Mayweather vs. Cotto: Miguel Cotto in a No-Win Situation vs Money Mayweather

Miguel Cotto is a masterful fighter.

The Puerto Rican has the power and skill to contend tonight with Floyd Mayweather Jr. (42-0). Let's think for a second, though: What if Cotto (37-2) pulls this off? What if he snatches the zero away from Money Mayweather? Or, take the flipside. What if he becomes just another victim of Mayweather's?

This really is a no-win situation if you think about it.

Even before he steps in the ring, Cotto has already had a Hall of Fame-worthy career. Mayweather's even said it. Cotto's been a world champ, defended his titles 13 times, defeated former champions like Shane Mosley and Zab Judah, has really only one legitimate loss (to Manny Pacquiao) and avenged the controversial loss to Antonio Margarito with a beating last December.

His resume is already stellar, and yes, an upset tonight would cement an already impressive legacy.

Boxing isn't near what it used to be, though, and the little guys don't carry the same significance as heavyweights. So this certainly wouldn't be anywhere near the same as a Buster Douglas-type upset.

You also need to consider the court of public opinion.

Your average sports fan is aware of Mayweather. They know he's the flashy guy with all the money who's a really talented boxer. But do you really think they know who Cotto is, and know he's from Puerto Rico? And do you really think Cotto could be a crossover fighter with mass appeal like Mayweather is in the hip-hop culture? Of course not.

Cotto also is much more reserved and humble compared to Mayweather, so any chances of him doing the interview circuit and popping onto Jay Leno and David Letterman are next to zero. This is not a man who loves the camera and loves being in the spotlight. 

Of course, that's just a hypothetical for now. First, he would have to pull off the victory.

Chances are that just won't be happening. I'm not ripping Cotto. The fact is he doesn't have the speed and the wit to outsmart Mayweather. Floyd has said before the object of the game is to not get hit. So you can bet he'll use the whole ring, pepper Cotto with jabs, bounce in with a few power shots and bounce out.

If he does get hit, he'll roll his shoulders like he always has. It's a defensive move he learned ages ago while under the tutelage of his father.

Losing to Mayweather isn't a horrific thing. Everyone agrees he's one of the all-time greats. Past champions like Oscar De La Hoya, Judah, Mosley have been whupped too. So this wouldn't be something to hang your head over.

As long as it's not embarrassing like Ricky Hatton's loss, then Cotto's fine.

Cotto will be on pay-per-view, watched by millions and subjected to the same frustration that previous Mayweather opponents have experienced. Sure, he'll walk away with a hefty payday, but that will only be gratifying if he pulls off the upset.

Even then, it won't be a huge victory. Like I said, it's a no-win situation.