VIDEO: JORGE DIAZ

VIDEO: MIGUEL COTTO ROUNDTABLE

“SHOWDOWN: MIGUEL COTTO VS. AUSTIN TROUT” FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE QUOTES

Miguel Cotto, Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion
“Austin’s team mentioned that he went to Panama and beat a Panamanian guy and they were in Guadalajara to fight Rigoberto Alvarez. He doesn’t have any of them in front of him. He’s in New York and he is going to have Miguel Cotto in front of him. It’s going to be a great fight.

“Saturday night is going to be a great night for Puerto Rico and for New York.

“I have seen tape on Austin Trout, but not much. Maybe three or four rounds of him fighting, but that is about it. I leave watching tape up to [my trainer] Pedro [Diaz]. He has seen a lot of Trout’s fights and has prepared a game plan for us.

“We looked at our options for this fight and felt that Trout was the best option.

“People here are different to me than in other places. People here help me a lot with their support and cheering. Actually, when people expect so much, that motivates me. I felt that in training camp already. I am very excited.

“People here enjoy every aspect of my boxing style. They enjoy when I move, going after my opponents the way I do.

“Fighting southpaws is not difficult for me. Actually, I’m a converted southpaw. I used to fight southpaw, but converted into an orthodox stance. I have already fought many southpaws and didn’t really have any problems with them. I don’t expect to have any problems with Austin either.

“We had a great training camp with sparring partners with real skills. I think my sparring partners have more skills than Austin. I think they showed me more skills and gave me more problems

“The toughest guy I ever fought was Carlos Quintana. He gave me a lot of problems and gave me two very tough rounds.

“I don’t mind fighting anyone really. You have to do what you have to do. I look at the best option for my career at the time and make a decision based on those options.

“I watched the [Floyd] Mayweather fight a couple of times since we fought. I thought it was a good fight, a close fight. The judges gave it to him on the scorecards, but after watching it, I feel like I gave him a good fight and I am proud of my performance.

“If I were to fight Canelo next, everyone knows that a fight like that would stir up the great rivalry between Puerto Rican and Mexican fans. It’s an all-time rivalry. They also know what a Mexican fighter and a Puerto Rican fighter can do in the ring too.

“Austin is [my opponent] Saturday night and once I am done with that fight, I can sit back and look at my options and decide who my next fight will be against.

“God brings second opportunities. I wait for mine.

“There is a balance of being a fighter and a promoter. This was an idea my father had and I am happy we are doing a good job of making the company as successful as it is. My father picked three excellent people to run the company. I don’t have to occupy too much of my time to help them with the day to day. They make it easy for me and I am really happy they are there for me.

“It feels good to be able to prepare for a fight and train when there are no other distractions like I had last year with the Margarito fight. Margarito, stole a lot of things from me in 2008, and I got them back last year. This fight, the only thing I want is the belt and that is what I trained for during this training camp…to win the belt.”

“I know on Saturday I’m going to be able to give fans and the crowd all they are expecting.

Austin Trout, Undefeated WBA Super Welterweight World Champion

“Miguel Cotto is doing what other champions in this weight class won’t do by fighting me. I thank him for this opportunity.

“All we wanted was a chance. We had to go above and beyond, under the radar for this chance.

“I plan on making history. Not because I made Miguel Cotto a five-time world champion, but because I will be the only person to beat Miguel Cotto in New York.

“We didn’t get in this game for it to be easy. The harder the hurdle is for me, the greater the victory. I think the things we go through are what makes us who we are.

“Once the fight was confirmed, it took a while to sink in.”

“My goal on Saturday is to get the crowd quiet. I don’t want to give them anything to cheer for.

“I feel great. I feel like this is my time. I have wanted this fight for years. This was preordained and I don’t think God brought me here to fail.

“My mom was in the army. She met my father there on a base in Texas, but she was born in Brooklyn. I have a lot of family here. I feel like I am more of a New Yorker than Miguel Cotto.

“This fight is allowing all my dreams to come true. I am crossing a lot off of my bucket list with this one. After Saturday night, I’m either going to become a big star or it could stop here.”

Jayson Velez, Top Featherweight Prospect

“I want to thank Miguel Cotto personally. He has helped me this entire camp.

“I am prepared. I am ready. I am happy to be in this great legendary arena fighting a Mexican warrior.

“I am not fighting a uniform. I am fighting the guy in the uniform.” [In response to Sanchez saying that he will wear his uncle’s trunks during the fight.]

