VIDEO: Cotto vs. Canelo: Fight Preview

Video: Cotto vs. Canelo: Fight Preparation

Video: Caneo Alvarez Workout video

SUPER MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION ANDRE WARD RETURNS TO THE RING SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 WHEN HE MAKES HIS DEBUT AT 175 POUNDS

NEW YORK, NY (October 29, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports is pleased to announce that Two-Time World Champion and top-rated pound-for-pound fighter Andre Ward (28-0, 15 KOs) will return to the ring on Saturday, Nov. 21 in the co- feature to the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez middleweight world championship showdown that will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. Ward has signed an exclusive multi-fight agreement with HBO that will commence with Ward’s Nov. 21 fight at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Having cleaned out the super middleweight division, Ward, 31, will be making his debut in the 175-pound light heavyweight division against an opponent to be announced.

“HBO is the premier network in boxing and has been a great home to me both as a fighter and a commentator,” Ward said. “I made my professional debut on HBO nearly 11 years ago and I’m excited to move on to this next stage of my career at the light heavyweight division on HBO. My team and I have been hard at work preparing for Nov. 21 and the fans can expect another strong performance in Las Vegas.”

“All of us at Roc Nation Sports are thrilled to partner with HBO as we embark on the next chapter in the storied career of Andre Ward,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing Roc Nation Sports. “Starting this multi-fight agreement and Andre’s quest to conquer the light heavyweight division with a fight on the highly anticipated Nov. 21 pay-per-view event is a fitting way to kick things off. We are hopeful that Nov. 21 is the first step toward a 2016 showdown with Sergey Kovalev.”

“From Olympic gold medalist, to two-time world champion, to winning all 28 of his professional bouts and dominating the super middleweight division, Andre Ward has demonstrated that he is among the finest performers in the sport,” said Ken Hershman, President, HBO Sports. “We are delighted to have Andre as part of our family, fighting exclusively on the HBO platforms.”

“Andre is a man of high integrity and honor so we are thrilled to be able to help deliver a multi-fight deal for him on the premier network in boxing,” said James Prince and Josh Dubin, Ward’s management team. “In moving to light heavyweight, we have no doubt that Andre will pick up where he left off in the super middleweight division – as the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world. We are extremely thankful to HBO and Roc Nation Sports for the opportunity.”

Known for his strong character and integrity outside the ring and his warrior’s instinct inside it, Ward’s skill and talent were apparent early in his outstanding amateur career. He racked up every title in the books, culminating with a gold medal in the light heavyweight division at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens. As the only male American boxer to claim Olympic gold since 1996, Ward joined the likes of Muhammad Ali, Sugar Ray Leonard and Oscar De La Hoya. He turned professional on December 18, 2004, scoring a second round technical knockout victory over Chris Molina at Staples Center in a fight that was televised live on HBO. He has gone on to rack up 27 more victories since then, building an ever-growing legion of fans in the process. After becoming the Ring Magazine and WBA Super Middleweight World Champion, rising to the number two spot on the pound-for-pound list and winning the 2011 Fighter of the Year Award (ESPN, Sports Illustrated, Ring Magazine and the Boxing Writers Association of America), it was announced that Ward signed an exclusive promotional agreement with Roc Nation Sports in January 2015, opening a new chapter in his storied boxing career. The Bay Area product returned to the ring on June 20, 2015 at the Oracle Arena in front of his hometown fans in Oakland, California and scored a ninth-round knockout over Paul Smith, continuing his unbeaten streak which dates back to when he was a 13 year old amateur. Ward recently stepped in front of the camera for a completely different role, a part in the upcoming New Line/Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer/Warner Bros. feature “Creed,” hitting theaters on November 25, a few days following fight week. Fellow Bay Area natives, director Ryan Coogler and the film’s star Michael B. Jordan, reached out to Ward so that he could provide his expertise for the film. In addition to working in front of the camera with Ward, Jordan spent time at Ward’s home gym in preparation for his role as Apollo Creed’s son.

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About Roc Nation Sports
Roc Nation Sports, a sub-division of Roc Nation, launched in spring 2013. Founder Shawn “JAY Z” Carter’s love of sports lead to the natural formation of Roc Nations Sports, helping athletes in the same way Roc Nation has been helping artists in the music industry for years. Roc Nation Sports focuses on elevating athletes’ career on a global scale both on and off the field. Roc Nation Sports conceptualizes and executes marketing and endorsement deals, community outreach, charitable tie-ins, media relations and brand strategy. Roc Nation Sports launched its boxing division, a full service promotional company which represents world champions Miguel Cotto and Andre Ward, in August 2014. Roc Nation Sports’ roster includes premiere athletes such as Robinson Cano, Skylar Diggins, Kevin Durant, Geno Smith, Victor Cruz, CC Sabathia, James Young, Dez Bryant, Ndamukong Suh, Rusney Castillo, Yoenis Cespedes, Jaelen Strong, Todd Gurley, Wilson Chandler, Erick Aybar, Frances Tiafoe, Justise Winslow and Willie Cauley-Stein.

IBF WORLD BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION RANDY “EL MATADOR” CABALLERO TO MAKE HIS FIRST TITLE DEFENSE AGAINST LEE HASKINS HEADLINING THE COTTO-CANELO PRELIMINARY UNDERCARD ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21 FROM THE MANDALAY BAY EVENTS CENTER

LOS ANGELES (October 29, 2015) – Making the first defense of his IBF Bantamweight World Title, Randy “El Matador” Caballero (22-0, 13 KOs) will headline the preliminary undercard preceding the HBO Pay-Per-View® telecast of the Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez event on Saturday, November 21 as he faces off against England’s Lee “Playboy” Haskins (32-3, 14 KOs) at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.The 12-round world championship bout will be available to view digitally on HBO Boxing’s YouTube Page, TIDAL.com and GoldenBoyPromotions.com, along with other websites and outlets to be announced shortly. Additional undercard fights will be announced separately.

“I am excited to be fighting in one of the biggest cards of the year,” said Caballero. “I have been out of the ring for about a year and it has been hard watching all the great shows, but I am ready to come out strong and defend my title. I know Lee is a tough guy, there is a reason why he is my mandatory, but his style will make me shine on fight night. This training camp has been wonderful, my body feels different, and we have been training very hard to make sure I remain the champion. I feel there is more to accomplish, and this is my big opportunity to shine and stand out on Nov. 21.”

“Randy has the charisma, athleticism, fan-friendly fighting style and now a world title to make him one of the future top stars in the sport,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Fans watching Randy’s fight live at The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and at home on the preliminary undercard on Nov. 21 are in for a real treat when he makes his first title defense against Lee Haskins, who, like Randy, is one of the top fighters in the bantamweight division right now. This fight will be a clash between two warriors and a great precursor to the guaranteed action in the main event with Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez that night.”

“All my life I have dreamed about boxing in Las Vegas and now my dreams have come true,” said Haskins. “I have great respect for Randy Caballero, and I will be in the best shape of my life with all intentions of bringing the IBF World Bantamweight belt home. You best believe I am as fit as a butcher`s dog. I am counting the days for when I arrive in U.S.A. Let’s get it on!”

The fighting pride of the Coachella Valley in California, Randy “El Matador” Caballero is one of the sport’s most intriguing rising stars and as the IBF World Bantamweight Champion prepares for his Las Vegas debut, he is on the verge of taking his career to the next level in a big way. “El Matador” Caballero has gone from local hero to international standout over the course of a professional career that began in 2010, as his meteoric rise has seen him defeat the likes of Alexis “Beaver” Santiago, Jose Luis “Tapitas” Araiza, Manuel “Suavecito” Roman and Luis “Titi” Maldonado. In 2014, the 25-year-old took his show on the road as he traveled to Kobe, Japan to defeat Kohei Oba via eighth-round technical knockout. The victory earned the 24-year-old Caballero a shot at a world championship, and on October 25, 2014 he packed his bags once again, as he traveled to the Salle des ‘Etoiles in Monte Carlo to defeat England’s Stuart Hall for the vacant IBF World Bantamweight Championship.

British southpaw Lee “Playboy” Haskins has had a big 2015 campaign thus far. The Bristol native regained the EBU Bantamweight Title in February with a decision win over Omar Lamiri and then took the interim IBF Bantamweight crown in June by stopping Ryosuke Iwasa in six rounds. This November, the 31-year-old will attempt to unify the title with the highly touted Caballero and is determined to go back to England with the belt.

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 is a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship 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.

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo 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.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mxwww.hbo.com/boxing and 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.

MEXICAN SUPERSTAR CANELO ÁLVAREZ SAN DIEGO MEDIA WORKOUT QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (Oct. 29, 2015) – Mariachis, cake, balloons, streamers and screaming fans were all on deck to greet Canelo Álvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs),former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, at his San Diego media workout today at House of Boxing Gym ahead of his Nov. 21 middleweight world championship showdown against WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs).

Oscar De La Hoya, chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, surprised Canelo at the workout with a special presentation to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Mexican superstar fighter’s first professional fight, a fourth-round technical knockout that took place Oct. 29, 2005 in his hometown of Jalisco, Mexico.

Below is what Canelo, Oscar De La Hoya and his team had to say:

CANELO ÁLVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“We are very prepared for this fight. It has been a great training camp we have been working on technique to make sure we are not surprised on fight night.

“I have had great sparring partners for this fight, focusing on Cotto’s style of fighting. We also know he is a southpaw and that has been something we always work on.

“I am not afraid of any fighter, but right now I am focused on Cotto. Once this fight is over we can move on to the next big fight.

“Every fight at this level has been difficult and the best that we can do is, be prepared. You can’t predict the outcome of a fight, but we make sure to leave not doubts in the ring.

