it was more of being outworked. Margarito by nature seems to have one hell of a beard...Cotto on the other hand has shown a bit of vulnerability to the ole' noggin. Admittedly, it's hard for ole' Wacko to bet against Cotto...but I'll have to in this department because he has been rocked & he has been dropped. Either way...both fighter's are tuff as nails...but one's gonna have to bend. My money's on Cotto's chin faltering first. Factor to Margarito.

Factor #4: Age. As I have hammered out above...there is no doubt that lately Cotto has begun to rely on speed, slickness, & skillfully thrown combinations to the body...& brutally so I might add. Many attribute the age of Cotto to be the big difference between these two combatants this weekend...I just don't know that I see it. I gotta disagree with the scribes totally on this one...hell...I'll go on record & disagree with them on pretty much everything in regards to this match up. The question that most writers & fans are haggling over is : "Has Margarito seen too many wars?" Tuff question...right? Wrong. While many will say that Margarito is getting old & this is just the right time for Cotto to catch the Mexican mauler...I will firmly disagree. Margarito has handled some pretty tuff customers in the past...granted none are like Cotto...but tuff none the less. Margarito went toe to toe with Paul Williams...he just could'nt get past that reach advantage...which as I said above will hender Cotto. While Cotto is young & strong...I still feel he's strongest at 140lbs. The age is a toss up for me...which brings me to the last factor...quite simply...experience.

Factor #5: Experience. This is a tuffy. As far as ring time...this goes to Margarito...but...you have to look at who Margarito has faced in comparison to Cotto. Cotto has only a fraction of ring time in comparison to battles/wars & such...but of late...Cotto has faced the better opponents. While I don't think that Cotto is as experienced in certain situations...he has adapted well to various styles...names such as Quintana, Bailey, Pinto, Mosley, Judah, & Abdullaev all took severe beatings from Cotto & it showed...but will that happen against a bigger & stronger man? Can Cotto take that much punishment & fight smart once Margarito pours it on so to speak? I just don't think so. Again...I have to lean towards Margarito on this one...but only because I think that once Cotto tastes the mat...& he will...he won't use his head to gut it out. Factor to Margarito.


Factors for or against Cotto:

Factor #1: Size. Most feel that Cotto has an advantage due to the fact that he is young, strong, fast, & has'nt taken that much punishment...& I will conceded that he's young...but not stronger & not bigger. Cotto is generally a trencher...an in-fighter. Cotto likes to get in close, use his size & pressure & bust a fighter up on the inside (body) & then take out the head...he'll have some serious issues doing this with Margarito because Antonio does the same exact thing. Margarito has a longer reach & he's also taller than Cotto. Physical advantages such as these will make a difference on fight night. Factor to Margarito.


Factor #2: Power . This is a tuff one for me. Cotto is strong...he's a devastating power puncher when the body shots reign in...but is he actually more powerful than Margarito? Not sure. Overall...I just don't think so & the range of Margarito coupled with the power...that's what worries me. Ah hell...I just don't know for sure...but I'm going to lean towards Cotto on body shots & Margarito on the head. Factor to Cotto...maybe...or maybe Margarito.

How bout an even split there?

Factor #3: Speed & Abilities. As I said before...I don't think that Margarito is as accomplished or nearly as fast as Cotto. Lately Cotto has had success against speedsters...he's really only fought a handful at 147lbs...Sugar Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Carlos Quintana, & Paul Malignaggi...but those are serious names to compare to a brawler of Margarito's stature & in all truth...the man pales in comparison to those four monikers. Sorry Margarito fans...but he does...skill wise atleast. Honestly I feel that if Cotto is going to have any real shot at surviving a Margarito onslaught...he'll have to keep him on the back foot & stay on his ribs. I believe that if Cotto can gain some type of momentum against Margarito...if he can become the bigger man & negate Margarito's reach...this could swing in his favor. I gotta go with Cotto on speed, talent, & abilities. Factor to Cotto.


Factor #4: Chin & Durability. As a Cotto fan...one has to take note that Miguel has been in some serious nail biters. He's shown vulnerability at times when he never should have. Cotto often likes to scrap & go toe to toe...leaving himself exposed & often clocked into stumble mode. Most worrisome...the Corley & Torres bouts. The x-factor in this one though...the one thing that has me hoping was that Cotto took Judah's best & Mosley's best & kept on battering relentlessly. I'm just not sure that he's gone up against someone of Margarito's power, size, & will...this is definently a factor against Cotto if he sticks his jaw out there...& he will...even if not...Antonio will find it. Factor to Margarito.

