Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto is coming off of another big TKO victory (Photo: Naoki Fukuda)

By Vitali Shaposhnikov

Why do so many boxing fans respect Miguel Cotto? The answer is as simple and as direct as could be: because he always comes to fight.

Daniel Geale was a formidable challenge, anyone would agree, and Cotto knew that as well. But coming into their fight this past weekend in New York, Cotto was fighting for something that he had tasted before: a colossal event, a mega-fight.

By demolishing Geale in the 4th round, Cotto delivered a powerful message, and most would assume this message to be: I want Canelo next.

Both Cotto and Canelo need a blockbuster fight, anything to skyrocket their stock back to the very tip of the top. In other words, without Mayweather or Pacquiao, they need each other.

If styles make fights, than Cotto and Canelo would complement each other’s styles, with both fighters looking for power and volume. Cotto would have to find his way inside, and this could turn out to be a task that Freddie Roach and his pupil might find more difficult than it sounds. With Alvarez mostly fighting off of his jab, Cotto would have to pay for every time he moves in on Canelo, but this might be the only way for Cotto to deliver his power shots.

While it is true that Cotto is a seasoned veteran when compared to Canelo, Saul has been in front of many great champions, and his ability to hang with the best is unquestioned. To go a step further, it would surprise me if Canelo comes in as a betting favorite if their bout comes to fruition.

Vitali Shaposhnikov can be reached at vitalifightpress@gmail.com