Amongst his Puerto Rican compatriots, decorated knockout artist Miguel Cotto has cemented his legacy in boxing with a staggering record-breaking feat.
A four-division champion during his 16-year stint in the squared circle, Cotto is widely considered one of the greatest boxers from Puerto Rico to ever compete in the sport — amongst a laundry list of talented countrymen and women.
Whether it be compared to the likes of Wilfredo Gomez, or super featherweight star, Alfredo Escalera — Miguel Cotto is right up there as a Puerto Rican legend. So let’s delve into that stunning career below.
Who is Miguel Cotto?
Miguel Cotto is a former professional boxer who competed for 16 years in the ring, from 2001 until 2016.
A former four-division champion, Cotto competed as low as light welterweight to as high as the outright middleweight limit during his memorable career.
Why is Miguel Cotto nicknamed ‘Juanito’?
Quite the distinct and straightforward nickname, in his native tongue, Juanito translates to junior — with Cotto named after his late father, Miguel Cotto Sr.
How old is Miguel Cotto?
Cotto was born on October 29, 1980 in Providence, Rhode Island and at the time of publication is 44 years old.
Before his second birthday, Cotto and his family relocated to Caguas, Puerto Rico — where he began his training at Bairoa Boxing Gym.
What boxing record did Miguel Cotto set?
A four-division world champion in professional boxing, with his WBC and The Ring middleweight title win over Sergio Martinez in 2014, Cotto became the first Puerto Rican boxer to win championships in four different weight divisions.
How much money did Miguel Cotto make?
Boasting a staggering $25 million net worth according to the outlet, Celebrity Net Worth — Cotto earned a guaranteed $7 million for his record-setting win over Martinez.
And of course, fighting the undefeated Floyd Mayweather, Cotto is said to have received $8 million despite his losing effort against the Michigan star.
Miguel Cotto’s professional boxing record
Retiring back in 2017 following a loss against Sadam Ali, Cotto retired boasting an impressive 41-6 professional record having competed 47 times in the ring.
During his stellar career, Cotto turned in notable victories over the likes of Lovemore N’dou, DeMarcus Corley, Paulie Malignaggi, Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Joshua Clottey, Antonio Margarito, and Ricardo Mayorga, to name a few.
Miguel Cotto vs. Zab Judah
Billed simply as X-Plosive, Cotto and former world champion Zab Judah met in a barnburner back in 2007, with the former defending his status as WBA welterweight champion.
Then in the midst of a stunning 29-0 unbeaten professional run, Cotto would round out his record and hit number 30, courtesy of a penultimate round knockout win over Judah to retain his championship.
Miguel Cotto vs. DeMarcus Corley
Two years before his knockout win over Judah, Cotto would welcome the veteran, well-travelled DeMarcus Corley to his throne to challenge for the WBO light welterweight crown in his native Puerto Rico.
And prior to his fight with Cotto, Corley had come unstuck against just Judah, as well as the above-mentioned Mayweather, and Daniel Lujan.
Yet to be stopped either, Cotto made light work of Corley inside five rounds on home soil — dropping him three separate times en route to a victory.
Miguel Cotto vs. Shane Mosley
Meeting another top talent of their generation in the form of Shane Mosley, Cotto would tackle the Californian over 12 rounds in a pairing billed as Fast & Furious as part of the former’s impressive 32-fight unbeaten career start.
Defending his WBA welterweight championship once more, Cotto would get the nod on the judge’s scorecards in a unanimous decision effort, before then taking out Alfonso Gomez in his final victory before his first career loss.