Mayweather vs Cotto: Miguel Cotto's Warrior's Mentality Will Keep Bout Close

The general consensus in the boxing world is that Miguel Cotto will be in a lose-lose situation from the start against Floyd Mayweather Jr.

If Cotto presses the action, he plays to Mayweather's strengths and is apt to take more than a few vicious counter punches. If Cotto lays back and forces Mayweather to come to him, it plays against his strengths and style of boxing.

But Cotto's warrior's mentality should make this a close fight and a good matchup. He's displayed over the years he can take a few punches and if he comes into the fight in shape, there's no reason to doubt this will be a worthy fight for Mayweather.

Cotto has also become a better boxer throughout the years. He's vastly improved his approach and has become a much more intelligent fighter. This, combined with his heart inside the ring, makes him a dangerous opponent for Mayweather, even if he isn't in the same league talent-wise.

As always, Mayweather's combination of speed, counter-punching ability and defense will present a challenge. Whether you like him outside the ring or not, you have to respect his work inside the ring throughout the years. He's worthy of being called the best boxer in the world at this point, especially after Manny Pacquiao's last two fights.

But there is always the potential for an upset in boxing. To have any chance against Mayweather, you must be a warrior and you have to battle relentlessly, no matter how frustrating his style of boxing can be. Cotto has this warrior's mentality and he's riding high after getting revenge on Antonio Margarito in December.

It's natural to already give the victory to Mayweather, but Cotto will fight Mayweather close and has a chance of pulling off the upset.

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