Two weeks ago Abner Mares(25-0) once again proved he was the real deal when he dominated the hard punching Anselmo Moreno (31-2-1), last week Adrien Broner (25-0) dominated his toughest competition to date when he throttled Antonio DeMarco (28-3-1) and this past weekend Robert Guerrero (31-1-1) proved he’s much more than hype as he outworked and outboxed ex-welterweight champion Andre Berto (28-2).
In the past three weeks boxing has welcomed a changing of the guard of sorts. A year ago all three fighters were still just becoming house holds names, Mares winning a featherweight tournament, Broner just coming off a hard fought win over Ponce De Leon and Guerrero was sitting ringside healing from a shoulder injury.
This upcoming weekend another up and coming boxing star looks to add his name to the changing of the guard. Austin “No Doubt” Trout (25-0) will face his toughest test when he enters the ring against future hall of famer Miguel Cotto (37-3) in New York City, NY. Cotto who is coming off a tough loss to top P4P Floyd “Money” Mayweather JR. (43-0) may not be at the end of his career but he is no longer in the prime of his career, this may be in a trap fight with Trout.
Trout may not have the resume or any fighters that are up to par with any of Cotto’s last 5 fights combined is a fight that on paper seems to be heavily favored for Cotto. However Trout understands that this is a once and a lifetime shot. Beat Cotto and you can add your name to the big fights sweepstakes. Lose and you go back and work your way up fighting for silver belts against 500 Fighters. Trout may never get this chance again so December 1st is Trout’s time to shine.
Cotto a fighter who has faced the likes of Pacquiao, Margartio, Mosley, and Mayweather does not need to fight anymore, he has made millions, won his share of titles and at this point of his career has nothing to prove. However fighters are cut from a different cloth and no matter how much Cotto has in the bank or belts he’s won, Cotto is a boxer and just as boxing fans saw Ricky Hatton make one more go around in the ring, only to lose a tough fight, Cotto may be in a similar position. While Cotto is not coming of a 3 year lay off as Hatton was, Cotto is not a young 32 year old. His wars with Margarito and Pacquiao as well as Mayweather and Mayorga has without a doubt taken it’s toll on Cotto- Fighters at times get old overnight.
Add that Cotto is trying to rebound from his loss to Mayweather and in a fight such as this weekend with Trout; Cotto may feel the need to try and make a statement against a young and hungry fighter. However, Cotto throughout his career has been one to fade late in fights and even with his new trainer, Cotto may tire himself out a bit early in the fight but with the fight being in New York City, Cotto will have the crowd behind him and that may be the biggest advantage of all as this will be the biggest and loudest crowd Trout has even been in.
In the end the big question remains, is Trout ready for the next level or is he another hyped up fighter that is still a little wet behind the ears. Cotto has been here before and he will be more than ready for Trout but what does Cotto prove with a win over Trout? Those questions will be answered in the ring this next Saturday night. 2013 will usher in names like Mares, Broner and Guerrero, will Trout also be on the ticket?
And then…
Babe Ruth said, “heroes are remembered but legends never die”
It was tough to see Ricky Hatton lose the way he did this past weekend. While he may or may not be a legend, his fight fans are second to none. I had the pleasure of attending his fight against Jose Luis Castillo in 2007. It was awesome to hear the chants you hear on TV live, from the bands that were in the stands to the fans singing, “There’s only one Ricky Hatton” it was truly an experience. Thank you Ricky Hatton.
Boxing lost another fighter this weekend as well.
R.I.P. Hector “Macho” Camacho. While I was still pretty young during his heyday in the 80’s does not mean I do not remember his over the top trunks and ring entrances. I always found Camacho and Jorge Paez fascinating fighters growing up. May you rest in peace.