MIGUEL COTTO - KELSON PINTO TOUGH ONE ON PAPER By George Elsasser

The September 11, Cotto - Pinto showdown of unbeaten jr. welters reads like a standoff … both prospects with very similar resumés; Pinto's  reads 20-0 with 18 by KO and Cotto's 20-0 with 16 stoppages. But, once again, permit me to remind those impressed over such things that all resumés are not created equal - advantage Cotto. The Cotto win over Lovemore N’Dou shouted volumes over this kid’s progress … label it as earning his diploma. Proved he had what it takes in a grueling battle over twelve scorching candles … showed the edge in punching power early on against a tough veteran with solid chin and great stamina. Cotto matched the tempo and pace punch for punch while scoring a unanimous decision - add a pinch of an ingredient missing in most young ones, an ability to relax while both on offense and defense without once being rattled while under fire, and what he have here is something special. And Pinto you ask? The Brazilian as I recall, is big in size and a proven puncher … definitely one of the new breed of prospects at jr. welter and welter as well. His marquee pairing with the Manchester "Hit Man" Ricky Hatton fell through … thus the jury still out until this Cotto showdown. My pick is Cotto … a future champion at the threshold - too much going for him to blow this assignment. Likely by decision but just maybe by late stanza TKO. 9-1-04 Questions? Comments? Email GEL Brought to you by Saratogamist copyright 2001-2004