Tag Archives: Canelo Alvarez

boxing, mixed martial arts, MMA, Rich Bergeron, Tom Padgett, Tony Penecale

FNU Combat Sports Show: Weekly Wrap Up

Leave a comment

Tony Penecale, Tom Padgett and Rich Bergeron break down the week that was in combat sports and look forward to upcoming events in this September 22 broadcast. We discuss Liam Smith’s brutal knockout loss to Canelo Alvarez, preview Kovalev vs. Ward, and outline the upcoming weekend’s boxing schedule. We also discuss Don King’s “N-word” slip and a couple examples of fighters being upset with the rigors of fighting professionally. First, we examine why Joe Warren had no sponsors going into his bout last Friday that served as the co-main event of Bellator 161. Then we delve into the Al Iaquinta contract dispute with the UFC that took him off UFC 205 recently. We also look back on UFC Fight Night 94 and preview UFC Fight Night 95.

 

boxing

WILLIE MONROE, JR. DECISIONS ROSADO EYES SHOWDOWNS WITH CANELO & SAUNDERS

Leave a comment
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (September 20, 2016)–Middleweight contender Willie Monroe, Jr. won the WBO Inter-Continental title this past Saturday night with a solid 12-round unanimous decision over Gabriel Rosado.
The bout served as the co-feature to Canelo Alvarez’ 9th round stoppage over Liam Smith, where he captured the WBO junior middleweight title in front of 51,240 fans at AT&T Stadium.
Monroe boxed with precision and accuracy, befuddling Rosado throughout the contest as he continuously beat his opponent to the punch.
“Based on what he was saying at the press conference, I expected Gabe to try to knock me out,” said Monroe.
The Rochester native, Monroe mixed up his attack as he countered with his left hand and set up a lot of his offense with a piston-like jab.
“Once I got into my rhythm, I knew he would be two steps behind me, and that’s what happened.  I started to notice that in the 3rd round that my jab was controlling the fight.  Then he started reacting off a lot of my feints.  He is a strong fighter, durable, and he has heavy hands.”  
Monroe was generally pleased to be able to win this important bout in front of over 51,000 fans.
“That was pretty cool.  It was a little nerving to be able to perform in front of that many screaming fans.”
With the win, plans are in motion for a fall showdown with Alvarez or a chance at the WBO Middleweight title.
“I am excited about what is next.  Whether It is Canelo or Billy Joe Saunders, I am just excited about everything that will come in my future.”
“I am very proud of Willie,” stated Artie Pelullo, Banner Promotions President. “He showed  how talented he is in fighting Gabriel Rosado.  Rosado is not an easy guy to fight., and Willie dominated the pace of the entire fight. There are big fights in Willie’s future, as he is one of the top middleweights in the world.”
Photos by Tom Hogan–Tom Hogan Photos / Golden Boy Promotions
boxing

Erislandy Lara Talks Future Plans

Leave a comment
HOUSTON, TX (May 24, 2016) – WBA and IBO Super-Welterweight Champion, Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara (23-2-2, 13 KOs) is focused on breaking the record for most consecutive world title defenses at 154-pounds if he can’t land a big fight.  The record, which was set by Gianfranco Rosi with 11 defenses of the IBF title, has stood strong since January of 1993.
If potential showdowns at middleweight with champion Gennady “GGG” Golovkin or a rematch with Saul “Canelo” Alvarez can’t come to fruition, then Lara will happily defend his titles with honor.
“I’m ready to step up and fight anyone in my division or if a big fight can be made at middleweight I’m willing to be great.” said Erislandy Lara. “My first choice is to fight GGG.  My next choice would be to have a rematch with Canelo.  If either fight can’t be made, then my focus will be to put my name in the record books.  All the fights at this level are tough so to break the record for most consecutive title defenses at super-welterweight would be unbelievable.”
“I’m ready to fight anybody between welterweight and middleweight.” said Erislandy Lara. “My first choice is to fight GGG because I feel he’s the toughest opponent and would be a fight that would solidify my legacy.  My next choice would be to have a rematch with Canelo because we all know there’s unfinished business with lots of controversy.  If either fight can’t be made, then my focus will be to put my name in the record books and defend my titles 12 times to break the record and unify them all at the same time.”
Uncategorized

Cotto vs.        Alvarez ** In-Depth Preview and Analysis **

Leave a comment

 

 

By Tony Penecale

 

There are rivalries that are legendary throughout history.  The Hatfields and The McCoys, The Capulets and The Montagues and The New York Yankees and The Boston Red Sox are all bitter rivalries.  It can be argued that the most brutal is the long-standing boxing rivalry between Puerto Rican fighters against their Mexican counterparts.  The next chapter matches the experience and heavy hands of Puerto Rican icon Miguel Cotto against the youth and power of Mexican dynamo Saul “Canelo” Alvarez.  When they meet on Saturday night, both fighters will be carrying the pride of their country into the ring and in the mantra of Spartan warriors, they will emerge from battle with a shield or on it.  Who will be carrying his shield at the end of their encounter and who will be carried out on his?

 

AGE, RECORD, AND STATS

 

Cotto:   Age:  35 years old

Record:  40-4 (33 Knockouts)

Height:  5’7”

Weight:  153   * * Weight for last bout (6-6-15)

Reach:  67”

 

Alvarez: Age:  25 years old

Record:  45-1-1 (32 Knockouts)

Height:  5’9”

Weight:  154   * * Weight for last bout (5-9-15)

Reach:  70”

 

RING ACCOMPLISHMENTS

 

Cotto:

WBO Junior Welterweight Champion (’04-‘06)

WBA Welterweight Champion (’06-‘08)

WBO Welterweight Champion (’09)

WBA Junior Middleweight Champion (’10-‘12)

WBC Middleweight Champion (’14-Pres)

 

Alvarez:

WBC Junior Middleweight Champion (’11-‘13)

WBA Junior Middleweight Champion (’13)

 

STYLE

 

Cotto:  

A physical stalker who boxes from the orthodox stance, Cotto has developed better boxing skills but still prefers to come straight ahead, and wear opponents down with a vicious body attack.  Cotto favors hooks and uppercuts to straight punches and turns every bout into a war of attrition.  Doesn’t have lights-out punching power but is very punishing.  Most of his stoppage victories have come late, after his opponent has been worn down.  Will often leave himself open to counters when trying to unleash his offense.  

