I faced Manny Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather but an outspoken boxer from Brooklyn was the fastest man I ever fought

The Puerto Rican star featured in many high-profile contests and as well as demonstrating a quality skillset that allowed him to dissect many top opponents, Cotto could also show a steely resilience to see him move past rivals on pure toughness and grit. 

At the peak of his powers, Cotto was able to become something of a mainstream attraction as he climbed to the top of the spirt with memorable wins over the likes of Zab Judah and Shane Mosley. 

A 2008 loss to Antonio Margarito would be avenged three years later, but the defeat, the first of Cotto’s career, did show some flaws that the very best fighters could exploit. 

In 2009, Cotto was taken apart by Manny Pacquiao when he was stopped in the final round, and he also lost on points to Floyd Mayweather in 2012.  

Cotto walked away from boxing in 2017 after he was beaten by Sadam Ali in New York City, and he left the sport with his head held high despite one final setback. 

In a career that included 47 fights, Cotto considers Paulie Malignaggi the fastest fighter he ever faced despite going in with Pacquaio and Mayweather. 

Cotto beat the Brooklyn man in 2006 to retain his world title at super-lightweight, but he was forced to give it everything against Malignaggi who used his speed to useful effect. 

“I think Paulie Malignaggi was one of the quickest guys I ever faced,” said Cotto when speaking to The Ring . 

“At the time of our fight he came in really good shape. He came in good condition, and he made me work really hard to beat him.”

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