Factor #5: Age & Experience. While Cotto is younger & fresher than Margarito...he lacks the experience & know how to pace himself against a fighter like Margarito. There are times that Cotto has shown a lack in the fundamentals of what to do when hurt or stunned. At the onset of Cotto's career he used to box a lot more in the past...now he seems to get caught up in pleasing the crowd & often leaves himself open to shots that a fighter of his caliber should see coming from a mile away. If Cotto fights smart he does well...when Cotto fights for Puerto...he seems to often get rocked & caught. It's no small fact that we have a Puerto/Mexico rivalry brewing...& honestly...I think that equates to Cotto going for a knockout...& thus he might end up wearing one. I'll lean towards Antonio on this one. Factor to Margarito.

Continued below...

[Wacko3205]

Continued from above...

While I have never been nor will I ever be a fan of Margarito...being a fan of boxing...I have to admire his power & ability to persever.

That being said...I'm a huge fan of Cotto's. Huge.

Always have been...& win, lose, or draw...I always will be.

In stating that...it might shock you to know that...just as I did with Mosley...I'm picking against Cotto for this bout. I honestly believe that, while Cotto has been effective as a 147lb'er...he's the more brutal force at 140lbs & Margarito is just too comfy & set for the weight class in comparison.

I love Cotto...he's one of the lights of boxing for me...but one day...every bulb either breaks or burns out...& I just think Margarito has too much going in his corner. Then again...maybe it'll be a shut out for Cotto...but hopefully not a shut down.

Hey...I can't pull this RBR shift off legitly & be biased...or I could...but that just wouldn't be Wacko now would it? But...if Cotto were to win...it'd be that much sweeter for me to be wrong!!!

Heh heh heh. They call that "waffling" where I come from...& for the CuteMicks out there..."waffling" has nothing to do with "shrimping"!

It pains me to make a prediction like this...but here it is : Not being a Margarito fan…one would think that I would pick against him…but honestly…I think that Cotto’s going to come in to try & make a battle out of it & impress the fans & this is one gent that you just don’t do that with.

We could be looking at Miguel Cotto’s first loss…or we could be seeing one of his greatest shining moments.

Being a Cotto fan…I’m hoping for the latter.

Alright...well...that's my grim forecast...what's your's?

I am sure that many will disagree with me on this...but that's what makes the world go 'round.

Margarito by shock TKO.

Whatever happens...whomsoever...with the welterweight division fragmented & all the belts in various hands…this weekend’s bout will atleast tighten up the unification argument. Currently the WBC strap is held by Berto, WBA is held by Cotto w/Nuzhnenko on the continental end, Margarito holds the IBF strap, & last but certainly not least is super prospect Paul Williams who brandishes the IBF title.

Things can do nothing less than get interesting & combative after this weekend’s brawl…& that is exactly what it will be.
So...once again fellow forum goers I hope you’ll join me for another bout comin’ atcha live by HBO & the costly expenses of PPV.

The weekend's here...it's that time again. Toss aside all your troubles, break out the chips & salsa, put down the remote, crack open the caps, & pour up your beverage of choice as we settle in for some couch coverage…it’s time for yet another installment of Wacko’s Drunken Round by Round.

As always I say to you all...cheers...& koneecheewah bitches...it's fight night!!!

[leftylee]

YES YES YES THE DRBR ARE BACK WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Good Stuff Wacko. I'm picking Cotto UD if it goes the distance or Margo KO if it doesn't, should be a war though. Your DRBR will make staying up to 3AM even better

[ssss]

So your the guy everyone was talking about glad to meet you i was going to do RBR but looks like your got everything in hand now which is good heres my small write up about the fight.


