Cotto on is first loss

[piye]

You would think after Miguel Cotto’s phenomenal performance in a losing effort last month to Antonio Margarito that fans would be celebrating the Puerto Rican star and looking forward to his next fight. But in a sport where fighters are regularly dismissed after their first loss, that’s not always the case.



While the majority of fight fans have no bad words to say about Cotto taking two knees after sustaining brutal punishment from Margarito, there has a been a small but vocal majority that’s has labeled Cotto a “quitter” who can dish out the brutality but can’t take it.



Even some fans in his native Puerto Rico are upset, arguing that previous island fighters like Felix Trinidad and Wilfredo Gomez would never have submitted like that, especially at the feet of a Mexican, their fierce boxing rivals.



Tired of the accusations, Cotto conducted an interview on the andra pa’l cará show and clarified his position. Here is the translation (courtesy of maxboxing.com member beastineden) regarding the criticisms of him “quitting.”



Host: Ok, in your case as a boxer and champion I imagine that decision was very hard to make because you're thinking “I'm the champion with no losses,” was it you that made the decision or your corner?

Cotto: I was the one that made it, my family was there, my children were present and I was thinking more about them rather than the beating I was getting.


Host: Did you get to see them?


Cotto: Yes I did, a few times.

Host: Really?


Cotto: Yes, there were right next to my corner.

Host: Does it affect ...

Cotto: Well, in this case it did a little but they've always known what my job is and what the risks are.

Host: They are used to it?

Cotto: They're not used to seeing dad in the situation that they saw me a week ago but they know the risks of my job.

Host: You gotta be brave to get up there?

Cotto: Very much, gotta be brave to get up there but it's part of the job, had a bad day but I know many good ones are still ahead.

Host: Miguel being honest, and you always tell it like it is, is it harder to get on the ring or making the decision of putting the knees down?

Cotto: I think in my case it was harder to put a knee down, like you said I didn’t have a loss in my record and to lose this way it was difficult for me, but I want health and I want to see my children grow up and that's what matters.

Host: Now that you tell me that it was you that made the decision not your corner, which is very important, did it ever cross your mind all the reactions that would come after your decision? Did you think about that?

Cotto: No it was all for the benefit of me and my family, I could care less about the comments people make.

Host: For example I heard a comment like ... 'he didn't train hard enough to get on the ring'

Cotto: I always train hard before getting on the ring, Margarito was better than me that night.

Host: For this one you even said you trained more than any other fight.

Cotto: Yes, that's how I felt.

Host: Also comments that you were drinking and partying in Las Vegas

Cotto: I party and have fun but on my time off, I’m very responsible with my job, there's two things I'm very responsible with, my job and my family and I don't play around with them


AllHipHop.com: Walking With The Black Panther

[SigmaMu]

I have watched the fight again both versions from HBO and Setanta (Which give you different angles) and from what I have been watching because now I am making a video, and I am viewing it frame by frame, Cotto even in the early rounds was catching some huge shots, in the second round he was clearly phuked up in the nose, some say Tony broke Miguel's nose but I have not been able to confirm nor deny. Bottom line is, Tony was not just walking Miguel down, he was jogging him down. To make a long story short, had Miguel not taken those knees, the chances of Miguel getting knocked the phuk out were almost inevitable. Miguel tried to put a dent in Tony but Miguel's punches were just not effecting Tony that much. Tony had that sick grin on his face in the second round after Miguel had landed some nice clean shots. Tony was able to get to Miguel's body good and plenty while Miguel's attemps to Tony's body were few and far between. After watching the fight again and again, I no longer think Miguel can beat Tony unless Tony is hurt or sick. Tony is the man right now. I am not counting Miguel out and I will follow his career until the wheels fall off

The fight that I do want to see is Margarito vs Williams and I am hoping that Tony can redeem himself Tony really let me down that night

I also wish PBF would have made good on his word when he told Tony that he would get his shot. Hey Floyd! Tony and the rest of the world is still waiting! And guess what? Guess who is talk shiet about you again Floyd? Could it be Tony? You are God Damn right it is. At least Miguel had the balls to step in the ring and try unlike Floyd who went into retirement rather than to make good on his word some three years ago.

Margarito the boogie man is back in the mix


I guess I ain't got nothing else to say. It is what it is and it was what it was.

