Exactly! And the reason he looked like crap against Murray is that he didn't give himself enough time to recover from the leg injury he suffered in the last round of that Chavez Jr. fight. Knowledgeable fans know that, as well as the fact that obviously Martinez is past his prime also.
But IMO, there's two distinct reason to overly dismiss Martinez at this point. One: truly a lack of boxing knowledge, where one mediocre showing is enough to write a fighter off. And two: it fits a certain, biased agenda. So if Cotto somehow wins.... he really beat a "crippled"..... how did Spicoli put it?..... "half conscious corpse with no legs."
He did have to come from behind to beat Barker and Macklin and neither of them should be winning a round v a prime Martinez. So thats an argument towards him being shot. I think he got a bit frustrated by Murray. He wanted to put a show on in his home but Murray kept his guard high and didnt give Martinez much opportunities.
There is little doubt that Sergio is on the slide.
There is little doubt that Cotto is on the slide.
Both men are damaged goods.
Both men have done their time.
Cotto got his super fights.
Martinez has not.
Cotto is 5'7 with a 67 inch wingspan
Sergio is 5'10 with a 73 inch wingspan
So?
You can take Cotto's name and Martinezs out and put Hatton, Barbadoes Joe, Marciano, Burley, Langford etc etc in his place and many of their opponents in Sergios on a tale of the tape.
Those physical advantages are two of the most overblown in boxing. You see you first have to know how to use those attributes. Not many do. Just ask Paul Williams.
Most of this fight will be fought in or around the pocket because I dont think Sergio has the legs to play run and gun for 12 rounds.
Sergio may be shop worn but so is Cotto. He's not going to want to chase him for 36 minutes. He will most likely have hook happy Roach in the corner and that's the punch their camp will most likely be concentrating on. Specifically the short ones from inside. They have to risk it. Now the kicker for me is that Cotto is going to get hit buy a guy that can punch and will probably have 10 pounds on him water or not. But that too is common in this sport in every division above fly. I'm sure Roaches policy will be to stay frosty but get Sergio over the mid way point while making him work. Sergios will be to ensure that it does not go past the midway point. The fight would be a mismatch a few years ago and it still is but nowhere near the same degree.
I really like both guys but Cotto's my boy and its an uphill battle but its doable. Really looking forward to it and hope its officially announced soon. I'll have my el jibaro good luck charm at the ready.![]()
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