“I want to fight the big fights and am not afraid to take risks. I believe my fighting style and opponents over the years have shown that. I am here to prove I am the best and the best way to do that is fighting the best.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Canelo Álvarez is ready for November 21. I’ve visited his training camp many times and he is looking great, very strong, very powerful.

“Canelo has been fighting for 10 years now, but he’s still only 25-years-old. I think the best is yet to come with him. He has grown as a fighter every year, learning from victories and his losses. Legacy is important to him, and when all is said and done, I know he will be remembered as one of the best in the sport.

“November 21 will be a war in the ring. There will be fireworks, and Cotto vs. Canelo will be remembered as another great fight in the historic Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry.”

CHEPO REYNOSO, Manager and Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:

“I have great respect for Freddie personally, but it is a different kind of respect when you’re in the ring. I am sure Cotto has preparing for this fight, but Canelo has the power, speed and youth to be the best fighter on Nov. 21.

“I have seen Canelo grow as a fighter his whole career and I believe he is ready to become the future of boxing and beating Cotto will prove it.

“Every fighter has learned from their experiences and Canelo and continues to progress as a fighter. He is only getting better and is a different, stronger, fighter compared to few years ago.

“Every day we are pushing Canelo and he does everything without question. He is a dedicated and hungry fighter who takes his career seriously. On Nov. 21 we will raise our arm in victory for Mexico.”

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer for Canelo Álvarez:

“Canelo is a serious fighter who doesn’t take any opponent lightly. He is always ready and willing to fight the best fighters in the sport.

“This is one of the biggest fights in the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. And we will prove on Nov. 21 that Mexico is the best.”

Randy Caballero vs. Lee Haskins is a 12-round fight for the IBF Bantamweight World Championship 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.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com,www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and 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.

Video: Canelo Alvarez Greatest Hits

Video: Miguel Cotto Greatest Hits

GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS STARTS OFF COTTO-CANELO FIGHT WEEK WITH AN IMPRESSIVE NIGHT OF BOXING ON NOVEMBER 20

LOS ANGELES (October 26, 2015) – Boxing’s biggest weekend of 2015 will get off to a rousing start on Friday, November 20, as The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas hosts a hard-hitting card as the prelude to the November 21 Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez Super Fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center and live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Airing live nationally on Estrella TV’s Boxeo Estelar, Mexican slugger Horacio “Violento” Garcia (29-1-0, 21 KOs) takes on fellow countryman Raul “Bule” Hidalgo (24-13, 18 KOs) in a 10-round featherweight bout sure to start off the weekend on fire on the Las Vegas Strip.

Featured as part of the RingTV Live Stream, East LA’s undefeated Roy “Pit Bull” Tapia (11-0-2, 6 KOs) is scheduled to face Erik Ruiz (14-4, 6 KOs) of Oxnard, Calif. in an eight-round super bantamweight bout; while fellow Golden Boy Promotions stablemates, Jason “El Animal” Quigley (8-0, 8 KOs) from Donegal, Ireland, and rising prospect Hector “El Finito” Tanajara Jr. (2-0, 1 KOs), of San Antonio, Texas, are both scheduled for six-round middleweight and super featherweight fights, respectively. Plus, Francisco Esparza (1-0) of Las Vegas is set to fight in a four-round featherweight bout. Opponents will be announced shortly.

This event is presented by Golden Boy Promotions and sponsored by Corona Extra and Carmelita’s Chorizo. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the first bout begins at 5:00 p.m. The Boxeo Estelar broadcast will air live on Estrella TV at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. The card will also stream live on EstrellaTV.com and on YouTube via Fenomeno Studios. The Ring TV live stream will begin at approximately 5:00 p.m. PT through 6:00 p.m and can be viewed on RingTVLive.com, YIPTV.com, Fightsports.tv, UCNLive.com, Facebook.com/RingTV, Livestream.com, and The Ring TV Channels on Roku, Amazon Fire.

Tickets, priced at $95, $65, $35 and $25, not including applicable service charges and taxes, will go on sale on Wednesday, October 28 12:00 p.m. PT and will be available for purchase by visiting The Joint box office, calling 888.9.AXS.TIX or online at www.axs.com.

Back in the ring for the first time since the lone loss of his professional career, via decision to former world champion Hozumi Hasegawa in Japan this past May, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Horacio “Violento” Garcia is hungrier than ever to get back into the title race and his journey starts on November 20. Before the defeat, the 25-year-old Garcia had won his previous six bouts by knockout and it’s a streak he expects to begin again in his Las Vegas debut.

Winner of two of his last three bouts, with knockouts over Jorge Luis Babuca and Antonio Gonzalez, Nuevas Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico’s Raul “Bule” Hidalgo may not have the prettiest record in the fight game, but those 37 fights have prepared the 26-year-old for anything he may face in the ring. A professional since 2010, Hidalgo can make a bold statement to his fellow fighters should he hand Garcia his second straight defeat.

Unbeaten as a professional, East LA super bantamweight Roy Tapia is a popular fighter on the California fight scene and if the 24-year-old’s most recent win, a third-round knockout of Juan Luis Hernandez on August 6 is any indication, he may be ready to take the next step in his career very soon. But the “Pitbull” will get a fight in his next outing in the form of Oxnard’s Erik Ruiz a protégé of renowned trainer Robert Garcia who has never been stopped and who always shows up ready for battle.

Fighting professionally since 2011, 24-year-old Erik Ruiz is looking for the right opportunity to start another winning streak when he faces the undefeated Roy Tapia on November 20. Fighting out of Oxnard, the tough Ruiz has been seen in the ring most recently against Jessie Magdaleno, Manuel “Tino” Avila, Fernando Fuentes and Daniel “Danny” Roman. On November 20, the Oxnard native, will be looking for victory and prove he still has what it takes to stay in the fighting game.

Hailing from Balleybofey in County Donegal, Ireland, the 24-year-old Jason Quigley had an outstanding amateur career becoming the first Irish fighter to win a Silver medal at the AIBA World Amateur Boxing Championships in 2013. El Animal started his professional career in 2014 and has quickly garnered attention by ending each fight via knockout against Howard Reece, Fernando Najera, and Greg McCoy. Quigley has continued his wins-by-knockout streak by impressively taking down Lanny Dardar, Tolutomi Agunbiade, Joshua Snyder and most recently Michael Faulk.

An eight-time National champion as an amateur, Hector “El Finito” Tanajara (2-0, 1 KO) began his pro career in August and he’s already compiled wins over Thomas Deleon and Antonio Martinez while fighting in Los Angeles. On November 20, the 18-year-old San Antonio native takes his show on the road in a six-round super featherweight bout.

Las Vegas based Francisco Esparza, who trains with former World Champion and future Hall of Famer Fernando “Ferocious” Vargas, seeks his second professional win in a featherweight match scheduled for four rounds.

For more information visit www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.estrellatv.com, www.hardrockhotel.com, follow on twitter at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV, @HardRockHotelLV and become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.facebook.com/EstrellaTVNetwork, www.facebook.com/HardRockHotelLV visit us on Instagram at @GoldenBoyBoxing, @EstrellaTV and @HardRockHotelLV and follow the conversation using #BoxeoEstelar.

VIDEO: 2 Days: Canelo Alvarez – Full Show

Boxing Hits the Big Screen as Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez is Presented Live in Select U.S. Cinemas This November

DENVER – October 26, 2015 – Boxing fans across the country will have a ringside seat for a highly-anticipated clash of two titans when Fathom Events, Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions present Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez, the battle between Puerto Rico’s most decorated fighter Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and Mexican superstar Canelo (45-1-1, 32 KOs) live in select theaters nationwide on Saturday, November 21 at 9:00 p.m. ET / 8:00 p.m. CT / 7:00 p.m. MT / 6:00 p.m. PT.

The highly-anticipated 12-round fight will be broadcast live to select theaters across the U.S., from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas. Miguel Cotto, reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, will go head-to-head with Canelo Alvarez, former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, in what is shaping up to be 2015’s most exciting fight and the biggest battle in the history of the famed Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.

Tickets for theater screenings of Cotto vs. Canelo can be purchased online by visiting www.FathomEvents.com or at participating theater box offices. Fans throughout the U.S. will be able to enjoy the event in select movie theaters through Fathom’s Digital Broadcast Network. For a complete list of theater locations visit the Fathom Events website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

“As I have always said, during my whole career, I am here to fight the best names and the best fighters,” said Miguel Cotto. “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 vs. Mexico rivalry.”

“There’s a great history between Mexico and Puerto Rico and this is going to be a historic fight, another one for the storybooks,” said Canelo Alvarez. “I have a lot of pride to be fighting for my country. It’s going to be a great night.”

Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) is the first native of Puerto Rico to become a world champion in four different weight classes and is hailed as a national hero and the successor of Felix “Tito” Trinidad as the island’s most notable boxer. During his extraordinary career, Cotto represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia, and is the former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, the former WBA Welterweight World Champion, the former WBO Welterweight World Champion and former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion. Cotto now looks to further his illustrious resume with a win over Canelo.

Returning to the ring hungrier than ever with his high-energy fighting style and charisma, 25-year-old Mexican boxing superstar and pride of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) is on a mission to position himself as the most popular boxer of his generation. With a win against Cotto, the former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo could break into the top pound-for-pound list.

Roc Nation President and Chief of Branding and Strategy Michael Yormark said, “Roc Nation and Golden Boy share a passion for creating the biggest fights in history. We want to give boxing fans what they deserve: a show of epic proportions.”

“Tickets for boxing’s most exciting event of the year, Cotto vs. Canelo, went quickly because this is a fight that guarantees drama and action from start to finish,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “That is what makes this match up ‘The Fight for the Fans,’ and we want to be able to give fans that can’t make it to Las Vegas an exciting way to watch the fight and feel like they are in the arena to see the action up close and in person.”

