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By Lyle Fitzsimmons - I’ve liked Miguel Cotto for a long, long time. He’s a big-time fighter. He’s a good guy and an accommodating interview. And he’s never shied from a challenge – win, lose or draw – when fighting the best of the best from 140 to 154 pounds.
As it turns out, I feel pretty much the same way about Freddie Roach, too. He was a fun TV fighter when I first became a fan. He’s been entertaining and cooperative every time I’ve sought him out for a chat. And his prowess as a trainer goes far beyond anything I could say in support.
So if I were strictly a fan heading into this weekend’s big event at Madison Square Garden, I’d happily throw my enthusiasm behind them as they look to conquer their first big mountain as a team.
But as a journalist, I could scarcely feel more different.
Sergio Martinez is a legitimate middleweight champion who’s met opposition of all stripes – champions, contenders and wannabes – since become a full-time 160-pounder more than four years ago.
He handed Kelly Pavlik his first loss in his native weight class. He iced Paul Williams with a single shot when the lanky slugger was one of the hottest fighters in the world. He pounded on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for nearly every second of 11 rounds, then was hearty enough to endure a final-round rally.
He moves well. He can punch. He’s got quick hands. And he can take a good shot.
In other words, when it comes to belt-holders who’ve faced and beaten the best that the division has to offer – Lajuan Simon and Osumanu Adama need not apply – “Maravilla” really means “The Man.”
And unless he’s stricken with early onset osteoporosis before Saturday’s first bell, Cotto’s in a big jam.
As much as I recall Roach telling me how wonderfully he and his new charge were working together when we last talked a few weeks back, and as impressed as I typically am with Freddie’s prediction acumen – yeah, I thought Oscar De La Hoya would kick the stuffing out of Manny Pacquiao in 2008 – I simply can’t see a way that his fourth-round forecast this time is anything more than wishful thinking. [Click Here To Read More]
As it turns out, I feel pretty much the same way about Freddie Roach, too. He was a fun TV fighter when I first became a fan. He’s been entertaining and cooperative every time I’ve sought him out for a chat. And his prowess as a trainer goes far beyond anything I could say in support.
So if I were strictly a fan heading into this weekend’s big event at Madison Square Garden, I’d happily throw my enthusiasm behind them as they look to conquer their first big mountain as a team.
But as a journalist, I could scarcely feel more different.
Sergio Martinez is a legitimate middleweight champion who’s met opposition of all stripes – champions, contenders and wannabes – since become a full-time 160-pounder more than four years ago.
He handed Kelly Pavlik his first loss in his native weight class. He iced Paul Williams with a single shot when the lanky slugger was one of the hottest fighters in the world. He pounded on Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. for nearly every second of 11 rounds, then was hearty enough to endure a final-round rally.
He moves well. He can punch. He’s got quick hands. And he can take a good shot.
In other words, when it comes to belt-holders who’ve faced and beaten the best that the division has to offer – Lajuan Simon and Osumanu Adama need not apply – “Maravilla” really means “The Man.”
And unless he’s stricken with early onset osteoporosis before Saturday’s first bell, Cotto’s in a big jam.
As much as I recall Roach telling me how wonderfully he and his new charge were working together when we last talked a few weeks back, and as impressed as I typically am with Freddie’s prediction acumen – yeah, I thought Oscar De La Hoya would kick the stuffing out of Manny Pacquiao in 2008 – I simply can’t see a way that his fourth-round forecast this time is anything more than wishful thinking. [Click Here To Read More]
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