 

Alvarez:

An aggressive, physical fighter with underrated boxing skills and quickness, Alvarez often wears opponents down with consistent pressure and heavy-handed punches.  Will use feints and counters to throw is opponents timing off and create openings for a strength-sapping body attack.  Carries fight-changing power in both hands but sometimes doesn’t throw enough punches.  While he is most known for his offensive skills, Alvarez has decent, but not great, defensive skills slipping and blocking punches.

 

STRENGTHS

 

Cotto:

* Body Attack – Cotto is quite possibly the best body puncher in the sport today.  He wings thunderous hooks on the inside that make contact with whatever is available: ribs, shoulders, torso, chest, and arms, with punishing results.  

 

* Strength – Cotto is a strong and physical fighter.  Even as he has grown from junior welterweight up to middleweight, he remains a physical force, capable of wearing down larger adversaries.

 

* Heart – Cotto carries a lot of pride when he steps into the ring.  He has been in a number of wars where he’s been cut, knocked down, or in other adverse situations, and Cotto has shown a champion’s heart.

 

Alvarez:  

* Punching Power – Alvarez carries thunder in both fists.  He is knockout power in either hand, but his most devastating weapon resides in his left hook.  A single left hook rendered the iron-jawed Carlos Baldomir unconscious and his knockout of James Kirkland was a potential knockout of the year candidate.

 

* Strength – Alvarez is a physically-maturing and thickly-built fighter with uncanny strength.  He is effective in backing fighters up, even when not landing flush punches.  Against the smaller Josesito Lopez, he lifted him off his feet and sent him to the canvas with punches that landed against his opponent’s chest.

 

* Punishing Body Attack – Alvarez prefers to wear his opponents down in the traditional Mexican fashion of punishing the body.  While he is economical with his punches, he delivers maximum leverage on each punch, especially the crushing left hook to the liver.

 

WEAKNESSES

 

Cotto:

* Effects of Wars – Cotto has been competing against world-class opposition for over a decade.  He suffered two brutal losses to Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao and suffered punishment in his wins over Ricardo Torres, Zab Judah, and Shane Mosley.  While he has had a resurgence working with Freddie Roach, the cumulative effects of his prior wars can be a detriment.

 

* Easy to Hit – Cotto has made improvements with his defense but still has the mindset that his best defense is a good offense.  His wide open offense and relentless body attack often leaves him open to be hit with counterpunches, primarily hooks and uppercuts.

 

* Chin – Combined with an offense that leaves him prone to counter punches, Cotto’s shaky chin can be a recipe for disaster.  Cotto was wobbled or dropped in several of his earlier fights and then battered, bloodied and TKO’d in his fights against Margarito (1st fight) and Pacquiao.  Even the light-punching Floyd Mayweather staggered him late in their fight.

 

Alvarez:

* One Dimensional – Alvarez does not adapt well in mid-fight.  He comes in with a single game-plan and has not shown the ability to adjust even when his tactics are not working.  He struggled in his wins over Austin Trout and Erislandy Lara and was easily out-boxed against Mayweather.

 

* Fatigue – Alvarez works hard in the gym and is always in great shape but often finds it hard to go full tilt for an entire round, especially as his fights go into the middle or later rounds.  In his match with Austin Trout, Alvarez showed serious fatigue at times and even found himself backing up.

 

* Easy to Hit –Alvarez is still an offense-first type of fighter who likes to apply pressure to his opponents.  He will leave himself open to counter punches, especially right hand and counter left hooks.

 

PREVIOUS BOUT

 

Cotto:  

(6/6/15) – Cotto demolished Australian Daniel Geale in a middleweight title defense, knocking him out in four rounds.  After winning the first three rounds, Cotto floored Geale twice in the 4th round, forcing him to surrender.

 

Alvarez:

(5/9/15) – Alvarez won the potential Fight-of-2015 with a candidate for Knockout-of-the Year, destroying James Kirkland in three rounds.  The limited but dangerous Kirkland attacked early and the slugfest was initiated.  Alvarez scored three knockdowns including a final right hand the rendered Kirkland unconscious.

 

3 BEST PERFORMANCES

 

Cotto:

* Sergio Martinez (6/7/14) – Cotto upset the highly-regarded but aging and injury-prone “Maravilla” Martinez.  Cotto started quickly flooring the middleweight champion three times in the opening round and punished him throughout until the bout was halted in the 10th round.

 

* Zab Judah (6/9/07) – Cotto had to endure some difficult moments early against the speedy southpaw, getting rocked and suffering a cut under his lip.  Cotto’s relentless pressure gradually broke down Judah, sapping his strength.  Cotto finished the show, dropping Judah in the 9th round before finally stopping him in 11 rounds.

 

* Alfonso Gomez (4/12/08) – Cotto put on a stunning display, mixing boxing skills with a vicious body attack to completely obliterate popular “Contender” alum Gomez by 5th round TKO.  Cotto dominated the action and scored knockdowns in the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th rounds, beating Gomez into submission.

