By Rick Reeno
The bout many experts have dubbed as the "future of boxing," lands in the most famous boxing venue in the world, Madison Square Garden, in New York City.
Undefeated New York native, Paulie “The Magic Man” Malignaggi (21-0, 5 KOs), takes a serious step up in class when he takes on the undefeated WBO junior welterweight champion, Miguel Cotto (26-0, 22 KOs) of Puerto Rico.
On the eve of the Puerto Rican Day Parade, both fighters expect the arena to be packed with a very loud audience made up of Italian and Puerto Rican supporters. Its' a battle of speed against power, Malignaggi is arguably the quickest fighter at 140 pounds, while Miguel Cotto is probably the strongest fighter at 140 pounds.
Cotto has fought the better assortment of competition by far, but as we saw last year when the very experienced Erik Morales faced inexperienced Zahir Raheem - speed can kill. Raheem lacked the power, but had enough speed to box circles around Morales for the majority of the fight. The same can easily happen in this fight, especially if Cotto is unable to cut off the ring.
The staff of BoxingScene comes together to voice their opinions, strategies and predictions for the big fight.
Mike Casey - Cotto has the perfect record (26-0) but has been technically disappointing in recent fights. Coming up, his guard was tight and he seemed to have it all. But he is figuring in too many wars too early in his career and has shown himself to be very susceptible, even though he has a great fighting heart and always roars back. Ricardo Torres gave him all kinds of trouble and I still can’t forget how DeMarcus Corley temporarily scattered Miguel’s senses with that one shot.
But Cotto is a fight too soon for Paulie Malignaggi, who is clever and evasive but has not fought in the same kind of company.
Not an easy fight for Cotto – he doesn’t seem to have such a thing these days – but I see him catching up with Malignaggi and stopping him around the tenth round.
Tim Smith - Going with Malignaggi in a decision over Cotto. I know Cotto has pop, but I think Paulie's speed is a great equalizer to Cotto's advantage in power.
Malignaggi by decision
Ron Borges - I'm going with speed over power. Malignaggi is going to win by a late 11th round stoppage when he closes both of Cotto's eyes from a night full of quick jabs and disappearing acts.
Malignaggi by TKO
Charles Jay - If you can't back Cotto up, or befuddle him in some way, you're going to succumb to his attack, which includes one of the better double left hooks we have seen in the industry. Malignaggi has neither the power nor the experience to be able to keep this up over the course of a 12-round fight. Somewhere along the way, Cotto will catch up to him. and he will end it.
Don Colgan - A decisive decision win for Paulie, although he will be tested, and hurt, at times.
Malignaggi by unanimous decision
Sammy Rozenberg - I don't think Cotto will be able to handle the speed of Malignaggi, he's physically too slow.
Malignaggi by a unanimous decision.
Hank Kaplan - I think Cotto is too big. This Malignaggi kid is fast, but Cotto is strong like a junior middleweight and big like one too.
Cotto by KO
Andy Rivera - I think Cotto is going to punish Paulie the way Julio Caesar Chavez pummeled Hector Camacho. You have a powerful fighter in Cotto and a fast talking, feather fisted fighter in Malignaggi. I just think Cotto's professionalism and him being the bigger fighter will pay off. Malignaggi hasn't fought a single fighter of note.
Yes he's fast, but he excels against fighters that don't have anything to offer. Cotto will cut the ring off land his left hooks to the body and test his Italian rival to see what he has to offer. We all know how Cotto responds when he's been hurt in a fight. The jury is out on Malignaggi. Saturday we'll have the answers.
Cotto by unanimous decision
Evan Korn - You have to figure Malignaggi's hand speed and quickness will give Cotto trouble early on in the contest. But Maliggnaggi, whose best win to fate came against Donald Camarena, is facing an entirely different animal in Cotto. Cotto has defeated boxers, brawlers, and everything in between in his young career. Eventually, Cotto will catch up to Malignaggi.
Cotto by KO in 6.
Bradley Yeh - Malignaggi’s style to talk it up works well for creating the pre-fight interest and there's no doubt that he is a skilled competitor. I don’t agree with Malignaggi that Cotto is overrated though. Cotto has had a few close fights, with defensive lapses when he was touted to storm through with the easy win. But from what I see Cotto does have a serious enough pedigree to deal with the quicksilver strategy of Malignaggi, and that’s not considering how well Cotto’s corner work together or the power advantage that Cotto has against guys that deliver KO’s. Cotto can go to the trenches and successfully turn it around when the unexpected occurs and the fact that’s proven with A grade contenders defines the watershed between Malignaggi and Cotto.
Malignaggi’s talk could work against him in the ring and put a little too much pressure on him for a fight like this, and he certainly doesn’t need that as he steps up in class with Cotto
Cotto by decision.