Salvador Sanchez II, Top Featherweight Prospect

“I want to thank my team, for preparing me and believing in me from the beginning of my career. I am 100 percent ready.

“It is an honor for me to fight at Madison Square Garden, 30 years after my great uncle [Salvador Sanchez] fought here. I am so happy to be wearing the clothing that my uncle wore here.

“Don’t miss this fight. It is going to be one of the better bouts of the night.”

Danny Jacobs, Top Rated Middleweight Contender

“It is a privilege to be back here in the Mecca of Boxing. I remember when I was 15 years old, too young to even be in the Golden Gloves, I dreamed of fighting here.

“Austin Trout and I were in the amateurs together. I am very proud of him. Miguel Cotto is a true champion. My girlfriend is a huge fan of his…sometimes more than I would like her to be.

“Being able to fight at the Garden is an honor. Tune in. You won’t be disappointed. I promise that.”

Jorge Melendez, Super Welterweight Prospect

“I want to thank Miguel Cotto for giving me the opportunity to be on such a great card. I’m very excited.

“I also want to thank my team and my trainer. I’m very well prepared and because of that I’m going to give you a great fight on Saturday night.”

Jeffrey Fontanez, Undefeated Junior Lightweight Rising Star

“I had a really strong camp with Miguel. We’re ready to get this win.

“We prepared properly. We know we’re going to take this victory and I want to thank all of the people of Caguas, Puerto Rico.”

Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“There are a large number of tickets sold so far. There are still some remaining, starting at 50 dollars.

“We are happy to be back here in New York City. Golden Boy Promotions has become active in New York with back-to-back shows and we are planning on being back here early next year as well.

“Showtime has had one of the best years as relates to their boxing programming. I am happy that we at Golden Boy were able to play a part in that.

“We are very happy for Danny Jacobs that he is back fighting at the Garden on Saturday night. I think it means a lot to him and to fight fans as well.

“The sport of boxing is built on stories and what Danny Jacobs went through, and how he fought to get to this point, is a symbol of what fighters really are.

“When a fighter like Austin Trout has the opportunity to step up and face a fighter like Miguel Cotto, he is going to be ready. I’m sure you are going to see the best Austin Trout has to offer.

“A lot of fighters have started their own promotional companies and it hasn’t worked out. I want to celebrate Miguel for doing it the right way.

“Cotto has been a world champion every single year since 2004. You are never going to see a boring Miguel Cotto fight.”

Greg Cohen, President of Greg Cohen Promotions

“This will be Austin’s third consecutive title defense on Showtime and we appreciate the exposure he has gotten on the network.

“Madison Square Garden is by far the greatest venue in all of sports.

“Austin wanted this fight so badly. He said ‘I don’t care if I have to fight Cotto for free. I will do whatever it takes to make the fight.’

“Saturday night is going to be electric. Austin Trout is one of these special individuals who seizes the moment.

“Saturday night, Austin Trout will become a star. This is his moment.”

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager of SHOWTIME Sports

“It has been many years since SHOWTIME televised a boxing event at the Garden and we think it is fitting as the Garden undergoes under its transformation, SHOWTIME is also undergoing a transformation. Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto are a big part of that.

“Every time Cotto fights, it is a special event, but when Miguel fights at the Garden, it is extra special.

“Trout is a very special fighter. I have no doubt he will fight the fight of his life on Saturday night.

“These two young men represent the best that this sport has to offer. They are top quality athletes and top quality individuals and I think that is deserving of recognition and deserving of support.”

Joel Fisher, Executive Vice President of MSG Sports

“We are excited to welcome Miguel Cotto back to the Garden, his home away from home.

“There is a great milestone that Miguel Cotto has eclipsed during this promotion. He has a tremendous fan base here in New York City, which is why he has sold over 100,000 tickets in all of his eight fights here at the Garden.

“It’s fight week and the excitement continues to build each and every day. There is nothing better in the Garden than a big fight like we are going to have Saturday night.

“I am not going to say that the Garden was renovated, because it was truly transformed. It is a different building and now all of the fight fans will be able to experience the new Garden on Saturday night.”

