WBC middleweight champion Miguel Cotto faces a tough ask when he defends his title against the younger, stronger ‘Canelo’ Alvarez on November 21st, in what is set to be a massive Mexico v Puerto Rico prizefight in Las Vegas.
The Puerto Rican modern great – the first fighter from the country to capture 4 world titles at 4 different weights – says he is still feeling fresh at 34 years of age, and that after hanging them up seemed to be a reasonable option not so long ago, the rejuvenation he has experienced under veteran trainer Freddie Roach means retirement is now “another two, three more years” away, and a possible rematch with Floyd Mayweather is a realistic option should Floyd fight on after September.
“I think the Miguel Cotto you saw in the last three fights is a different Miguel Cotto than you saw before (against Mayweather),” he said at yesterday’s New York stop on their 4 city press tour.
Evidently confident of victory in November’s bout with Alvarez, Miguel feels a fight with the self-professed “TBE” – a rematch of their 2012 encounter which Cotto lost on points despite a solid showing – could well turn out differently with Roach in his corner, rather than Cuban trainer Pedro Diaz who oversaw the Mayweather loss.
“We don’t know exactly what Mayweather (will do)- he said before that he’s going to retire after this fight (with Berto)
“I can’t point to someone who’s not going to be here later. But if he’s going to stay after his fight, I think and I know that’s a fight (between he and I) that people can watch.”
As far as Canelo goes, it is again the confidence Cotto claims to be feeling under Roach’s tutelage that is spurring him on in the build up.
“I know anything can happen the night of the fight, but I can handle whatever Canelo brings. I never go into a fight talking about knockout. I prepare myself for a hard fight. But if I catch him with a good punch, I’m going for him.”
“As far as I can keep my feet on the ground and listen to Freddie,” he said. “I have no doubt we are going to beat anyone.”
“Canelo can’t define my career because my career is already made. I said before at the age of 30 I was going to be out of boxing. I’m 34 right now. I’m going to be 35 in October (29th). I don’t know. I feel good. I still feel confidence in my boxing skills.”
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