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COUNTER PUNCH: DOES COTTO HAVE A BETTER SHOT AGAINST FLOYD AT 154 THAN HE DID AGAINST MANNY AT 145?

By Scott Smith | February 04, 2012
COUNTER PUNCH: DOES COTTO HAVE A BETTER SHOT AGAINST FLOYD AT 154 THAN HE DID AGAINST MANNY AT 145?

Does Cotto have a any kind of shot against Mayweather? Has the whole Khan/Peterson situation finally been resolved? How will the Brook vs. Hatton bout play out? What's next for Carl Froch? Can Matthew Macklin pull off the upset? Get a view from the other side of the pond as FightHype UK correspondent Scott Smith gives his take on a number of questions asked by fans around the world. Check out what he had to say!


I am fuming that Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao is not happening again, really losing patience with this now, and really debating whether to watch either fighter's next fight. I am a big Floyd fan, but I know he will beat Cotto easy then we will be in same position again with the fight not happening, What is the deal with Pacquiao's camp? Can you see it happening? Jack - Leeds

SS: I understand your concerns and frustrations, however, Cotto is not a walk in the park. Let's not forget, Floyd has fought once at that weight, and it was the only fight in his career he did not win on all three scorecards. It was not his most memorable performance, and let's also not forget Cotto is very comfortable and carries a lot of power at that weight. People look at Cotto based on his Pacquiao performance, where he was drained to 145, which is a joke, and what is even more disgusting is the fact the Pacquiao's team wanted the rematch at a similar weight - embarrassing! I do expect Floyd to beat Cotto, but it will not be easy. Lets look at this logically. Floyd vs. Cotto is the best possible match out there with the exception of Floyd vs. Manny. Some may argue that Canelo would be bigger, but an inexperienced Canelo would not be up to it in my opinion. Cotto creates a good subplot, two disgruntled former members of Top Rank, the fight being avoided before by Mr. Arum, and they can really capitalize on this Cinco De Mayo weekend and add to the numbers. Rumors are circulating that maybe Canelo vs. Mosley will be on the undercard, which would be great, but imagine if the undercard sees Canelo, Morales, and Ortiz all on the undercard on that particular weekend. The numbers would be huge. Personally, I am fed up with the excuses from Arum. If you check out an article by Ben Thompson [http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content11512.html], you will see the amount of excuses Arum has come up with since the very first rumblings about the fight. I personally believe Arum is waiting for Mayweather to put in a poor performance or show major signs of aging before he allows Pacquiao to ever step in the ring with him. There is no doubt in my mind Arum is to blame for the fight not happening. The contradictions are really becoming pathetic, and personally, now that it has not happened for May 5th, I don't want it to happen at all. Let me point this out, Pacquiao needs Floyd more than Floyd needs Pacquiao. Floyd's made more in his last fight than Pacquiao has in his last couple combined, and Floyd's bout was against Ortiz, whose following is nowhere near as big as Marquez or Mosley, so people looking at it logically will see through the media propaganda Arum has against Floyd. Even when a member inside Pacquiao's camp (Alex Ariza) came out and blamed Arum [http://www.fighthype.com/pages/content11249.html], that speaks for itself. Personally, If I was Floyd, I would not accept a November clash, especially after serving time in jail. I would not be surprised if, now that Floyd vs. Cotto is signed, Arum comes out saying, "Well, we were ready to fight, we had a deal waiting, we were putting something together," or something along those lines, and it would also not surprise me if he's rethinking the Pacquiao vs. Bradley bout, because it is obvious that Floyd vs. Cotto blows Pacquiao vs. Bradley out of the water economically.