# # #

“Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” is a 12-round battle between Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and undefeated WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout taking place on Saturday, December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-featured fights will see Jayson Velez take on Salvador Sanchez in a 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title and Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs battle Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick in an eight-round middleweight fight. The event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, sponsored by The Puerto Rican Tourism Board and Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are available for purchase at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

Cotto – Trout Final Press Conference Photo Gallery

Claudia Bocanegra was front and Center at Madison Square Garden to get the images of Wednesday’s final press conference before Austin Trout defends the WBA Super Welterweight title against Miguel Cotto this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS

VIDEO: COTTO – TROUT FINAL PRESS CONFERENCE

VIDEO: AUSTIN TROUT

MIGUEL COTTO AND AUSTIN TROUT MEDIA CONFERENCE CALL TRANSCRIPT

Kelly Swanson
Welcome, everybody. We are here today to talk about “Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” for the WBA Super Welterweight Championship, set for this Saturday, December 1st, at Madison Square Garden. Everybody has received their fight week schedule, there’s a lot happening this week, so we look forward to seeing you in New York.

Oscar De La Hoya,

Welcome, everybody, all the media all over the world. We appreciate you being on the call.

Miguel Cotto and Cotto Promotions put together a tremendous card with an exciting co-feature with up and coming featherweight Jayson Velez against Salvador Sanchez for the WBC Silver Featherweight Title. We are also happy to have Danny Jacobs from Brooklyn, New York, fighting again and so soon after his ring return in October.

He made an incredible come back not only inside the ring, but outside of it too. I’m sure all of you know his tremendous inspirational story that really touched everyone’s heart across the globe.

This fight it taking place Saturday, December 1st at Madison Square Gardens, Miguel Cotto’s home, or shall I say second home. This event is being promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions, the up and coming premier promotional company already doing tremendous shows in Puerto Rico and looking to expand across the globe. The fight is also in association with Golden Boy Promotions and Greg Cohen Promotions. We’re happy to announce that Corona is a sponsor of this event, as well as the Puerto Rican Tourism Board.

Tickets are still available; they’re definitely going fast, we do expect a sell out. Tickets are priced from $50 all the way up to $500. And we are always extremely proud to announce that this event is being televised live on Showtime Championship Boxing. To explain to you and give you details on the timing and is the Executive Vice President and the General Manger of Showtime Sports, Stephen Espinoza. Stephen.

Stephen Espinoza

We are extremely excited here at Showtime to have Miguel back on the network, especially in such a competitive fight when he goes up against a real up and coming young star in Austin Trout.

In the bigger picture for the network we’re in the stretch run of the end of our year, finishing up with a terrific bang; we had what ultimately turned out to be Ricky Hatton’s re-retirement fight this past Saturday; we are featuring this week Miguel Cotto versus Austin Trout, as well as a stellar undercard; and then you will be seeing Amir Khan against Carlos Molina in two weeks on December 15th. So we have those three names, Hatton, Cotto, and Khan, three of the biggest names in the sport, three of the most popular fighters, ending off the year.

For this particular fight we want to remind you that we have premiered the first episode of All Access: Cotto vs. Trout. It’s available On Demand, online on our Web site, also and playing on CBS Sports Network, on Showtime, and Showtime Extreme. Also the second episode, the epilogue episode, which covers fight week, fight night, and the aftermath, will be premiering before the championship show on December 15th. That is All Access: Cotto vs. Trout Epilogue immediately before the Amir Khan versus Carlos Molina broadcast on Saturday, December 15th.

De La Hoya

Thank you. Thank you very much, Stephen. Also I would like to acknowledge Cotto’s agent, who does a tremendous, tremendous job with Team Cotto, with Cotto Promotions, that’s Gaby Penagaricano. Also I want to acknowledge a man who is Director of Miguel Cotto Promotions, that’s Bryan Perez. Thank you very much for all your hard work and everything you do.

And at this moment let’s introduce, hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, Four-Time, Three-Division World Champion. He is one of the best fighters the island has produced, and we’re talking about champions like Hector, the late Hector Macho Camacho, we’re talking about Felix Trinidad. Miguel Cotto is definitely if not the best fighter that has come out of the island, who is fighting once again in his backyard, Madison Square Garden, his second home where thousands of fans have supported his illustrious career. He is one of the most successful fighters that have fought at the Garden in recent years. He does hold the record of 37-3 with 30 knockouts fighting once again, another world title against a very, very tough opponent in Trout.

Miguel Cotto

Hi, everybody. I’m just happy to be here again, and getting ready for this Saturday. I’m just in the final week of my preparation and I’m ready for all the questions you have for me.

I think if this is a really tough fight, and God forbid you lose, I think people are going to look back and say, “Austin Trout, it was the wrong kind of guy to fight, twenty-seven years old, 25 and 0, very quick offensively.” I’m wondering if you thought twice about picking Trout as an opponent and who else that you did consider for this December 1st fight?

