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By Jake Donovan - The worst-case scenario going into this weekend’s HBO-televised main event was that it would quickly develop into a glorified sparring session.
Consider those fears realized, as Miguel Cotto had his way throughout before forcing former Contender contestant Alfonso Gomez to quit on his stool after five painfully one-sided rounds in Atlantic City.
It was this very Boardwalk Hall that played home to the biggest win of Gomez’ win, an upset ninth-round knockout of Arturo Gatti last summer. There would be no such Cinderella story on the strip Saturday night, as Gomez could never get going, suffering three knockdowns – the first three knockdowns of his career - and an enormous amount of punishment before suffering his first loss in over three years.
Round one began with Cotto landing a left hook upstairs, looking to initiate a fast-paced bout. Gomez remained poised, looking for counter opportunities, but was unmercifully beaten to the punch for his efforts. Cotto went to the body, landed upstairs, and even danced on his toes whenever he felt like playing defense. The round ended with Gomez on unsteady legs after taking a left hook to the body.
Cotto went right back to the body in round two, but was also effective with a purposeful jab that constantly kept Gomez well within the Puerto Rican’s desired punching range. Gomez sought any opening in attempting to transform into the spirited underdog that America fell in love with during his run on The Contender. It instead resulted in the bout’s first knockdown, with Gomez hitting the deck after a delayed reaction to a body shot. Gomez was once again wobbled at rounds end from a right hand upstairs. [details]
Consider those fears realized, as Miguel Cotto had his way throughout before forcing former Contender contestant Alfonso Gomez to quit on his stool after five painfully one-sided rounds in Atlantic City.
It was this very Boardwalk Hall that played home to the biggest win of Gomez’ win, an upset ninth-round knockout of Arturo Gatti last summer. There would be no such Cinderella story on the strip Saturday night, as Gomez could never get going, suffering three knockdowns – the first three knockdowns of his career - and an enormous amount of punishment before suffering his first loss in over three years.
Round one began with Cotto landing a left hook upstairs, looking to initiate a fast-paced bout. Gomez remained poised, looking for counter opportunities, but was unmercifully beaten to the punch for his efforts. Cotto went to the body, landed upstairs, and even danced on his toes whenever he felt like playing defense. The round ended with Gomez on unsteady legs after taking a left hook to the body.
Cotto went right back to the body in round two, but was also effective with a purposeful jab that constantly kept Gomez well within the Puerto Rican’s desired punching range. Gomez sought any opening in attempting to transform into the spirited underdog that America fell in love with during his run on The Contender. It instead resulted in the bout’s first knockdown, with Gomez hitting the deck after a delayed reaction to a body shot. Gomez was once again wobbled at rounds end from a right hand upstairs. [details]
And that wasn't Margarito's 1st loss either.
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