Mayweather vs. Cotto: What Miguel Must Do to Take out Money

An instant classic comes to a wide audience this weekend when the legendary Floyd Mayweather takes in the rugged Miguel Cotto. It takes place on pay-per-view and looks to be a very good fight, as both men are game fighters with mean streaks that could end each other.

Miguel Cotto finds himself the underdog, but has the tools to spoil Mayweather's record. Cotto can knock anybody out with his heavy hands, making this weekend's fight a must watch.

If Cotto wants to win, he will need to make this fight as ugly as possible. He needs to turn this fight into a brawl, as it will take Mayweather out his comfort zone. The "sloppier" this fight is, the better for Cotto.

Mayweather is a very technical, flashy boxer who uses his technique to over-match his opponents. Cotto is known to throw heavy leather in non-technical brawls, which could serve him well here.

Also, Cotto needs to avoid getting hit by the quick, effective combinations that Mayweather will throw. Cotto needs to stick and move. This strategy may almost counteract what I said about making this a brawl, but it is possible.

Mayweather, in many opinion, has looked like he is trying to take shortcuts lately, as showcased by his off-the-break knockout of Victor Ortiz in his latest bout. People think he is getting lazy and is just waiting for his huge payday fight with Manny Pacqiuo.

That said, Cotto needs to take advantage of this oversight by Mayweather. There is a good chance that Mayweather is not taking this fight seriously, and Cotto can take advantage of that with a few heavy shots. 

Cotto is one of the best boxers in the world and it's not because he is lucky. Cotto is a natural born killer. He will need to use that killer instinct in trying to hurt and finish Floyd "Money" Mayweather. 

When looking at Cotto's record, it is easy to be impressed. The man has beaten Antonio Margarito, Ricardo Mayorga, Yuri Foreman and Josh Clottley most recently, a feat that cannot go unnoticed. If he can use the skill and brawling tactics that he has used in the past, Cotto could give Mayweather his historic first loss.

No man is immortal; that is what he learned from the tale of Achilles. Cotto needs to strike hard and strike often when taking on the juggernaut that is Floyd Mayweather. Make this fight an untechnical brawl and Cotto will find himself in a winnable duel.

Otherwise, Cotto will be in for a long night and an even longer recovery.