Hi there, big fan of fighthype.com and their willingness to allow fans the opportunity to interact and express their views. My question is about the Amir Khan situation, I seen your interview with him, do you have any news on that saga because it is really starting to turn petty and childish, with no concrete news being reported from either camp, what are your views? Jason - London

SS: Firstly pal, thank you for the kind words. I am sure all the Fighthype correspondents are thankful for your appreciation of our efforts, as all of them work hard on delivering the most up to date news and getting the truth out there. In response to your question, I too am getting a bit frustrated with the whole situation and feel that too many mistakes were made. I understand in such a high-profile event, incidents of this magnitude will lead to frustrations and emotions soaring out of control, however, I feel that all parties could have handled the situation better than what they have. The IBF hearing cancellation, in my opinion, was right, as without Michael Welsh there, it really becomes a pointless hearing, but I do believe the accusastions made towards Mr. Ameen could have been kept in-house until the hearing instead of broadcasting what they believed was wrong. Peterson's camp appealing the decision of the WBA has really raised doubts as to whether he wants the rematch or not and has really delayed the process. The professionalism and conduct of the WBA and IBF during and after the bout is appauling in my opinion. Whether Mr. Ameen had any impact or not, and for the record, I personally believe he had no effect on the final result of the fight, surely the powers that be at those orginizations must realize that there is a strong possibility that questions would be asked if somebody is seen talking to an official regarding the cards in the manor in which he was. If Michael Welsh felt unwell to the point where his judgement was effected, surely the most appropriate thing to do was to inform the correct authority figure, and the referee, and most importantly inform both camps so that both camps are aware of the situation. The ball very much so lies in Peterson's court if he wants the rematch, as Khan has offered equal split of the UK money as well as a guarenteed purse, so who knows. I want to see Khan vs. Bradley at some point this year, regardless of this Peterson saga, but with the conflict between Top Rank and Golden Boy, it seems unlikely, and in a recent interview I conducted with Khan, he mentioned the likes of Mosley, Ortiz and Guerrero as guys he would like to fight. All three are easy fights to make, but I guess we shouldn't expect an announcement until Peterson has decided his next path. On a separate note, I would like to congratulate Amir on his engagement, which he announced last week.

Scott, I seen your write up about the up close look at Hatton vs Brook fight, I must say I think you are making the fight sound a lot closer than it will be, I think Brook wins this inside 6 rounds, and then would like to see him challenge the Berto or Ortiz winner. Why do you feel it will be a close fight? and who you see the winner moving on to face? Keep up the good work!

SS: Okay, thank you for your time, but can I just clear one thing up before I give my verdict? I was not indicating in any way, shape or form that the fight will be close or not. I was actually highlighting to the viewers who may not be accustomed with either fighter what each guy brings to the table for this fight. My opinion of the fight is somewhat different to yours. I see Brook winning the fight, but not inside 6 rounds. Whilst I respect your opinion, I am more of the belief that the fight will go the distance. Remember, Hatton stepped up to Jr. Middleweight to take on Saul Alvarez, who hits harder than what Brook appears to, and went 12 rounds with him. Brook, for me, is the hottest young prospect in boxing that is yet to challenge for a World title. That's how highly I rate him. His style is very pleasing on the eye, he has good in-ring intelligence, very slick, good speed with a tight defence, but Hatton is very durable and can make the fight uncomfortable for him. I don't think that if Brook wins the fight vs. Hatton that he would dive straight in to a bout with either Ortiz or Berto, as I see him possibly having another bout first, maybe against Alexander, Senchenko, or Mike Jones. If Hatton was to win it (which in your opinion will definitely not happen LOL), I would not be surprised if he went straight for the shot at the world title if it presents itself, as he has had previous world title experience. But now with the Ortiz vs. Berto II bout being cancelled, I would find it highly unlikely Berto would rush back into a match of that magnitude against Ortiz and may wish for a fight before that, which could be against the winner of this bout if rumours are true.

Hello, I must say I am loving the updates about the Pacquiao vs Mayweather negotiations on fighthype and really hope that fight happens, but what I am emailing you about is Carl Froch, I attended the Super 6 final and was frustrated to see Froch beaten in that manor because I know he is better than that, do you think Froch is fading slowing and passing his prime, and is there anybody lined up?

