Miguel Cotto was in vintage form October 5th when he destroyed an overmatched Delvin Rodriguez on HBO in less than three rounds, earning a TKO victory and a ticket to a big money pay-per-view bout.
Now that Cotto has regained the attention of the public, he has his sights set on the big dollars. A megafight with Saul "Canelo" Alvarez could be in the cards, although Top Rank and Golden Boy Promotions have long had difficulties making fights work. Technically Cotto is a "free agent," but his alliance with Top Rank seems to be clearly outlined.
Also, Rodriguez was considered a solid fighter entering the October 5th clash, but not someone in Cotto's class. Roger Mayweather, Floyd Mayweather Jr.'s uncle, said in September Cotto would not be able to overcome the Mexican superstar.
"He's more physical and Cotto ain't no hell of a boxer. Floyd made it look easy because Floyd boxed. Floyd outthinked [him], he countered him," Roger Mayweather said. "Cotto ain't got that. That's why that guy right there would beat him. Physically he could beat him because he's a mauler."
The fight that Top Rank and Cotto seem to be intent on is a move up to middleweight to face Sergio Martinez.
"I'd like Sergio Martinez straight away before someone else gets him," Roach told Boxing News. "It's a great fight and I believe Martinez would be the perfect opponent. There's also the attraction of Miguel becoming the first Puerto Rican to win world titles at four weights."
That latter line of reasoning is big for Cotto, who has previously noted his desire to achieve that goal. With the difficulties presented by the promotional wars in boxing, Martinez is the more likely route.
Top Rank CEO Bob Arum told Boxing Scene, "I think he has a good shot. I think Sergio's gone back a little, and I think Miguel is really terrific. And I think now that he's with Freddie, you'll see how good he really is."
Pacquiao, one of the upper-level pound-for-pound fighters in history, may spar with Cotto for his next fight. Roach has described the two fighters as "good friends," and Pacquiao's fast hands would replicate, if not surpass, the hand speed of Martinez.
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