Who is Michael Jennings? He’s a little-know British welterweight who has compiled a 34-1 (16 KOs) fighting even lesser-known fighters in the United Kingdom his entire career. What does all of this mean for Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26 KOs)?
It means that he will be 33-1 with 27 knockouts after February 21. This is the classic comeback (after his debilitating loss at the possibly "loaded" hands of Antonio Margarito) fight. If Cotto loses, then he and his promoter Bob Arum will have a whole lot of explaining to do.
In the other "comeback fight" on the same night, middleweight champion Kelly Pavlik (34-1, 30 KOs) looks to get back on track after his humbling defeat at the hands of the venerable Bernard Hopkins. His adversary Marco Antonio Rubio (43-4, 37 KOs) is more well-known in boxing circles than Michael Jennings.
However, he’s more well known for his losses to Kofi Jantuah and Kassim Ouma than any of his victories. That spells trouble for him on Saturday, and a triumphant return for Kelly Pavlik in front of his hometown fans in Youngstown, Ohio.
Look for Cotto to win by 4th round knockout over Jennings and Pavlik to win via 7th round stoppage over Rubio.
Joseph Boylan says
I think recent events regarding Margarito’s use of illegal materials in the glove wraps will fuel his comeback; so much of the sweet science is mental and this should be a big boost to Cotto. As for Pavlik its going to be a harder road back since he will obviously need to work on some of the technical issues that have been exposed but only the top tier of fighters will be able to take advantage the rest will probably get KOed trying to push him backwards.
Cotto wins with a KO before round 6
Pavlik wins with a KO around the 7th or 8th round