Miguel Cotto explains why he has ‘no regrets’ as he winds down Hall of Fame career

Miguel Cotto

FOUR-WEIGHT world champion Miguel Cotto intends to call time on his Hall of Fame career at the end of this year, and insists he has ‘no regrets’ over how it has panned out.

The Puerto Rican warlord faces Japan’s Yoshihiro Kamegai at the StubHub Center in Carson, California on August 26 for the vacant WBO world super-welterweight title.

He hopes to fight once more afterward to close the curtain on one of the most thrilling careers in recent years, and as such has reflected on his time in boxing so far.

“I have proved my whole career that I have been ready for anyone,” he said.

“I am a good boxer and I have no doubt that I can match anyone. As I look at my career, I have no regrets, everything has worked out and I am proud of the legacy I have built. I think one of the more satisfying fights I’ve been in was my victory against Antonio Margarito – I got my revenge againstย him then.”

He is referencing his emotional 2011 retirement victory over Margarito, which avenged a controversial stoppage defeat to the Mexican in 2008. Prior to his fight with Shane Mosley, which came next, Margarito was caught trying to use loaded hand wraps, leading many to suspect he had done the same against Cotto.

Cotto has not fought since his decision reverse to Canelo Alvarez in November 2015. In that time, he has parted ways with Roc Nation Sports, with whom he had a promotional agreement, and teamed up with Golden Boy Promotions for the final stretch of his career.

“In my time off, I feel like I’ve become a more mature, more focused, complete fighter,” he continued.

“Our partnership with Golden Boy Promotions is part of that – Oscar De La Hoya and his company have always been there to support me and my team, and I am glad I get to share the last leg of my career with them in the best way possible.

“We have already seen the positives of working with them, and we are excited for the partnership we have developed that goes beyond this fight.”

Before further plans are made, the 36-year-old must first get past Kamegai, who last fought in September when he defeated Jesus Soto Karass in an immediate rematch of their incredible first fight, which ended in a draw.

“Kamegai is the best opponent for me right now in my career – he is a warrior in the ring. When we were looking through our options, he was one of the first names that popped up,” Cotto explained.

“I don’t really worry about what or how my opponent trains – all that matters is how well our team prepares. Freddie Roach has always been good to me, has been critical to my preparation over the years, and our team has always enjoyed working together like a family. I will be prepared for Kamegai on August 26 mentally and physically. It will be a great fight.”

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