Miguel Cotto's Athleticism...

[Vito Corleone]

I totally disagree with the thread starter's notion that Cotto is just someone with average athletic ability. You simply don't get to the level he's reached without being talented. Same goes for his opinion on JCC.

Of course, there are just those athletes who comes every 20 years, they're the exception.

Among middleweights, would you say Bernard Hopkins has average athletic ability? I think i would.

Compare Hopkins athleticism to taylor, ward, calzaghe, jones, dawson, dirrell, etc.

In terms of hand and foot speed, I would put Hopkins closer to Froch than to calzaghe.

You ABSOLUTELY can reach that level. Look at Julio Cesar Chavez. Look at Kelly Pavlik. Kelz was the undisputed MW champion.

Look at George Foreman.

[Vito Corleone]

He makes up for it by being technically sound. He has pretty good handspeed, but he doesnt have the same speed in his legs. Athleticism always helps in boxing though.

I think that one of the reasons Miguel Cotto gasses out is that movement isn't natural for him. So in fights where he has to move alot, or to pick up the pace, he gets very tired from doing stuff that isn't "natural" for him.

Floyd, Shane, Manny, Roy all play a lot of hoop. They are used to running up and down the court without thinking about it. Their footwork transcends just the sport of boxing. Sergio was a cyclist and soccer player. Chad Dawson plays a lot of hoop also.

What other sports does Miguel Cotto play?

[S H A R K B O Y]

I agree, he's technically sound and has the best timing which makes up for his slightly above average speed.

[fightingfigs]

As I watch the top fighters, i see many guys who are exceptional athletes: manny, Floyd, Shane, Sergio, etc. Cintron is an excellent athlete. It is clear that Berto is from an athletic family and is a natural athlete.

I look at Miguel Cotto, and i think he is just not as quick and fluid as the other top guys. His hips look tight. Hell, I bet an in-shape Ricky Hatton could beat Cotto in a footrace.

I know that you don't need to be very athletic to be a great boxer (JCC) , but don't you feel that cotto would be a much better fighter if he had some more natural athleticism?

Cotto would rip Hatton to smithereens in 1 round. Hell at least Cotto did 10 more rounds with Pac than Hatton , go figure.

[MELLY-MEL...]

he may not be the most athletic fighter, but he is very skilled, and uses what he has as well as anyone.

[fightingfigs]

I think that one of the reasons Miguel Cotto gasses out is that movement isn't natural for him. So in fights where he has to move alot, or to pick up the pace, he gets very tired from doing stuff that isn't "natural" for him.

Floyd, Shane, Manny, Roy all play a lot of hoop. They are used to running up and down the court without thinking about it. Their footwork transcends just the sport of boxing. Sergio was a cyclist and soccer player. Chad Dawson plays a lot of hoop also.

What other sports does Miguel Cotto play?

Cmon dude get real, havent you seen Cottos Jab? hes one of the quickest step in and out fighters in the 147lb division.

Hell Pacquiao couldnt even see the Jab coming and neither could shane. that is the epitome of fast footwork.

The plain basis is that Cotto cant take pressure which is why he loses to Pac and Margarito.

[B.U.R.N.E.R]

I agree on the fact that hes not that athletic. His timing and jab makes up for it.

[musiol]

his timing has always been good and their always seemed to be a cool calculated pressure he used to put on opponents he went a abit wild with packman an paid the price for being ragged

[MartinM.]

Cotto is more methodical in his approach i think. From what i've seen it's like that in and out of the ring. He likes to pick his shots carefully and overall has pretty good timing.

[GoogleMe]

well he makes up for it with heart and determination.