Miguel Cotto vs Joshua Clottey

I know this fight didn't have as much carnage and action as some other great fights but it did have superb, technical boxing and game performances all the way through. Both fighters persevered through debilitating injuries sustained during the fight. Miguel fought with everything he had (which the judges may have taken note of for the decision) and pushed beyond his limits to prove himself after a disheartening TKO defeat against Antonio Margarito, turning me into a permanent fan. As for Joshua Clottey, his defense was unbelievable. It was the first time I had ever seen someone utilize his guard so well; it was like he had a giant shield. I still think that if he hadn't injured his knee early in the fight, he would have stayed off the ropes and continued to increase his pressure and break down Cotto, walking away with a stoppage victory or a majority decision.

Everything from styles, pacing, reach, height, power, and persona where perfectly entwined to make for a truly competitive fight. This fight really hooked me from round one through twelve and I still watch and learn from it.