Miguel Cotto was quick and accurate while dishing out his usual power in a third-round stoppage over Delvin Rodriguez on Saturday at Amway Center in Orlando, Fla.
The win improves Cotto's record to 38-4. It was his 31st knockout.
This was a big win for Cotto's career. He entered the fight having lost two straight. The first was a unanimous-decision defeat to Floyd Mayweather Jr. The second was a unanimous-decision loss to Austin Trout.
Since those fights, the 32-year-old began training under the expert guidance of Freddie Roach. That appears to be a match made in heaven. Cotto looked as good as ever on Saturday, and he is ready for more high-profile bouts.
Here are three that would provide a nice evening of boxing.
Floyd Mayweather Jr.
After Cotto's victory on Saturday night, Roach dropped this little nugget on the media, which comes to us via Daily Mail's Martin Domin: "Miguel told me that if he were in the shape that he's in right now he would have won that fight [Mayweather]. So I'm sure he would definitely welcome a rematch."
I think Cotto might be getting a little carried away by saying he would have beat Money. I also think he should be careful about wishing for a rematch for his next fight. A loss in three-of-four fights at this stage of his career would be tough to overcome.
That said, if Cotto really believes he's made the improvements needed to beat Mayweather, or even come close, he should push for this fight.
Either way, it would be a decent bout. Cotto landed a few big blows on Mayweather in their first go around, and his brawling style made for an entertaining fight.
Sergio Martinez
This would be one entertaining matchup. Sergio Martinez needs a thrilling win to get fans buzzing if he wants to remain as a high-profile fighter. The WBC middleweight champion has turned in some fine performances, like his unanimous decision over Julio Cesar Chavez Jr, in his recent seven-fight win streak.
However, none of those fights have done much to increase his brand. He could use a fight that provides some fireworks, and this would definitely do that.
As for Cotto, a strong showing against Martinez would definitely cement the notion that he is still one of the sport's best and most entertaining fighters. It would be a nice payday for him, and a victory would lead to more big paydays.
Saul Alvarez
This is the fight I hope happens next. Put Cotto and Canelo in the ring together and we are bound to get an epic battle. These two powerful fighters would slug it out.
As we've seen in Canelo's recent bouts, a loss to Mayweather and a victory over Trout, Alvarez's defense leaves something to be desired.
Cotto would be able to exploit the holes in Alvarez's defense, but unlike Mayweather, he would also be vulnerable to Canelo's striking.
Both fighters are full of heart and would go toe-to-toe. This bout would be an instant classic.
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