So as we all know by now Miguel Cotto vs. Delvin Rodriguez has been signed, sealed and delivered. This fight named “Reloaded” is set to take place the AmwayCenter in sunny Orlando, Florida on October 5, 2013. Surprisingly, from what I have seen, read and heard the fight has been received with mixed reviews. It seems like if you are from the east coast, you are at least somewhat excited about this scrap. However if you are from the west coast you probably can care less about the bout. I myself have seen the match up mocked and ridiculed as soon it was announced.
If you are real fight fan, how could you not be excited about this fight? We are talking about Miguel Cotto, the guy that according to HBO packed MSG with 21,000 fans, and set new attendance record for the building vs. Zab Judah in 2007. I was lucky enough to be there live and the atmosphere was electric, on the eve of the world famous NYC Puerto Rican day parade. The fight itself was an awesome, an all action packed duel which he ultimately won via knockout.
The same guy, that just a few months later that same year (2007) fought and beat a still fresh Shane Moseley in yet another classic battle. This is the fighter that according to “Pound for Pound King” Floyd Mayweather gave him his stiffest test to date, just 15 months ago. Cotto is never in a boring fight people, so why all the hate?
The B side to this main event is the always exciting and upset minded Delvin Rodriguez. This is the same guy who was supposed to be a stepping stone for Powel Wolak. In a fight that turned out to be the Boxing Writers 2011 fight of the year. He then went on to beat him in the rematch after the first fight was ruled a draw. In fight in which the pray became the predator to prove that the first fight was no fluke sending the tough Wolak, into retirement. He went on to beat the over hyped George “Comanche Boy” Tahdooahnippah. In yet another fight that he was supposed to lose. He basically outclassed the bigger but less experienced, undefeated fighter. He beat Comanche Boy to a pulp, winning when he was not supposed to yet again.
They both lost to the highly touted Austin Trout on points. The same guy who most non Mexican fight fans had beating Canelo Alvarez, in their close battle a few months back. In the interest of full disclosure, please note that I personally had Canelo winning by the slightest of margins.
In conclusion, I will give my pick for a winner. I am picking Cotto to look impressive in beating Delvin Rodriguez, this October. However I would not be surprised if Rodriguez can once again go to the well dig deep and pull of yet another upset. Cotto has a tendency to cut and Delvin seems to have a knack for slicing up his foes. There is no question that their styles will mesh and give us an exciting fight while it lasts, so stop hating and enjoy. If Delvin wins this fight Miguel Cotto should seriously consider calling it a career. If you like my article, feel free to follow me on Twitter @castlehillgil and we can talk boxing whenever you want.