Fathom Events CEO John Rubey said, “Over the past several years, boxing fans have filled movie theaters across the country to see the world’s biggest boxing superstars square off in the ring. With Cotto vs. Canelo being so full of rich history and rivalry, what better place for those fans to witness this historic bout than up on the big screen!”

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For artwork/photos related to Cotto vs. Canelo visit the Fathom Events press site.

About Fathom Events
Fathom Events is the recognized leader in the alternative entertainment industry, offering a variety of one-of-a-kind entertainment events in movie theaters nationwide that include live, high-definition performances of the Metropolitan Opera, the performing arts, major sporting events, music concerts, comedy series, Broadway shows, original programming featuring entertainment’s biggest stars, socially relevant documentaries with audience Q&A and much more. Fathom Events takes audiences behind-the-scenes and offers unique extras, creating the ultimate entertainment experience. It is owned by a consortium called AC JV, LLC., comprised of AMC Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: AMC), Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK) and Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC), the three largest movie theater circuits in the United States. In addition, Fathom Events’ live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is the largest cinema broadcast network in North America, bringing live events to 820 locations in 177 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). For more information, visit www.fathomevents.com.

About Miguel Cotto Promotions
Miguel Cotto Promotions is the leading promotional company in Puerto Rico founded by the Five-Time and Four-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and entrepreneur Hector Soto in 2005. Miguel Cotto Promotions has the vision of developing the best talent in Puerto Rico and Latin America, while searching for the best partnerships in the business to present the best quality shows in the industry. In 2015, Miguel Cotto Promotions launched their most recent project named “Boxeo Al Maximo” in partnership with Univision Puerto Rico network, capturing great ratings results on the new Saturday night fights platform. The series has also garnered an Emmy nomination.

HBO SPORTS’ 24/7 COTTO/CANELO, A BEHIND-THE-SCENES SERIES LEADING UP TO THE PAY-PER-VIEW MEGA-FIGHT IN LAS VEGAS, DEBUTS NOV. 7 ON HBO

NEW YORK, Oct. 26 , 2015 – HBO Sports’ groundbreaking “24/7” reality franchise, which has captured 18 Sports Emmy® Awards, returns for its 21st multi-part boxing installment with 24/7 COTTO/CANELO, it was announced today by Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports. Debuting SATURDAY, NOV. 7 (11:45 p.m.-12:15 a.m. ET/PT), immediately following the “World Championship Boxing” doubleheader that begins at 9:30 p.m. (ET/PT), the behind-the-scenes series follows two elite fighters as they prepare for their pay-per-view middleweight title showdown Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The series will also be available on HBO On Demand®, HBO NOW and HBO GO®.

“The intensity, rivalry and significance of Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico versus Canelo Alvarez of Mexico will make for great storytelling in this all-new edition of ‘24/7’,” noted Bernstein. “This is a mega-fight that will generate tremendous interest, and we look forward to documenting the multiple storylines generated by this red-hot showdown.”

Episode two of 24/7 COTTO/CANELO debuts Thursday, Nov. 19 (11:00-11:30 p.m.), two nights before the high-stakes bout.

24/7 COTTO/CANELO will provide exclusive behind-the-scenes access, along with in-depth interviews, as the fighters prepare for their first encounter. The 34-year-old Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs), from Caguas, Puerto Rico, is the reigning lineal world middleweight champ. His formidable foe is the 25-year-old Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs), of Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, who has turned back an impressive list of challengers.

Making his fifth “24/7” appearance, Cotto is working with Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach at the famed Wild Card Gym in Hollywood, Cal. Canelo once again is holding camp in San Diego with his seasoned trainer, Eddy Reynoso.

24/7 COTTO/CANELO is the latest installment of the acclaimed franchise that began in 2007. Among the most-honored sports series on TV over the past eight years, the show has earned 18 Sports Emmys®.

ESPN The Magazine said that “24/7” is “a masterfully entertaining reality show.”

“Cotto vs. Canelo” takes place at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 21 at 9:00 p.m. (ET)/6:00 p.m. (PT), and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View®.

The executive producer of 24/7 COTTO/CANELO is Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Bentley Weiner; producers, Abtin Motia and Christine Wilt; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

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TAKASHI MIURA TO FACE FRANCISCO VARGAS IN WBC SUPER FEATHERWEIGHT TITLE BOUT AS PART OF THE STELLAR UNDERCARD FOR MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 20, 2015) – Already destined to be one of the best fight nights of 2015, a stellar televised undercard for the Saturday, Nov. 21 showdown between Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez will provide even more punch to an already highly anticipated event from the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Highly touted Takashi Miura (29-2-2, 22 KOs) of Tokyo, Japan will defend his WBC Super Featherweight title for the fifth time against Mexico City, Mexico’s unbeaten Francisco Vargas (22-0-1, 16 KOs) in a 12-round battle which is presented in association with Teiken Promotions. Hailing from the same city as headliner Miguel Cotto, and co-promoted by the Puerto Rican legend’s Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions, undefeated, multiple-regional title champion Jayson Velez (23-0-1, 16 KOs) of Caguas, Puerto Rico, will face Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios (24-1, 10 KOs) in a highly anticipated 10-round featherweight bout. An additional televised bout will be announced shortly.

“Bringing sports fans an event featuring what is likely to be the 2015 Fight of the Year in Cotto vs. Canelo is great, but adding a highly entertaining undercard makes it greater,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “The announcement of these two televised undercard fights brings additional excitement and value for fans watching the event live in Las Vegas or at home on HBO Pay-Per-View.”

“On November 21, the best fighters in boxing will gather for one epic night in Las Vegas,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “Audiences will not only see the two biggest stars battle, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez, but every fighter featured on the card brings the highest caliber of talent propelling the sport further into a new golden age of boxing.”

“I believe Velez vs. Rios is a great match for both fighters,” said Hector Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions. “The winner will be a step away from a title shot and it adds more drama to the Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry. In Ronny Rios we have a tough fighter and Jayson Velez is a warrior that brings action into the ring.”

“Francisco Vargas has proved himself to be a tough competitor,” said Miura. “But, I have repeatedly fought to keep my WBC title and on November 21, I will show American fans once again why I am a champion.”

“To add the WBC title to my NABF and WBO Intercontinental titles would be the ultimate victory and a great ending to 2015,” said Vargas. “I am training hard and ready to bring a fight to the ring at Mandalay Bay. Takashi Miura better be ready because I am coming for him on November 21.”

“I have been working to make a name for myself and show fans that I am a true undefeated champion,” said Velez. “This fight against Ronny Rios represents an important next step in my career and I am hungry for the win. To fight on the same card as Miguel Cotto and to represent Puerto Rico in Las Vegas in what is sure to be one of this year’s biggest nights in boxing is surreal.”

“I was dealt the first loss of my career not long ago, but that has only made me more focused and driven,” said Rios. “I have already sought redemption and am now ready to continue on my path to a world title. Jayson Velez may prove to be a tough opponent, but I will be ready for him. Come November 21, Velez will know what a first career loss will feel like.”

Southpaw power-puncher Takashi Miura is a force at super featherweight who is excited to make his United States debut on the Cotto vs. Canelo undercard. Unbeaten since 2011, the 31-year-old from Tokyo has scored several notable wins in that timeframe, stopping Gamaliel Diaz to take the WBC title, turning back Sergio “Yeyo” Thompson and defeating former world champion Billy “The Kid” Dib in defense of his belt. On November 21, he will expect a similar result when he faces Vargas.

A member of the 2008 Mexican Olympic team, Francisco “El Bandido” Vargas turned professional in 2010 and is now one win away from a coveted world championship. The NABF and WBO Intercontinental champion at 130 pounds, the 30-year-old Mexico City native has blasted through his last three opponents, halting former World Champion Juan Manuel “Juanma” Lopez, Genaro “Duro” Camargo and “Wild” Will Tomlinson to earn his shot at Miura in a fight boxing fans can’t wait to see.

Hailing from the same city in Puerto Rico as headliner Miguel Cotto, 27-year-old Caguas native Jayson “La Maravilla” Velez has compiled a collection of titles in his professional career, including the WBC USNBC, WBO Latino and WBC Silver belts. He nearly took his first world title in November 2014 before a controversial draw verdict was rendered in his IBF Featherweight World Championship fight with Evgeny Gradovich. Determined to get another world title shot, Velez needs a win against Rios to get there.

Santa Ana, California’s Ronny Rios was sailing to the top of the division before an upset loss to the number one contender for the WBC Featherweight title Robinson “Robin Hood” Castellanos in October of 2014, but with a comeback win over Sergio “El Frio” Frias and the determination and heart of a champion, the talented 25-year-old has his sights set on glory once more. With a victory over Velez, he will be back on the road to a world title fight once more.

Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo 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.

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). The event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. 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 in association with Miguel Cotto Promotions. Follow the conversation using #CottoCanelo.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, ww.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and 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.

CLOSED CIRCUIT VIEWING TICKETS FOR MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ ON SALE TODAY, FRIDAY, OCTOBER 9

LAS VEGAS (Oct. 9, 2015) – Due to high demand from fans across the country, tickets for closed circuit viewings of the highly anticipated November 21 battle between WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal 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 go on sale today, Friday, October 9, 2015 at 1 p.m.PT. Tickets for closed circuit viewings of Cotto vs. Canelo 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.

Cotto vs. Canelo, a fight for the fans, has proven to be the hottest ticket in town for Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 21. Fans unable to purchase tickets to see the fight at the Mandalay Bay Events Center will have the opportunity to experience an exciting night of boxing live in Las Vegas in an electrifying setting side-by-side with other fight fans at closed circuit viewings.

Locations for the closed circuit viewing of Cotto vs. Canelo will include Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino; MGM Grand Hotel & Casino; and The Mirage Hotel & Casino.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.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.