Cotto

Everybody who knows Miguel Cotto knows Miguel Cotto doesn’t pick easy fights, or easy opponents. Austin was the next in line. I’m ready for him and we’re just going to see what happen next Saturday.

And as far as type of fighters that you have fought how does Trout line up as far as technique goes, as far as skills goes? Is he one of the best guys you’ve faced, is he in the middle of the pack, do we have to see Saturday? How do you set Trout right now?

Cotto

I don’t think about Trout. I’m thinking about myself; I just put myself in the training camp, in the training sessions, and I’m ready. I’m ready for whatever he tries on Saturday night.

Hey, you know when we are in Madison Square Garden for your fights the noise is deafening for you once you enter the ring, when you throw a punch, when you acknowledge the crowd after a fight. How special for you does it feel and will it feel walking into Madison Square Garden and so many great victories in your career?

Cotto

I’m just happy to be here again. People here have supported my whole career, and I know next Saturday is going to be the same: a lot of people there shouting for me, being there just for watch entertaining fight. That’s what’s Miguel he’s used to over the ring. I’m ready. I’ve had one kind of good preparation for this Saturday, and I’m going to be the whole night on the fight until I beat Austin Trout next Saturday.

I imagine, I was there the last fight against Antonio Margarito, that was obviously a huge, huge fight for you symbolically, and when you walked into the ring that night it was, again, deafening. How did you feel absorbing the praise and the cheers from the crowd as you walked into the ring? Does that lift you up, does that kind of fill you with energy when you walk in there and hear that?

Cotto

People just show me that they’re all good things they had for me that night. They are there for me, I’m there for them, and I’m going to make them proud and they’re going to help me whatever happen during the fight.

Obviously you feel the punches, you feel and you really go to war in there, but when you-in football they call the crowd the twelfth man, and during your fight with Margarito you just seemed to really absorb what was going on. How big was the crowd in that fight for you and how energized were you in that special moment?

Cotto

This fight with Margarito was special; it was my redemption fight, and I just knew that it meant a great deal for the people that supported me during what happened the night 2008 and I just wanted be there for them, it was special for me as special for them.

I know Austin Trout has said that he has been in other arenas and fought against the odds, but how must that be for your opponents to have to deal with the support that you have? Does that put you at an advantage and maybe put them at a disadvantage do you imagine?

Cotto

I know what he said, he said he’d been in Panama fighting with a Panamanian guy, he was in Mexico fighting with a Mexican guy, but next Saturday he going to be in New York in Madison Square Garden fighting with Miguel Cotto there. That’s my home, and I know nothing is going to be equal or the same as he has done before. That’s a special venue, that’s a special night for me, and I know he going to figure it out as soon as he get in there.

What do you remember about Hector Camacho, about his life, his career, and they way his life ended last week.

Cotto

Camacho had a rough life, he made the decisions he made. I prefer to remember Macho Camacho for his brilliant career, his abilities in the ring, and the glory that he brought to his country, Puerto Rico.

Now that you are going for another world title, another victory, and how do you feel you’re your future is going to look like,

Cotto

I am not thinking whatsoever about 2013, I am focusing exclusively on what’s going to happen on December 1st at the Garden.

The fight in May with Mayweather, and I know you didn’t win that fight but you fought very well, a lot of people thought you gave Mayweather, whom many consider the number one fighter in the world, probably one of his toughest fights, if not his toughest fight, of his career. So even though you didn’t win how did you feel, even though without winning the fight, feel about the performance that you put on even in defeat?

Cotto

Mayweather was an excellent fight; it was a good fight. I didn’t win, but sometimes when you lose you win. That was my case in this fight. I’m felt rejuvenated after this fight. Everybody going to see on next Saturday.

When you say that sometimes when you lose you win what do you mean by that? What is your analysis of that comment?

Cotto

We didn’t win the fight against Mayweather, but I won a lot of more things, especially with myself. I feel better with myself than I would have won.

How do you feel good with yourself?

Cotto

No matter if I lost.

Okay. Because a lot of people, and you know this because you’ve discussed this with many of us in the past, a lot of people thought they may be counting you out after maybe the loss to Pacquiao or even the loss to Margarito. Do you feel like you regained a lot of the thought from a lot of people that you know what even though you didn’t win that Miguel Cotto is still one of the very best fighters out there?

Cotto

I’m just trying to be here and do what I know to do the best I can. I work in every moment to try to bring the best I can in every session of my training and just to be the winner when I have to fight. That’s happened in this camp, and I’m pretty sure I’m going to be the new champion of the world.