[Bx730NY]

I was having this discussion last night actually and people have to understand how tough it is when you can't breathe right in a fight.

I don't hear anyone calling Israel Vasquez a coward for packing it in against Marquez in the first fight. He came back and won the other two and one being by ko so for Cotto to hang in there for 11 rounds it should tell you all you need to know about his courage or will to win.

[No Contest]

I never condemn anyone who quits on their stool or takes a knee, only they know whats really going on with their bodies. I would rather someone quit and get out with their health than see another McLellan incident, or more recently Oscar Diaz.

[Majesty]

I have watched the fight again both versions from HBO and Setanta (Which give you different angles) and from what I have been watching because now I am making a video, and I am viewing it frame by frame, Cotto even in the early rounds was catching some huge shots, in the second round he was clearly phuked up in the nose, some say Tony broke Miguel's nose but I have not been able to confirm nor deny. Bottom line is, Tony was not just walking Miguel down, he was jogging him down. To make a long story short, had Miguel not taken those knees, the chances of Miguel getting knocked the phuk out were almost inevitable. Miguel tried to put a dent in Tony but Miguel's punches were just not effecting Tony that much. Tony had that sick grin on his face in the second round after Miguel had landed some nice clean shots. Tony was able to get to Miguel's body good and plenty while Miguel's attemps to Tony's body were few and far between. After watching the fight again and again, I no longer think Miguel can beat Tony unless Tony is hurt or sick. Tony is the man right now. I am not counting Miguel out and I will follow his career until the wheels fall off

The fight that I do want to see is Margarito vs Williams and I am hoping that Tony can redeem himself Tony really let me down that night

I also wish PBF would have made good on his word when he told Tony that he would get his shot. Hey Floyd! Tony and the rest of the world is still waiting! And guess what? Guess who is talk shiet about you again Floyd? Could it be Tony? You are God Damn right it is. At least Miguel had the balls to step in the ring and try unlike Floyd who went into retirement rather than to make good on his word some three years ago.

Margarito the boogie man is back in the mix


I guess I ain't got nothing else to say. It is what it is and it was what it was.

Margarito seems more focused on getting Oscar in the ring now then he is getting Floyd in it.

I must say though that him beating Cotto is a huge set up for a fight between the two.

But I'll go with Floyd via decision if him and Margarito ever fight, Floyd isn't going to get drawn into a fight with him.

[Markusdarkus]

After reading that its clear Cotto is not a warrior. Not that i condemn that but you wouldnt see Hatton, Marques or Margarito give up they would have to be KTFO.

[Majesty]

After reading that its clear Cotto is not a warrior. Not that i condemn that but you wouldnt see Hatton, Marques or Margarito give up they would have to be KTFO.

A warrior returns home beaten and bloody, shot in his 35s and can't run and play with his children but he got that respect for one fight.

A Family man may take the loss and go on and have a great career with more longevity and when he gets old be able to play with his kids, speak clearly and not have brain damage.

If I had children and you asked me what mattered more, winning a fight or being able to coherently spend time with my children, I would pick my children always.

If my sacrifice to being a warrior was my children, or the ability to spend time with them, then I'd never want to be known as a warrior.

Miguel did the right thing

[Chino]

Cotto even in the early rounds was catching some huge shots, in the second round he was clearly phuked up in the nose

...and the body too. Remember how he sat on the ropes after the body punch?

some say Tony broke Miguel's nose but I have not been able to confirm nor deny

There were some uppercuts where Cotto was leaning low to cover himself or from the pain and it could have been one of those because I don't remember any headbutts.

Tony was not just walking Miguel down, he was jogging him down. To make a long story short, had Miguel not taken those knees, the chances of Miguel getting knocked the phuk out were almost inevitable. Miguel tried to put a dent in Tony but Miguel's punches were just not effecting Tony that much. Tony had that sick grin on his face in the second round after Miguel had landed some nice clean shots. Tony was able to get to Miguel's body good and plenty while Miguel's attemps to Tony's body were few and far between. After watching the fight again and again, I no longer think Miguel can beat Tony unless Tony is hurt or sick. Tony is the man right now. I am not counting Miguel out and I will follow his career until the wheels fall off

Well said mate.

