hatton stopped the great Tszyu and Cotto was in all manner of trouble against Demarcus Corley. But would those things be relevant to this fight?
I'd pick Cotto. Plain and simple, just a better fighter, even at 140. He's actually pretty underrated at 140. People remember the struggle against Torres, and Corley, but don't remember how impressive he looked in destroying guys like Pinto, Randall Bailey, and Abdullaev. Hatton would be competitive for awhile, but in the long run I see Cotto's combinations busting Ricky up, and either forcing a late stoppage, or clear decision.
Cotto. Bigger, stronger, and just a better fighter. I think he'd wear Hatton down and take him out late.
Hatton wins by late stoppage. Cotto was no great shakes at 140 and Hatton's kyptonite was speed and slickness, neither of which Cotto has in abundance. Cotto always had stamina problems late on and struggled with pressure fighters. MTF
Cotto was shaky at 140 near the end. But there was a period where he was making the weight comfortably and looking very strong. LOL @ Hatton stopping him. Hatton in his supposed "prime" couldn't stop a 97 year old Vince Philips. Hatton's only chance is if the fight is the UK and the ref allows him to do whatever the Hell he wants. On neutral ground, where Hatton isn't permitted to obsessively hold/grapple, Cotto busts him up. Miggy's just the superior talent, with superior skills and power. And I'm not even very high on Cotto, but he was a simply better fighter than Hatton.
Cotto always struggled with stamina issues. He was noted for it. A pressure fighter swarming all over him would exaccerbate that ten-fold. I like Cotto, and agree he is probably a more talented fighter than Hatton, but Hatton has become very underrated around here of late and his style is not good for Miggy. MTF
Hatton might be the fighter I hate more than anyone else, couldn't stand him, I quite like Cotto too, but at the time I always thought Hatton would win this. Even though Cotto is clearly the better fighter.
I think Cotto wins this one. A mixture of good boxing from the outside along with trading up close. Hatton would have his moments would I'd imagine his face being all busted up by the end.
Top rank was considering the fight at one point. They didn't end up making it, for whatever reason. Cotto was better but as has been mentioned he was vulnerable right before he went to welter
