Boxing thrives off drama forged by controversy. Cotto-Margarito II promises drama and it will deliver nothing short of drama. Two men with storied pasts, accomplished careers and authentic disgust for one another will enter the ring with one goal in mind, destruction. The venue universally known as “The Mecca of Basketball” seamlessly stretches it’s reputation across the spectrum of professional sports as boxing’s Mecca. Cotto-Margarito II presents boxing fans with a classically staged protagonist vs antagonist act in a historic theater which has housed a multitude of unforgettable events. Feel the drama because it’s real.

Cotto-Margarito II PPV Will Deliver
Lately, when it comes to PPV, boxing fans have been feeling shafted. From Pacquiao fighting statues and leftovers, to Hopkins presumably pulling a Ginobili, to Mayweather ending fights abruptly, oddly, yet legally, and with the Mayweather-Pacquiao bout not happening, boxing fans have been waiting for a PPV event that will surely deliver a good return on their hard earned, reluctantly invested PPV dollars. Don’t fret boxing fans because everything about each boxer indicates Cotto-Margarito II will deliver nothing less than a war. While Cotto is the better boxer, Miguel has not proven an ability to maintain the energetic ring generalship he displays in early rounds. Against Margarito who has poor defense, Cotto will land early and often as Antonio continues to walk forward. Ironically, against Cotto, Margarito’s flaw is simultaneously his greatest asset. As Cotto wears down in later rounds, he will not be able to escape the stalking Margarito. These are the reason, Cotto-Margarito II will deliver a PPV bout with consistant action.

Cotto Keys To Victory

  • Ring generalship: Margarito’s head movement is practically non-existant and his feet have one gear, forward. Cotto must commit to jabbing backwards for 12 rounds.
  • Clinch: Cotto should clinch when he feels the ropes on his back and before Antonio can throw uppercuts on the inside.
  • Consistancy: Commit to the above to and Cotto can cruise to a unanimous decision victory or an early stoppage do to damaging Margarito’s eye.
Margarito Keys To Victory
  • Protect that eye: Margarito ran into jabs early, often and got down on the score cards early. The only difference is Antonio wasn’t fighting with a repaired right orbital bone. This time around he is fighting with the afore mentioned handicap. Protect that right eye by avoiding Cotto’s jab by using constant head and upper body movement, and keep your guard up at all times.
  • Lateral movement: Cotto doesn’t have great footwork so there’s no reason to walk straight forward into his jabs and power punches for 12 rounds. Use lateral foot movement to attack Cotto at angles to neutralize his jab.
  • Pressure: Margarito must do what he does best and pressure Cotto for 12 rounds- bell to bell.

Cotto-Margarito II Prediction
The mentality of both fighters may have given us the precursor to the outcome. During HBO’s Cotto-Margarito II Faceofff, the topic of Margarito enduring a 12 round beating at the hands Pacquiao which resulted in the crushing of his his right orbital was at center stage. Cotto interpreted Margarito’s decision to not concede defeat as stupidity because he was endangering his health. Cotto asserted he would not never endanger his health because he’s focused on being around for his children. Margartito on the other stated he is willing to die in the ring and frankly didn’t care how stupid it sounded. The evident effects of the difference in philosophy between the two fighters can be seen. Against Margarito in the first bout, Cotto, took a knee and conceded defeat under the constant pressure and punishment of Margarito. Under the same constant pressure and punishment at the hands of Pacquiao, Margarito did not concede defeat. He kept standing his ground until the final bell. With

With the mentality of both fighters clearly established; Cottos limited commitment and Margarito willingness to die in the ring, my prediction is Margarito by decision. Cotto will start off well. Landing and evading easily only to slow down in the later rounds and wear succumb to Margarito’s constant pressure.