If you, like me, are paying $50 ($60 for HD) for tonight's fight then you might as make things more interesting with a small wager. Obviously I'm taking Cotto for the win, but when and by what means make all the difference. Continue after the jump where I'll break down all of the possible betting angles and give you my favorite picks. Margarito Decision 23/4 (5.75/1) The prevailing opinion is that if Margarito scores the upset it will be via knockout. He's certainly more more brawler than technician, but he is capable of scoring points with the judges. Margarito's style will sit well with everyone at ringside, and he'll be able to swing some close rounds by being the aggressor. However, the fact remains that Cotto is the champion, and the odds of an all-action fighter like Margarito taking away his belt on points are longer than Bodog is willing to give. Margarito KO/TKO/DQ 16/5 (3.2/1) Cotto has only been in trouble a couple of brief times in his career, he probably doesn't get enough credit for his durability. Ricardo Torres, a heavy-handed Colombian, has been the only man to put him on the canvas and Cotto got back up and knocked Torres out in the seventh. It's unlikely that Margarito will end Cotto with a single combination like he did to Kermit Cintron, but the challenger can throw enough punches to hurt Cotto over time. If you insist on going with the underdog, this isn't such a bad bet. Cotto Decision 13/10 (1.3/1) It's no wonder why this is the most popular pick amongst boxing writers and gamblers alike. Margarito has been defeated five times in his long career (he turned pro at 15) but he's never been knocked out. For a fighter whose primary strength is an aggressive style that's exceptionally rare. Cotto certainly has power, but as much as Cotto punished Zab Judah and Paulie Malignaggi they stayed with him for a combined 23 rounds. The payout isn't great, but don't let that steer you away. A bet of just under $39 could recoup the extra $50 charge on your cable bill. Cotto KO/TKO/DQ 14/5 (2.8/1) Remember all that crap about Tony never getting knocked out? Well I'm choosing to ignore it. Sure, it's not probably not the most sound decision I've ever made, I just feel like Cotto is going win this thing emphatically. I know that Margarito will never relent or back down, but that doesn't mean a referee can't stop him for his own good. I don't think Cotto is going spend much feeling (ed. note: feelings = profits) out Margarito, instead he'll start in on his free-swinging opponent early with his incapacitating hooks to the body. As the fight wears on Cotto will find more opportunities to counter-punch, eventually picking Margarito apart. He may be the toughest guy in boxing, but he's never been in against a fighter as dynamic as Miguel Angel Cotto. Now I'm going to go kill some time watching the MMA event to get the blood flowing. If you're looking for coverage of that event Cousins of Ron Mexico is on the case at TBL. This is your DUAN.
By