After Miguel Cotto's war of attrition with Ricard Torres, in which the Puerto Rican emerged victorious before being badly hurt and floored for the first time in his young career, Cotto's promoter Top Rank thought it best to give their star prospect some breathing room. Cotto, 25-0 (21), is probably boxing's most consistent young talent, rising and improving steadily as his competiton gets stiffer. Torres was actually a late substitute for Branco, who hurt his hand while preparing for the Cotto fight in September. What Top Rank wasn't counting on was Torres giving their fighter his toughest test. With Cotto knocking out the game Columbian and proving he has heart and the courage to overcome adversity, tonight's fight against Italy's Gianluca Branco at Ruben Rodriguez Coliseum in Bayamon, Puerto Rico, is somewhat of a gift for Cotto.

Branco, 36-1-1 (19), a decent counterpuncher who was last seen taking Arturo Gatti the distance in a close fight in 2004, is the first fight for Cotto in a while where he is not really moving up in competition. Cotto should have no problem finding Bronco's chin with his left hook; Gatti floored him with the punch in their encounter, and the left hook is Cotto's signature punch. Branco, though faster than Gatti, is a relief for Cotto, who has trouble against quicker-fisted fighters. The fact that he is back in his comfort zone of Puerto Rico for tonight's bout only emphasizes Top Rank's decision to give Miguel a break.

Cotto will come out of his corner with his high guard, wearing down Branco with body punches. Branco will engage Cotto, landing some good counters in an attempt to show he can hang with the younger fighter. The Puerto Rican will probably land some big punches that rock Branco before stopping the Italian early and scoring a meaningless victory.

Prediction: Cotto KO 5