 

Alvarez:

* James Kirkland (5/9/15) – It was the 2015 version of Hagler-Hearns.  Kirkland attacked relentlessly at the bell and Alvarez responded in kind.  Alvarez scored a knockdown in the 1st round and thwarted Kirkland’s brief moments of success, flooring him with an uppercut in the 3rd round, before finishing him with a picturesque right hand only moments later.

 

* Kermit Cintron (11/26/11) – Making his 3rd title defense, Alvarez made it look easy against the faded former welterweight champion.  Alvarez made Cintron appear older than his true age of 32, and punished him with ease.  Alvarez scored a knockdown in the 4th round before battering him mercilessly and forcing a stoppage in the 5th.

 

* Carlos Baldomir (9/18/10) – Alvarez was a 20 year old prodigy facing a durable former world champion in Baldomir.  Alvarez was successful boxing early and using his advantages in speed and skill to sweep the first five rounds.  But it was his display in the 6th that was memorable.  Alvarez rocked Baldomir before finally dropping with a left hook, rendering him unconscious before he hit the mat and dealing him his only stoppage loss in a 16-year career.

 

KEYS TO VICTORY

 

Cotto:

* Use footwork and angles to keep Alvarez off balance

 

* Do not stand toe-to-toe with the naturally larger Alvarez

 

* Land early to gain Alvarez’s respect

 

Alvarez:

* Keep the pressure on Cotto and cut off the ring

* Out jab Cotto and force him to trade punches

 

* Be patient early and wear Cotto down

 

QUESTIONS

 

Cotto:

* Can Cotto stand up to a younger and larger opponent?

 

* Were his last two victories more of a case of facing faded or limited opposition?

 

* How much does Cotto really have left?

 

Alvarez:

* Can Alvarez change his gameplan if he is falling behind early?

 

* Will his defensive liabilities be exposed against such a dangerous puncher?

 

* Is Alvarez still improving?

 

PENECALE PREDICTION

 

Cotto will open utilizing his underrated boxing skills and quickness, moving laterally, and jabbing in an effort to keep Alvarez from setting his feet.  Alvarez will advance trying to establish his own jab and work the body.  Whenever Alvarez gets too close, Cotto will pivot away and step on angle with a few hard jabs.  The first two rounds will be strategical but tense.  The eruption can happen at any time.

 

The action will start to intensify in the 3rd round as Alvarez continually gets closer and forces Cotto to start to stand his ground.  Like a couple of mountain rams butting heads and locking horns, the power punches will start to fly.  Cotto will throw flashier combinations, featuring overhand rights to the head, left hooks to the body, and hard jabs to the face and torso.  Alvarez will dig his toes in and throw thumping single shots, uppercuts and hooks, both to the head and body, which result in an abrasion under Cotto’s left eye and blood seeping from his mouth.

 

Throughout the middle rounds, Cotto’s superior boxing and skillset will have him slightly ahead on the scorecards but Alvarez’s size and strength advantage will be, slowly and surely, wearing Cotto down.  Cotto’s three-and-four-punch combinations will gradually reduce to two-punch combinations and single hooks to the body.  The slower pace will favor Alvarez and he will be able to control the tempo and dig in with hard punches to the body and right hands to the face.

 

Going into the 7th round, with the bout virtually even and sensing he cannot hurt the larger Alvarez, Cotto will revert his focus back to boxing on the outside.  The change in tactic will momentarily bewilder Alvarez, who was becoming comfortable trading in the trenches.  The brief momentum shift will allow Cotto to regain a slight lead on the scorecards.

 

Realizing that he is behind and facing an opponent who is slowly fading, Alvarez will apply blistering pressure in the 9th round, stalking Cotto, forcing him to move or punch to survive, and causing him to expend precious energy in doing so.  Whenever they get close, Alvarez will use his shoulders to muscle Cotto and clip him with short hooks and uppercuts, momentarily staggering him in the 10th round.

 

With his face morphing into a grotesque mask of blood and swelling, a seemingly spent Cotto will go for broke in the 11th, attacking desperately and winging some of his best hooks to the body and head.  Alvarez will be happy to trade hooks with him and the action will be intense.  Late in the round, Alvarez will land a flush uppercut as Cotto is wide open and the Puerto Rican fighter will drop to his knees, his left eye nearly shut and his mouth leaking blood.  His heart will pull him to his feet and Alvarez will come in for the kill, backing Cotto to the ropes where the exchange of punches is only halted by the bell.

 

After touching gloves to start the final round, Alvarez will attack Cotto from the onset.  A pair of right hands to the side of the head will wobble Cotto, forcing him to stagger to the ropes and fall to his knees.  Referee Robert Byrd will administer the count with Cotto rising at the count of 8, vehemently contending that he is OK to continue.  As soon as Byrd waves the fighters back together, Alvarez will spring across the ring, landing a right hand and left uppercut.  As Cotto falls back against the neutral corner, Byrd will step in between them and stop the fight, signaling Alvarez as the winner.

 

The winner by TKO at 59 seconds of the 12h round will be Saul “Canelo” Alvarez!!!!

 

boxing, HBO Boxing

MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ UNDERCARD FINAL MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES AND PHOTOS

Leave a comment

 

 

 

COTTO AND CANELO CLASH NOVEMBER 21 AT
THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS
PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED LIVE BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW

 

Click HERE for Photos

Photo Credit: Tom Hogan –Hogan Photos/Roc Nation Sports & Golden Boy Promotions

 

LAS VEGAS (November 19) – Fighters featured on the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez undercard hosted a media workout in Las Vegas at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino ahead of their scheduled fights on November 21.

 

Joining in the day’s festivities, WBC Super Featherweight World Champion, Takashi Miura (29-2-2, 22 KOs) and undefeated top contender Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas (22-0-1, 16 KOs), who are scheduled to face off in a12-round battle, gave fans something to cheer about as they shadow boxed in the ring.

