Ugh oh...a fight Lopez has a chance to win. It all comes down to if Cotto hits as hard as he looks like. If he does, he beats Lopez on points and easy; because while Jose Luis was tough as nails, he had the heart of a fairy and went into his post-Ibeabuchi-Tua shell whenever he was hit hard. Hell, James Page outboxed him.
I still dont know about picking Cotto in this one. He does have a leaky defense, and is hurtable. Lopez was probably the 2nd most powerful welter of the last 15 years behind Tito. And he had a great chin. But like Ashes said, he had no desire, which was his downfall. If Lopez had possesed the mentality, and desire that Cotto has, I think he coulda been something special. I say Cotto wins, just because he would want it more, but Lopez would have a real shot at KOing him.
Your boy Ike beat the hell outta Lopez for most the fight, then got nearly KO'd. Cotto doesnt have the jab, isnt as strong, and is easier to hit than a prime Ike. Lopez has a chance here.
I honestly think that if Lopez doesn't KO him, he comes DANGEROUSLY close more than once in this fight. Cotto would probably win it by decision on activity and workrate. Cotto via close and unpopular decision.
