Miguel Cotto Gains Split Decision Victory Over Joshua Clottey

Going into the Cotto-Clottey fight, I knew it wouldn't be an easy night for Miguel Cotto. Joshua Clottey is extremely underrated and as tough as they come.

The first round saw Cotto knock Clottey down with a stiff jab. The knockdown had more to do with Clottey's balance than it did with Cotto's power. It was a good shot none-the-less - and I thought it was a sign of what was to come for the remainder of the bout. I was wrong.

Miguel Cotto suffered a cut in the 3rd round over his left eye by Joshua Clottey's head. The cut would bother Miguel Cotto for the whole bout and seriously impacted his performance on the night. Miguel Cotto had a perfectly good reason to quit after the 6th round, but he didn't. He kept on fighting, even changing tactics late in the championship rounds, from stationary target to boxer.

I thought it was a brave performance by Miguel Cotto, given the cut and who he was fighting. Champions find ways to win. Champions find ways to overcome adversity. That's exactly what Miguel Cotto did.

Realistically the fight could have gone either way, but the judges saw it for Cotto. As did I. I had the bout in favor of Cotto, 114-113. The knockdown in round one being the difference.

Joshua Clottey gave a spirited effort, but fell short again. Clottey could have taken the decision if he was busier in the final two rounds. He has no one to blame but himself.

There are serious talks of Miguel Cotto facing Manny Pacquiao, Nov. 14.