 

Also in attendance, former WBA and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion and one of boxing’ best pound-for-pound fighters Guillermo Rigondeaux (15-0, 10 KOs) of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba and Drian Francisco (28-3-1, 22 KOs) of the Philippines not only showed off in the ring, but spent time with fans at the media event ahead of their 10-round super bantamweight fight.

 

Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, undefeated, multiple-regional title champion Jayson “Star” Velez (23-0-1, 16 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico, and opponent Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios(24-1, 10 KOs) were also in attendance ahead of their Puerto Rico vs. Mexico themed 10-round featherweight bout.

 

IBF Bantamweight World Champion, Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) and England’s Lee “Playboy” Haskins (32-3, 14 KOs) were on hand to show off in the ring and address members of the press ahead of their scheduled 12-round world championship bout.

 

Making his Las Vegas debut, heavyweight prospect Zhang Zhilei (5-0, 3 KOs) of Zhengzhou, China came into the ring and gave the fans a display of power.

 

Below is what the fighters had to say about their upcoming bouts.

 

TAKASHI MIURA, WBC Super Featherweight World Champion:

 

“This is a big fight for me and I am ready to defend my title and prove I am still the best fighter in the division.

 

“This will be my fifth title defense and my tenth consecutive victory. I am proud of that accomplishment and will be ready to give fans an exciting fight.”

 

FRANCISCO VARGAS, Super Featherweight World Title Contender:

 

“I have had a great training camp, with a lot of conditioning running in the mountains and making sure I sparred with fighters who had similar qualities to Takashi.

 

“The thought of carrying Mexico with me has made me concentrated and motivated to win the fight on Saturday.

 

“I am feel good and my goal is always to bring the best of myself in the ring and so far I feel like I have delivered exciting fights to all the fans.  Saturday will be no different. I am ready to deliver a great fight and I am also ready to deliver a victory to Mexico.

 

“I feel ready to fight him. We know that the Japanese come and fight hard but I think the Mexicans are better.”

 

GUILLERMO RIGONDEAUX, Former WBA and WBO Super Bantamweight World Champion:

 

“I would like to thank Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity. I’m really happy to be a part of the Roc Nation family now. Signing with Roc Nation has been the best decision I have made. They are capable of taking my career to the next level. It’s what I need to stay active in the ring and give the fans what they want. I appreciate all the fans coming out today. The preparation is done and I’m ready to get in the ring and give the fans a show.

 

“I’m a very good boxer. And I’m always going to be ready for the next fight. And the fans are going to see that I can put on a show every time. Get ready to see what’s coming next.

 

“To the rest of the super bantamweights out there with belts, beware because I am coming for them. I’m coming for all the belts and I am going to destroy them all.

“I am the real champion. And everyone knows it. If you want to step in the ring with me, to prove it, let’s do it. It’s up to the fans to demand it from their champion to step up and get in the ring with me. They can run, but they can’t hide.

 

“Once I’m done with Francisco, I’m ready to fight everyone else. My energy after that will be spent winning all my belts back. I don’t need to say I am the best. I demonstrate it. I will fight anyone at my weight.

 

DRIAN FRANCISCO, Super Bantamweight Contender: 

 

“I know that Rigondeaux is one of the best fighters. He’s one of the top four or five best fighters in the world. But I’m here to fight and I am here to win.

 

“I’m mentally prepared for this fight. I hope the fans will support me. I will do my best in the ring.”

 

JAYSON VELEZ, Featherweight Contender:

 

“I’m excited, I feel happy, it’s my first time fighting here, fighting in a great event, fighting in Las Vegas, first time fighting on HBO Pay-Per-View, I’m happy, what more can I ask?

 

“I’m ready to be a world champion, I’m ready to fight Ronny. He’s a top fighter but I will beat him.

 

“Mexico vs Puerto Rico are the top fighters in boxing so I’m happy to be part of that.”

 

RONNY RIOS, Featherweight Contender:

 

“I’m not going to say anything, I’ve never been a talker. I’m just going to go out there and show it.

 

“It means a lot to me that my fans have stood by me. Last year was a very hard year for us so that means a lot. I’m really thankful and grateful.

 

“Fighting at this level, getting an opportunity like this, we have to take our game up ten notches. We’re focused, we’re ready and stay tuned and watch. I’m sure you’ll see an exciting fight.”

 

RANDY CABALLERO, IBF Bantamweight World Champion:

 

“It’ll be an action-packed night but I promise everybody it will be my night to shine. I’m going to show them why I’m the IBF Bantamweight world champion.

 

“I don’t care who it is, I’ll fight anybody. From heavyweight to straw weight, I’ll take whoever.

 

“I know him, I see that hunger in him, a young hungry Canelo that wants to come out on top where he belongs and I think he’s going to pull it off.”

 

LEE HASKINS, IBF Bantamweight Mandatory Challenger:

 

“Fighting in Las Vegas, fighting in a fight of this magnitude, I never thought in my dreams I’d be on an undercard like this, that’s what’s giving me the extra push.

 

“It feels absolutely amazing, just to be here. The magnitude of the fight, seeing everybody here, just up in the middle of the Vegas square, it’s incredible.

 

“I take nothing away from that, I’m sure he’s done a lot of sparing and he’s just as ready as myself. I’m just looking forward to having a great fight.”

 

ZHANG ZHILEI, Heavyweight Prospect:

 

“I really appreciate the exposure that I will have on Nov. 21. And I welcome the fans from all over the world to watch my fight and to see how exciting I can make the fight. I will do my best to get a knockout.

 

“I don’t know a lot about my opponent, just basic information. For training, I concentrate on my part and what my trainer has told me. For me, I just have to do what I do in the ring.

