Mayweather vs. Cotto: Why Smart Money Is on Floyd

With Floyd Mayweather vs. Miguel Cotto merely days away, the time is now to lock in all those friendly wagers on who will come out on top on Saturday.

Mayweather—a perennial villain in the boxing world—is a massive favorite at -700. Cotto comes in as the decided underdog at +500.

On first glance, it's awfully tempting to think there's good value on Cotto. How many times can you take a champion with a 37-2 record at those odds?

Cotto's perceived value goes up when you consider that the two losses he has suffered in his career—TKO losses to both Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao—were fought with vastly different styles than what we will see Cotto take on May 5 against Mayweather.

However, the smart money is on "Money" Mayweather.

It's nice to think that Cotto can win. Mayweather is less than a fan favorite—his arrogant attitude and persistent negativity toward a potential super fight with Manny Pacquaio make him much less likable than Cotto. That's why we would love to believe that Cotto will be able to come in aggressively, take the initiative, cut off the ring and overwhelm Mayweather with his in-your-face style and shock the world.

Unfortunately that's not going to be the case.

Mayweather is a master at frustrating his opponent. His elusive defense and quick footwork allow him to control the fight and leaves his opponent swinging at air or consistently finding his gloves with their punches.

No matter what kind of fight this becomes, Mayweather has the advantage and that's why he is such an enormous favorite in Vegas.

If Cotto decides to be aggressive he will spend the evening chasing Mayweather around the ring and slowly getting picked apart. If he decides to try to outbox Mayweather and counter-punch the counter-puncher, he's at a big disadvantage—Mayweather owns the speed and reach advantage.

While it's fun to come up with reasons that Cotto can be the one to finally put a blemish on Mayweather's spotless record, it's ultimately wishful thinking. Mayweather holds nearly every advantage in this fight and that is why the smart money is on "Money."