Quantcast

The DNAinfo archives brought to you by WNYC.
Read the press release here.

Cotto Punishes Margarito in MSG Boxing Bout

By Tom Liddy | December 4, 2011 11:06am
Miguel Cotto (L) of Puerto Rico connects with a left handed punch against Antonio Margarito of Mexico during the WBA World Junior Middleweight Title fight at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2011 in New York City.
Miguel Cotto (L) of Puerto Rico connects with a left handed punch against Antonio Margarito of Mexico during the WBA World Junior Middleweight Title fight at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2011 in New York City.
View Full Caption
Al Bello/Getty Images

MANHATTAN — Call it the Garden of Beatin'.

Reigning super welterweight champion Miguel Cotto battered his rival, Antonio Margarito, during a brutal 10-round rematch brawl at Madison Square Garden Saturday night.

Cotto's flurry of punches left Margarito's previously-injured right eye completely closed by the seventh round as the crowd of more than 21,000 cheered on the Puerto Rican champ, according to reports.

Just three seconds into the 10th round officials stopped the fight, saying that Margarito could not see, despite his vehement objections, ESPN said.

Cotto, who was beaten by Margarito in 11 rounds three years ago in Las Vegas in a major upset, gloated after the punishing fight.

"Just to look at him and taste my victory on him," he said, according to ESPN. "He means nothing to me. I'm here with all my crowd and all my people. He means nothing to me."

Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico kisses his wife Melissa after defeating Antonio Margarito of Mexico by TKO in the tenth round during the WBA World Junior Middleweight Title fight at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2011 in New York City.
Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico kisses his wife Melissa after defeating Antonio Margarito of Mexico by TKO in the tenth round during the WBA World Junior Middleweight Title fight at Madison Square Garden on December 3, 2011 in New York City.
View Full Caption
Al Bello/Getty Images