Antonio Margarito has claimed the WBA Welterweight title with an 11th round technical knockout of Miguel Cotto. The crowd at the MGM Grand, Las Vegas, were treated to one of the fights of the century as both men gave it their all. Miguel Cotto began the fight by boxing on the back foot, moving laterally and countering the advancing Margarito at every opportunity. By contrast, Margarito's game plan consisted of trying to cut the ring off and fire body shots at Cotto, trying to slow him down as the fight progressed. One of the most ominous signs for Cotto was that although he was able to breach Margarito's defence, seemingly at will, he failed to hurt him at any stage. Margarito demonstrated his almost inhuman ability to absorb punches without effect throughout the fight as Cotto continued to land quick and accurate combinations.

Margarito started ...