I also wish PBF would have made good on his word when he told Tony that he would get his shot. Hey Floyd! Tony and the rest of the world is still waiting! And guess what? Guess who is talk shiet about you again Floyd? Could it be Tony? You are God Damn right it is. At least Miguel had the balls to step in the ring and try unlike Floyd who went into retirement rather than to make good on his word some three years ago.

That has been talked about so many times. It's about money. We all do whatever to make more money. 8 mills compared to more than 20, what would you choose? See what I mean? Can't see Floyd ducking him or anybody. He's too good to duck someone regardless of having a style that doesn't please us.

I guess I ain't got nothing else to say. It is what it is and it was what it was.

That's the way to go.

Margarito seems more focused on getting Oscar in the ring now then he is getting Floyd in it.

Of course, go for the bigger paycheck.

[Markusdarkus]

After reading that its clear Cotto is not a warrior. Not that i condemn that but you wouldnt see Hatton, Marques or Margarito give up they would have to be KTFO.

A warrior returns home beaten and bloody, shot in his 35s and can't run and play with his children but he got that respect for one fight.

A Family man may take the loss and go on and have a great career with more longevity and when he gets old be able to play with his kids, speak clearly and not have brain damage.

If I had children and you asked me what mattered more, winning a fight or being able to coherently spend time with my children, I would pick my children always.

If my sacrifice to being a warrior was my children, or the ability to spend time with them, then I'd never want to be known as a warrior.

Miguel did the right thing

He did the right thing for his Family but one wouldnt see Marciano, Ali or Frazier do anything or say anything like that. Cotto knew he was done as was on his way to getting knocked out. Again i dont condemn it but it is what it is.

[killersheep]

How can anyone criticize what Cotto did, it's really unbelievable. He gave it his all and provided a FOTY candidate, he was humble afterwards and gave Margarito his due. He did nothing wrong in there. I think people still want boxers to be Gladiators and die trying, me personally I'd rather see them live to fight another day.

[JT Rock]

After reading that its clear Cotto is not a warrior. Not that i condemn that but you wouldnt see Hatton, Marques or Margarito give up they would have to be KTFO.

A warrior returns home beaten and bloody, shot in his 35s and can't run and play with his children but he got that respect for one fight.

A Family man may take the loss and go on and have a great career with more longevity and when he gets old be able to play with his kids, speak clearly and not have brain damage.

If I had children and you asked me what mattered more, winning a fight or being able to coherently spend time with my children, I would pick my children always.

If my sacrifice to being a warrior was my children, or the ability to spend time with them, then I'd never want to be known as a warrior.

Miguel did the right thing

He did the right thing for his Family but one wouldnt see Marciano, Ali or Frazier do anything or say anything like that. Cotto knew he was done as was on his way to getting knocked out. Again i dont condemn it but it is what it is.

Ali has Parkinsons, I met Joe Frazier last month and the lights were on but no one was home if you know what I mean, and Marciano didnt have to face any huge punchers in his time.. So you are being a little to crirical of Miguel... I mean let some Puerto Ricans be pissed if he took 2 knees, I would tell those guys to go over to Wilfred Benitez's house and give him a few bucks if you give that much of a crap about your fighters health and well being at the end of the day

[amat]

Markus that's a complete joke and you obviously have an agenda here. I guess Tszyu, Frazier or Vazquez aren't warriors either. If I had the internet speed I would neg rep you, really what a joke of a comment that is. Cotto and Margarito both left everything in the ring and if any boxing fan isn't satisfied with that great fight then they have no business being a fight fan. Simple as that.

[XaduBoxer]

I won't even criticize Gary Lockett for taking 3 knees against Pavlik for less punishments...

Taking a knee is just being smart when you cannot take the punishments anymore... You save your ass for another day...

.

[Diane]

Markus that's a complete joke and you obviously have an agenda here. I guess Tszyu, Frazier or Vazquez aren't warriors either. If I had the internet speed I would neg rep you, really what a joke of a comment that is. Cotto and Margarito both left everything in the ring and if any boxing fan isn't satisfied with that great fight then they have no business being a fight fan. Simple as that.

I did it for you Amat!

What an idiot.

[XaduBoxer]

You can label Cotto a "quitter" and "not a warrior" if he will do it again in another fight in the future...

.