Doubts To Disappear As Miguel Cotto Prepares for Comeback Fight

Antonio Margarito’s hand wrapping farce in his recent defeat to Shane Mosley has thrown the welterweight division into turmoil. For how long has the Mexican carried this insidious advantage into the ring?

For Margarito’s most recent victim, Miguel Cotto, the thought of being cheated must weigh heavily on his mind as he prepares for his comeback fight against British veteran Michael Jennings.

The defeat suffered by Miguel Cotto to Antonio Margarito vindicated many of his critics who have referred to him as coddled and limited. These questions and doubts have swiftly moved over to the victor of that fight, who has since been exposed, fined and suspended for illegally wrapped hands.

For Cotto, it has been a vindication for himself, a justification that he just may have been the better man that night, and was the victim of something more sinister than a superior opponent.

Cotto, 28, makes his first foray into the ring since that fateful bout this weekend, against relatively unknown, but not untalented Michael Jennings, 31. The Briton is an extremely fit, worthy campaigner who has plied most of his trade domestically.

Jennings holds wins over European names Takaloo, Ross Minter, and Bradley Pryce, with a single defeat in 35 fights against the oddly named Young Mutley by split decision. There is no doubt however, that his bout against Cotto is a big step up in class.

Cotto’s impressive resume speaks for itself however the key to this fight may be how he reacts upon his return to the ring. The almost hangover-like effects of a heavy stoppage defeat have dogged many fighters in their comeback bouts, even against relatively unknown, even inferior opposition.

Cotto’s sentiments since the Margarito fight have not given any indication of doubt or fragility; yet this may still make for an interesting match -up.

Cotto, while quick and strong, does not have the speed of a Mayweather, or the one punch power of a Trinidad. Nevertheless, his sturdy chin, combination punching, top tier technique and usually intelligent strategies have carried him to an impressive 32 wins, with 26 knockouts.

His opponent Michael Jennings is known as a slick mover, rather than a big puncher, who will use movement and counterpunching to capitalise on any weaknesses Cotto may have.

Jennings’ stick and move style is no guarantee of success against Cotto however. The Puerto Rican has an impressive record against fighters known for their movement and boxing ability. His unwavering pressure, combination punching and body assault at close quarters enables him to slow quicker opponents, and break them down later in the fight.

The Englishman’s less than impressive knockout record is cause for concern as well; Cotto has proved very difficult to slow down when opponents do not have the power to keep him at bay. Cotto holds victories over opponents as high in quality as Shane Mosley, and indication that things may not bode well for Jennings.

Regardless, this fight is a high stakes match for both men. Miguel Cotto needs a strong showing, to remove all doubt from his own mind that the defeat to Margarito was an aberration, and rebuild his confidence as he moves towards another title fight.

For Michael Jennings, this is a legitimate shot at the big time, and at 31 years old, time waits for no man. Jennings’ sound record and undoubted ability make him a live opponent in this one, but Miguel Cotto is world class, and should be too strong for the Englishman.