Video: Video Alert: Michelle Beadle goes 1-on-1 with Miguel Cotto

MIGUEL COTTO ARRIVES IN LOS ANGELES FOR TRAINING CAMP WITH TRAINER FREDDIE ROACH AT WILD CARD BOXING CLUB FOR NOV. 21 HBO PAY-PER VIEW SHOWDOWN AGAINST CANELO ALVAREZ

LOS ANGELES (September 30, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) has arrived in Los Angeles to begin training camp at Wild Card Boxing Club with trainer Freddie Roach ahead of his Saturday, Nov. 21 showdown against former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View from The Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

Below is what Cotto and Roach had to say about the start of camp:

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

“I am more than ready to get to work and am fully confident that the plan Freddie Roach has in place for our team is going to ensure that I am prepared to lock in this victory on November 21.”

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto

“The energy at Wild Card is at an all-time high. Miguel is one of the hardest working men I know and he did not waste any time getting into the ring with me. I know that we have the tools we need for a successful training camp that will put Miguel in the best position possible to beat Canelo.”

Remaining tickets 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.

Video: The Buzz: Cotto vs. Canelo NY Press Conference

BOXING SUPERSTAR CANELO ÁLVAREZ RE-SIGNS MULTI-FIGHT, MULTI-YEAR CONTRACT EXTENSION WITH GOLDEN BOY PROMOTIONS

LOS ANGELES (Sept. 11, 2015) – Golden Boy Promotions today announced that Mexican superstar and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Álvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) has re-signed with the company, agreeing to a multi-fight, multi-year contract extension.

“I am loyal, it’s part of my character and that’s why I am extending my contract with Golden Boy Promotions,”said Álvarez. “Golden Boy Promotions knows how to build a fighter and elevate him to a world stage as they have done with me and continue to do with many others. I look forward to working with Golden Boy throughout my career.”

Álvarez, a super welterweight knockout artist known for his tremendous punching power, made his pro debut in 2005 at 15-years-old and quickly became one of the most popular prizefighters in the world. His exciting fighting style and reputation for taking on all comers has captured the attention of fans all around the globe.

“Canelo Álvarez is no longer the future of the boxing – he is the present, and with a win on Nov. 21 against Miguel Cotto, he will solidify his status as the best in the business,” said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. “It has been a privilege to promote him during his meteoric rise, and we now look forward to many more highlights in a career already filled with many of them.”

A former world champion, Canelo is eager to once again hold a title belt and will get his chance when he battles Miguel Cotto on Nov. 21 for Cotto’s WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championships. His record includes victories over some of the best fighters in the junior middleweight division including Austin “No Doubt” Trout, Alfredo “El Perro” Angulo, Sugar Shane Mosley, dangerous southpaw Erislandy Lara and most recently James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland. Canelo’s lone blemish in 45 fights came in September 2013 against Floyd “Money” Mayweather in one of the highest grossing fights of all time, further cementing Canelo’s stature as boxing’s next superstar fighter.

About Golden Boy Promotions
Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by 10-time world champion in six divisions Oscar De La Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the world and has worked with networks such as HBO, HBO Latino, Showtime, Showtime Extreme, Estrella TV, ESPN, TeleFutura, FOX Sports 1, FOX Deportes, Televisa and TV Azteca. In its 13-year existence, Golden Boy Promotions has promoted some of the biggest and highest grossing pay-per-view events in the history of the sport. In 2007, the company broke all boxing records with more than four million pay-per-view buys in a single year. Golden Boy Promotions also promoted the fight that formerly held the record for the highest grossing and most pay-per-view buys of all time: De La Hoya vs. Mayweather which generated 2.5 million buys and grossed over $120 million and Mayweather vs. Canelo which generated 2.2 million pay-per-view buys and grossed over $150 million in revenue. On May 9, 2015 before a crowd of more than 31,000 fans at Minute Maid Park in Houston, Canelo vs. Kirkland registered the highest viewership for an HBO World Championship Boxing event since 2006 generating an average of 2.1 million views for the live airing of the event. The company has also promoted other notable pay-per-view fights featuring fan favorites Bernard “The Alien” Hopkins, Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez, Miguel Cotto, Marco “Baby Faced Assassin” Antonio Barrera, Erik “El Terrible” Morales and Sugar Shane Mosley.

BOXNATION LAND UK RIGHTS TO SHOW COTTO-CANELO WORLD TITLE SUPERFIGHT LIVE AND EXCLUSIVE ON NOVEMBER 21

LONDON (11 Sept) – One of this year’s most anticipated showdowns will be screened live and exclusive on BoxNation when middleweight titans Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez clash in a world title superfight not to be missed on November 21.

The Puerto Rican legend Cotto will put his WBC middleweight title on the line at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, with ‘The Channel of Champions’ BoxNation once again proving its punching power by adding yet another colossal contest to its action-packed schedule.

These two icons are set to meet in the height of winter but no matchup will be as sizzling hot as this one when old feuds are renewed as another Mexico-Puerto Rico rivalry takes shape.

Both nations have slipped on the gloves and settled their arguments a number of times in the ring, including historic brawls such as Salvador Sanchez’s knockout of Wilfredo Vasquez and Felix Trinidad’s ferocious meeting with Oscar De La Hoya.

Now, a new chapter is ready to be written with Cotto and Canelo set to author their own version and unleash some more fistic fury for a fabled boxing tale.

The world’s number one boxing channel, BoxNation, will be the only place for British fans to tune in and see how it all unfolds, in what is one of boxing’s most eye-catching divisions.

Four-weight world champion Cotto, with a record of 40-4 with 33 KOs, and former WBC and WBA super-welterweight world champion Canelo, 45-1-1 and 32 KOs, have guaranteed fireworks when they do battle.

“I will give the fans the fight they want to see,” said Cotto. “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 vs. Mexico rivalry.”

“Historically, mega-fights are made because fans demand them,” said Canelo. “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. 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.”

Jim McMunn, BoxNation Managing Director, said: “This is a very special fight, it has ‘fight of the year’ written all over it, and BoxNation is delighted to deliver it live and exclusive for our customers. It will be an incredible, all-action, matchup to round off a fantastic year for BoxNation. Our subscribers demand the very best fights so we are pleased to add yet another leading contest to our outstanding, value-for-money, schedule. Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez are two fighters who hold nothing back and this fight will no doubt go down as an instant classic.”

Cotto-Canelo joins an unbelievable schedule on BoxNation which is stacked from top to bottom.

This weekend the channel will air Floyd Mayweather’s final bout live and exclusive when he defends his WBC and WBA welterweight world titles against Andre Berto, with Britain’s George Groves on the card challenging for Badou Jack’s WBC super-middleweight crown.

BoxNation will also show a host of other top fights including Frank Buglioni v Fedor Chudinov on Sept 26, Lucas Matthysse v Viktor Postol on Oct 3, Terry Flanagan v Diego Magdaleno on Oct 10, Gennady Golovkin v David Lemieux on Oct 17, Terence Crawford v Dierry Jean on Oct 24 and Mitchell Smith v George Jupp on Oct 30.

To subscribe to BoxNation (Sky 437/490HD, Virgin 525, TalkTalk 415, online or app) for only £12 a month visit boxnation.com.

-Ends-

About BoxNation
BoxNation, the Channel of Champions and proud partner of Rainham Steel, is the UK’s first dedicated subscription boxing channel. For £12* a month and no minimum term customers can enjoy great value live and exclusive fights, classic fight footage, magazine shows and interviews with current and former fighters.

Previous highlights have included Haye vs Chisora, Khan vs Collazo and Mayweather vs Maidana.

The channel is available on Sky (Ch.437), Virgin (Ch.546), TalkTalk (Ch.415), online at Livesport.tv and via apps (ios, Android, Amazon). BoxNation is also available in high definition on Sky (Ch. 490), at no extra cost to Sky TV subscribers, providing they are already HD enabled.

BoxNation is also available to commercial premises (inc. pubs, clubs and casino’s) in the UK and Ireland, for more information on a commercial subscription please call 0844 842 7700.

For more information visit www.boxnation.com

*Plus £8 registration fee for Sky TV and new Livesport.tv customers.

MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ NEW YORK CITY PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

NEW YORK CITY (August 27, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) were greeted by hundreds of chanting fans as they hosted a press conference in New York City on Wednesday, August 26 as part of their international four-city press tour ahead of their highly anticipated championship showdown in November.

The next mega-fight in the storied Puerto Rico vs. Mexico boxing rivalry will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. At the New York City press conference held at the Wyndham New Yorker Hotel, Cotto, the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Alvarez were joined by their promoters and trainers to discuss what promises to be this year’s most epic battle.

Tickets for the mega fight are on sale now and are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and 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.

Below is what their fighters and teams had to say:

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

“I have just one thing in mind and that is a victory on November 21.

“I’m going to get this victory for all Puerto Ricans around the world.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion

“The boxing world needs a fight like this. I’m planning to be well prepared to give the fans that fight.

“For me, it’s a big honor to fight someone like Miguel Cotto who has done it all.

“To make history, you have to fight and beat fighters like Miguel Cotto and I want to make history. I’m going to prepare like never before so that I can win this fight. ”

MICHAEL YORMARK: President and Chief of Branding & Strategy, Roc Nation

“Today we move one step closer on our journey toward an historic night.

“This is a match-up of epic proportions, can’t-miss action styles and passionate fans bases, as is evident by the crowd here today.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Chairman and CEO, Golden Boy Promotions

“This is the most anticipated fight of the last few years. With this level of passion and excitement, Cotto vs. Canelo will live up to the expectations.

“When you have a Mexican and Puerto Rican inside the ring, you are going to get an explosion. The fans are going to get a real fight.”

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto

“I’m proud of everything Miguel has done. Don’t miss this fight. It’s going to be the biggest one of all.”

