Cotto defends WBA title, beaten Judah cries foul

Miguel Cotto pummeled Zab Judah into submission and knocked out the local favourite to defend his WBA welterweight title in New York. Puerto Rican Cotto’s vicious punch left a cut on Judah’s right eye and two other blows completely unnerved the New Yorker, who was eventually knocked out in the 11th round. Cotto too bled in the duel at the Madison Square Garden. He received a cut inside his mouth and blood came down his chest in the all-out bout. He, however, was soon in his elements and showered punches on his opponent in the ninth round to make his intention clear. In the eleventh round, Cotto’s left hook saw Judah collapse and even though the latter stood up, the fight was postponed soon after. Before his win, Cotto was docked a point for his second low blow. Judah later lashed out at Cotto for allegedly resorting to illegal blows and demanded a re-match. He said He hit me hard twice and the referee didn’t do anything about it. I thought they were intentional. Those low blows took a lot out of me. I want a rematch. Cotto, on his part, said it was a tough battle. He said He sure did land some great punches, but I was prepared for them. I trained hard. I could tell, round by round, I was taking over the fight.