 

“I’ll bring an exciting fight to Nov. 21 and I’ll make everyone remember there’s a giant from the East.”

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Management Solutions (ctms). Also on the HBO Pay-Per-View telecast will be Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round co-featured fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions; Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Drian Francisco in a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented in association with Caribe Promotions; and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round bout for the WBC Silver Featherweight World Championship, which will open the Pay-Per-View telecast. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercard available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT. Also part of the preliminary undercard available on digital platforms will be a four-round heavyweight bout featuring 2008 Olympic Silver Medalist Zhang Zhilei who faces Juan Goode.

 

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature a special live performance by 2015 Latin Grammy nominee Yandel. The performance will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View after the second fight of the pay-per-view telecast.

 

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visitingwww.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

 

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, NV) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or visit www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing andwww.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

boxing, HBO Boxing

MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ – WHO WILL BE VICTORIOUS ON NOVEMBER 21?

Leave a comment

 CELEBRITIES, SPORTS FIGURES AND MEDIA WRITERS MAKE THEIR PREDICTIONS FOR THE EPIC PUERTO RICO VS. MEXICO SHOWDOWN

 

LIVE FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER IN LAS VEGAS AND PRODUCED AND DISTRIBUTED BY HBO PAY-PER-VIEW

 

LAS VEGAS (Nov. 17, 2015) – Buzz is building for the epic showdown set for this Saturday, November 21 when Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former two-time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) will meet in the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for the Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship.

 

Home to some of the greatest fighters to ever lace up the gloves, the middleweight division has long been a favorite of boxing fans because of the opportunity to watch fighters with unique skill sets and intangibles compete on the sport’s biggest stages.

 

As 20-time middleweight world champion Bernard Hopkins has said of the division he ruled for more than a decade, “The middleweight division has the power of the heavyweights, and the speed of the flyweights. That’s why the middleweight division will always be one of the prestigious divisions of all-time.”

 

In 2015, a group of middleweights are in the midst of a quest to add their own names to the aforementioned list, and beginning with the November 21 mega fight between Puerto Rico’s Miguel Cotto and Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas; the era of the “New Kings of the Middleweight Division” is underway.

 

Cotto vs. Canelo is shaping up to be the biggest fight in boxing this year and the biggest fight in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. Below is what celebrities, sports figures, media writers and other fighters had to say about their picks for the outcome of Cotto vs. Canelo on Nov. 21:

 

Sugar Ray Leonard, Six-Time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:

 

“I like Cotto for sentimental reasons and for what he has meant to the sport and boxing fans! Canelo has developed and grown along the way and taken to school against one of the best in Mayweather. If Cotto becomes that Miguel Cotto I remember, he will win by a smart, technical and fearless decision.”

 

Lennox Lewis, Undisputed World Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:

 

“I’m picking Cotto over Canelo because he has the most experience.”

 

George Foreman, Two-Time Heavyweight Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist:

 

“It will be a battle of wills as they are evenly matched. In my opinion, things will start to separate after that. Canelo Alvarez punches like a mule. Cotto just doesn’t have the heart to run; he will stand to fight after six rounds and by the ninth round he’ll most likely be KO’D by Canelo.”

 

Tom Loeffler, Managing Director of K2 Promotions and Gennady “GGG” Golovkin,Current Unified WBA, IBF, WBC and IBO Middleweight Champion:

 

“It should be a great fight between two champions and two proven warriors. The edge goes to Canelo as he is younger and physically bigger than Cotto, however you can’t count out Cotto with Freddie Roach in his corner. Tom sees it as Canelo by decision, and Gennady thinks Canelo will stop Cotto late.”

 

Sylvester Stallone, Academy Award Nominee Staring in “Creed”:

 

“One of those two guys will win for sure.”

 

Mario Lopez, Host of “Extra”:

 

“We are going for Canelo. My loyalty is to Oscar De La Hoya and Golden Boy Promotions. This is a big Puerto Rico and Mexican rivalry.”

 

Rosie Perez, Acclaimed American Actress:

 

“I’m sticking with my fellow Boricua. Win lose or draw, Miguel Cotto all the way!”

 

Kate Del Castillo, Acclaimed Mexican Actress Staring in “The 33”:

 

“Oh my gosh, are you kidding me? Canelo, of course! Of course!”

 

John David Washington, Star of HBO series “Ballers”:

 

“We the fans are in for a dynamic action packed fight. Should be violent and dramatic. I love Cotto because he is all heart. Canelo is a beast and more experienced now. I can’t call it. What I can predict is this will truly be a fan friendly fight and one of the most entertaining fights this year no hype needed. We will get our money’s worth.”

 

Bruce Buffer, Official Octagon Announcer for UFC:

 

“Both Cotto and Canelo possess boxing skills and styles that will make a much-anticipated war in the square ring as they will bring the fight to each other. I give the edge to Miguel Cotto and may the best man that night win.”

 

Claudio Sanchez, Lead Singer and Guitarist for Coheed and Cambria:

 

“Miguel Cotto. His experience, his new trainer Freddie Roach and he left hook to the body will be the key to beating Canelo Alvarez. Viva Puerto Rico!”

 

Erick Aybar, Short Stop for the Atlanta Braves:

 

“I like Cotto because he is a more experienced boxer, a harder puncher and is always leading the attack.”

 

Angie Martinez, American Radio Personality and “The Voice of New York” on Power 105.1:

 

“Cotto, by decision.”

 

Rusney Castillo, Right Fielder for the Boston Red Sox:

 

“I have to support our Roc Nation family member, Miguel Cotto, in his fight against Canelo Alvarez on Nov. 21. I may not be sure what round he will overcome Canelo, but I am confident that Cotto will take the night!”

 

Larry Merchant, Longtime Boxing Analyst and Commentator for HBO Sports:

 

“Old Sayings, ‘Youth must be served.’ Canelo, 25, by TKO in round 10.

