I fully understand and appreciate your concerns as I too am a Cotto fan and I simply don't like the matchup

....HOWEVER

Manny Steward said the reason Cotto lost was because Margarito kept Cotto moving back and therefore Miguel couldn't get leverage on his punches.


That may be the case, but I think the way Cotto has to beat Margarito is in the pocket....Cotto's punches are shorter, Toni gives up his height and his long arms aren't made for inside fighting (though he enjoys that)...Margarito's effectiveness is based on the other fighter backing up thereby giving him the space to make impactful punches. Cotto will need to slip and counter (which he did VERY well vs Toni before he ran out of gas) between Toni's guard, landing an impactful shot to end each combination and circling out from danger...when Margarito gives chase counter and circle OR counter and tie up...the UPPERCUT is the most important punch for Cotto in this fight and somehow he's going to have to find a way to the body to slow Margarito's pursuit. Something else that may give Margarito pause is if Cotto switches stances every now and then...it also may help Miguel find a route to the body. If he really needs a breather I would whole heartedly suggest a low blow as #1 He's done it before and #2 Nobody deserves it more than Margarito.