EDDY REYNOSO: Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“When you talk about Mexico and Puerto Rico, they have produced more than 200 champion fighters each. Miguel Cotto is a great champion and one of the greatest fighters in boxing history. Canelo is quickly headed down that road. Thank you to all the Mexican and Puerto Rican fans for your support today.”

HECTOR SOTO: Vice President, Miguel Cotto Promotions

“This is a great fight, the fight of the year-Mexico versus Puerto Rico. There will be no dancing, no hugging and no playing. This will be a real fight, the fight, on November 21st.”

CHEPO REYNOSO: Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alvarez

“There are three months until the fight. With all these fans here, you can feel the heat and the passion. It gives me goose-bumps.

“It’s great to see all these different people from different nations rooting for their fighters.

“To all my Mexican brothers, on November 21st we will be victorious and we will celebrate.”

BERNARD HOPKINS: Future Hall of Famer and Golden Boy Promotions Partner

“Out of all titles in boxing, the WBC is the godfather of titles to win.

“This is the middleweight fight. They agreed to rumble and that’s what matters. The winner of this will go on to a different level in his career and that is important for your legacy.”

MARK TAFFET: Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View

“Cotto vs. Canelo is that rare mega-fight that is as exciting as it is anticipated.

“This is truly a pay-per-view fight. It is a true fight that is worth your time and your money.”

MAURICIO SULAIMAN: President of the World Boxing Council

“Mexico and Puerto Rico will give us one of the greatest fights on November 21st. May the best fighter win.”

QUOTES FROM MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ MEXICO CITY PRESS CONFERENCE

MEXICO CITY (August 26, 2015) – WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) and former Two-Time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) hosted a Mexico City press conference today in front of more than 100 media members that was broadcast live in Mexico on TV Azteca. The event drew hundreds of excited, screaming fans that cheered for both fighters during the press conference.

With seven world titles between them, impressive resumes and high levels of popularity in their home countries, 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 are quotes and photos from the Mexico City press conference stop for Cotto vs. Canelo:

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion

“Freddie (Roach) has brought something great to my career. I trust him completely and he trusts me.

“We are both great fighters and are coming to give a great fight on November 21st.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight
World Champion

“I am a complete fighter, I am more mature. I am very excited because this fight is coming at a great time for me and my career.

“I am very grateful that I am always welcomed here in Mexico and shown great respect. The support of Mexicans is unmatched. It is an honor to fight Miguel Cotto.”

ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto (left) and former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez (right) pose on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce their world title fight on November 21, 2015 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas, Nevada which will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

ABOVE: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto acknowledges fans on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce his world title defense against former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez on Nov. 21, 2015.

ABOVE: Former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez acknowledges fans on August 25, 2015 in Mexico City, Mexico at a press conference to announce Cotto vs. Canelo, which will take place on Nov. 21, 2015 in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View.

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.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.

VIDEO: COTTO – CANELO LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE

MIGUEL COTTO AND CANELO ALVAREZ LOS ANGELES PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

LOS ANGELES (August 25, 2015) – Reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion, Miguel Cotto, and former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez, launched their four-city press tour yesterday in Los Angeles, at the Hollywood and Highland Center ahead of their highly anticipated championship showdown. The fight will take place Saturday, Nov. 21 atthe Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View. At yesterday’s event, Cotto, the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes and Mexican Superstar Alvarez were joined by their promoters and hundreds of pumped-up, chanting fans.

Tickets for the mega fightwill go on sale today, at 10:00 a.m. PT, it was announced onsite, and are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and 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.

Below is what their fighters and teams had to say.

MIGUEL COTTO: WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion:

“I don’t really care what the critics say. I am prepared to give Canelo a fight on November 21st and that’s all that matters.

“I’m not here asking for any sympathy. I know who I am and I’m here to be Miguel Cotto on November 21st and give the fans a good fight.

“I have my eye on my career and this is the best fight for my career right now, so I’m ready to do what needs to be done to be on top.”

CANELO ALVAREZ: Former WBC & WBA Super Welterweight World Champion:

“I want this to be an historic fight. I’m honored to be fighting a true warrior.

“It’s an honor and I’m going to prepare very well because I want to win this fight.

“There’s a great history between Mexico and Puerto Rico and this is going to be an historic fight, another one for the storybooks. I have a lot of pride to be fighting for my country. It’s going to be a great fight.

“I’m a disciplined fighter and a disciplined person and I think with that kind of drive I’ll be able to achieve a lot.

“I don’t like to predict knockouts, but I’m going to be ready for this fight. I will be well prepared.

“I’m a stronger, more mature fighter. For me, the time is right for this.”

Michael YormaRk: President and Chief of Branding & Strategy, Roc Nation:

“This is the fight that the fans want. On November 21st we will have the ‘fight of the year.’

“Roc Nation and Golden Boy share a passion for creating the biggest fights in history. We want to give boxing fans what they deserve: a show of epic proportions.”

OSCAR DE LA HOYA: Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

“Boxing fans across the globe are waiting for a fight. It’s no secret that people were disappointed by May 2nd. The global fight community will be reignited by this fight.

“This will be one of the most exciting match ups. If I had to link this to one of my own fights, I would say that it is like my fight with [Fernando] Vargas. The same energy and passion will be evident here.

“Canelo doesn’t want to prove anything here. He just wants to knock Cotto out.

“The world is talking about this fight. The rich history between Mexico and Puerto Rico makes this truly exciting.”

FREDDIE ROACH: Hall of Fame Trainer, Seven-Time Trainer of the Year Award Winner and Trainer of Miguel Cotto:

“We have hard preparation ahead of us, but we will be ready and Cotto will win by knockout.”

Eddy REyNoso: Head Trainer of Canelo Alvarez:

“When you talk about history, this fight will be mentioned as one of the great fights and these two fighters will be mentioned as two of the greats.

“Canelo is a fighter with a lot of discipline and a lot of heart.”

Hector Soto: Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions:

“It’s not a super fight anymore, it’s a super event!

“This is a true classic fight. Puerto Rico vs. Mexico and on November 21st, Cotto will take Canelo to school!”

Chepo Reynoso: Manager and Trainer of Canelo Alavrez:

“Two warriors will be in the ring on November 21st and the crowd will get a war. The winner will be Mexico.”

Mark Taffett: Senior Vice President of HBO Pay-Per-View:

“This is a fight that we will all be talking about for years to come.”

Mauricio SulamaN, President of the World Boxing Council:

“When there is a Puerto Rican in the ring it’s guaranteed to be something exciting.It will be no different here.

“I believe Canelo has worked hard to get where he is. He’s very popular. He signs autographs. He’s very good looking, but when he gets in the ring, he’s a machine.

“When its Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, you know the blood is going to be boiling both in the ring and in the crowd.”

TICKETS FOR MIGUEL COTTO VS. CANELO ALVAREZ GO ON SALE TUESDAY, AUGUST 25 AT 10:00 AM PT

LOS ANGELES (August 24, 2015) – Tickets for the highly anticipated showdown between WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Miguel Cotto and former two-time Super Welterweight World Champion Canelo Alvarez will go on sale tomorrow, Tuesday, Aug. 25 at 10:00 a.m. PT.

Tickets are priced at $2,000, $1,750, $1,250, $650, $350 and $150, not including applicable service charges, and 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.

The fight promises crowd-pleasing, high-intensity action between two powerful fighters competing in the primes of their careers, both of whom are coming off impressive, dominating performances in their most recent fights. With seven world titles between them, impressive resumes and high levels of popularity in their home countries, 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.

Click HERE to access the Cotto vs. Canelo electronic press kit using password “CottovsCanelo”.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.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.

MIGUEL COTTO & CANELO ALVAREZ INTERNATIONAL MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

MICHAEL YORKMAN, President & Chief of Branding and Strategy Roc Nation:
Good afternoon. It is a great day in boxing. As the fight of the year, which every boxing fan throughout the world has wanted to hear about and see, has finally become a reality: Cotto versus Canelo Alvarez, a 12 round fight for the total WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship will take place on Saturday, November 21 at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas.

The event will be produced and distributed live by our friends at HBO, Pay Per View, beginning at 9:00 PM Eastern, 6:00 PM Pacific time. The fight is presented by ROC Nation sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions. The event will be sponsored by Corona Extra, México, Live It to Believe It! and O’Reilly Auto Parts.

All information regarding ticket availability and our upcoming press tour for this fight will be announced very shortly. I’d like to acknowledge obviously some very important people on the line today, starting with Miguel Cotto, Gaby Penagaricano, Brian Perez, Hector Cotto, Oscar De La Hoya, Eric Gomez, Canelo Alvarez, Chepo Reynoso, Eddy Reynoso, Ken Herschman, Mark Taffet, and Richard Stern of MGM and Sid Greenfeid (ph) of MGM, as well as ROC Nation boxing chief operating officer, David Itskowitch, as well as Dino Duva.

Without a doubt, this is the biggest fight that can be made in the sport. And without a doubt, this is the one fight that again fans throughout the world have been anticipating for months and months and months. This fight is the fan’s fight. It will have guaranteed action and is Puerto Rico versus México.

It’s a proud moment for ROC Nation sports and our boxing division. Almost one year ago to the day, after the formation of our boxing division, we are announcing the biggest fight in the sport.

Now, to say a few words about the event and to introduce Eddy Reynoso and Canelo Alvarez, I’d like to turn it over to my good friend, to the man that was so professional and exhibited so much class during our negotiations, the Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions, Mr. Oscar De La Hoya.

OSCAR DE LA HOYA, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions:

Thank you, Michael. I’m pleased to be on this call this afternoon to talk about the exciting upcoming fight between two champions.

This fight, both Cotto and Canelo want it, and the fans have been asking for. We are pleased to be working with Roc Nation to make this fight a reality for the fans. It will have everything that the fans want to see in boxing, and that’s action and intensity.

