MIGUEL COTTO insists he is not deterred by the fact Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez is 10 years his junior and physically bigger ahead of their huge November 21 clash at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
Having started his career as a super-lightweight, Cotto will defend his WBC world middleweight title against Canelo, a former super-welterweight titlist, who holds advantages in height and reach.
However Cotto, who has revived his glittering career under esteemed trainer Freddie Roach, remains defiant.
“I don’t care about Canelo’s age. I don’t care about his size. I’m just here to do my work and be ready for Nov. 21. I can tell you that I am going to be in the best shape on November 21,” he said.
“I don’t care how Canelo is doing in training camp. I hope he can get in his best shape.
“People will have to wait to see on November 21 if Canelo’s age is stronger than Miguel’s spirit. On November 21, people are going to see the best Miguel Cotto they have ever seen.”
The 35-year-old has fought three times under Roach so far and has won all inside the distance – including a 10th-round retirement triumph over Sergio Martinez to lift the WBC middleweight bauble.
The recent success has filled the Caguas warmonger with confidence ahead of his megafight with the Mexican star.
“Freddie had the opportunity to make Miguel Cotto work better and harder. With Freddie, I just realized that I could bring more to every day. I’m here to follow everything Freddie wants me to do in training camp,” he explained.
“The biggest tool I have on my side is Freddie Roach. They know what Freddie Roach means in boxing. They know what Freddie Roach is capable of doing with Miguel Cotto.
“They know what Miguel Cotto is capable of doing in his fights. I’m going to bring the same level of emotion to this fight.
“I’m going into the ring with our plan in mind and will implement it.”
