First, a 2017 Cotto without a torn bicep likely wins a decision. But to answer your question, I think main difference is Cotto would've been quicker. So his offense would've been an even larger concern for Ali. It is possible though that 2017 Cotto's defense is actually better than 2010's. And Cotto has always seemed susceptible to shots high on the head like the ones Ali hurt him with last night. So while 2010 would obviously be a tougher proposition for any fighter than 2017, I'm not sure there aren't counteracting effects that lessen the difference.
Cmonnnn now... we're talking about a guy who got stopped by Jesse Vargas. Anything close to a prime form Cotto would have destroyed Ali.
I don't buy that the bicep was a deciding factor. Cotto looked shot against the Jap he fought in August. Cotto lost last night because he's a washed up old man who no longer has any snap on his punches, is very slow, and has problems pulling the trigger consistently. I'm no Cotto fan, but in his prime he has no problems with a guy like Ali. He would have gone through him in 6-7 rounds.
In his prime he has no problem. Agree. In 2017 I think he still has a chance to win, if his bicep is not torn.
