20 years ago

Date: 11th September 2004

Venue: Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot, Hato Rey, Puerto Rico

Title: vacant WBO World Super-lightweight Title

Promoter: Puerto Rico Best Boxing

Tv: HBO Boxing After Dark

Miguel Cotto
( 20 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 140 lbs

Kelson Pinto
( 21 - 0 - 0 )
Weight: 139 lbs

On Saturday, September 11th, 2004, Miguel Cotto and Kelson Pinto faced off at the Coliseo Jose Miguel Agrelot in Hato Rey, Puerto Rico. The event, promoted by Puerto Rico Best Boxing and aired on HBO Boxing After Dark, was held to determine the holder of the vacant WBO World Super-lightweight Title. Cotto, hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, entered the bout with a record of 20-0-0, while his Brazilian opponent, Pinto, from Salvador, Bahia, held a record of 21-0-0.

The two fighters had a history, as they had previously encountered each other in the amateurs, with Pinto emerging victorious over a then 19-year-old Cotto. Cotto weighed in at 140 lbs and Pinto 139 lbs for the professional rematch, setting the stage for an intense battle.

In the early stages of the fight, Cotto showcased his superior skills and tactical prowess. Pinto found himself in trouble in the 2nd round when he was knocked down by a powerful Cotto blow. However, Pinto managed to recover and continue the fight, demonstrating his resilience and determination.

As the match progressed, Cotto continued to dominate the contest, displaying a strong offensive strategy and effective counter-punching. In the 5th round, Pinto was once again sent to the canvas but managed to rise and continue the fight.

In the 6th round, with the momentum in Cotto's favor, he landed a decisive blow that sent Pinto to the canvas for the third and final time. Referee Roberto Ramirez Sr. stopped the fight at 0:32 in the round, declaring Miguel Cotto the winner by TKO.