Mayweather vs. Cotto Predictions: Junito Has Ability to End Money's Streak

While there is no doubt in anyone’s mind that Floyd “Money” Mayweather is the heavy favorite in his bout against Miguel “Junito” Cotto on May 5 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas, thinking that Cotto doesn’t have a chance to win is naïve.

If Mayweather takes Cotto lightly, Money will be walking away a beaten man.

Not only will Cotto be fighting for his World Boxing Association junior middleweight championship, he will be fighting for his spot in history. If Junito takes down the vaunted Mayweather in what is expected to be a one-sided affair because of the aura around the undefeated star, he would become one of the biggest faces of the sport.

Legend Oscar De La Hoya told Boxing Scene about Mayweather and why Cotto could be the man to end Money’s undefeated streak:

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No fighter is invincible. At some point, Mayweather will run into that as well. He is a tremendous talent, but it is not easy to stay undefeated in this game. Eventually, that ‘0’ has to go. I think anyone who faces Floyd Mayweather will have little chance of winning. He has a great defense, but he is not a perfect fighter. He has never faced Miguel Cotto. Mayweather just wants to win the fight, no matter what. If Miguel can have that same mentality, it will be a problem for Mayweather. Miguel Cotto is a strategist. He will wait and he will be patient. Will Mayweather be able to dictate the pace? Will Miguel’s patience be a problem for Mayweather? It will be very interesting. If there is a perfect time to beat Mayweather, it is now.

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De La Hoya knows the power that Mayweather possesses, losing five years ago to the very man that will stand across from Cotto on May 5. De La Hoya also knows about the toll that age and fame can take on a fighter.

If he thinks Cotto has a legitimate shot, this battle could turn into an all-out war.

Mayweather is no joke; while Cotto is a great fighter, this is clearly Money’s fight to lose. As with every Mayweather fight, it’s all about patience and withstanding.

Cotto must use his speed and ability to take advantage of Mayweather’s few mistakes, but he also must force Mayweather to play his game. Money is one of the best defensive fighters, which makes his counter punches even more deadly.

If Cotto keeps his distance and lands long-distance shots, it could throw Money off his game. If that happens, Cotto can slide to the inside and start working the body until more mistakes start opening landing spots.

While Mayweather has the tools to win, Cotto has the tools to shock the world.

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