While the fight was closer than I expected, there's no need for a rematch after Floyd "Money" Mayweather's unanimous decision victory over Miguel Cotto.
Cotto had his moments against Mayweather, and he certainly gave the champ his most challenging fight in years. But after his surgical destruction of the bigger Cotto, Mayweather proved that he's simply on a different level.
Mayweather's nose was bleeding throughout, but Cotto hardly inflicted enough damage to threaten Money's undefeated record. Mayweather's defense was excellent, as he rolled punches and absorbed most of the big blows with his shoulders.
Although it wasn't his finest counterpunching performance, Mayweather also landed the more staggering strikes in the fight.
After a strong ninth round for Cotto, Mayweather stepped his game up. He dominated the final rounds, landing swooping hooks and vicious uppercuts throughout. He was eventually awarded the decision 118-110, 117-111, 117-111.
It was a solid overall fight for Cotto, who was headed to the Boxing Hall of Fame regardless of what happened tonight. But as he was outclassed throughout, it became clear that he had no shot of beating Mayweather.
The only light middleweight or welterweight fighter in the world who can blemish Floyd's record is Manny Pacquiao, and due to the clash of egos on both sides, I doubt we'll ever see that fight.
One thing for sure, though, is that we don't need Mayweather-Cotto II.
It was a great fight, but we didn't learn anything new. All of our pre-fight assumptions proved to be correct.
Yes, Miguel Cotto is one of the finest boxers in the world, and his place in history is secure. But is he capable of beating Floyd Mayweather? After tonight, the answer is clearly a resounding "no."
By Austin Green
