15 years ago

Date: 21st February 2009

Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York

Title: vacant WBO World Welterweight Title

Promoter: Top Rank

Tv: HBO Pay-per-view

Miguel Cotto
( 32 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 147 lbs

Michael Jennings
( 34 - 1 - 0 )
Weight: 146½ lbs

On Saturday 21st February 2009, Miguel Cotto and Michael Jennings squared off for the vacant WBO World Welterweight Title at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York. Promoted by Top Rank and aired on HBO Pay-per-view, the bout saw two fighters with impressive records, Cotto (32-1-0) and Jennings (34-1-0), clash in front of 9,903 spectators. The Puerto Rican Cotto weighed in at 147 lbs, while the Englishman Jennings tipped the scales at 146½ lbs.

As the fight began, both Cotto and Jennings started off cautiously, trying to gauge each other's movements and strategies. Cotto, hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, started to find his rhythm in the second round as he began landing his signature left hook. Manchester native Jennings, on the other hand, attempted to stay out of Cotto's range by utilizing his footwork and the full expanse of the ring.

By the third round, Jennings' evasive tactics persisted, often tying Cotto up to prevent him from getting too close. However, Cotto's tight defense made it increasingly difficult for Jennings to land any significant punches. In the fourth round, Jennings' nose began to bleed, and Cotto capitalized on this by landing a powerful left hook to the head and a barrage of body shots that sent Jennings to the canvas twice in quick succession.

Entering the fifth round, Jennings appeared to be in survival mode, trying to withstand the relentless assault from Cotto. Cotto managed to corner Jennings against the ropes and landed a series of vicious body shots that sent him to the floor for the third time. Though Jennings managed to get back on his feet, referee Benjy Esteves Jr. determined he was in no condition to continue and called a halt to the contest.

With this victory, Miguel Cotto claimed the vacant WBO World Welterweight Title and earned himself a purse of over $1 million.