Examining the 2022 International Boxing Hall of Fame class

Miguel Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs)

Tito Trinidad was beloved by Puerto Ricans, and it was clear that whoever came after him would have big shoes to fill. As it turns out, Miguel Cotto’s feet were the perfect size, as he was able to take over as the pride of Puerto Rico and put together a Hall of Fame-caliber career.

Cotto unfortunately was never quite among the best of the best in boxing, as there always seemed to be a couple of guys who were better than him pound for pound, but that was not an indictment on his skills. Becoming a four-division world champion is quite the accomplishment; in fact he was the first Puerto Rican fighter to do so.

He also won the hearts of many fans after suffering a beating at the hands of Antonio Margarito, who was later busted for using loaded hand wraps. While Margarito was caught before his fight with Shane Mosley, most fans believe that he was also cheating in the Cotto fight, despite it never being definitively proven.

Cotto notched wins over DeMarcus Corley, Zab Judah, Joshua Clottey, Paulie Malignaggi, Shane Mosley, Antonio Margarito (in the rematch) and Sergio Martinez. He put together an impressive resume over his 16-year career and always was willing to fight the best. Even when he came up short against Manny Pacquiao or Floyd Mayweather, he gave it his all.

Cotto is one of those guys who probably never got the credit he deserved, mainly because he was overshadowed by some truly special fighters who were also in his era, but that does not mean he was not a great fighter in his own right.