Farewell Miguel Cotto, a true modern-day warrior who went out on his sword

The near 17-year career of welterweight and middleweight great Miguel Cotto came to an end on Saturday night at fight sport mecca Madison Square Garden, and it wasn’t the triumphant bowing out many were expecting or hoping for.

Cotto, 37, lost a unanimous decision to the hungry 29-year-old Sadam Ali, who was born just a short NYC Subway ride from the Garden in Brooklyn. The result gave Ali his first recognised world title – the WBO light-middleweight championship – and ended the very last of many title reigns for ‘Junito’.

Though it was sad to see a journey that has taken in pulsating wars against some of the 21st century’s very best – the Mayweathers, the Margaritos, the Pacquiaos and the Canelos – end in a sobering loss and a bicep injury, there was something fitting about the nature of Cotto’s final foray into the ring.

READ MORE: Cotto stunned in final fight

Boasting far too much pride to take on a ‘tomato can’ opponent in what would have been a ceremonial and ego-fuelling farewell, Cotto defended his title against a ranked challenger who posed a very real threat and ended up passing the torch in an arena that has seen so many changings of the guard.

Finishing with a 41-6 record, Cotto’s was never about protecting the ‘0’ or giving off a false aura of being unbeatable. Those who did beat him had to go through the wringer to do so and prove themselves. It made the Puerto Rican a ferocious ‘kingmaker’ who was justly regarded by many a fight fan as a king in his own right.

Many a legend in the combat world is judged by whether or not they won all of their biggest fights. And yet Cotto, who fell to most of the bigger names he took on, is regarded as one of the all-time greats all the same.

One of the reasons for this has been the tremendous degree of class Miguel has displayed at all times during his career. And the end of his swan song was no different.

“I don’t want to make excuses,” Cotto said. “Sadam won the fight.

“It is my last fight. I am good, and I want to be happy in my home with my family. Thank you for all the fans.

“I am feeling good with the performance. Something happened to my left bicep in the seventh round.

“I am proud to call MSG my second home. I had the opportunity to provide the best for my family because of the sport.”

Boxing lost one of the good ones at the weekend, but there is no doubt that Cotto’s career has and will continue to inspire many prospects and the sport will gain several new assets thanks to his hard work and integrity.