Cotto Pummels Martinez as Argentines light burns out!
By Owen Meek.
This past month history was made in New York when Miguel Cotto became the first 4 weight World Champion to ever herald from Puerto Rico; for his opponent Sergio Martinez it seemed to signal the possible end of his glittering career.
Before the two squared off, many had written off Cotto’s chances after all it had been almost 3 years since his last significant win. Not only that, but this was the Puerto Rican’s first foray up to middleweight (well 159 given yet more catch weight nonsense). Meanwhile his opponent was regarded as the undisputed king of the division and had reigned supreme for over 4 years.
Whilst Martinez had been out of the ring for over a year following surgery on his knees, the consensus was that even a Sergio at 70% would be far too much for Cotto to handle. It’s safe to say that whislt Cotto ripped the script up and then some, his opponent looked a complete shadow of the man that had dismantled the 160lb division.
If anyone was looking for answers to the questions surrounding both men they got them all in the opening round. After a quick feeling out process, Cotto caught his rival with a huge left hook, leaving Martinez stumble across the ring. Junito sensed he was hurt and jumped on him with a combo, a right to head eventually putting him down. Maravilla didn’t get to where he was without grit though and he somehow got to his feet, though in reality it wasn’t for the best. He was put down twice more in the round but somehow managed to cling on to hear the bell.
It was already clear that this was a Martinez far removed from that which stunned the world when knocking out Paul Williams or the one which had so efficiently took apart Chavez Jr. This was a Martinez whose surgery whilst successful had also been a clear sign to hang them up.
Though the 2nd round was slightly better for Sergio it was obvious that the knee had gone. At times limping and unable to circle and move the way he used to, he was a sitting target for a confident Cotto. The left hook was laser like, connecting whenever the Puerto Rican threw it. Roach had been quick to tell all that this was a new Miguel Cotto and he was showing it.
He was cutting the ring off like he did in his early days, the head movement which had desserted him as he moved through the weights was back and the body work was once more an integral part of the playbook.
Rounds 4 & 5 saw Miguel outbox his opponent thoroughly the left hook again had Maravilla rocking. Even the jab was beginning to buzz him each time it landed. Though by this point the conclusion was that everyone was witnessing a corpse of the Sergio renowned for his slick counter punching and wonderful body movement it was hard not to be impressed by the vast improvements which Cotto was displaying…his hand speed, his movement and his power were all there, all superior to that of Martinez.
"I got hit early, and I was cold. I never recuperated after that,"
(Sergio Martinez Post Fight)