Miguel Cotto. AP
The latest chapter in the boxing rivalry between Puerto Rico and Mexico hits another gear as Miguel Cotto defends his WBC middleweight championship against Canelo Alvarez on Nov. 21 (Nov. 22 Manila time) at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
The deal, which was announced by Roc Nation Sports and Golden Boy Promotions in Thursday, would have Cotto and Alvarez fighting for the title at a catchweight of 155 pounds rather than at the middleweight limit of 160 pounds.
“I will give the fans the fight they want to see,” Cotto said in an ESPN report. “As I have always said, during my whole career, I am here to fight the best names and the best fighters. This will be another chapter in my career, and I will be ready for him. Fans will enjoy a real fight, another classic battle in the Puerto Rico versus Mexico rivalry.”
Alvarez chimed in, saying, “Historically, mega fights are made because fans demand them. In this case, the fans have spoken out, longing for this fight, and it is my pleasure to say that it is finally happening.”
“All fights at this level are very important, but this fight in particular has something more,” he continued.
“It will hold a special place in history as part of the big rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico, and I promise all the fans that this is going to be an event that will not disappoint.”
Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) beat Sergio Martinez for the title in June 2014, winning his fourth world title in four weight classes (middleweight, junior middleweight, welterweight and junior welterweight) and making him the first Puerto Rican to achieve the feat. He then had a successful title defense against Daniel Geale on June 6, setting the stage for this much-awaited bout.
The 34-year-old Cotto enjoyed a career rejuvenation after enlisting Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach to his corner in his past three fights. He switched promotions earlier this year as he left Top Rank to sign with Jay Z’s Roc Nation Sports.
Meanwhile, the 25-year-old Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) has been stellar in his past three fights at 155 pounds.
The former unified junior middleweight titleholder scored wins over Erislandy Lara, Alfredo Angulo, and a third round knockout over James Kirkland on May 9 in Houston, setting the deal for the Cotto mega-fight. Randolph B. Leongson/RC