Does Miguel Cotto have enough left in the tank to beat Foreman and set up Pacquiao rematch?

Miguel Cotto is undeniably a fighter at a cross roads in is career. After being on the receiving end of a rather one sided beating last year and losing his WBO welterweight title in the process, many were wondering if he had much time left in the sport.

The Puerto Rican fan favorite himself acknowledged this after losing to Manny Pacquiao, saying that he would probably retire after another year or two. He then promptly moved up in weight to light middleweight and takes on WBA champion Yuri Foreman next week.

Cotto's new trainer Emmanuel Steward is adamant that his charge can pull off the win, and maintains that he is impressed with Miguel's progress. The pundits are less confident, many saying that the fight is a toss up. The general consensus is that Cotto should win if he still has enough left, but if he looks faded Foreman will take it.

On Cotto's side, his two losses have come against big punchers who could beat him at his own game. Foreman isn't a huge puncher, and even with his size advantage isn't going to blow Cotto out of the water with his power.

Cotto isn't that difficult to hit though, and if Foreman's movement is up to scratch he might be able to keep his foe at bay with his jab and rack up the rounds. Looking back at Cotto's fight against Paulie Malignaggi as a comparison, a then prime Cotto struggled to deal with a better boxer for large portions of the fight, and against Foreman he will also have the added disadvantage of being older and more battle worn.

If he can get past Foreman, he might well be in line for the dubious prize of being able to fight Manny Pacquiao again. Dubious of course because there is every chance he will be on the receiving end of another loss. Potentially an 8th title for Pacquiao and a chance at redemption for Cotto, and a substantial sum of money for both.

For the time being, it is looking increasingly likely that Pacquiao and Floyd Mayweather might be able to finally come to terms and fight in November. That fight could well be Pacquiao's last, although if he beats Mayweather or the fight falls through again then a victorious Cotto could well become the next in line for the Filipino, who says he might be ringside for Cotto vs. Foreman this weekend.

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Francis Powell, Pittsburgh: "Cotto was shot as soon as Margarito beat him, he definitely doesn't want to fight Manny again even if he beats Foreman"

Kurt Spencer, Philly: "Bob Arum is backing Foreman to win and become a big star, plus he already has Margarito lined up for Foreman next so it doesn't look like Arum thinks Cotto will win"