By Sonee Thompson, Ringside
“He’s back” – that’s what Freddie Roach said in the post fight press conference after Miguel Cotto’s win over Delvin Rodriguez Saturday on HBO. Cotto looked like he regained his quick step and released pent up aggression as he crushed sacrificial lamb, Delvin Rodriguez in Orlando, Florida. It only took 2 and a half rounds for Cotto to obtain the TKO-3 victory and re-energize his loyal fans who packed Amway Arena.
Miguel Cotto TKO-3, Delvin Rodriguez
Cotto (38-4, 31 KO) clearly showed that his new alliance with Freddie Roach has been a step in the right direction. It was a lefthook-to-the-body-palooza as Cotto weakened the attack and crushed the spirit of Rodriguez early on. Whereas Rodriguez had said he was ready to slug and fight inside, neither really materialized in this red carpet re-approach for Cotto who did not show his 32 years of age but more his years of experience in battle.
Photo: Getty Images
Rodriguez (28-7-3, 16 KO) tried to establish his presence but the solid shots he was able to land did not faze Cotto. Cotto responded in a robotic manner as if he were on an assassination assignment – “kill target” is what I read in his eyes tonight. There were mumblings that Frank Santore’s stoppage may have been a bit premature, but I’m sure he was working on behalf of the millions nationwide, nodding on the couch trying to stay awake for the conclusion of the night.
When Rodriguez, 33, returned to his corner after round two, he was clearly shaken and looked to Fernely Feliz his coach for answers. Miguel Cotto worked behind his jab and did not release the pressure from the first bell to the last punch.
Roach as he did in my pre fight interview, praised Cotto’s work ethic and said it was one of the best camps ever. “From day one until now, he has just become so confident and so ready. He worked so hard. He put the hours in. I’m really happy to be here with him. We’re gonna have a lot of big fights after this.” Rodriguez was the perfect opponent for the resurrection of Cotto. Rodriguez and his timidity made Cotto look good. And Cotto did his job by showing up in tip top shape and piling on the ferocious body shots – to which the predominately Puerto Rican crowd erupted on each one.
As a personal trainer I appreciated his conservative motion in the ring. There was no energy wasted – all punches thrown with intent and purpose. He stalked Rodriguez and had an energy I had not seen from him in previous fights. Actually in his previous two fights his shoulders were rising up about 5 inches above his scapula causing him to fight tight and tense. Totally different fighter last night.
With Cotto being loyal to Top Rank – I don’t see Canelo happening but I think that Trout vs. Cotto would make for an excellent match. HBO will probably opt for a Sergio Martinez matchup as a safe pacing mechanism to possibly usher Cotto back to the throne. Roy Jones Jr. mentioned a possible Floyd rematch but Floyd would chew him up but it would be more interesting than Amir Khan. Following the likes of Pedro Diaz and Emmanuel Steward maybe Cotto has found the rejuvenation formula that will take him to a belt and eventually into sunset of his career.
Cotto commented that he wanted to rest and spend some time with his family over the holiday season, and go from there
Co Main Event: Terence Crawford vs. Andrey Klimov
All I can say is, I was so excited to see Crawford in action but this was a big yawn. Crawford missed a huge opportunity to obtain the hearts of boxing fans and attention of the network. All he had to do was let go of his hands and put on a show – Klimov was a willing participant – but he didn’t. After what happened or didn’t happen with Klitschko, the fire was begging to be stoked. His corner prepared him, but he didn’t deliver. Instead, boos from the crowd started in round one and continued with an eruption of applause and cheers upon the ringing of the bell for round 10. The crowd reacted again when Crawford fired a barrage of punches for the final 10 seconds of the round. Are you kidding me? Ala MNF Countdown… “C’mon, Man!” The main event finally got going about 11:50 p.m.
Here’s the kicker:
Local fighter Clarence “The Truth” Booth who has sparred the likes of Keith Thurman and you have seen featured in my previous articles on One Punch Boxing, had his fight with Patrick Boozer cancelled which would have been very exciting. Clarence wrote today on his facebook page, to a ton of “like” responses, “To all my family, friends and fans thank u for all the support tonight…unfortunately my fight was canceled because of a Florida law that states no fights can start after 12o’clock midnight I am very sorry for the inconvenience…but I insure u that this will not happen Nov.16 in my hometown St. Pete… Again i am very sorry i know y’all disappointed i am too. — feeling down.”
Awwww…. You gotta feel for him. Hang in there Clarence and Patrick. Next time!
In undercard action:
Jayson Velez won UD-10 over Dat Nguyen
Though the Scores were 98-91, 96-93, 96-93 the fight was way closer that the scorecard reveals. Velez (21-0, 15 KO) went punch for punch, combo for combo with a relentless Nguyen (17-3, 6 KO) who never let up. I honestly thought that fight was close to a draw. Velez played on the crowd to garner favor and in the end won over the judges as well.
Jorge Melendez TKO-2 Jamaal Davis
Melendez (27-3-1, 26 KO) made quick work of Davis (14-11-1, 6 KO), a 32-year-old Philly club fighter who has now lost three straight.
Felix Verdejo TKO-2 Gary Eyer
With the over the top walk-in of Verdejo you would think he was the main event. But he did deliver to the delight of the Puerto Rican fans and improved to 8-0 (6 KO) with an easy and early win over Eyer (11-4-1, 7 KO). I think Top Rank is grooming him as the next Puerto Rican superstar.
Moises Carrasquillo Jr UD-4 Steven Chadwick
One punch boxer Carrasquillo took out Steven Chadwick in impressive style. With stunningly good looks this talk lanky middleweight is coached by his equally impressive father, Moises Sr. Look for Carrasquillo 4-0 4 KOs to be yet another rising Puerto Rican star.
Ricky Tomlinson D-4 Lamar Charlton.
With this one came the first match and the first uh-oh. When Tomlinson, who was clearly over-powered by Charlton was given the decision D-4. Shame. Charlton is a solid featherweight and will bounce back.
Check out Sonee’s highlights from the show!
