Skip to main content

Boxing: Miguel Cotto cements place in Puerto Rico history by stopping Sergio Martinez

Middleweight legend's victory shows a upward trend for a fighter in his prime

Miguel Cotto Along with Tito Trinidad is a credit to Puerto Rico. 

His spectacular victory over Argentina’s Sergio Martinez at Madison Square Garden last week for the WBC middleweight title revealed that rather than diminish over recent years, Cotto has improved as a fighter. 

He dominated the one-time pound-for-pound contender Martinez from the opening bell and never let up, piling on the pressure and the pain until the Argentinian couldn’t take any more and failed to come off his stool for the 10th round. 

The victory means that Cotto is the first Puerto Rican fighter to win world titles in four different weight categories, a phenomenal tribute to his dedication and resilience, especially after the setbacks he’s endured. 

Since teaming up with famed trainer Freddie Roach at his Wildcard base in Hollywood, Cotto has looked the complete package — stronger, sharper and fitter than he’s ever been. 

With his bald head and chiselled physique, Cotto appears like a Puerto Rican version of Marvellous Marvin Hagler and he fights with the same type of aggression and clinical professionalism as Hagler too.

As for Martinez, retirement surely beckons. 

Plagued by a knee injury, he went into the Cotto fight like a gambler betting everything on one last throw of the dice. 

Alas, for him, he came up short. He should take comfort from an unbelievable career regardless, during which he entertained and excited fans of the sport wherever and whenever he fought.

OWNED BY OUR READERS

We're a reader-owned co-operative, which means you can become part of the paper too by buying shares in the People’s Press Printing Society.

 

 

Become a supporter

Fighting fund

You've Raised:£ 13,288
We need:£ 4,712
3 Days remaining
Donate today