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Everyone has all these explanations and excuses but totally overlook what really happened that fight. Let's look at the 3 key things Cotto did to best Margarito.
1. Cotto FINALLY got In-Shape. Not basic shape, ELITE shape.
2. Cotto acquired the skill of fighting BACKWARDS.
3. Cotto FINALLY managed his energy out-put.
Those 3 things together aided Cotto in beating Margarito. Not just beating him by a hair but really, outclassing Margarito. While Margarito stayed being the come forward, absorb damage sponge. Cotto used that to his advantage. Being the more in shape man, acquiring new skills, and gaining the knowledge to simply wait. Pick and when to use power and when to just keep Margarito at bay.
Thus, Cotto had his long wanted victory. He beat Margarito. Reclaimed his honor and honestly showed that he is a force in the 154 division. If Cotto continues on this path, we'll see some brilliant performances in the future. It may be a long while before we see Cotto lose again; utilizing these key things.
1. Cotto FINALLY got In-Shape. Not basic shape, ELITE shape.
For a long time this has been an issue for Cotto. He'd either cut a ton of weight, lose muscle, and become chinny. Or he would basically neglect the conditioning aspect of boxing and come to fight with extra weight around his midsection. And it's not muscle either.
In this fight Cotto came in perfect. He looked really healthy during the weight in. If you want to see what a boxer looks like when they don't cut weight, that was Cotto at the weigh in. PERFECT shape.
In this fight Cotto came in perfect. He looked really healthy during the weight in. If you want to see what a boxer looks like when they don't cut weight, that was Cotto at the weigh in. PERFECT shape.
2. Cotto acquired the skill of fighting BACKWARDS.
Cotto has NEVER done this until now. LITERALLY, he has never fought backwards in his career until now. Normally Cotto will back up and try to pull some type of bob and weave, Pernell Whitaker stunts. As evident of his previous fight with Margarito and even his fight with Pacquiao. When Cotto would get hurt, or have a need to retreat. He wouldn't jab or throw punches to keep them from coming forward.
This time, none of that. Cotto got backed up just like before. The difference this time was that Cotto used his jab to absolute perfection. Cotto always had a good jab but he never used it while going backwards. This time Cotto stopped Margarito dead in his tracks with stiff, hard jabs. Going backwards, doubling it up at times and even firing the right straight when Margarito got too bold. Stopped Margarito's advancement immediately.
This time, none of that. Cotto got backed up just like before. The difference this time was that Cotto used his jab to absolute perfection. Cotto always had a good jab but he never used it while going backwards. This time Cotto stopped Margarito dead in his tracks with stiff, hard jabs. Going backwards, doubling it up at times and even firing the right straight when Margarito got too bold. Stopped Margarito's advancement immediately.
3. Cotto FINALLY managed his energy out-put.
This is the single MOST important thing that Cotto had done to win this fight. In his entire career, Cotto was never one to manage his energy properly. He would for the most part, use too much energy too early. Committing to power shots that were not there, wasting energy recklessly and it has shown many times during his career.
Before this fight, I continuously said that he needed to manage his energy better. He finally did and it showed. Cotto brilliantly picked his shots, not wasting energy throwing 5-6 punch combos as hard as he could. He stood behind his jab, moved his feet, and threw power when it was best needed. That is why Cotto landed so many power shots. He broke Margarito down by accurately placing his power shots and not over committing to trying to hurt Margarito too early. His patience and boxing IQ had helped him over come his stylistic nightmare/weakness.
Before this fight, I continuously said that he needed to manage his energy better. He finally did and it showed. Cotto brilliantly picked his shots, not wasting energy throwing 5-6 punch combos as hard as he could. He stood behind his jab, moved his feet, and threw power when it was best needed. That is why Cotto landed so many power shots. He broke Margarito down by accurately placing his power shots and not over committing to trying to hurt Margarito too early. His patience and boxing IQ had helped him over come his stylistic nightmare/weakness.
Those 3 things together aided Cotto in beating Margarito. Not just beating him by a hair but really, outclassing Margarito. While Margarito stayed being the come forward, absorb damage sponge. Cotto used that to his advantage. Being the more in shape man, acquiring new skills, and gaining the knowledge to simply wait. Pick and when to use power and when to just keep Margarito at bay.
Thus, Cotto had his long wanted victory. He beat Margarito. Reclaimed his honor and honestly showed that he is a force in the 154 division. If Cotto continues on this path, we'll see some brilliant performances in the future. It may be a long while before we see Cotto lose again; utilizing these key things.
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