Fighting Talk: Blackledge has no qualms over Cotto’s catch weight call

It raised questions over the practicality of a catch weight, challenged the control of boxing organisations, queried the power of certain fighters and, above all, examined the legitimacy of the Puerto Rican’s claim to be the righteous lineal middleweight champion.

The pair fought at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center earlier in the month, at an adjusted 157lb capacity, three pounds beneath the usual limit, with Cotto stopping the Australian in the fourth round.

With “Junito” calling the shots, the demands obviously benefited the 34-year-old, who has been rejuvenated under Freddie Roach.

And for Geale, a two-time world champion, being at the top end of the division in terms of size, the sacrifice would be draining. It would also play in to the hands of a smaller opponent who has plied his trade at welterweight and light-welter.

However, Clitheroe’s super-middleweight commonwealth champion Luke Blackledge can’t gauge the controversy.

After all, Cotto was made to meet a catch weight of 145lb to face Manny Pacquiao in 2009.

“Cotto always had the advantage,” he said. “He was the more natural fighter at that catch weight. But he’s been made to do it before with Pacquiao.

“In my opinion Cotto would’ve won the fight regardless.

“He’s the better fighter and that left hook would’ve knocked Geale out under any circumstances. It was such a clean shot.”

Cotto’s defence of his belt now paves the way for a super fight with Mexican Saul Alvarez: “Cotto against Canelo would be a wicked fight,” Blackledge said.

“They are two of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. But I don’t think anybody will be stopping GGG too quickly!”