By Jhonny Gonzalez
Former two division champion Juan Manuel Lopez is not certain if his countryman, Miguel Cotto (37-2, 30KOs), has the necessary stamina to survive a tough twelve round fight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0, 26KOs). Cotto will defend his title against Mayweather on May 5th at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Juanma views Mayweather's speed as the biggest issue for Cotto, and advised him to rough Mayweather up in the early rounds. He says Cotto slows down in the later rounds, which is going to create the opening for Mayweather to score a knockout victory.
"I realize that Mayweather's speed is a factor that could define the fight. From the outset, Miguel has to hit him in the arms, shoulders and even in the legs, [areas where Mayweather cane dominate him]. I would even tell him, if its necessary, not to make a clean fight. Zab Judah and Shane Mosley applied pressure with some success, but the reality is that Cotto is a bit too tight. In the past I have seen Miguel getting tired with each passing round. In the first half [of the fight] he's breathing good, but then doesn't have the same energy [in the second half]. He has to be ready to fight for 15 rounds," Juanma told Carlos Gonzalez.
