By Jim Amato & Danny Serratelli

Photo by Thierry Gourjon

Amato:
I see big things for Miguel Cotto therefore I feel he will defeat
Paulie Malignaggi in their upcoming fight. Cotto is one of the best body
punchers in the business. Paul is fast and Cotto will be troubled by his speed. Nevertheless I see Cotto’s devastating body attack slowing Paul and eventually breaking him down. Cotto by decision or late round KO.

Serratelli:
I agree with Jim for the most part and feel that Miguel Cotto has established himself as a star in boxing today. Cotto is a big favorite because of his more commonly known skills, experience, and an apparent size and strength advantage. Paulie swears this is the best shape he’s been in for a fight. His hands are finally healthy, and he is a student of boxing who claims to have the game plan to beat Cotto. Cotto is already looking at a fight in November with Jose Luis Castillo, while its do or die for Malinaggi. Paulie will have to fight a perfect fight, use his speed and skill, show he can handle Cotto’s strength and power, and out hustle Cotto for 12 rounds….it can be done, Paulie Malinaggi by a close decision.

Amato:
I like Arturo Gatti. He is my favorite fighter active today. In
reality though he does have his limitations. They should be exposed when he takes on WBC welterweight champion Carlos Baldomir. Zab Judah is bigger,stronger, faster and hits harder then Gatti yet Baldomir dogged Judah and won the title. Carlos isn’t great at any one thing but he does a lot of little things well. He is strong and tough and he’s got some pop on his punches. I’ll take Baldomir by KO in the middle rounds of an action fight while it lasts.

Serratelli:
This is a big fight for Arturo and will probably be his last chance to have a shot at the welterweight title that he can win. Arturo will have the crowd, the title on the line, and Buddy McGirt’s game plan on his side. Baldomir and Arturo match up nicely, however Baldomir lacks the one asset that he needs to assure victory over Gatti, a big advantage in speed. Arturo will win a close fight in a definite fight of the year candidate.

Amato:
On a final note, former heavyweight champion Riddick Bowe ( 45-1 ) has
signed a four fight deal with Lion Heart Boxing Productions. His first bout is slated for July 29th in Salt Lake City. No opponent has been named. I for one am very sorry to hear this news. I was hoping Riddick would just give it up. He looked awful against Biily Zumbrun a while back. If Riddick does put together a couple of wins I’m afraid they might try to spring Bowe-Holyfield IV on us poor fans. Geez…Will the winner get Tyson ?