Tom Donelson - Paul Malignaggi has to fight the perfect fight whereas Cotto could lose the first eleven rounds and still win in the final frame with his power. Malignaggi is the better boxer with fast hands. His speed will give Cotto trouble, in particular the early rounds. If this fight goes the distance, Malignaggi pulls off the upset. For Malignaggi, this is a big step up and we have yet to see Malignaggi nailed by a big puncher. But then again, Malignaggi's speed often keeps him from getting hit with solid shots. I am going against the conventional wisdom and with my guts.
Malignaggi upsets Cotto by decision.
Kevin Kincade - Two questions: 1). Why is this on Pay-Per-View? & 2). Is anyone surprised that Cotto is taking on a fighter with a grand total of 5 knock-outs to his credit?
Okay, enough of that. Paulie, believe it or not, is actually slick enough that I can see him beating Cotto. Unfortunately, that lack of power of his is going to come into play somewhere in the fight, I’m guessing during the second half; but an early stoppage is not out of the question. In stead, look for Malignaggi to build up an early lead, out-maneuvering Miguel, and possibly making Cotto look foolish from time to time as “The Magic Man” (we really need a nickname pool for these guys) lands scoring counter shots after making the undefeated Cotto miss.
Paulie’s jab will also be an early factor; but his lack of power will fail to get Cotto’s attention or respect and, fail to hold him off down the stretch. Now, the “X-Factor” is that Malignaggi has never faced a fighter with the punching power of Cotto; and we just don’t know how he’s going to handle it when he gets hit. However, while we don’t know, we can suppose; and I suppose he will go down and not get up…at least not for long. Look for Cotto to come from behind to overcome a slight lead by Paulie on the cards and stop the Brooklynite somewhere in the neighborhood of the 7th or 8th Round.
Cotto by KO
Dr. Peter Edwards - I see a much bigger Cotto imposing his size to stop Malignaggi within 6 rounds. The speed will be a factor early in the fight, but Cotto will cut off the ring and rock Malignaggi with power.
Cotto by KO
Larry Tornambe - Paulie Malignaggi vs. Miguel Cotto has so many questions. Will Cotto's oft-tested chin hold up and will Malignaggi get through a tough bout without injuring something?
Paulie might have just what it takes to get Miguel to open himself up to be dropped. Cotto will get up, but will Malignaggi's hands not break? What I am saying is Paulie will drop Cotto, but in the final scorecards Cotto will hold onto his belt by outworking Paulie in the fight.
Cotto by decision
Paul Gallegos - The Cotto fight is a toss up. Which Cotto is going to show up? This is the biggest question. I think that young Paulie is brash enough and has just enough skills to out-hustle Cotto. No knockdowns, but a very solid and entertaining fight with Paulie winning a very narrow split decision.
Malignaggi by decision
Mike Indri - While many boxing fans will be missing this one, in lieu of Tarver vs. Hopkins, those who opt for boxing's future over boxing's past will be rewarded with the better fight.
With Paulie Malignaggi, you either like him for his flash, speed, and showmanship or you don't, for the same reasons; and want to see him get knocked out and his mouth shut (if that's possible) in the process.
I respect Malignaggi for all the sacrifices and hardships he has endured to get himself to this point in his career and for his heart in taking on one of the most destructive and punishing young fighters in Miguel Cotto. A potential shining star in boxing, Cotto has all the tools for greatness.
Cotto has chinks in his armor as well: a suspect chin and a defense which allows him to get hit often. Malignaggi is not know for his punching power, but punches in bunches will get you the same result.
As much as I'd like to go with my heart on this one, I can't. Even though I do give Malignaggi a much better chance now, than I did when this fight was first announced months ago, I feel Cotto is too big and strong, and has progressed well against better opposition. A real intriguing fight in boxing's hallowed halls of Madison Square Garden, and one well worth watching. Cotto's strength and monstrous body attack will be the difference.
Miguel Cotto over Paulie Malignaggi via 10-12th round TKO.
Mike Dunn - I think Cotto will handle Malignaggi. Too much firepower. Malignaggi is a sharp puncher, but not a KO hitter. Cotto has also been in against better class of opponents overall.
Cotto TKO 9.
Eric Rineer - Miguel Cotto is a rising superstar in the sport. He has tremendous power for his size and his record speaks for itself. He has big wins over Abdulaev, Chop Chop Corley and Gianluca Branco. Let's think about this for a second: Miguel stopped Chop Chop and Gianluca. Arturo Gatti didn't even stop Gianluca. Chop Chop, despite facing Floyd Mayweather and Zab Judah, had never been knocked out. I believe Miguel will be tested against Paulie Malignaggi. Paulie may be able to slip and duck the knockout, but I think Miguel walks away with a decision victory.
Cotto by decision
John Hively - Miquel Cotto has far more experience against talented fighters than does Paul Malignaggi. Cotto is a very good fighter, but thus far it's far from clear just how good he really is. Is he a great fighter? Not likely, at least not yet. His chin is suspect, but his punch is lethal. It would appear to be a safe fight for Cotto since Malignaggi is not a hard hitting fighter. But Paul just might be fast enough, and a clever enough boxer, to give as good as he gets and maybe pull off an upset. For right now, however, I pick Cotto to win.
