The horror of the ‘Margarito fight’

October 23, 2009 | Posted by Benjie

PHOTO COURTESY: BOXNEWS.COM.UA

Photo Courtesy: Boxnews.com.ua

As the Pacquiao – Cotto megafight in Las Vegas, Nevada approaches, many boxing gurus express their views regarding this duel. At one time, Nacho Beristain, the legendary trainer who has worked on the opposite corner of Pacquiao for three fights, said that the “Pacman” will prevail over the Puerto Rican boxing hero.

One thing that Beristain pointed out would be the edge of Manny Pacquiao is the horror that still hounds Miguel Angel Cotto of his brutal loss to Antonio Margarito of Mexico back in July 26, 2008. I’m one of those who share the same belief with the legendary trainer.

Cotto Margarito Boxing

Photo Courtesy: Boxnews.com.ua

Prior to Cotto’s fight against Margarito, I was so impressed with the former as he commanded a 32-0-0 record with 26 KOs. In fact, I was rooting for him in his fight against the “Tijuana Tornado”. He was already looking forward to share the same status with the likes of Wilfred Benitez, Hector Camacho, Felix Trinidad and other great Puerto Rican boxers. On fight night, however, Cotto could not withstand the relentless pressure of Margarito in the later rounds. Cotto was clearly ahead on points in the early going but lost steam towards the end that led to his devastating TKO defeat in the 11^th round. It was one of the most brutal fights I ever watched with Cotto on the losing end.

With that, I think Margarito took something out Cotto that until now the horror of that devastating defeat still hounds Miguel Angel.