Mexico vs Puerto Rico


Antonio Margarito


Probably the most exciting match up in the Welterweight division action wise since Shane Mosley vs Oscar De La Hoya 1. Firstly we have Antonio Margarito who come up the hard way in his career, out of his first 15 fights he went 12-3 but lets forget Antonio Margarito was a boy facing men but still showed his granite like chin and non stop workrate. The first time that Antonio Margarito caught my eye is when he destroyed a good boxer in Sergio Gabriel Martinez who was 16-0 coming in the fight he tried to move and box but the tough rugged Antonio Margarito, was far too much for him. The next major fight for Antonio Margarito was David Kamau who had gone 12 rounds with the great Mexican fighter Julio Cesar Chavez, and had also fought Oscar De La Hoya once again Antonio Margarito impressively destroyed a good fighter in David Kamau, next for Antonio Margarito was a WBO title shot against Daniel Santos. Which ended unluckily for Antonio Margarito when the fight was stopped in the 1st round due an accidental headbutt and that fight was ruled a No Contest, but Antonio Margarito didn't let that discourage him as he finally won the WBO Welterweight world title from Antonio Diaz, who had been in the ring with the likes of Shane Mosley Cory Spinks Ivan Robinson just to name a few. Next for Antonio Margarito was a fight with Danny Perez who had dropped him with a body shot and took him the full distance and Danny Perez had lost a close decision, the rematch was a one sided affair and Antonio Margarito won easily but once again it went the full distance. Antonio Margarito when made 2 more defenses against solid fighters like Andrew "Six Head" Lewis and Hercules Kyvelos. Next for Antonio Margarito was a fight with his old nemesis Daniel Santos but this time at Light Middleweight but once again the fight would be stopped due to accidental headbutt but this time in the 10th round and unluckily for Antonio Margarito the fight went to the scorecards and he lost a razor thin decision in which i personally thought he won. But Antonio Margarito being the warrior that he is didn't let that discourage him and moved back down to Welterweight and defending his WBO Title against Sebastian Andres Lujan the infamous fight where Antonio Margarirto almost tore his ear off and the fight was wisely stopped in the 10th round. Next for Antonio Margarito was the hard hitting Kermit Cintron was getting a lot of hype for his tremendous punching power, the fight was pretty even until the 4th round where Antonio Margarito's pressure finally got to Kermit Cintron and Antonio Margarito dominated the next 2 rounds forcing stoppage and this fight is also infamous, because Antonio Margarito made Kermit Cintron cry. Next for Antonio Margarito was the feared Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito had injury problems before the fight a sprained ankle and shoulder problems and wasn't in top shape for this fight and you could see that when the first bell rung. Clottey was able to outbox Margarito and even stunned him in the 4th then Clottey broke his hand while landing an uppercut in the 4th round, then after that Margarito took over with good body work and battled it out and won a tough 12 round decision, Margarito got a lot of stick for this fight but many fans didn't know about Margarito previous injuries before coming into the fight. The next 3 fights you hardcore fans already know about Antonio Margarito lost a close 12 round decision to the 6 foot plus Paul Williams based on a few things 1 Margarito looking past Williams, 2 Williams work rate, and 3 Margarito being a slow starter, but Margarito has rebounded nicely destroying Golden Johnson and once again destroying Kermit Cintron in an even more one sided fashion.


Key To Victory for Margarito.

Cut off the ring use the uppercuts and keep Miguel Cotto on the ropes at all times.

