Miguel Cotto, one of Puerto Rico's greatest fighters, picked Randall Bailey as the hardest hitter he faced in his career. The former four-division world champion said Bailey hit harder than big names like Canelo Alvarez and Manny Pacquiao.
Cotto's career spanned 16 years, from 2001 to 2017. He fought 47 times as a pro and became the first Puerto Rican to win world titles in four weight classes. His list of victories includes impressive names like Shane Mosley, Zab Judah, and Sergio Martinez.
When asked about the hardest puncher he faced, Cotto didn't hesitate to name Bailey. He faced the hard-hitting American in 2004 in Las Vegas, during his first defense of the WBO world light-welterweight title.
"This guy Randall Bailey, in my first title defense back in 2004. He caught me with a good right hand but I handled it well and I did my job."
Despite Bailey's power, Cotto managed to stop him in the sixth round. After that fight, Cotto went on to defend his light-welterweight title five more times before moving up to welterweight. At 147 pounds, he won the vacant WBA title with a fifth-round stoppage of Carlos Quintana.
Throughout his career, Cotto faced some of the biggest names in boxing. He lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr, Manny Pacquiao, and Canelo Alvarez. But he still rates Bailey's power above all of them.
Cotto's last fight came in 2017 when he lost his WBO light-middleweight title to Sadam Ali by decision. He announced his retirement shortly after, ending a career that saw him compete in 47 professional bouts over 16 years.
The Puerto Rican star's legacy in boxing is secure. He won world titles in four weight divisions and is considered one of the greatest fighters to come out of Puerto Rico. His ability to recognize and respect the power of a lesser-known opponent like Bailey shows the kind of fighter Cotto was - always aware, always respectful of the danger in the ring.