Thank you, once again, to Michael, to David, all the folks at ROC Nation. It really was a pleasure to be working with you on making this fight happen.

Obviously everyone at the HBO family, this is Canelo’s second fight on the network since signing the exclusive agreement with HBO last September, and as you know, HBO wants to show the best fights and fights that pit the best against the best. So I’m pleased Cotto v. Canelo will be televised live on HBO Pay Per View.

Also I want to thank our sponsors for their tremendous, tremendous support: Corona Extra, México, Live It to Believe It! and O’Reilly Auto Parts. We are pleased to always announce that the activations and the marketing that will be done for this event will be like no other.

And today, I am extremely proud to be introducing team Canelo. Canelo keeps on impressing us with every single fight. He has an impressive record of 45 1 with 32 knockouts. He just turned 25 years old. He hails out of Guadalajara Jalisco, México, and he has conquered the boxing world. He has captivated fans around the world with his action packed fighting style, with his charisma, and most importantly, his willingness to take on the toughest challenges.

Coming off the fight against James Kirkland in front of 31,000 screaming fans at Minute Maid Park in Houston where he had an incredible, incredible impressive knockout in the third round over James Kirkland, and they say, this could be the ‘Knockout of The Year.’
So for this fight against Miguel Cotto, Canelo has already started training camp. He is training hard and he will be ready for this war; and a war it will be on November 21. Mark my words, Cotto versus Canelo will be without a doubt the fight of the year. Boxing is alive and well in 2015.

Let’s talk a little bit about the rivalry. I mean, it doesn’t get any better than this. Puerto Rico versus México, boxing’s best rivalry, without a doubt, this fight will be the most exciting, the most action packed and the most intense in recent years. You go back to the Julio César Chávez days and you go back to Salvador Sánchez and you go back to Benítez, Gomez, the list goes on and on and on.

And now Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez will write their own history, one that people will remember for a very long time as being one of the best fights in the history of the sport. Both fighters are willing, are hungry, are ready, and we cannot wait for this action packed fight that’s guaranteed because of the style.

So let me introduce to you Team Canelo. First up, Eddy Reynoso.

EDDY REYNOSO, Head Trainer to Canelo Alvarez:

Good afternoon, thank you to everybody that’s on the conference call. We are just very excited, very happy that the fight was made, and rest assured, this is going to be one of the biggest fights in this great rivalry between México and Puerto Rico.

DE LA HOYA: At this moment, I would like to present to you, my good friend from Team Canelo and that is Chepo Reynoso.

CHEPO REYNOSO, Manager to Canelo Alvarez:

Good afternoon to everybody. Like my son said, I’m very excited, I’m very happy the fight has been made, and very confident that this is just going to add to that chapter of great rivalries between México and Puerto Rico. We have the ingredients in these two fighters of warriors, warriors, tremendous fighters, that will be in the center of the ring and fight their hearts out. Neither of them will take a step back, and that’s what’s going to give the fans one of the best fights, one of the fights the fans have been waiting for, and you, the media, as well.

Thank you once again, and we are excited to be working and working hard to get this victory.

DE LA HOYA: Gracias, Eddy, Chepo. Now it is my pleasure before I introduce the champ, I want to say one thing.

In regards to the Pay Per View, we are discussing the fight which we will announce later on shortly. But mark my words, it will be a lot less than a hundred dollars, that’s for sure. So people are going to get a bang for their buck, and people are going to get guaranteed action, so we are just thrilled and happy that the fans are going to be the winners in this fight.
It is now my pleasure to introduce to you, the former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion, he’s the Mexican superstar, Saul Alvarez.

CANELO ALVAREZ, Former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight Champion:

Good afternoon to everybody. I just want to say thank you. I’m very excited. I’m very happy. I’m honored to be fighting a fighter like Miguel Ángel Cotto who has achieved everything, and I assure everybody, I’m going to train hard like I always do, prepare. I want to thank everybody who made this fight possible, and I’m excited. I’m going to train very hard as always.

Q. Canelo, I’m wondering if you can answer: The fight has sort of been in the process of being made for a while. I know there’s a lot of people that look at this, like it dragged out for quite some time. Was there a point during all this, where you felt like this wasn’t going to get done for whatever reason, and how were you dealing with the emotions of getting to the point where the fight would finally be finalized? I know it’s a big one for you.

CANELO: It was a little long, the process, like you said. But that’s usual or common when there’s fights of this level, of this magnitude. I never lost faith that it was going to happen, whether it was here or the next fight.

I was sure that this was the fight obviously that everybody wanted to see and that it was going to happen. I’m just very happy it happened now and we are going to get ready for it.

Q. When you look at the kind of resumé that Miguel has put together in his career, he’s won a lot of world titles, and he’s been involved in some of the biggest fights in boxing for the better part of 15 years or so. What is Canelo’s thought of Miguel as a fighter, and just as a fan of boxing; did you like watching him fight when you were younger?

CANELO: Oh, definitely. He’s had an illustrious career. I’ve always liked watching him fight; his style, his boxing. It’s a great honor for me to be fighting a fighter like Miguel Ángel Cotto, and I’m thankful to God that this fight is happening and I’m just very excited.

Q. Everybody has been talking about this is another one of those fights in that great México versus Puerto Rico rivalry. From your point of view, even though you’ve had a lot of big fights already in your young career, did you think about the fact that at some point you wanted to have that kind of big fight, but one that was going to be remembered or that was highly anticipated in the pantheon of those great matchups between the Puerto Rican fighters and the Mexican fighters, and it seems that this is the one for you; that this is the kind of fight that fans of that rivalry will remember for a long time.

CANELO: Yes, definitely. This is a fight that I’ve been craving, I’ve been wanting. Obviously it’s a fight with a lot of responsibility, and I’m up for it. Like I do for all my fights, I train very hard and I prepare myself.

But yes, I’m looking forward to it because I know it can go down in history as one of the great fights between México and Puerto Rico and that’s what I’m looking forward to. My career is still far from over. I have many more fights to come, but this is one of the one that is I’ve been craving and wanting so bad.

Q. Did it bother you with the negotiations, the color of the ring, who comes in first, who comes in second?

CANELO: No, not at all. You know what, I’m very happy that the fight has just been done. I’m going to prepare. It’s an honor for me to be fighting someone like Miguel Angel Cotto, and we are going to prepare to win. We are going to train very hard like always and go out there and get the win.

Q. Will this fight with the win put you at the pinnacle of your career, put you at the top and put you in another dimension in boxing?

CANELO: Yes, exactly, these are the type of fights that I’ve always wanted, the big fights. It’s an honor to be fighting someone like Miguel Angel Cotto because of the illustrious career he’s had and we are going to train very hard. We are very motivated, very inspired to go out there and get the win, and keep advancing in my career.

Q. The people will not leave upset like they did with the Mayweather Pacquiao fight.

CANELO: No, not at all. This is a guarantee. Without a doubt, this is a fight. We are both coming to win. We are both going to fight. We are both going to lay it on, and without a doubt, this is a fight for reals.

Q. Was it a victory to have the fight in Vegas over New York?

CANELO: No, not at all. New York, Vegas, wherever, it’s the same thing. I think Vegas is just a neutral for both of us.

Q. Are we looking at it like a mirage, or just a rejuvenated Miguel Cotto who is having his best moment with Freddie Roach?

EDDY REYNOSO: No, he’s a tremendous fighter with tremendous experience. We know what he’s brings and he’s a great fighter and we respect that, and we are going to prepare very hard for it. And right now, just adding Freddie Roach, he’s looked tremendous.

Q. Do you have added pressure? Do you feel like you have to lift the fans’ expectations because of the fiasco recently between Mayweather and Pacquiao?

CANELO: No, I don’t base myself on other fights or other fighters. I focus on my fight and what I have to do, and that’s what I’m prepared to do. I’m going to train for that.

Q. The expectation of this being another chapter to the México/Puerto Rico rivalry?

CANELO: Yes, of course, it’s already started. You can sense it and that’s what we are going to prepare. Like I said it before, the styles will mix in well. We are going to clash well and it’s going to be added to the record books. It’s going to make history. We are going to put on a great fight.

Q. When did you first think about fighting Cotto and when do you think you were ready to challenge Miguel Cotto?

CANELO: It’s been about three years that we’ve been my group, my team, we’ve been thinking about this fight. And obviously from three years on, as it moved closer with every fight, the fans started clamoring it and talking about it. So it’s been on my mind for about three years.

Q. You really felt that you were ready to face and potentially beat Cotto; when did you know that you were ready for Cotto?

CANELO: Three years ago. Three years ago when it first came in mind, because I knew I could win. That’s why it came to my mind. It didn’t happen for whatever reasons back then. But now the fight’s here and we’re very happy and anxious and grateful and thank God.

Q. Who needs who more: Do you need him more or do you need him more?

CANELO: It’s mutual. I think the fans wanted it. We wanted to give it to the fans. We want to give them a great fight so it can go down in history and it’s a mutual. We got together and decided, let’s give it to the fans.

Q. How much easier were negotiations this time than the first time, I guess whatever went on that the fight didn’t happen? How much easier was it to secure the deal this time?

DE LA HOYA: For some reason it didn’t happen the first time around. But both times were fairly easy. When you have a partner like ROC Nation who understand the importance of this mega event, it takes time. It takes patience. It takes a lot of hard work.
But I would have to say it was fairly easy working with ROC Nation in putting this fight together. It was a long process, and like I said, it didn’t happen for a reason the first time around. But we’re extremely happy and proud that it is taking place November 21.

Q. I know obviously you wanted the fight to happen in May to celebrate Cinco de Mayo, but do you think it’s a blessing in disguise, the performances they both gave in May and June, makes the fight that much bigger.

