Mayweather vs Cotto: A Money May Loss Would Kill Boxing

Boxing’s heart is still beating.

At least for now it is.

If Miguel Cotto is able to pull off a historic upset against Floyd Mayweather, the hope that the sport will rise again would be lost forever.

Boxing is already on life support. The only thing keeping its blood pumping is the potential for a Mayweather matchup with Manny Pacquiao. The hype ignited by such a fight could serve as a defibrillator and revive the sport’s popularity.

But if the undefeated Mayweather falls before the hypothetical fight, a damper is put on the dream bout, eliminating any last sliver of hope. Sure, a Money-Manny showdown would always generate buzz, but not nearly to the same extent if an undefeated record remained on the line.

And a Cotto victory isn’t unfathomable.

According to Lyle Fitzsimmons of Fox Sports, Oscar De La Hoya touched on the keys to victory for the Puerto Rican, saying:

"

One thing about Mayweather is (that) he doesn’t care what the people in the arena, or whatever, are talking about. He just wants to win the fight. No matter what, he wants that W. So, if Miguel Cotto can have that same mentality, it can cause some problems for Mayweather. It’s very difficult, especially for me. It was very, very difficult. If I heard one boo from the crowd, I had to start throwing punches. But if (Cotto) can stay in that zone and he can stay focused and stick to what he’s working on, what he’s worked in the gym, he has a shot. Absolutely.

"

Cotto’s last victory came against Antonio Margarito this past December. The 31-year old only has two career losses, but they each came within his last seven fights. Margarito and Manny Pacquiao are the only two boxers to ever outperform Cotto in the ring.

Even Mayweather’s most passionate haters must root against Cotto on May 5, though. While the date marks Cinco de Mayo, it will be the Day of the Dead for boxing if Mayweather were to hit the ring floor.

David Daniels is a featured columnist at Bleacher Report and a syndicated writer.

Follow @TheRealDDaniels