Probably Cotto but he'd get some scares along the way. Simon was solid all the way round at welter but he could be hurt and when that happened he usually went into dogfight mode. I guess it depends on if Cotto can box well enough to keep Brown off him and could he withstand what Simon is going to throw back at him. Brown was probably a bigger hitter than Margarito with his left hook, he applied pressure very well, had good power in both hands and the ability to counterpunch. He'd also dig to Cotto's body whenever they got close. He's not as big as Margarito and his chin wasn't as good but he was solid and tough as nails. It would be an interesting fight to see. Cotto would probably hurt Brown but that isn't neccessarily a good thing. Simon had a boatload of heart, stamina and tenacity. If Cotto doesn't stop him he'd be in a lot of trouble during the championship rounds.
I've been on a Simon Brown viewing binge lately and I've changed my mind. I think he'd get to Cotto and stop him late. I forgot how good a combination puncher Brown was, he was quicker than I remembered and he had heat in both hands. The nasty left hook was as good as I remembered but his short right hand was killer. He also used his jab to set up his power beautifully. He also was a little niftier on defense than I remembered. He wasn't Whitaker or Mayweather but he parried and rolled with shots very well and he could turn offense into defense in a flash. Cotto probably could edge the fading Brown that lost to McGirt but Simon at his best gets the job done in thriller.
Agreed. Brown would have stopped Cotto late. It would have turned into a war at some point, and Cotto is NOT winning a war with Brown. Simon had bigger guns, a better chin, and by FAARRR better stamina.
Brown is too strong and physical for Cotto. I can see Cotto getting a bit of an early lead, but Brown wears him down for a late TKO.
