November 14, 2015, Queens, NY Just because you have two people, it doesn’t mean that someone is second fiddle. That is certainly the case for the Miguel Cotto and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez fight that is scheduled for next Saturday, November 21st. Both of these gentlemen are “A” list fighters. When Ali and Frazier fought for the first time back on March 8, 1971 (nearly 45 years ago), there was no “B” side fighter. That’s why the purse was split at the ungodly amount (at that time) of $2.5 million dollars apiece. Cotto is the pride of Puerto Rico which is noted for producing a great fighter or two. Canelo is the pride of Mexico, a country that has produced a few good fighters as well (please note the sarcasm).
Mexico and Puerto Rico have an intense boxing rivalry. There have been many great fights between Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters. Both countries have rabid fan bases, a love for the sport, and unconditional love for their fighters.
Cotto has reignited his career with the help of Hall-of-Fame trainer Freddie Roach. The two got together and performed spectacularly as a tandem when Cotto captured the middleweight title from Sergio Martinez. Martinez was favored in that bout, but Cotto performed magnificently stopping the proud Argentinian. At the advanced age of 35, Cotto is doing arguably his best fighting. He is the first Puerto Rican fighter to capture four titles at four different weight classes, and his record is 40-4.
Canelo continues to get better as was demonstrated in his last bout against James Kirkland. He is consumed with the thought of being Mexico’s greatest all-time fighter. He boasts a record of 45-1-1, losing only to Floyd Mayweather, and has been fighting professionally for ten years. Canelo has already demonstrated a penchant for taking on the toughest fighters, and not just because they are mandatory challengers. He wants to fight the best and is probably smarting from not being considered the best pound-for-pound fighter.
Cotto is one of the more business savvy boxers. He has his own promotional company and fights on both premium cable networks. Cotto is hoping to get a rematch with quasi-retired Floyd Mayweather. Mayweather beat Cotto by decision, but it was a competitive fight and Mayweather took more than his fair share of punishment.
Canelo would also like a rematch with Mayweather. Mayweather decisioned Canelo easily, but the Mexican fighter was still a young pup at the time and was not ready for a master like Mayweather. Canelo would also take on Gennady Golovkin, a.k.a., Triple G. A fight between those two is probably the biggest fight that could be made in boxing–with the exception of fights involving Mayweather.
PureSportsNY Senior Boxing Writer, Greg Jacobs, is still undecided as to who will win. “I like Cotto’s experience and Canelo’s power. Cotto will not be drawn into a slugfest, and Canleo has improved technically. It’s going to be close. Look for Jacobs’ pre-fight analysis and prediction next week.
Cotto and Canelo are not only “A” list fighters, their fight promises to be an “A” list fight. Both have plenty to gain and will be coming in more focused and dedicated to win than for any previous fight. There are no “B” sides, just two strong-willed fighters who will not back down.
Professor Clifford Benton can be reached at @clifford.benton.