Miguel Cotto Boxer Player

Well over the weekend Miguel Cotto successfully defended his WBO welterweight title when he defeated Ghanaian, Joshua Clottey in a majority split decision. While the result bodes well for Cotto and his ambitions to unify the division with an undisputed champion. His performance whilst impressive may not be enough to sway the minds of many who feel that he ought to be the next opponent for the linear champion within the division. And that person is none other than Manny Pacquiao of the Phillipines.

Miguel Cotto (left) of Puerto Rico looks to fend off a flurry punches from his challenger for his WBO welterweight title in Joshua Clottey. The bout took place at the bastion of boxing at the Madision Square Gardens Arena in New York City, New York. Picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Al Bello

Pacquaio is now widely acknowledged as the best pound for pound boxer in the world. And his destruction of boxing legend Oscar De La Hoya cemented that reputation to the maximum. And while no one doubts the capabilities of Cotto as a fighter. His stamina and the very fact that his chin has always been suspect comes into question. What became even more noticeable in this bout was the fact that he sustained a rather nasty cut in his bout with Clottey. Albeit that it came from an accidental head butt early in the bout. Luckily had it not gone to the to the judges when the injury was sustained then he may well have ended up losing the bout on a technicality. But such was his will to fight on that the bout became a do or die situation for the fighter.

A slightly bloodied Miguel Cotto is congratulated by his opponent Joshua Clottey after their hard fought WBO welterweight title bout held on Saturday night at Madison Square Gardens, New York City. Picture appears courtesy of Top Rank/ Chris Farina

And though the victory may well be looked upon as enough to quell a quiet storm. It should in no way signify that the fighter is ready to meet Pacquiao. If anything the noises being made are only being done as it’s the most viable and lucrative option for the fighter in terms of a really big payday. He may not wish to face someone such as Shane Mosley who defeated his most recent nemesis Antonio Margarito. And in all likelihood that’d be the desired bout that most would want to see . As the winner would be then deemed deserving of the chance to face Pacquiao.

Cotto connects to the head Clottey during the third round of their WBO welterweight title bout held at Madison Square Gardens in New York City. The event itself was held on National Puerto Rican Day. And it signified that the for the fourth consecutive year Cotto fought on that day . His legions of Puerto Rican compatriots came out in throngs to show their support for the fighter. Picture appears courtesy of getty images/ Al Bello

And now with their being renewed interest within the welterweight division with the impending unretirement of Floyd Mayweather Jr. It has to be said that all of the marquee names within the division are looking to have themselves affixed to a certain pecking order within the category. And that pecking order may have more to do with popularity rather than overall boxing ability in many respects with regard to a number of the aspirants.