Mayweather vs. Cotto: Likeliest Opponents for Junito After Crushing Loss

What is next for Miguel Cotto after his valiant but losing effort vs. Floyd Mayweather Jr. on Saturday night, at MGM Grand Garden in Las Vegas?

There are no concrete indications—especially since Cotto declined a post-fight interview and did not attend the post-fight press conference. He looked visibly upset after the fight, as he was shown in his dressing room.

That is understandable, as he fought his heart out, but the decision was accurate and justified. Cotto still made a great account of himself. The fight was competitive, and he had his moments.

He pushed the world's greatest fighter to a place most of us have never seen him have to go. Both fighter's stock is up after this fight.

For Cotto, his next fight is going to be crucial for his future. Here are a few fighters that could be exciting opponents for him:

Canelo Alvarez

Alvarez looked decent in the under-card bout vs. an old Shane Mosley, but I don't think he's busy enough. He appears to stand still in front of his opponents too often. 

He throws very heavy shots, but his lack of activity could hurt him in a fight with better competition. Alvarez vs. Cotto could be an exciting war for boxing fans, as well as Alvarez's biggest test to this point.

A win would vault either fighter into title contention at the 154-pound mark. This seems like a sensible opponent for Cotto.

In my opinion, Alvarez is not ready for a fighter of Cotto's caliber.

Amir Khan

Khan has a rematch scheduled with Lamont Peterson for May 19. Assuming he is victorious over Peterson—which is a big assumption—he could be a solid opponent for Cotto.

The fight would presumably have to take place at 147 pounds, and that isn't unrealistic.

It would represent a huge step up in competition for Khan. Cotto would again be at a speed disadvantage, but Khan is not nearly as crafty as Mayweather.

I'd say Cotto has a very good chance in that potential thriller.

Sergio Martinez

The king of the middleweights could also be an opponent. This fight would likely take place at a catch weight, or at 154 pounds. Martinez has only two losses, and he viciously avenged the last defeat with a brutal second-round KO of Paul Williams in 2010.

Martinez is looking for a huge payday, and he's coming off a victory over Matthew Macklin on March 17.

Cotto and Maravilla could be a big attraction to bring Martinez the notoriety he craves. Plus, defeating Cotto would potentially bring him closer to fighting Mayweather, whom he's called out before. 

Conclusion

At this stage of the game, back-to-back losses could equal an end to Cotto's illustrious career.

He has fought in wars and taken tons of punishment. If he suffers another defeat, he will have to seriously consider hanging up the gloves.

Brian Mazique

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