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With an additional seven pounds of muscle mass, Miguel Cotto has added weight to the argument that he is the next great Puerto Rican superstar while simultaneously strengthening the shoulders that carry the burden of cultural expectations.
Not only is Cotto following in the footsteps of numerous Puerto Rican champions, but his ascent to welterweight may also invite comparisons to compatriot Felix Trinidad.
Over six years, Trinidad defended his welterweight title 15 times, including the obliteration of a dozen opponents into early stoppages, the ousting of Pernell Whitaker from his championship throne and an outpointing of Oscar De La Hoya. Even after migrating to 154 and 160, Trinidad’s poundings punished David Reid, Fernando Vargas and William Joppy, single slaughters shortening careers.
Much of Miguel Cotto’s junior welterweight run went the same way. In his six title defenses, Cotto stopped Randall Bailey and DeMarcus Corley, made Muhammad Abdullaev and Gianluca Branco quit, traded knockdowns with Ricardo Torres before flooring him for good, and brutalized Paulie Malignaggi – who wore a bloody, swollen face as the prideful price of lasting the distance. [details]
Not only is Cotto following in the footsteps of numerous Puerto Rican champions, but his ascent to welterweight may also invite comparisons to compatriot Felix Trinidad.
Over six years, Trinidad defended his welterweight title 15 times, including the obliteration of a dozen opponents into early stoppages, the ousting of Pernell Whitaker from his championship throne and an outpointing of Oscar De La Hoya. Even after migrating to 154 and 160, Trinidad’s poundings punished David Reid, Fernando Vargas and William Joppy, single slaughters shortening careers.
Much of Miguel Cotto’s junior welterweight run went the same way. In his six title defenses, Cotto stopped Randall Bailey and DeMarcus Corley, made Muhammad Abdullaev and Gianluca Branco quit, traded knockdowns with Ricardo Torres before flooring him for good, and brutalized Paulie Malignaggi – who wore a bloody, swollen face as the prideful price of lasting the distance. [details]