Cotto faces Mayorga on Saturday
Champion Miguel Cotto battles Ricardo Mayorga on Saturday night in Las Vegas Reuters

In a battle of two light middleweights, WBA champion Miguel Cotto is the heavy favorite over Ricardo Mayorga from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.

Cotto boasts an impressive record of 35 wins and 2 losses, with 28 knockouts. Cotto's only losses are to Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito.

Conventional wisdom suggests if Cotto can beat more prominent boxers such as Yuri Foreman and Joshua Clottey in recent fights, he will make short work of Mayorga.

But to underestimate Mayorga could be the downfall of Cotto.

Mayorga lacks a quality record, but at 38 years old the Nicaraguan is capable of over-powering opponents. Should Mayorga exercises some discipline in the fight, he can catch an unsuspecting Cotto.

A clean right hand from Mayorga on Cotto's chin might be all it takes for the underdog to pull off the shocking upset.

What Mayorga owns more than anything is desperation. The former champion has lost important fights against top opponents, such as Cory Spinks, Felix Trinidad, Oscar De La Hoya and Shane Mosley, so a loss on Saturday may very well end any chance he has to fight another high-profiled boxer.

But all of the motivation, inspiration, and perspiration may mean very little.

Cotto is a very tactical boxer, with fine speed and power. He rarely makes a mistake.

Mayorga needs Cotto to lose focus, and provide an opening. Otherwise, he has little chance.

Boxing