Cotto batters Margarito, wins TKO decision in 10th

NEW YORK - Miguel Cotto battered a one-eyed Antonio Margarito over nine lopsided rounds before winning a TKO decision at the start of the 10th in their highly anticipated rematch on Saturday at Madison Square Garden.

Cotto, who improved his record to 37-2-0, earned a punishing measure of payback for his loss to Margarito three years ago. The Puerto Rican fighter was never seriously threatened and easily retained his WBA super welterweight title.

Margarito beat Cotto in July 2008, only to later have his reputation tarnished when he used illegal hand wraps before a loss to Shane Mosley. Margarito didn’t box again for more than a year.

The Mexican needed surgery to repair a fractured orbital bone following a loss to Manny Pacquiao last year and considered retirement. The New York State Athletic Commission didn’t license Margarito until Nov. 22 after ordering another examination of his eye. Cotto took quick aim on the eye, and it was swollen shut in the seventh round.

Cotto believed Margarito also used illegal hand wraps in their first fight and claimed he had the photos to prove it. He stared down Margarito in his corner after the bout was stopped.

“Just to look at him and taste my victory on him,’’ Cotto said. “He means nothing to me. I’m here with all my crowd and all my people. He means nothing to me.’’

AP