Miguel Cotto

I have to admit i haven't followed Miguel Cotto as much as Antonio Margarito, but i do know he a good Amateur career and also fought Ivan Calderon in the amateurs and lost and also lost in the Olympics to Mohamed Abdulaev. I did manage to catch alot of Miguel Cotto's early fights and you could see had all the wrinkles and i was impressed with his body punching hand speed and power. But the first real fight that caught my eye was his fight against Justin Juuko who had fought Floyd Mayweather Jr, Miguel Cotto just destroyed Juuko and it was a marvelous performance, and destroyed him even worse than Floyd Mayweather did which Miguel Cotto has made a habit of in his career so far. Next for Miguel Cotto was Cezar Bazan who had been in the ring with likes of Jose Luis Castillo and had a win over Steve Johnston, once again it was another impressive performance from Miguel Cotto and showed he go into championship rounds stopping Bazan in the 11th to pick up his first title but not a World title just thought id point that out if you didn't realize. The next big fight for Cotto was against Carlos Maussa, Maussa was very awkward but Miguel Cotto dealt with it well and destroyed Maussa in 8 rounds. I was impressed how Miguel Cotto dealt with the awkward style of Maussa so early in his career because i remember Oscar De La Hoya struggling with John John Molina's awkward style so Miguel Cotto certainly impressed. Next for Miguel Cotto was Victoriano Sosa who had floored Paul Spadaforda twice and lost razor thin decision, and also gave Floyd Mayweather a competitive fight. But once again Miguel Cotto destroyed another former Mayweather opponent in more impressive fashion. Cotto showed his patience and picked his shots beatifully and he picked apart Sosa destroying him in 4. Now i was high on Miguel Cotto at this point, next for Miguel Cotto was the solid and tough contender Lovemore N'dou. Now this fight was important for Miguel Cotto because it was a title eliminator and this was a very tough fight for Cotto as N'dou put a lot of pressure on Miguel Cotto was forced on the back foot but Cotto showed good skills on the back foot and countered nicely. And Cotto won tough 12 round decision winning by 3 points on my card, Next for Miguel Cotto was a WBO world title shot against Kelson Pinto who Miguel Cotto had fought in the Amateurs. Miguel Cotto destroyed Pinto and picked up his first World title in easy fashion. Miguel Cotto made an easy defense against Randall Bailey then fought DeMarcus Corley, now Corley had been in with the likes of Zab Judah and Floyd Mayweather Jr and was the only man who had ever stunned Mayweather. Despite Corley not being noted as a punch he could stun any opponent with 1 punch anyway onto the fight. It looked like it was going to be another easy nights work for Cotto as he dropped Corley in the 1st and won the 2nd won easily then suddnely in the 3rd round out of nowhere, a Southpaw right hook from an unorhtodox angle caught Miguel Cotto on the temple and Cotto was badly stunned and his legs were like a jelly on a wet mattress for about a full 1 minute Corley clearly dominated the round and it was a 10-8 for certain. But Miguel Cotto showed his heart and comeback and stopepd Corley in the 5th although in controversial manner in some peoples minds but not mine. Anyway next for Cotto was Mohamad Abdulaev who had beat Miguel Cotto in the Olympics. Cotto wanted revenge and boy did he get it as he fought on the back foot and countered Mohamad all night long and shut one of his eyes completley forcing Mohamad to quit. Next for Miguel Cotto was big banger Ricardo Torres who had also fought Miguel Cotto in the amateurs, in a back forth war kind of like Foreman vs Lyle type of war at 140 pounds as Jim Lampley put it both men were rocked both men were down but in the end. Cotto's body attack was too much and he stopped Torres with a body shot if i remember rightly. Miguel Cotto's next big fight was against Paul Malignaggi, Miguel Cotto made Paulie's face look like something out of a horror but despite that Paulie was game and gave Cotto all he could handle but in the end there was no doubt who the winner was and Cotto won a clear cut decision. Miguel Cotto then moved up to Welterweight to fight Carlos Quintana for WBA Welterweight title. And Cotto was a whole new different type of animal as he looked stronger and his punch resistance was also greatly improved he destroyed Quintana in 5 with his trademark body punching forcing Quintana to quit in between rounds, now we all know Miguel Cotto had impressive wins over Zab Judah Shane Mosley so i dont't really need to insult your intelligence.



Keys To Victory For Cotto.

Body punching Margarito has been hurt from body shots before, fight on the back foot and counter and use his superior boxing skills and fast and shorter punches.

[Wacko3205]

Alright fellars...all that being said...I want Cotto to win & win big...it'd be a great birfday gift to the ole' Wackster.

I've been a died in the wool Cotto fan since his Olympic days & all...& everyone that knows me knows that I love to bet against my fighters just to jump up & down on the couch, screaming, & spewing liquor while they count out the opposing fighter...but again...Margarito's a big ole' youngin' & he's determined to get back to the top...let's see what pops & who get's where.

Either way...this one'll be one for the books & I'm glad to be back in the saddle for the DRBR...provided I don't croak from Friday night alcohol poisoning or bad sushi.

Cheers bitches.

[amat]

YES YES YES YES

It feels like boxing is now back in season, not right not having a DRBR. Woo.

Anyways, didn't read it but will. Cotto KO.

[Wacko3205]

YES YES YES THE DRBR ARE BACK WOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Good Stuff Wacko. I'm picking Cotto UD if it goes the distance or Margo KO if it doesn't, should be a war though. Your DRBR will make staying up to 3AM even better

Good to hear from ya's babe...& glad to be back.

It's gonna be a big weekend for ole' Wacko...& I hope HOPE HOPE that my guy guts out a win.

These two are going to bring it all & I have a feeling that they're going to leave nothing to chance.

I'd love to see Cotto fight smart & time Margarito...much like he did Judah & Mosley...but I doubt it.

That Puerto/May-he-ko rivalry will kick in & these two are gonna ack like fools! Heh heh heh.

[LEGION]

I'm sticking with Margarito by ko somewhere after the 9th.

Love em' both, but for several reasons you stated and just the fact I've always been a big Tony fan, I'm sticking with my boy.

Really won't be too upset if Cotto wins though, as he's a gem in the sport today and has really improved as a fighter.

