The eve of boxing's biggest night of 2008 is rapidly approaching. Two warrior champions will step inside the squared-circle fueled not only by the desire to be the number one boxer in their weight class, but by the rivalry of bloodlines passed from their countryman that was animated long before either of them slipped their hands into a pair boxing gloves.
These two fistic combatants are giving us something that only happens once every so often in the sport of boxing. Max Kellerman illustrates the significance of this bout - "Today there is so much jockeying going on for the big money fights, that bouts between the great fighters - the ones even non-boxing fans want to see - take so long to develop that when we finally get to the bout, either one or both of the fighters are past their prime. A case in point is the 2007 De La Hoya - Mayweather match-up... But in Cotto-Margarito, we have two brilliant boxers who are at the top of their game."
The welterweight champion of the world, Miguel Angel Cotto, has proven to everyone that he is not only the number one fighter in the division but also competing for the rank of best pound-for-pound boxer in the world. Cotto has welcomed all comers with a stone-cold demeanor and the actions in the ring to back it up. During his undefeated campaign, Cotto has engaged a slew of excellent fighters, including one-time world champions Sugar Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, Carlos Quintana, Paulie Malignaggi, and Ricardo Torres.
The journey was not easy by any means. He found himself in trouble a few different times throughout his career, but showed the tough chin, desire and stability to come back from it with a decisive victory every time. And that is what makes him great.
Cotto may be the best all-around fighter in the game. His solid defense is tough to wear down, but he is willing to trade punches to land his own. He works the ring like a technician, using his jab to set up an unparalleled attack to both body and head. And most importantly, he is entertaining.
Miguel Cotto does not waste his time trash talking before his fights - he is there for only one reason - to inflict as much carnage as possible on the man standing across from him. Come Saturday night, that man will inevitably be the toughest opponent he has ever faced.
Antonio The Tijuana Tornado Margarito envelopes the heart and soul of a true Mexican fighter. He earned his nickname by demonstrating an extraterrestrial work-rate and a crazy come-forward style, while in the process delivering punches from all angles.
Maragrito learned the game of boxing in a rough way. With his family struggling financially, he turned pro at fifteen years old and subsequently took three early devastating losses to veterans. There is no doubt that his tough on-the-job experience has molded him into the man that he is today.
Like many Mexican fighters before him, he has never given into pain or fatigue. And since he has never once been stopped in his career by another man's punch, he will always stand as a true test for his opponent to overcome.
Last but not least, he has the one punch that can equalize any fight - the left hook to the body. Margarito exhibited the gut busting power of this punch (that has left many of his opponents pissin' blood for days) in his overwhelming KO victory over then IBF champion Kermit Cintron (video below).
There is no better match in boxing than the pairing between these to superior athletes in the prime of their careers. A Puerto Rican boxer/puncher vs. a Mexican whirling dervish brawler - a clash of styles and nations. Forget Mayweather, forget De La Hoya - these two fighters had to wait behind the big shadows that the overpaid and over-reported fighters cast. It is their turn now.
This is the fight that should be breaking all-time pay-per-view records and discussed on daytime television, but it won't be and wether that is sad or not is up to you. Regardless if you are a boxing fan or not, this is a must see fight - go to a freind's, pay ten bucks at a bar, or even drop the 49 doll hairs to sit on your oversize love seat and tune in. This will not disappoint. And although Daniel Day-Lewis' name is nowhere to be found on the undercard - we can promise you, There Will Be Blood.
Saturday July 26th on HBO PPV - 9:00 pm ET / 6:00 pm PT
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