Richard McManus - Cotto is going to ask all the important questions of Malignaggi. We'll get to find out if Paulie is for real or if this is a case of his people trying to cash in on his marketability before he gets exposed. I happen to think Malignaggi is the real deal and might expose Cotto just long enough to pull out a decision win.
Malignaggi by decision
Dave Wilcox - The over-rated Miguel vs. the under-rated Paulie. Paulie will be able to box well, but won't have enough fire power to take out Cotto. I see a Unanimous decision win for Cotto.
TK Stewart - I was surprised that Paulie Malignaggi's people allowed this fight to happen. My thinking is that because of his brittle hand they must figure it's a now or never proposition and that his next fight could always be his last fight because of the hand problem. Malignaggi is in way over his head here and he hasn't fought one opponent in his entire career that is anywhere near the level of Miguel Cotto. Watch early fights of Paulie Malignaggi and he looks the same now as he did in his 10th or 12th fight. There has been no improvement in his skills and he has fought the same C and D level fighters all along the way.
Miguel Cotto is a different beast entirely from Paulie Malignaggi and on Saturday night he'll show it. Cotto is a giant of a 140 pounder and he routinely weighs in at close to 160 on fight night. This fight, in my opinion, is a case of man vs. boy. Cotto has faced and beaten a number of strong, world-class opponents and he has usually done it with style and drama. Cotto is strong, a great bodypuncher and he walks down his prey with purpose and bad intentions.
I really like Cotto to shine in this fight. While Malignaggi may trouble Cotto in the first couple of rounds with his jab and movement, I look for Cotto to get in close, land some damaging shots to Malignaggi's head and body that will take away some of his steam, and then begin to apply the type of pressure that will wear Malignaggi down. Cotto will apply constant pressure and we all know that pressure burst pipes and by the middle rounds I look for Paulie to be leaking badly. There is no way Malignaggi will be able to stand up under the onslaught and I like Cotto to batter Malignaggi and win by knockout around the eighth or ninth.
Cotto by KO
JC Casarez - While most would think that this is just another stay busy showcase for Miguel Cotto, I think that this is the worst guy to try to face for those reasons. Paulie not only capable of outboxing Cotto with his fast hands, but also possesses the fast feet needed to be able to stay out of Cotto's range.
In the past we have seen a seek and destroy Cotto, as was the case against Chop Chop Corley. Then again, we have also seen a different Cotto that was willing to outbox the likes of Mohamad Abdulaev by working behind his jab and setting his punches up. Unfortunate for him, neither tactic may prove to work in his favor against a fighter in Malignaggi who seems to be the faster man come Saturday.
Look for Paulie to take command early and Cotto to lose round after round before he goes for broke and looks for that one punch all night. Paulie knows what to expect and will shock the world. By the end of the night the "Magic Man" will have proved to have more than one trick up his sleeve.
Malignaggi by decision
Dan Creighton - Cotto is too big and too strong. Cotto wins by a KO before the 10th round.
Carlos Irusta - Cotto will not have any major problems in this fight. Malignaggi is still young and a bit green for Miguel. I see the fight as a mismatch, as Malignaggi has never faced any fighter on the level of Cotto.
Joe Harrison - In Cotto's last bout, he appeared to be more of a cautious boxer than the aggressive brawler. Considering that Malignaggi has only knocked out 5 of his 21 opponents, Cotto may not have a problem being his typical aggressive self. Even though Malignaggi is a very talented and skilled boxer, I don't think he has what it takes to defeat Cotto.
Cotto over Malignaggi by 8th round KO
George Phillips - I see Malignaggi boxing his way down to stretch to stop Cotto from an accumulation of punches in a shocker.
Malignaggi by KO.
Alphonso Costello - Miguel Cotto is much too big and strong for Paul Malignaggi to handle. Cotto may spend the first few round chasing down the Brooklyn native. Once Cotto realizes Malignaggi’s punches can’t damage his chin,the fight is over. Miguel Cotto wins by tenth round stoppage.
Cotto by KO
Rick Reeno - I like the style and speed of Malignaggi in the early part of the fight, and Cotto's strength and experience down the stretch. I expect the fight to be very close, Cotto does not fight at his best against sharp fighters that move. Malignaggi is taking a big step up in class. Malignaggi has never fought a fighter on Cotto's level, but neither did Ricardo Torres who came within a nose hair of knocking Cotto out last September.
I could almost see this fight playing out like Ivan Robinson's two bouts with Arturo Gatti. A feather fisted Robinson was able to outbox and batter a much stronger Gatti by landing five punches to every punch Gatti threw, and always moving around the ring to avoid big counters.
Malignaggi by a close decision
