Mayweather vs Cotto: Keys to Junito Pulling off Historic Upset

Miguel Cotto has the ability to upset the undefeated Floyd Mayweather. He just needs to focus on a few keys to the fight. 

Now, laying out the blueprint is going to be a lot easier than executing it, but it is certainly in the realm of possibility. And that is not a possibility many are acknowledging. 

Bovada has Mayweather listed as a massive -700 favorite. People will not be collecting on those bets if Cotto can execute this game plan. 

It's All About the Feet

Miguel Cotto has never been a fighter that is overly worried about getting hit. He will charge in without concern for personal safety while looking to land his own blows. He is a brawling style of fighter. 

He does not have to completely forgo this style, but he does need to remember to keep moving. Mayweather brings an other-worldly contact rate with him into this fight. If Cotto doesn't devote extra effort to moving, he is going to be picked apart by the ultra-accurate Mayweather. 

Cotto will never have a chance if this happens. 

Work the Body

This one plays into one of Cotto's strengths. He is a fabulous body puncher, and he needs to land as many of those as possible in this fight. 

This will benefit him in two ways. The first is that it is easier to hit a torso than a head, and Mayweather makes it hard to hit any part of his body. 

Money's defense is among the best the sport has ever seen. Cotto will wear himself out if he focuses on head shots. 

By working the body, he will not only give himself an easier target to hit, but it will help wear down Mayweather, which plays right into our last key. 

Prolong the Fight

At 31, Cotto is four years younger than the 35-year-old Mayweather. This will be a bigger advantage in the later rounds. 

Mayweather certainly keeps himself in good shape, but after years of relative in-ring inactivity and Father Time taking its toll, Money is not in a position to be at his strongest in the late rounds. 

As long as Cotto can keep the fight somewhat competitive by making Money work to land punches and landing a few of his own, he will have greater stamina in the late rounds. 

That is when he will be able to go for bigger shots and possibly land a historic KO.