DE LA HOYA: The fight is huge now. Obviously we recognize that in May, Mayweather Pacquiao was taking place, and now that that fiasco is all over with, we can focus on promoting the biggest fight in the history of the sport in November.

So we have no obstacles in front of us. We have our engines revved up ready to go and we’re going to promote this event to the world, and it’s going to be one of those events that the world is going to talk about for many years to come.

Q. Do you feel like this is going to be your introduction to a full time career at middleweight, or is the weight more so to weigh your options as to whether or not you could retire as a Super Welterweight?

CANELO: Right now the importance is this fight. I can’t tell you what’s going to happen in the future. Anything can happen after this fight but right now my focus is just totally on this fight. I feel very comfortable in my current division, Super Welterweight, but who knows, who knows what happens after. Only God knows.

Q. This fight is going to be fought at a test weight of 155 pounds, but still for the total middleweight title. The fighting at 155, is that going to be a tough sell, or does it not matter because the match-up is such a good match-up?

DE LA HOYA: Well, this is a fight that’s going to be for the middleweight title that Miguel Cotto holds. I mean, both Canelo and Cotto are obviously going to sell this fight alone. Whether it’s for no title or for a title, this fight is going to be a guaranteed sell with the fans because the fans know that this is going to be an exciting fight.

Q. Michael, there was talk about Andre Ward possibly fighting is that a done deal or is that still be worked out?

YORKMAN: It’s something that we are discussing but we are not we have not focused quite frankly on the undercard. That’s something that now after today’s announcement, Oscar and his team, David and his team will discuss further. But it is a consideration.

Q. Obviously in the Hispanic community, there’s always the rivalry, the fights. What one or two fights do you recall, because we know you like watching boxing and the history of boxing. Do you recall between México and Puerto Rico, which stand out or which couple fights stand out?

CANELO: Salvador Sánchez against Gomez; Julio César Chávez against Macho Camacho; and Oscar De La Hoya against Trinidad.

Right now I’m just very excited and motivated that I’ll be going into the history to add to that rivalry. That brings all the excitement.

Q. Are you ready to take that torch? Obviously in the Pay Per View, we’ve seen what you’ve done in your last few fights with the attendance, the fans, the numbers. Are you ready to carry on that torch as the leader in the Pay Per View with the fans and the fan favorites?

CANELO: All I do is train hard. I work hard. I fight to win. Obviously I win, and the rest is extra. The rest is a bonus. It just comes with the territory; it comes with the wins. But I’m not worried about that. It will come in I’m sure.

Q. Obviously there’s talks that he is past high and not young anymore, but we see that he’s having his best moment. Eddy, how do you prepare Saul? How do you prepare for a fight against a fighter like Miguel Angel Cotto?

EDDY REYNOSO: We prepare like we always do. We have plenty of time. We have three months to get ready. We train hard. We know when we’re having fun. We have to see all his virtues and his strengths. But we also have a great fighter that knows that to do up in the ring and has a lot of talent. We have plenty of time to get ready and that’s what we’re going to do. We’re going to train hard.

Q. Best of luck in the fight. In your career, the times you’ve had trouble in fights against guys who are slick boxers, Trout, Mayweather, guys who stick on the outside and box and Cotto is not that kind of a guy generally speaking. Do you think that plays into your strengths; that if this fight becomes a war, that your physical advantages and your youth will help you pull out the win?

CANELO: No, this is a 50/50 fight. I’ve said it, with his experience and everything, it’s 50/50. The winner of this fight is the one that’s going to train better, that’s going to work harder and that’s going to be able to lay out that plan inside the ring, and that’s what I’m going to work for. I’m going to prepare myself to win.

DE LA HOYA: Thank you very much to everyone, and like Michael said, we will be announcing everything else shortly. The undercard will be announced, the great, exciting cards that we will be putting together. Thank you to all the media across the globe. We cannot wait. Both fighters will be in tremendous shape and this fight will be guaranteed fireworks come November 21.

CANELO: I just want to thank everybody and let’s all enjoy this moment, everybody that made this happen. I’m just very grateful and looking forward to it. Thank you so much to everybody for making it happen.

YORKMAN: Let me go back for a moment. I’d like to thank, once again, Oscar De La Hoya, our partner at Golden Boy for his support in making this fight.
I’d like to thank HBO Pay Per View, as well as the Mandalay Bay. We look forward to working with both organizations over the next couple of months. As Oscar said previously, this is the fight of the year, without a doubt. It’s going to be action packed. Boxing fans throughout the world will be treated with an incredible value and a fight that will be filled with nonstop entertainment.

I once again want to acknowledge Team Cotto: Miguel Cotto, Gaby Penagaricano, Brian Perez and Hector Cotto.

I’d like to introduce the face of ROC Nation boxing, the reigning WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion, the first native of Puerto Rico to become World Champion in four different weight classes, the future Hall of Famer who has had 23 World Championship fights, and one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing, and one of the largest Pay Per View draws among active fighters around the world: I am proud to introduce the champion, Miguel Cotto.

MIGUEL COTTO, WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion:

Hi, everybody. Welcome to our press call, and I’m happy to be here and looking forward to the fight on November 21.

Q. This is such a big fight, but you’ve had a lot of these big fights before in your career, most of your career, had one big one after another. Is there any way that you can sum up in your mind where this rates in your anticipation or what you believe the fans’s anticipation is for this fight compared to all of the other big ones that you’ve had?

COTTO: Mine, I just can say that this fight is just another fight. I’m going to go to L.A. when we decide to go there, do my best as always, and go for Vegas to beat Canelo the night of the 21st.

Q. So you don’t think this is even your own personal excitement level or determination level on this is not a little bit bigger than other fights just based on the magnitude of interest from the public, from the media, the things that Canelo has accomplished, his fan base; you don’t think it’s bigger than another fight?

COTTO: I’d say Mayweather plays Martinez, he plays Pacquiao, he plays everybody. In my era, Canelo is just another name. Bring another big name to my record, and that’s what I see Canelo for my fight.

Q. So let me ask you this, then. He was very complimentary I to you. He said he called your career illustrious and he had all the respect for all of the things that you accomplished. Curious on your opinion on what you have seen from Canelo. He has not seen the accomplishments and has not fought nearly as long as you. How do you look at him? Are you a fan of his? Do you like watching? Have you met him? What are your thoughts about the young man?

COTTO: I’m not a real big fan of boxing. I’m just enjoy boxing when I’m boxing. But I know Canelo is a great fighter. I know he is a strong boxer. But I’m going to prepare enough to beat him the night of the 21st.

Q. A lot has been made already about the magnitude of the fight because of the fact that it putts yourself on one of the top Puerto Rican fighters in boxing history against Canelo Alvarez, probably one of the most popular Mexican fighters in boxing today and we know that’s a tremendous rivalry. You’ve had some of those fights, particularly against Antonio Margarito. What’s your view of that rivalry? Do you take it very seriously?

COTTO: Every fight is different. Canelo is a different boxer than than that if it was the day of the fight. But I know it’s going to be a great fight, a huge fight for all the fans, and I’m going to do my best to make a real nice fight for all the fans.

Q. Does the rivalry mean anything to you between the countries and their fans?

COTTO: Everybody knows what a fight between a Mexican and Puerto Rican means for boxing. People can expect the same from us.

Q. I asked Canelo the same question. Do you see 155 as your natural weight for however long? With the fight taking place at 155, do you see that as close to your natural weight for the rest of your career, your fight weight?

COTTO: With Geale was weight of 157 pounds, and Mayweather (ph) 153. The one with Martinez was for 159; I was 155. I’m a real middleweight. I look myself more than a Super Welterweight.

Q. Freddie, you’ve won three times with Cotto and he has looked better each time that you have had him. But Canelo is ten years younger and is physically stronger. How do you prepare a game plan for that?

FREDDIE ROACH, International Boxing Hall of Fame Trainer & Trainer of Miguel Cotto:

We have a big game plan for Miguel and we are going to work on that together. He’ll be in great shape of course. I don’t think he’s stronger than us to be honest with you, and I don’t think that’s a factor in the fight. I think we’re stronger than him. I think we’re the better puncher, and we will show on fight night.

But we will come up with a big game plan like we did in the last three fights. Miguel is a really hard worker and he’s very dedicated. Me and him, we do work very well together and I expect this to be one of the greatest fights of all time.

Q. Do you have the strength in your hands to put down a fighter that never has been down?

COTTO: I only have to be smart not strong enough to put him down. I have to be smart enough to do the job.

Q. This fight can be the very fight of the year, and could be a record selling on Pay Per View.

COTTO: Definitely that’s why we looked at Roach and we sat down as a teammate and we began working with Freddie

Q. Just wondering, looking at Canelo’s style, he’s such a fighter that during his career, he’s struggled against guys, Trout, Mayweather, guys who could box him and who could neutralize his advantages, his physical advantages in the ring. Do you see any weaknesses in his game, anything that you think that you can exploit in there or anything that you can do similar to what those guys have obviously done? Obviously your preferred style, Miguel, but anything you can take from the fights that he struggled that you can use against him on the 21st?

COTTO: When you have more than one tool in your bag, the opponent can bring whatever style he wants to bring, and you have something in your bag for it. We’ll do the same for this fight.

Q. Do you see anything stylistically in Canelo that works to Miguel’s advantage?

ROACH: He’s a good fighter. He’s a young guy. He’s a good puncher. He’s been in there with everybody. I think his last fight, it wasn’t a very high calibre opponent; and then someone told me, ours wasn’t either. And I said, no, ours was; our was a former two time world champion.

So I think better fighters I think this is a big step up for him and I think that we’re going to, Miguel will take him to school. I think we’re just too smart. We’re going to come out with a really good, great game plan. Me and Miguel worked really hard on that, we work really hard together and we are going to be at our best for this one. Again, this is a big, big fight for us.

