Cotto vs Geale was over quicker than expected at the Barclays Center, Brooklyn. Or was it? The reigning WBC Middleweight champ looked solid, technically the better man, and of course, the more powerful.
At the 1:28 mark, Cotto (40-4, 33 KO) stopped Geale, the end coming following two hard knockdowns.
Australia’s Geale (31-4, 16 KO) was a brave, determined opponent, but really wasn’t on the Puerto Rican’s level tonight. Geale was unable to get his jab off in the first three rounds, and wasn’t able to make much impact on the fight. During any exchanges, Geale would come off second. And that was the story.
Geale looked to build his punch-output in the 4th, and that couldn’t have been a worse strategy. In the early seconds, Cotto landed a full-blooded counter-left-hook that dropped Geale to the canvas.
Geale looked dazed from the shot, and it was easy to see why. Being Geale, he of course beat the count and even tried to fight his way through Cotto’s subsequent attack. But it lead to another opening for the stronger man.
Cotto knocked down his foe again, and after Geale rose for the second time, the referee decided enough was enough. Good call.
Post fight, Cotto told Max Kellerman he felt like the Cotto of old, and that Freddie Roach was a vital key to his recent successes in the ring. He also stated that he does not consider himself a Middleweight, and that he will be looking to dance with Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KO) before Gennady Golovkin.
If Cotto strongly believes he is not a Middleweight, perhaps it’s a good idea to relinquish that WBC belt now? Just a thought.
To conclude, this was an impressive performance from Cotto. He looked disciplined, highly-focused, and pretty dangerous. Here’s a little food for thought (for what it’s worth): Golovkin took Geale out in 3, Cotto in 4.
Check out HBO Boxing’s highlights:
Cotto vs Geale: Round by Round
Round 1: Early body attack from Cotto. Geale holding his own. Cotto lands nice left-hook, boxing well. Cotto, 10-9
Round 2: Cotto wins early exchange. Looks superior technically. Nice three-punch body-head combo from Cotto – he’s in control. Geale’s jab not getting off yet. Geale slips (on canvas). Geale loses round, but is perhaps growing in confidence now. Cotto, 10-9 (20-18)
Round 3: Clean, head-snapping jab from Cotto. Geale keeping his distance. Another Cotto jab finds the target. Cotto body shot. Cotto the quicker man again and wins a couple of close-quarter exchanges. He looks smarter than Geale. Cotto, 10-9 (30-27)
Round 4: Geale opens up but is dropped by heavy Cotto left-hook-counter! Geale looks unsteady. Cotto on the attack after Geale beats count. Geale fires back but is dropped again! Referee stops fight! Cotto wins via 4th round TKO at 1:28
Cotto vs Geale Undercard
Welterweight prospect Dustin Fleischer stopped Kareem Millner at the 1:06 mark of the 1st round. Fleischer now moves to 2-0, 2 knockouts.
For what it’s worth, Fleischer showcased good discipline in this short night’s work against a journeyman. Good hand speed and accuracy will have caught the eye of some keen observers.
Also, Light Heavyweight Junior Younan scored a 2nd round stoppage against Mike Sawyer, dropping him in both the 1st and 2nd rounds before the stoppage arrived.
Younan looked a little wild at times, but he (and his yellow and red hair) will nonetheless be moving onto bigger fights. The 19-year-old advances to 7-0, 6 knockouts.
What did you think of Cotto vs Geale? Impressive stuff from a rejuvenated Cotto? Or did he simply do what was expected tonight?
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