Mayweather vs. Cotto: Money May Establishes Himself as Best Boxer in World

If we needed any more proof that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is the best boxer on the planet, we got it on Saturday night when he went 12 rounds with Miguel Cotto.

Cotto was outmatched by Mayweather in nearly every area, but he was a warrior and warriors have a way of turning the tables every once in a while.

Mayweather was legitimately challenged by Cotto on Saturday, and that has rarely happened in his sparkling boxing career. Cotto actually made him bleed, which was an accomplishment in itself.

But Mayweather showed on Saturday that he could win a grueling match, and that was really all he needed to cast himself past Manny Pacquiao as the best boxer in the world.

Especially given Pacquiao's last two fights, Mayweather, like it or not, has gained distance on the legendary Filipino. A lot was made about his controversial win against Victor Ortiz, but it was all irrelevant in the end. Mayweather would have hurt Ortiz eventually anyway, regardless of that combination out of the break.

Headed into the bout on Saturday, Cotto appeared doomed no matter how he approached it. If he stayed back, Mayweather would simply pick him apart with his excellent boxing skills. If he pressed the action, well, we all know how dangerous a counter-puncher Mayweather is. That is the brilliance of Mayweather: He can overwhelm you any way you approach him.

Cotto, who was 37-2 headed into the fight, gave Mayweather arguably the best test of his career. That may be the last time we see someone come close to beating Mayweather. Even if Mayweather fought Pacquiao, which seems unlikely at this point, I still believe he would come away victorious.

If Mayweather retires after this, he has earned the right to be called the best boxer in the world upon his departure from the ring.

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