Q. Do you think he’s going to come in there a little bit reckless like he did against Kirkland, being more of a puncher and not being much of a technician?

COTTO: I don’t think too aggressive or too reckless. He knows Miguel is a smart fighter and good counter puncher. But the thing is we’ll be coming like (inaudible) did it to him. We’ll see. But the thing is, as we work the game plan out and as we go with the sparring partners, I have some really good ones for this fight in my gym, and it’s going to be exciting, I’m sure.

Q. Two part question for you. I wanted to know, how badly you wanted the fight to take place in New York, since that’s where most of your biggest ones have been held, and do you feel like you’re actually due for a huge win in Las Vegas?

COTTO: I don’t care what is the place or the fight, no matter where, I’m going to do my best with Freddie. I’m going to do my best in the fight. And regarding the first part of the question, what was it?

Q. How badly did you want the fight to take place in most of your big wins take place in New York.

COTTO: That was a real big negotiation for this fight, but it’s already happened. It’s already made for us, for everybody, for the fans all over the world. I’m just going to be ready for him.

YORKMAN: Now that all the questions have been asked, I’ll just make a couple of closing comments.

I do want to say that again recording ticket availability and the press tour, as well as the undercard, that information will be available hopefully within the next week to ten days. We are planning a press tour, and we should have those dates actually confirmed by the beginning of next week.

I want to thank Miguel for joining us today. I want to thank Freddie for your time. Again, this is a very exciting moment for ROC Nation. You know, this is our one year anniversary almost to the day and to have the opportunity to promote this type of fight on this type of stage is truly an honor.

We look forward to promoting along with Golden Boy the absolute fight of the year, no question about it, a fight that obviously fans around the world have been anticipating, a fight that will be action packed and will absolutely live up to expectations in every which way.

We look forward to seeing you all on November 21. Thank you for your time today, and have a great afternoon.

For more information, visit www.rocnation.com,www.goldenboypromotions.com, www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com,
www.canelopromotions.com.mx, www.hbo.com/boxing and www.mandalaybay.com; follow on Twitter at @RocNation, @GoldenBoyBoxing, @RealMiguelCotto, @Canelo, @HBOBoxing, and @MandalayBay; become a fan on Facebook at www.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.

WBC MIDDLEWEIGHT WORLD CHAMPION MIGUEL COTTO AND FORMER TWO-TIME WORLD CHAMPION CANELO ALVAREZ SET FOR HIGHLY ANTICIPATED MEGA-FIGHT ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 21

NEW YORK (August 13, 2015) – Roc Nation Sports, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and Canelo Promotions are pleased to announce the highly anticipated clash of two titans in a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. On Saturday, Nov. 21, Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs), the reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes, and Mexican superstar Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs), a former WBC and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion will finally meet in the ring at the Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas for the WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Championship. The championship event will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

The fight promises crowd-pleasing, high-intensity action between two powerful fighters competing in the primes of their careers who are both coming off of impressive, dominating performances in their most recent respective fights. With seven world titles between them, their impressive resumes and their levels of popularity in their home countries, 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. The rivalry, which dates back to the 1930s, has seen epic clashes including those between Salvador “Sal” Sanchez and Wilfredo “Bazooka” Gomez, Julio Cesar “J.C.” Chavez and Hector “Macho” Camacho as well as the last super-fight of the 20th century between “The Golden Boy” Oscar De La Hoya and Felix “Tito” Trinidad.

Information regarding ticket availability and a press tour for the fight will be announced soon.

“Historically, mega-fights are made because fans demand them,” said Alvarez. “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. 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 vs. Canelo is the biggest fight in boxing, period,” said David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports. “Given the fighters’ styles, it has all the makings of a can’t-miss, all-action fight. Couple that with the popularity of both Miguel and Canelo, and you have a true mega-fight that fans have been clamoring for and one that no sports fan should miss. November 21 has all the makings of a fight that will go down in boxing history as one of the greats.”

“This is the ‘Fight of the Year’ that true boxing fans have been waiting for between two of the biggest stars in the sport today, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez,” said Golden Boy Promotions Chairman and CEO Oscar De La Hoya. “Cotto vs. Canelo will be an epic showdown, full of non-stop action from the moment the first bell rings. This fight is an example of exactly what Golden Boy Promotions does: puts on the best fights between top fighters in the primes of their careers.”

“We are excited to bring the fight that the fans of boxing deserve,” said Hector Soto, Miguel Cotto Promotions vice president. “This will be a real fight. On November 21, the world will witness the biggest fight in the history of Puerto Rico vs. Mexico rivalry.”

“The great rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico has a rich history in the sport of boxing,” said Jose “Chepo” Reynoso, Manager to Canelo Alvarez. “Classic fights like Julio Cesar ‘J.C.’ Chavez vs. Hector ‘Macho’ Camacho and Wilfredo Gomez vs. Salvador Sanchez are prime examples of the history of that great rivalry. Cotto-Canelo will become part of that history, a fight that most likely will be the biggest fight to date due to the great popularity of both of the warriors. Fans demanded this fight and now have it!”

“Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez have earned the adulation and respect of fans the world over for both stepping into the ring against the most formidable opposition as well as giving everything in their arsenal to try and win their fights,” said Mark Taffet, Senior Vice President, HBO Pay-Per-View. “Uniquely, Cotto-Canelo is a can’t-miss fan-friendly mega-fight and the most highly anticipated event of the second half of the year. We are delighted to serve as the television partner for this red-hot PPV showdown on November 21 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.”

“The Miguel Cotto vs. Canelo Alvarez championship event will be one of the most entertaining, action-packed fights of 2015,” said Richard Sturm, president of sports and entertainment for MGM Resorts International. “We look forward to hosting these two great warriors in November as they deliver boxing fans worldwide a thrilling night from inside the Mandalay Bay Events Center.”

Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) is the reigning WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Champion and the first native of Puerto Rico to become world champion in four different weight classes. He is the former WBO Junior Welterweight World Champion, the former WBA Welterweight World Champion, the former WBO Welterweight World Champion and the former WBA Super Welterweight World Champion. He also represented Puerto Rico in the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. Cotto has competed in 23 world championship fights, compiling a record of 19-4 with 16 knockouts in those bouts. In Puerto Rico, he is hailed as a national hero and the successor of Felix “Tito” Trinidad as the island’s most revered boxer. Cotto is one of the biggest gate attractions in boxing and one of the largest pay-per-view draws among active fighters. In June 2014, Cotto made history in his first fight as a middleweight by dominating Argentine southpaw and defending WBC and Ring Magazine Middleweight World Champion Sergio “Maravilla” Martinez (51-2-2, 28 KOs). He is trained by legendary Hall of Fame trainer Freddie Roach and has fought some of the biggest names in the sport including Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao. Cotto owns his own boxing promotional company in Puerto Rico, Miguel Cotto Promotions, and presides over his charity La Fundación El Ángel de Miguel Cotto, a non-profit organization dedicated to combatting childhood obesity. In March 2015, Cotto and Roc Nation Sports announced that they had entered into a partnership that includes a co-promotional agreement with Miguel Cotto Promotions to promote Cotto’s fights. On June 6, 2015, almost one year to the day since his last appearance in the ring, Cotto defended his WBC, Ring Magazine and Lineal Middleweight World Championships against former two-time World Champion Daniel Geale (31-3) at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York. Cotto scored a thunderous knockdown early in the fourth round before finishing matters with a second knockdown midway through the round, which left Geale unable to continue. He now looks to further cement his Hall of Fame resume with a win over Canelo.

At the age of 25, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico’s Canelo Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) has conquered the boxing world, captivating fans both in Mexico and around the globe with his action-packed fighting style, charisma and willingness to take on the toughest challenges. Alvarez’s road to stardom began in 2011 with a win over Matthew “Magic” Hatton for the vacant WBC Super Welterweight World title in March, his first title defense against Ryan Rhodes in June and stoppage victories over Alfonso Gomez and former World Champion Kermit Cintron in September and November respectively. On May 5, 2012, Alvarez defended his belt for the fourth time when he faced future Hall of Famer Sugar Shane Mosley as part of the “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto” pay-per-view telecast. Even though the fight lasted 12 rounds, the popular Mexican showed the 40 year-old veteran the road to retirement, winning via unanimous decision. The victory over Mosley set up a September 15 showdown with breakout star Josesito Lopez in which he knocked Lopez down three times before ending the bout with a fifth round technical knockout. Next, boxing’s most popular phenom continued on the path to superstardom with a 12-round unanimous decision over WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout on May 4, 2013 in front of over 39,000 fans at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas which made him a unified world champion. The win proved Alvarez’s supremacy at 154 pounds and also made it clear that he was a bona fide ticket seller wherever he decided to fight. On September 14, 2013, Alvarez faced the man on top of the pound-for-pound list, Floyd “Money” Mayweather. He put forth a stellar effort before falling short of victory for the first time as a professional via a 12-round majority decision. The fight ended up being not just the biggest of 2013, but also the second highest grossing bout of all time and the second most watched boxing event ever on Mexican television (only behind this year’s Mayweather-Pacquiao). Since then, Alvarez has won three straight fights, defeating top stars Alfredo “Perro” Angulo on March 8, 2014 via technical knockout in the 10th round and Erislandy “The American Dream” Lara via split decision on July 12, 2014. On May 9, 2015, Alvarez dazzled with a victory over the fierce James “Mandingo Warrior” Kirkland at Minute Maid Park in Houston in front of more than 31,000 fans that featured what many have already deemed the “Knockout of the Year.” Now, Alvarez is on a mission to position himself as the most popular boxer of his generation and break into the top pound-for-pound list when he faces the feared Miguel Cotto on November 21.