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When a star attraction such as Floyd Mayweather, Jr. enters a weight class, he alters its equilibrium; perhaps even inhibiting its growth. Naturally, fighters of lesser financial appeal seek to engage him and reap the rewards offered by his pound-for-pound prestige while many more entertaining matches go unmade.
But as quick as the “Pretty Boy” gathered his desired statistic as the legitimate welterweight champion, he has relinquished it in pursuit of a final green belt owned by one Oscar de la Hoya. The promotional pleasantries of that super-fight shall soon begin; but what of the division Mayweather, Jr. leaves behind?
Carlos Baldomir’s Cinderella story is over; but unless he is unreasonably frivolous, he will never have to sell another feather duster. Therefore, with dominance of the welterweight division fair game, we turn our attentions to any fighter talented and hungry enough to challenge for it. This weekend, four such fighters collide in a welterweight championship doubleheader; at least three of which are eligible suitors.
Puerto Rico is spoiled for choice of world class welterweights. Fate determines that two of them, both unbeaten, shall meet in this weekend’s main event; with a third, Kermit Cintron, of Puerto Rican heritage, in waiting. Miguel Cotto and Carlos Quintana deserve their moment on the great stage; though they walked very different paths to reach it.
From the beginning, the shadow of once great Puerto Rican champion Felix Trinidad cast itself over Cotto, and pressure from fans to succeed Trinidad gnawed at him. Always, Cotto responded that he and his followers must be content for him to forge his own legacy apart from his predecessors. He has; and it contains enough success and controversy to be a tale worthy of its own telling. [details]
But as quick as the “Pretty Boy” gathered his desired statistic as the legitimate welterweight champion, he has relinquished it in pursuit of a final green belt owned by one Oscar de la Hoya. The promotional pleasantries of that super-fight shall soon begin; but what of the division Mayweather, Jr. leaves behind?
Carlos Baldomir’s Cinderella story is over; but unless he is unreasonably frivolous, he will never have to sell another feather duster. Therefore, with dominance of the welterweight division fair game, we turn our attentions to any fighter talented and hungry enough to challenge for it. This weekend, four such fighters collide in a welterweight championship doubleheader; at least three of which are eligible suitors.
Puerto Rico is spoiled for choice of world class welterweights. Fate determines that two of them, both unbeaten, shall meet in this weekend’s main event; with a third, Kermit Cintron, of Puerto Rican heritage, in waiting. Miguel Cotto and Carlos Quintana deserve their moment on the great stage; though they walked very different paths to reach it.
From the beginning, the shadow of once great Puerto Rican champion Felix Trinidad cast itself over Cotto, and pressure from fans to succeed Trinidad gnawed at him. Always, Cotto responded that he and his followers must be content for him to forge his own legacy apart from his predecessors. He has; and it contains enough success and controversy to be a tale worthy of its own telling. [details]
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