Classic: Margarito storms back to stop Cotto

by Scott Christ on Jul 27, 2008 12:13 AM EDT in Boxing Results and Post-Fight Analysis

The "0" had to go. Under the unrelenting pressure of Antonio Margarito, a seemingly in-control Miguel Cotto crumbled in the 11th round, taking a knee two times -- on the second, his uncle and trainer, Evangelista Cotto, threw in the towel. A worn-out, exhausted, bloodied, and beaten Miguel Cotto was done on this night.

I had Cotto up 97-93; I thought his boxing skill and gameplan was just scoring enough to beat Margarito. But you could see it coming, too. Margarito worked hard, pounded on Cotto, and even in losing rounds did a big amount of damage.

Margarito is the best welterweight in the world. Bar none.

Hey, Floyd -- want to come back? Hey, Oscar -- want a piece of Margarito?

It was everything we thought it would be as a fight, too. Brutal, grueling, a war. Maybe the best fight of the year. Just a true battle of two world-class, great, tough fighters that beat each other down. Margarito was just too big, too relentless, too strong, too hard to hurt.

On the undercard, Cesar Canchila upset Giovanni Segura in another outstanding, grueling fight, and Bernabe Concepcion and Mike Alvarado scored predictable knockouts.

We'll have much more tomorrow on this big, big changing of the guard, Cotto's first loss, and the full rise to greatness of Antonio Margarito.

Thanks to everyone who joined us tonight. What a fight, huh?

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Thanks SC for your round recaps. You guys do a great job here at BLH.

As for a changing of the guard, I wouldn’t count out Cotto whatsoever. More than this being a mark on Cotto, I think this fight will stand much more for Margarito finally fulfilling his potential. There are so many good match-ups out there for both these guys, let’s hope at some point one of those fights is a rematch.

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by BeastMode on Jul 27, 2008 2:35 AM EDT reply actions

oh I don't count Miguel out

He put in a fantastic performance tonight and just got worn out by a machine. EVERYONE LOSES if they test themselves the way Cotto has. He deserves great credit for matching up with the tough guys out there.

"Yesterday I was lying, today I am telling the truth." -- Bob Arum

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Bad Left Hook

by Scott Christ on Jul 27, 2008 2:47 AM EDT up reply actions

Why not a rematch?

They can certainly sell it even more now after this.

I’m not so sure Cotto wants one but I would like to think he does.

Everyone keeps mentioning Williams or De La Hoya but I would love to see Cotto get another shot.

A memorable night though indeed.

by Option27 on Jul 27, 2008 2:26 PM EDT reply actions

I think they need to wait a while

The way I see it, Cotto almost fought the perfect fight, and still ended up getting his ass kicked from post to post. After a year or two, maybe there could be a different result on a rematch, but until Cotto learns how to protect the body better, I don’t see how a rematch would do anything other than possibly destroy Cotto’s career.

A matchup with Clottey would make a lot of sense, if Clottey beats Judah. It’s probably someone Cotto can beat, and it would be the best paycheck Clottey will ever get.

Vogt early, Vogt often.

by Brickhaus on Jul 27, 2008 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Margarito already offered him a rematch yesterday

"I'm sure he'll be watching. I'm sure he wants to see who will win the fight and how real fighters fight." -Antonio Margarito on Mayweather

by CRAZEDANG1280 on Jul 28, 2008 9:28 AM EDT up reply actions

Great fight!

I missed it live so I had to download it this morning. Just finished watching it. Awesome fight! Congratulations to Margarito. He deserves it.

Someone already mentioned that he was worn down by a machine. Exactly my thoughts. Margarito was getting hit with some good shots and counter punches, but it didn’t seem to phase him. The guy has a chin made of granite. Cotto fought great, but the way he had to fight, constantly on the move and always on the ropes…that’s just not his style. I think this may just be one of those style mismatches for Cotto.

A rematch would be great, but I really think the outcome would be the same.

by erod on Jul 27, 2008 3:24 PM EDT reply actions