Cotto claims fourth world championship

Miguel Cotto became the first Puerto Rican fighter to win world championships in four weight divisions, stopping Sergio Martinez in their WBC world middleweight title fight Saturday at New York’s Madison Square Garden. Martinez didn’t get off the stool when the bell rang for the 10th round. Cotto (left in photo) improved to 39-4. Martinez fell to 51-3-2. Cotto’s trainer, Freddie Roach, predicted his pupil would use his footwork to control the fight, and still possessed power even though he moved up in weight class. Cotto proved Roach right from the opening bell, knocking down Martinez twice in the first round with a flurry of body shots. As the fight progressed, Cotto pressured Martinez around the ring, and attacked when openings were presented. – Associated Press