Photo by Mike Ehrmann Getty Images
June 7, 2014 in New York City at the fabled Madison Square Garden, Miguel Cotto (38-4, 31 KOs) moves up in weight to challenge Sergio Martinez (51-2-2, 28 KOs) for both the Ring Magazine and WBC Middleweight Championship of the World.
The bout will air live on HBO pay-per-view starting at 9:00 pm, EST.
For Cotto to taste victory, there are three critical keys in beating Martinez.
Left Hook
Photo by Gene Blevins
First, Cotto must return to the days of yesteryear with his left hook to the body. Earlier in his career, it was money in the bank.
After parting ways with his trainer and uncle, Evangelista Cotto, the left hook faded into memory.
Last October, with new trainer Freddie Roach, Cotto’s money punch enjoyed a renaissance and was used in his three-round clubbing of Delvin Rodriguez.
For Cotto to come out victorious on June 7, that punch must be used early and often.
Listen
Photo by Gene Blevins
Second, Cotto must follow the game plan and listen to his corner in between rounds.
Great fights, and great fighters, often make adjustments in between rounds. As impressive as Cotto was in his last fight, Rodriguez is no Martinez.
Cotto is one of the most exceptionally calm fighters we have ever seen, often milling around ringside the night of his fights after arriving to the arena.
With that inner calm coupled with six- time trainer of the year Roach in his corner, Cotto must leverage the corners instructions and translate those directions during each of the next three minutes.
Finish
Photo by Mike Ehrmann Getty Images
Last but not least, Cotto must finish strong. One of the most common concerns, and as his detractors love to point out, Cotto fades in the later rounds.
Roach openly predicts Cotto to win by KO in four rounds. Assuming the fight gets into the late rounds, it’s fair to ask, can Cotto finish strong?
This question in and of itself may decide who walks away as the middleweight champion of the world.
The stars will be out in New York City on Saturday night. Odds are, it’s a can’t miss evening.
Header photo by Mike Ehrmann Getty Images
