Tweet
It was a welterweight night of fights at the Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, but only one man shined like a star.
In the main event, the pride of Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto (28-0, 23 KOs) stopped fellow undefeated Puerto Rican fighter Carlos Quintana (23-1, 18 KOs) in five rounds to capture the WBA welterweight title.
The start of the fight saw a close pitched battle with Quintana using his quicker movements and counters to halt the assaults of the stronger Cotto. It appeared like the bout was going to be a difficult night for Cotto, or so we were duped into believing.
During the fifth round, Cotto began to cut off the ring and land vicious combinations to the head and body as he confused Quintana by switching to the southpaw stance. One of those combos that was punctuated by a body shot to the liver, sent Quintana down hard on the canvas in pain. He was barely able to make it to his feet, as Cotto threw another assault of punches to send Quintana down for the second time. Quintana was again barely beat the count, but was able to make out of the round due to a few seconds remaining on the clock.
Once in his corner, Quintana was telling his corner that he had nothing left and his body felt dead from the liver shot. The corner urged him to continue for one more round, but he was unable to comply. Quintana gave an indication to the referee that was not willing to continue and the fight was stopped before the start of the sixth round.
Cotto will now face WBA mandatory challenger Oktay Urkal, but wants plenty of bigger names at the welterweight limit. [details]
In the main event, the pride of Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto (28-0, 23 KOs) stopped fellow undefeated Puerto Rican fighter Carlos Quintana (23-1, 18 KOs) in five rounds to capture the WBA welterweight title.
The start of the fight saw a close pitched battle with Quintana using his quicker movements and counters to halt the assaults of the stronger Cotto. It appeared like the bout was going to be a difficult night for Cotto, or so we were duped into believing.
During the fifth round, Cotto began to cut off the ring and land vicious combinations to the head and body as he confused Quintana by switching to the southpaw stance. One of those combos that was punctuated by a body shot to the liver, sent Quintana down hard on the canvas in pain. He was barely able to make it to his feet, as Cotto threw another assault of punches to send Quintana down for the second time. Quintana was again barely beat the count, but was able to make out of the round due to a few seconds remaining on the clock.
Once in his corner, Quintana was telling his corner that he had nothing left and his body felt dead from the liver shot. The corner urged him to continue for one more round, but he was unable to comply. Quintana gave an indication to the referee that was not willing to continue and the fight was stopped before the start of the sixth round.
Cotto will now face WBA mandatory challenger Oktay Urkal, but wants plenty of bigger names at the welterweight limit. [details]