 

Old Sayings also say, ‘Great fighters always have one great fight left in them.’ Cotto, 35, by decision.

 

Canelo was lulled, listless vs. Mayweather; true grit vs. Kirkland. Cotto re-dedicated and restored himself vs. so-so opposition. Therefore, I’ve got Canelo.”

 

Dan Rafael, ESPN.com:

 

“Cotto is a great fighter who will be in the Hall of Fame someday but Canelo might join him there eventually and he is 10 years younger and whole lot fresher. Boxing is usually a young man’s game so I am going with Canelo by a late knockout.”

 

Kevin Iole, Yahoo! Sports:

 

“Canelo by decision. A lot of people lost faith in Canelo after he lost to Floyd Mayweather Jr. Mayweather did that to a lot of fighters. Alvarez is a supremely gifted fighter who has learned a lot since that fight. He punches well with both hands and is increasingly putting his punches together well. He’s the naturally bigger man and has youth on his side. Cotto’s late-career resurgence has been fueled, in part, by less than stellar opposition. Sergio Martinez was at the end of the line when they fought. I greatly respect Cotto, and he’s going to make it a fight, but I think the bigger, younger and stronger man will win it.”

 

Tim Dahlberg, Associated Press:

 

“I think it will be a good fight early with both fighters taking some punishment. In the end, I think Alvarez will wear down Cotto and win by TKO in the 11th round.”

 

Lyle Fitzsimmons, CBSSports.com:

 

“I can’t recall a recent high-profile fight that seems like so much a 50/50 proposition going in. Cotto has the resume and the skill set. Canelo has the youth and size. In the end, I think this will be the fight in which the youngster proves that he belongs among the elites, using an advantage in energy to carry him to a narrow win in a punishing fight. Canelo by decision.”

 

Lance Pugmire, The Los Angeles Times:

 

“Canelo Alvarez’s youth and power should decide this fight.

 

Even if Miguel Cotto is the smarter, more tactical fighter, he is likely to be drawn into a battle where Alvarez will punish him, and it will likely happen often enough to result in a late stoppage victory. I’ll say, 11th round.”

 

Jeff Powell, The Daily Mail:

 

“Canelo by decision.

 

Even though Freddie Roach’s training has clearly improved Cotto, youth and strength will prevail in what is likely to be a close fight through the first seven or eight rounds with Canelo pulling away in the later stages.”

 

Sergio Machado, NBCDeportes.com:

 

“Miguel Cotto has been and still is a great boxer, actually one of the best in history. However, boxing, like pretty much everything else in life, has generational changes and this may be the time for Canelo Álvarez to take the torch and establish himself as one of the most prominent faces of the sport. Canelo represents a big problem for Cotto because of his power. In his few losses and even in some wins, Cotto has shown problems when he gets hit with power. Cotto likes to engage as well and this is something very dangerous against an opponent with prominent heavy hands. I think Canelo has a slim chance to KO Cotto in the later rounds.”

 

Francisco Cuevas, NBC Deportes:

 

“When two boxers like Canelo and Cotto meet in the ring is a great event for boxing. Cotto should win because of his experience and dedication but Canelo should also win because of his youth and power. At the end of the day the fanatics around the world will win, witnessing a true classic match between two warriors.”

 

Brian Campbell, ESPN.com:

 

“Cotto by decision.

 

Canelo’s advantages in size and youth are hard to ignore. But Cotto’s edge in experience will ultimately be the deciding factor. The more Cotto can use his powerful left hook to dissuade Canelo from turning the fight into a brawl, the bigger the opening will be for the Puerto Rican icon to keep it a boxing match, which plays into his favor.”

 

Steve Kim, UCNLive.com:

 

“In what I believe is a very evenly matched fight, I think youth will eventually prevail and I’m picking Saul Alvarez to edge Miguel Cotto in what will be a hard-fought contest that will see pockets of great action and swings in momentum.”

 

Steve Springer, Author and Former Los Angeles Times Award-Winning Sports Writer:

 

“Canelo by split decision.

 

Canelo wasn’t ready for prime time when fought Mayweather, but this is his time.

At 35, Cotto still has some fight left in him, but his age will show Saturday night.

In a tough, competitive, often brutal match, the torch will be passed.”

 

Robert Littal, BlackSportsOnline.com:

 

“I think Miguel Cotto is going to surprise some people and put a boxing lesson on Canelo.  Freddie Roach is one of the best of putting a game plan together and exploiting weaknesses, I think he has seen how Canelo has problem with movement and good boxers.  You are going to see a combination of excellent boxing, defense and power punching from Cotto and he will cruise to a unanimous dominate decision.”

 

David Avila, TheSweetScience.com:

 

“Before Cotto began training with Freddie Roach, I would have picked Canelo by KO. But Cotto has become a more technical and strategic fighter under Roach. Now, I consider it a deadlocked even fight. I see it ending in a draw.”

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Miura vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round co-featured fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions; Guillermo Rigondeaux vs. Drian Francisco in a 10-round super bantamweight bout presented in association with Caribe Promotions; and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight bout which will open the pay-per-view telecast. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

In addition to the great action inside the ring, the event will feature a special live performance by 2015 Latin Grammy nominee Yandel. The performance will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View after the second fight of the pay-per-view telecast.

 

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visitingwww.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

 

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, NV) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at 1-800-557-4263 or visit www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing andwww.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez, www.facebook.com/HBOBoxingand www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

boxing, fantasy sports

Cotto vs. Canelo featured bout for new $2000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game

Leave a comment

Take #CottoCanelo quiz to win $250 Fantasy Freeroll
NEW YORK (November 13, 2015, 2015) – The final mega-fight of 2015 between world middleweight champion Miguel Cotto and challenger Saul “Canelo” Alvarez is the featured bout for the next $2,000 Throwdown Fantasy Boxing Game,online atwww.ThrowdownFantasy.com, powered by CompuBox.
 