[Wacko3205]

YES YES YES YES

It feels like boxing is now back in season, not right not having a DRBR. Woo.

Anyways, didn't read it but will. Cotto KO.

Amat!!! Hidey ho, babe.

Boxing is definently in full swing this year & I'm thrilled to be back on board.

I hope you're right with your pick...I'd love to see a Cotto TKO or KO...but reach, height, & power is going to be an obstacle for Miguel this go round.

Cotto's something of 5' 7" with a 67" reach & Tony's stretchin at 73" & 5' 11" tall. That might not sound like much...but have a piston like jab in your mutt all night long & see where it get's you.

I think that the odds are stacked against Miguel & I want to see him just tear it up. Bull in to the ribs & break him down.

We shall see...but ole' Wacko aint optimistic.

[Wacko3205]

So your the guy everyone was talking about glad to meet you i was going to do RBR but looks like your got everything in hand now which is good heres my small write up about the fight.

Good little write up...& nice to meet/greet ya.

Here's the thing...or atleast how I see it...Cotto has been a nearly unstoppable force for quite sometime now...much like Margarito...& in the end...it'll boil down to pride & will...& honestly...I think that that is one of Cotto's short comings...that & a hell of a leaky defense.

Cotto will do good for a bit...& then he'll let the fans dictate what he throws & takes & then it will be good night Miguel.

I've been wrong before...& I sure as shit hope I am on this one.

[Wacko3205]

Really won't be too upset if Cotto wins though, as he's a gem in the sport today and has really improved as a fighter.

I'd love a Cotto win...LOVE IT!!!

It's what I want...but I aint bankin' on it. Cotto's improved a lot...but he still to this day get's carried away & forgets to box smart...& it has cost him in the past. He's had shakey legs several times for getting into the trade.

[ssss]

So your the guy everyone was talking about glad to meet you i was going to do RBR but looks like your got everything in hand now which is good heres my small write up about the fight.

Good little write up...& nice to meet/greet ya.

Here's the thing...or atleast how I see it...Cotto has been a nearly unstoppable force for quite sometime now...much like Margarito...& in the end...it'll boil down to pride & will...& honestly...I think that that is one of Cotto's short comings...that & a hell of a leaky defense.

Cotto will do good for a bit...& then he'll let the fans dictate what he throws & takes & then it will be good night Miguel.

I've been wrong before...& I sure as shit hope I am on this one.

The way i see it is that Miguel Cotto has the superior boxing skills and his punches are much shorter plus he can box on the back foot and like i said in that little write up Antonio Margarito has been hurt by body shots before and he hasn't really been tested to the midsection so it will be interesting to see how Margarito's long torso holds up to Cotto's body punishment i can see Miguel Cotto outboxing Antonio Margarito as long as he doesn't get caught on the ropes.

[LEGION]

So your the guy everyone was talking about glad to meet you i was going to do RBR but looks like your got everything in hand now which is good heres my small write up about the fight.

Good little write up...& nice to meet/greet ya.

Here's the thing...or atleast how I see it...Cotto has been a nearly unstoppable force for quite sometime now...much like Margarito...& in the end...it'll boil down to pride & will...& honestly...I think that that is one of Cotto's short comings...that & a hell of a leaky defense.

Cotto will do good for a bit...& then he'll let the fans dictate what he throws & takes & then it will be good night Miguel.

I've been wrong before...& I sure as shit hope I am on this one.

Kind of what I've been saying; alot of the outcome of this fight is going to boil down to which fight Cotto makes.

Will Tony be able to make him fight his fight or will Cotto use the ring all night and that improved boxing ability?

I see Cotto taking much of the early fight but see him getting dragged into waters he shouldn't be treading. Really it boils down to Cotto's approach and resolve to stick to a smart game plan IMO.

This is the place Tony has wanted to be; and almost lost the chance in his debacle with Williams, so I doubt he won't be 100% focused and ready to destroy come Saturday. Win or be reduced to gatekeeping, journeyman status by the boxing world. JMO

[Puya]

FUck, SHIT, CARAJO, PUñeta, $%^%^*&&@#$&%!@%%!*%^~&@#~&@%!&!#@^!#$^#^#!~!@%&!# ^@%^**$^@^&@.....ect

can't wait no more JUST start already!!!!!

[killersheep]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbadbxN8HeA&NR=1

Hell's bells. I am completely stoked here (yes I did use the word stoked)

Really looking forward to this buddy. The absolute man doin the rbr for what could be FOTY, sweeeeeet!!!