Fire And Ice: Cotto vs. Judah

By David Harrington


Honor vs. Greed. Slick vs. Overwhelming. America has it's hands full when the pride of Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto, comes to Madison Square Garden on June 9th to face Brooklyn's own ghetto superstar Zab "Supa" Judah in a battle for the WBA Welterweight title right in the heart of the most American city there is, New York City. Boxing needs more marquee match-ups between two prime fighters like this. Great fighters seek out these challenges and set an example for others to follow, at least I thought anyway. It doesn't hurt that both these fighters have a good fan base and have participated in some spectacular fights before either.

It's very noticeable, as Larry Merchant recently pointed out in a post fight interview, that Puerto Rico and America differ in their appreciation of boxing. The Latin culture in general deserves a lot of credit for making the sport what it is today; if every fan understood boxing the way Cotto fans do the sport would be better off. It wasn't long ago Cotto fans were screaming for someone else though. Memories of a different time and a couple different stars of boxing evoke another ring clash of Puerto Rico and America, albeit a much different tone to that story. Felix Trinidad was flying up the weight ranks and adding to his title defenses in amazing fashion on his path towards the semi-dormant champion Hopkins. Hopkins prided himself on being the consistent, efficient and intelligent champion and set out to prove that his patience and discipline would prevail and it did. The fight wasn't close and the Champion was crowned. The fights significance was overshadowed by the events of 9/11 and though it was a bright spot for American athletics, that time will be hidden in view behind the atrocities of our worst day. Those two fighters were on a path to fight each other and even before that it could be fathomed considering how fast up the ranks Trinidad was climbing. Now, Zab and Miguel is a little different story than that. Puerto Rico and America will be represented in the ring like before, just not the way we'd expect.

Zab Judah is a frontrunner. Zab Judah is a loudmouth punk. Zab can't take body shots, Zab doesn't care, Zab needs a new trainer. I've been listening to it all for a while, and some of it you just can't argue against. Zab has wasted some opportunities, and he has disrespected the sport to a degree by not giving his all every fight. Things like that don't spark confidence in fight fans, especially one's already skeptical. Hearing all that he's still the best opponent Miguel Cotto has ever faced and a two time world champion. His focus has been the debate of many boxing fans for a long time, the inconsistencies rekindling memories of another fighter mirroring his career but down a different path, Vitor Belfort. Just like Judah, Belfort was a live opponent for anyone in his division possessing accurate fast hands, a killer instinct with good finishing skills, and a type of explosiveness regular athletes couldn't game plan. Over time they have both been beaten, never realizing their full potential but giving the fans some great moments. The loss of his sister definitely had an affect on Vitor's career, it's quite differently apparent why Judah remains an unknown factor: most of the blame can be pointed towards his poor choices and lack of discipline. His desire to constantly dig himself into a hole has ended him up in a spot where a loss is unacceptable. And that's exactly the spot I like to see Zab fight in. It's sad but it's true, he has to have his back to the wall to do good and this is that time. Zab's only chance to get his career back on track rests on a fight with the rising star of the division.

Miguel Cotto is probably tired of hearing Trinidad's and his name together every interview when all he wants to do is be himself. He speaks English for one thing, he seems like a happy, charismatic guy outside the ring and shows respect for his opponents relative to what else we see today. His undefeated record can be an issue of debate but one thing can't be and that is the size of his heart and determination. That part of him shines in almost all his fights and garners him fans far beyond the boundaries of Puerto Rico. His attending fans applaud his craft of working the body much like the Japanese fans of Pride appreciate the submission skills of their heroes. These fight fans can enjoy minutes without action prompted by one small secure movement that ends the match as 90,000 people voice their appreciation. Though he is young, Miguel's recent move up in weight should provide his body the opportunity to shine as his struggle at 140lbs. affected performance at times. As far as focus goes, Cotto has proven to be the more determined and willing fighter of the two and it shows in the opinions of his critics. Despite that, in the ring tools and abilities are a different story. I don't see many clear advantages for either fighter but just going by simple observation a few things seem accurate.

Zab has reach, speed, and one punch power advantages. Miguel has chin, stamina, strength and size advantages. One wears guys down and the other overwhelms guys with speed and accuracy. One guy can change his style easily and one guy fights one way, straight forward. One guy can get rattled during a fight the other guy doesn't seem phased ever. Both pose a stiff challenge for the other but the safe bet would be the consistent fighter who hasn't shown much weakness to date. Miguel is and should be the favorite for his title defense come June 9th because he earned that consideration. I know he will defend his title with every bit of heart he has and provide the fans with the thrill of a lifetime. Through it all picking a winner was difficult and no ending would really surprise me, but a couple factors swayed the vote. I like Miguel and he is a crowd pleasing fighter but I see Zab posing problems the champion may not be able to answer. I do think there will be an American walking out of the ring that night with a championship belt, but popular opinion says it won't happen. Or you can believe nothing is more dangerous than a fighter with his back against the wall, because Brooklyn's got one.