SS: That's good to hear my man. To answer your question, no, I do not believe Froch is passing his prime just yet. I firmly believe he was beaten by the best in the division. I would not say I was frustrated by Froch. The ability of Ward has to be respected in this case, because nobody has been able to do that to Froch, and in my opinion, Ward will dominate that division for 5 or 6 years if he looks after himself. He is that good, and I think Froch himself aknowledged that. One thing I, along with many people, admire about Froch is he is honest, and believe me, that guy is a warrior. He is not about to ride off into the sunset and cash in his chips just yet. That warrior type instinct is telling him to get back in the ring, and I'm sure we will see him back in the ring in no time. Eddie Hearn, his promoter, mentioned recently that they were in talks with Lucian Bute about a home and away clash, but Bute turned down the fight in Nottingham. Froch also mentioned he was in talks with Kessler, but Kessler is already scheduled to fight. Personally, I would like to see Ward vs. Bute next (Ward wins in my opinion), and Froch taking on either Kessler in the late summer, or even Andre Dirrell before facing the Ward vs, Bute winner. That way, he will get to fight the winner, who by then would have all the titles, but I do think Dirrell and Kessler are strong possibilities.

As a fellow Brummie, I would like to know your views on the chances of Matthew Macklin against Sergio Martinez in their upcoming fight, I may be being patriotic but I really can see Macklin beating him as think he could over look Macklin. - Liam, Birmingham

SS: Well good to hear from a fellow Birmingham boxing fan. I see Martinez winning the fight, but Macklin will prove a very tough test. Macklin is very durable, has good energy, and can walk through punches. In my opinion, it was an appauling decision which saw Macklin lose out to Felix Sturm, and I think that has been noted as to why he has been selected to face the Middleweight king. People have spoken about possible complacency from Martinez, who could be overlooking Macklin in anticipation of a fight with Floyd Mayweather or Julio Cesar Chavez Jr. I think that is just people looking too far into it. Whilst Mayweather said he would be open to fighting Martinez, Floyd has a lot more on his plate at the moment, so I cannot see Martinez concerning himself too much with that possibility until his fight is over. As for Chavez Jr., that guy doesn't want the fight with Martinez. He is a typical Bob Arum fighter that is being kept away from the most dangerous opponent in the division at risk of costing Arum money, that's my opinion. It just seems strange that the two high-profile bouts in boxing, Martinez vs. Chavez and Pacquiao vs. Mayweather, both involve Bob Arum and both are not getting made with excuse after excuse, so if you were hoping that could work for Macklin, I would not bank on it. Macklin will make it a very difficult fight for Martinez. We've seen Darren Barker give Martinez problems and frustrate him early in the fight. A good performance from Macklin here would really do his cause a world of good. I would personally favor Martinez with a late stoppage, but Macklin will have his moments.

What is your view with the best fights possible being over looked in boxing because of fighters and promoters not putting themselves against the best. I believe the UFC match making process is far superior, and we get to see the best vs the best because Dana White is one man who runs it, and one title, one champ, do you feel there needs to be an overhaul in boxing in the setup? Ken Campbell

SS: I definitely think there needs to be an overhaul. I have said for a long time that there is too much power in the promoter's hands. The amount of titles on the line kind of defeats the object in my opinion. Take Erik Morales' title victory against a guy who was nowhere near the level to fight for a world title, or Pacquiao vs. Margarito, a man who had not fought at the weight and didn't step up to the weight taking on a guy who had been banned for 18 months for a vacant title. How can they be number one contenders for that title? Personally, I think the structure should be changed to where there is an overall governing body which is the match-making organization instead of the WBA, WBO, IBF, and WBC doing it separately. This panel would control all aspects of making the fight: the referee, the weight, the date, the drug testing stipulations, the purse split, and then let the promoters do what they are supposed to do and just promote the fight, make the best possible event, and generate the most money they can for their promotional organization and their fighters. I would love to see just one world title per weight, but I think all organizations are too heavily involved for that to change unfortunately. Credit must go to Dana White because he puts on one hell of a spectacle at his events, and everybody who attends talks about the entertainment other than the fights, and the money appears to be secondary in the thinking of their plans. However, the UFC is a fairly new product, so further on down the line when it gets bigger and bigger, with the history boxing has, we may see the money and egos increase and it could end up in a similar position to boxing. In my opinion though, the money and ego of people looking to get involved in the fights are really hurting the sport and really opens a can of worms for promoters and fighters to avoid fighting the best, providing excuse after excuse.

That's all I have for this week folks. Thanks for reading. Follow me @scottsfighthype and email me your questions/comments to ssmith@fighthype.com

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