Show Throwdown Fantasy your boxing IQ by taking its 15-question #CottoCanelo quiz (see below) and earn a $250 freeroll if you correctly selected 70-percent or more of the answers
 
Alvarez ($5100) is a slight favorite over Cotto ($4600), largely because of Alvarez’ physical advantages over Cotto in terms of height, reach and, of course, age. It breaks down as a case of youth (Alvarez) vs. experience (Cotto).  Who do you like?   Below find the CompuBox statistics for these two gifted warriors:
The #CottoCanelo game is loaded from top to bottom with an array of future Hall of Famers, past and present world champions, Olympians, and stars from virtually all around the world. Below find the complete line-up with corresponding fighter salaries:
 

Erroll Spence ($5900), Erislandy Lara ($5700) and Jermall Charlo ($5600) are prohibited favorites.  Spence averages 108.5 fantasy points, highest among all fighters in this game, but his high salary against Alejandro Barrera will cost a lot in terms of this game’s salary cap of $25,000.
Lara may be overpriced, based on his 59.7 average fantasy points, but his expected offensive output practically guarantees a win versus Jan Zaveck.  IBF super middleweight champion James DeGale ($4700) and former world titlist Lucian Bute ($4500) battle in a highly competitive game, on paper, in this game.
Yudel Jhonson and Daquan Arnett are in a pick ’em fight with both fighters listed at $4600.  Tyson Fury ($4600) is a live ‘dog in his world heavyweight fight against defending champion Wladimir Klitschko ($5400).
Other fights to choose from include Randy Caballero ($5100) vs. Lee Haskins ($4500) and Tahaski Miura ($4700) vs. Francisco Vargas ($5200).
 
Here’s your chance to take the #CottoCanelo quiz and win a $250 Freeroll, click here:
 
 
 
There are three easy ways to play Throwdown Fantasy: 1. Select five fighters from the game group, using the $25,000 salary cap; 2. Then track scoring in real time, earning points for wins, knockouts and CompuBox statistics (see example chart below); 3. Scoring the most points wins. Most games last a full week and each has multiple winners.
Fighters receive points based for how they perform, rewarding each style of boxing, andCompuBox fight statistics are available for research at www.ThrowdownFantasy.com.
New players who sign up now receive FREE entry into Throwdown Fantasy Boxing’s monthly Freeroll game.  Throwdown Fantasy also provides a $250 free roll that players may enter using Throwdown Points (3 free entire upon registration) and $25.00 free game. Signing up and playing is free. People have the opportunity to register and play for free and then move onto paid games.
INFORMATION:
Twitter:  @Throwdownfan
Instagram: @throwdownfantasyboxing
boxing

BOXING’S MOST INFLUENTIAL WOMEN TO “STAY GOLDEN” AT RAGING BABE BRUNCH

Leave a comment
LAS VEGAS – November 5, 2015 – In less than three weeks, fight fans and boxing’s top industry talents from all over the world will descend on the “Boxing Capital of the World” for the highly anticipated clash between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Miguel Cotto. On the morning of the November 21st showdown, boxing’s brightest and most influential women will gather for brunch at Mandalay Bay to honor Golden Boy Promotions’ Vice President of Operations, Monica Sears. This year’s event, dubbed “Stay Golden,” will continue the long-standing Raging Babe tradition of hosting events that are exclusive, powerful platforms for building personal and professional relationships between boxing businesswomen. 
This year’s Raging Babe Brunch, the sixth such event, will be hosted by “Raging Babe” Michelle Rosado, and “The First Lady of Boxing,” Jackie Kallen. This year’s honoree, the multi-talented Monica Sears, first began her journey with Golden Boy Promotions in 2007 as a Public Relations Coordinator. She quickly established herself as the go-to person for the company, its fighters, television, venue and sponsorship partners, and media. In 2010, she was promoted to Director of Communications and Events. It was in this role that she earned accolades for her “in the trenches,” all-encompassing style of producing boxing events. If she wasn’t accommodating or credentialing media at an event, she was backstage, in the ring, advising a camera operator of the best angle… In short, she was everywhere. In 2013, she was promoted to her current role of Vice President of Operations for the boxing powerhouse. Said Eric Gomez, Golden Boy Promotions’ Sr. Vice President of Sears, “I am very proud of Monica and her development as a promoter.  In my opinion she is the hardest working woman in boxing.  It is a pleasure to have her on our team.”
Past Raging Babe event honorees have included Jackie Kallen, Public Relations ace Kelly Swanson, TV trailblazer Claudia Trejos, Nevada Boxing Hall of Fame Chief Operating Officer Michelle Corrales-Lewis, and, most recently, heart transplant recipient and the epitome of a “Raging Babe,” Kennedy Cunningham. “The Raging Babe Brunch and other events have far exceeded any expectations I had when I conceived this idea of bringing women together to network and share their experiences and triumphs as women in the boxing industry,” said Michelle Rosado. “Lifetime friendships and business partnerships have been forged at previous events, and Stay Golden will be no different. It’s a pleasure to have the opportunity to honor Monica Sears, and I’m thrilled to see the event continue to grow and be successful.” 
Rosado mentor Jackie Kallen, who has been an enduring presence at Raging Babe events, will be on hand to co-host the event. “I couldn’t be happier to step into the role of co-host at this valuable event,” said Kallen. “I am thrilled to see both Raging Babe the company, and ‘Raging Babe’ Michelle Rosado continue to bring women together to move forward in a productive way in the boxing industry. Monica Sears is the perfect honoree for this occasion, given the magnitude of that weekend’s fights, and the many others she produced.” 
This year’s event is made possible by the generous support of the World Boxing Council and Youth Fighting Forward, a New York-based non-profit organization dedicated to creating champions inside and outside the ring. Youth Fighting Forward has branches in Brooklyn and in Danbury, Connecticut. 
For information on attending or sponsoring this prestigious event, please contactmichelle@ragingbabe.com.
boxing, HBO Boxing

