By Jim Cawkwell
Since escaping from defeat against DeMarcus Corley, it is clear that Miguel Cotto has lost something as a fighter that he may never retrieve. Before the events of the Corley fight, master-plans were afoot to elevate Cotto into the highest echelons of world boxing. He was to become one of boxing’s new superstars, and though reluctant to assume the role himself, an obvious heir to Felix Trinidad.
However, Cotto is damaged goods, and in being so, he places Top Rank, his promoters, in a difficult position to which they have responded with the implementation of a damage control strategy to subdue the complete exposure of Cotto’s frailties, thus prolonging his earning potential.
Cotto remained a champion on that infamous night in Puerto Rico by the grace of an inept referee and now enjoys protection through the art of matchmaking. The strategy began by matching Cotto with former amateur rival Mohamad Abdulaev after the Corley fight. The fight’s promotion hinged upon the pre-professional victory that Abdulaev inflicted upon Cotto. Elements such as these make for interesting side notes, but not the basis of an entire promotion.
In truth, Abdulaev turned professional late, was once-beaten at the time of the Cotto fight and showed conviction only in conceding defeat in the ninth round.
Ricardo Torres was meant as an extension of the strategy, but the Colombian failed to interpret his role in the proceedings and almost made himself an overnight star before Cotto managed to rally towards a seventh round stoppage win. Clearly, the option to move things forward with Cotto was no longer available.
Enter Gianluca Branco. Last Saturday night, Branco appeared every bit of what he was: a thirty-five-year-old European level boxer, lucky to be fighting for a title while lacking the will or the firepower to make good on the opportunity. A specimen heaven-sent as the next component in the Miguel Cotto preservation cause.
Branco seemed wounded and unwilling from the onset and became increasingly so as the fight progressed, remonstrating with the referee over Cotto’s apparent infraction of throwing punches. Still, before this feeble obstacle Cotto stood mute compared to the fighter he was two years ago; the fighter that would have ended Branco’s misery without hesitation, and long before the eighth round in which the tedium finally concluded.
Then came the hard sell, which for Cotto meant speaking English. Cotto does not appear to embrace boxing with the passion of his peers and has long deferred the responsibility of selling his fights. He is not a quotable fighter and until now has not acknowledged the importance of connecting with the English speaking fan base. His willingness to do so now, along with the adoption of a more cautious boxing style, seems born of necessity rather than desire.
It is also clear that billing Cotto as an event headliner alone is not advisable. Having him fight in his home country, or as the chief support to a major fight are some of the few instances in which he is guaranteed to draw. Therefore, the next phase of his career, as with the Abdulaev fight, will be fought against the backdrop of the Puerto Rican Day Parade in New York City. Cotto’s opponent on June 10 will be Paul Malignaggi.
In boxing, if it makes money, it makes sense, and when you consider the cultural demographic of New York, little imagination is needed to appreciate the financial benefits of matching a Puerto Rican world champion with an Italian-American from Brooklyn at Madison Square Garden.
Talented as Malignaggi is, his title shot against Cotto is happening because he is a viable alternative for a fighter of Cotto’s vulnerability. Malignaggi is fast, skillful and has been selling the fight long before its confirmation, but there’s nothing in his armory that can hurt Cotto due to Malignaggi’s own frailties.
It is no secret that Malignaggi’s porcelain hands may lead to his premature retirement, but not before his title shot in the Garden at least.
So the calculations are made and Miguel Cotto stands as a world champion treading an uneasy path as the walls close in around him. His participation in fights against the likes of Ricky Hatton or Jose Luis Castillo might once have been considered as epic contests; now it is hard to reckon that Cotto could live with such fighters.
We are witnessing the protection of a world champion, but one day soon, the negotiations and maneuverings will run their course, and when they do, so will the championship reign of Miguel Cotto.
Contact Jim Cawkwell at jimcawkwell@yahoo.co.uk