Miguel Cotto vs Carlos Quintana

On Saturday, 2nd December 2006, boxing fans gathered at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, New Jersey, to see a new world champion crowned, either Miguel Cotto or Carlos Quintana. The bout, promoted by Top Rank and aired on Showtime Championship Boxing, featured the vacant WBA World Welterweight Title on the line. Miguel Cotto entered the fight with a record of 27-0-0, while Carlos Quintana boasted a record of 23-0-0. Both fighters weighed in close to the limit, with Cotto at 146 lbs and Quintana at 147 lbs.

The fight began with both fighters having their moments, but it was Cotto who gradually gained the upper hand. By round four, Quintana had already sustained a puffiness over his right eye and welts under both. Cotto continued to apply pressure, while Quintana struggled to find an answer to the relentless assault.

In the pivotal fifth round, Miguel Cotto's dominance became even more apparent. He knocked down Carlos Quintana twice, with the first knockdown coming from a devastating left hook to the body. Quintana managed to rise to his feet, but his spirit was clearly broken, and Cotto continued to press the attack.

Despite the urging of his corner, Carlos Quintana refused to come out for another round after the fifth. The referee, Steve Smoger, had no choice but to stop the contest, awarding the victory to Miguel Cotto by RTD at 3:00 in round 5. This win secured Cotto the WBA World Welterweight Title and marked his successful debut in the welterweight division.