WBC & RING MAGAZINE MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO LOS ANGELES MEDIA WORKOUT AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB

Leave a comment

 

 

 

VIDEOS, PHOTOS AND QUOTES

 

 

Click HERE for Photos

 

VIDEO LINK: https://youtu.be/efyC54W0qaA

 

Photo/Video Credit: Hector Santos Guia/Roc Nation Sports/Miguel Cotto Promotions, LLC

 

LOS ANGELES (November 6, 2015) – WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) hosted a media workout on Nov. 5 with his renowned trainer Freddie Roach at Wild Card Boxing Club in Los Angeles ahead of his Nov. 21 mega-fight against former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) at the Mandalay Bay Events Center which will produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

 

Below is what Cotto and Roach had to say:

 

MIGUEL COTTO, WBC, Ring Magazine & Lineal Middleweight World Champion

 

“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 Nov. 21.

 

“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 Nov. 21 if Canelo’s age is stronger than Miguel’s spirit. OnNov. 21, people are going to see the best Miguel Cotto they have ever seen.

 

“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.

 

“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.

 

“The Mexican-Puerto Rican rivalry is one of the biggest in boxing. It’s in our hands to present the fight at the same level of intensity everyone expects. Mexico is a lot bigger than Puerto Rico, but we have something in our boxers that make us able to compete at the same level.

 

“I am a boxer. I’m here working and looking forward to Nov. 21. We are working for the victory and that is what we are going to get on Nov. 21.”

 

 

FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Famer & Seven-Time BWAA Trainer of the Year Award Winner, Miguel Cotto Trainer

 

“I believe this is going to be the best fight of the year. I think it’s a great match up. I think its youth versus experience. How much is Canelo’s youth going to take a toll on him? How much will it help him? I think you get a little bit of everything. You get Mexico versus Puerto Rico. You get youth versus experience. This fight brings a lot to the table. It’s the perfect match. It’s a very exciting fight.

 

“Canelo is only about a half-inch taller [then Miguel]. He doesn’t have a huge height advantage or reach advantage over us. I don’t think he’s stronger than we are. I think we are the better puncher out there. We have more experience. We beat a lot of guys a lot better than him along the way. He’s just another guy to us.

 

“We’ve had four sparring partners against Miguel each day. That’s for breaking the fighter down and hitting the body. We take their legs away from them. I feel that our opponent does a lot on his own. He’s not that disciplined. He’s a young guy. He’s the playboy. He’s a good looking guy. He gets all the girls like Oscar De La Hoya, but the thing is, those girls are not going to help him in this fight.

 

“I have the better fighter. We’ve fought better opposition. We’ve been in there with better fighters. We’ve learned after the process of going through this and he’s still at the beginning of the learning stage. Who knows how far he’ll go? Miguel’s gone a long, long way. We’ve proven ourselves and we’ll prove ourselves again on Nov. 21. I promise.

 

“Miguel and I get along really well together. We’re just working out the strategy of the fight. Both of us work together combining what he’s comfortable with and what I’m comfortable with and it works out really well.

 

“I think we’ll give Canelo a boxing lesson for about five rounds and then I think we’ll turn it up from that point on. After five, I am going to have Miguel go out there and trade with him a little bit and when Canelo slows down a little bit, I think we will knock him out in about eight or nine rounds.”

 

###

 

Cotto vs. Canelo, a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships, takes place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. The fight is presented by Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra; Mexico, Live it to Believe it!; O’Reilly Auto Parts; Tequila Cazadores and Corporate Travel Made Simple (ctms). Also featured on the pay-per-view telecast will be Takashi Muira vs. Francisco Vargas in a 12-round fight for the WBC Super Featherweight World Championship presented in association with Teiken Promotions and Jayson Velez vs. Ronny Rios is a 10-round featherweight. The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

 

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins, a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship, is presented in association with Bristol Boxing Ltd. and will be featured as part of the preliminary undercards available on digital platforms starting at 7:00 p.m. ET/4:00 p.m. PT.

 

A limited number of tickets priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250 and $650, not including applicable service charges, can be purchased at the Mandalay Bay box office, ticketmaster.com,mandalaybay.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.  Ticket orders are limited to four per person.

 

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo at select MGM Resorts International properties in Las Vegas are priced at $75, not including applicable service charges, and can be purchased at all MGM Resorts International Ticket Offices, http://www.ticketmaster.com, all Ticketmaster locations or by calling (800) 745-3000.

 

Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez will be presented live with Fathom Events in select theaters nationwide. Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. For a complete list of theater locations visit www.fathomevents.com/event/cotto-vs-canelo-live.

 

Sports bars, restaurants, casinos (outside of Clark County, Nevada) and other commercial establishments can order Cotto vs. Canelo by contacting Joe Hand Promotions at (800) 557-4263 or by visiting www.JoeHandPromotions.com. Joe Hand Promotions is the exclusive commercial distributor for Cotto vs. Canelo throughout the United States and Canada.

 

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com,www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxingand www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/RocNation, www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing,www.facebook.com/RealMiguelACotto, www.facebook.com/SaulCaneloAlvarez,www.facebook.com/HBOBoxing and www.facebook.com/MandalayBay; and follow on Instagram @rocnation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @realmiguelacotto, @Canelo, @HBOboxing and @MandalayBay. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.