WBA Light middleweight Champ Yuri Foreman (28-1,8 KO’s) was TKO’d by Miguel Angel Cotto (35-2,28 KO’s) at the 42 second mark of round 9 making Miguel a 4 time world Champion, but that may become a sidebar to the courage that Yuri Foreman showed in his loss. In what was turning out to be a better than expected fight, Foreman slipped and twisted an already braced knee and came up hobbling in the middle of the 7th round. It was then that referee Arthur Mercante Jr. made his first great decision of the night when he gave Foreman the time to walk off the injury and fight on. Undeterred by the obviously horrendous pain he was going through a game Foreman finished the round bravely.

With no intention on quitting on his stool Forman went on to an 8th round, and although much worse for wear he was going at it with Cotto in game fashion. Limping and punching, Forman could hear the cheers of the appreciative fans and he did not relent against the former champ. After a good exchange that showed Foreman was still there to fight the white towel of surrender came flying into the ring from Foreman’s corner. A disgusted Foreman saw the towel and was less than pleased with his corners decision.

Enter Arthur Mercante Jr. and his next great decision. The referee who let Foreman fight on saw no reason to end the fight and after clearing the ring he allowed the fight, and Foreman to continue. Again, the brave Rabbi to be made it to the end of another round on bad wheels.

The inevitable end came at 42 seconds of the next round, the 9th, when Cotto landed one of his picture perfect left hooks to the body that dropped Foreman quickly. That was all she wrote and Mercante finally told Foreman that his night was over.

Ahead on the scorecards Cotto showed he is still a force to be reckoned with and will make some noise at 154 pounds. The footwork and movement he and new trainer Emanuel Steward worked to perfection and it’s safe to say we will see the Puerto Rican star in against the best Jr. Middles in the near future.

With that said, it may be Yuri Foreman who garners the lions share of the accolades after this gutty performance. In a day and age when fighters quit for seemingly no reason at all and make excuses afterwards it is so refreshing to see a young man like Foreman do everything he can to give the fans what they came to see. Foreman without a doubt will be seen again and I for one can hardly wait to see the young man in action.

Good on you Yuri!

Questions or Comments? Email William Trillo