Also, Miguel, there was a lot of discussion about Madison Square Garden being basically your home court, you fought so many big fights there and sold so many tickets and had huge crowds. What is your take on the fact that Austin Trout is willing to come to fight in basically your backyard and seems quite fearless about it, has talked about Miguel’s a star, he deserves to have this home base, but I have no fear of coming there. What does it say do you think about the character of Austin Trout that he is more than happy and willing to come to Madison Square Garden to face Miguel Cotto, which cannot be easy for anybody?

Cotto

He doesn’t have to feel any kind of fear to being here in New York; people here are nice, people here are pretty good. At the end of the road only just the referee, Trout and myself are going to be inside the ring. What people outside the ring give to me, the people here that are rooting for me, people there going to be for me this night, and I’m going to win for them.

Do you give him credit for being willing to come there to face you?

Cotto

You have to do whatever you have to do to be the boxer you want. He accepts the challenge to face me and I accept the challenge to face him. Everybody is going to see what happens next Saturday.

What type of fighter do you think that you will find Saturday night in Austin Trout and what strategy are you going to use to defeat him?

Cotto

I’m not thinking about it, I have trained very hard, and I am prepared for whatever Austin Trout brings. Strategy-wise, I’m not giving up any details, but I can tell you that it has been carefully planned over weeks of training. The Miguel Cotto that you are going to see on Saturday is probably the best Cotto you’ve ever seen.

Hi Miguel, I have a couple, a two-part question for you. One is at the end of your fight in May with Floyd Mayweather there was that very famous scene where he hugged you in the middle of the ring and said that you were the toughest guy he had ever fought in his career, and I think that really sums up the career of Miguel Cotto in one word-tough. You’ve had a lot of wars in your career; you’re a warrior who leaves everything in the ring every time. Do you have any concerns coming into the fight on Saturday against Austin Trout that these wars you’ve been in could catch up to you against a young, hungry champion?

Cotto

I’ve just put myself into a hard training camp just to be the winner, as I was my whole career. I’m here just to face Austin next Saturday, I’m here to win, and I’m not going to rest until I get it on December 1st.

A lot of people have mentioned that there will be a lot of pressure on Austin Trout coming into the fight given that it will be an unfamiliar environment for him that will be very pro Miguel Cotto coming into the ring, while you’re in the ring. Do you feel any additional pressure fighting in front of your hometown fans, people who have put out a lot of money and time to come and see you and support you in the ring? So do you feel that the flipside of that coin is while Austin Trout’s never been on this stage before that is there an increased amount of pressure on you to give a good performance in front of your fans?

Cotto

I’m just thankful for being here again and I’m going to do my best just for all the fans, all the people who are going to be there for me. And I don’t know what passed through Austin’s mind, but I’m going to enjoy the whole night.

Hey, guys. Miguel, it’s been over seven years since your first fight in the Garden. What do you remember about that first fight there with Abdulleav, and did you think this was going to turn into such a long relationship with the fans in New York?

Cotto

My first opportunity here, as you mentioned with Abdulleav, I didn’t think that this arena going to be so special for me in my entire career, but I’m happy, I’m thankful, and I’m just grateful for having such a wonderful career, such a wonderful performances here in Madison Square Garden.

And this question is to you, Miguel, and also if Bryan is still on the line. A lot of great fighters have fought in the Garden over the years, not many have the relationship Miguel does here in the city. What is it about Miguel Cotto that the fans have attached themselves to?

Cotto

Can you repeat the question? I didn’t hear it very well.

Over the years a lot of great fighters have fought in Madison Square Garden, but not many have the relationship you have with the fans here in New York. What is it about you that the fans have attached themselves to you like this?

Cotto

I can’t tell you exactly. I just train to be a good boxer, and then something special came when Madison Square Garden appeared in my career. People were there for Miguel Cotto. Miguel Cotto tried to was there the best he could for them just to bring them entertaining fight for them.

I think them appreciate that a lot, and I appreciate a lot more what the people who be there for me do to me.

Gaby [Penagaricano], What is it about Miguel that the people in New York have just embraced him like this over the years?

Penagaricano

Well I think he has delivered here; he has fought eight or nine times, all wins, all of them exciting fights. So he has delivered what the fans want, and that’s why they’re so thirsty to see him again this Saturday. He’s just an exciting fighter, no boring fights when he steps into the ring, and it’s a big, big, big attraction between the two. So I know it’s very special for him.

How do you evaluate Pedro Diaz and what he has done in the course of the two fights in which he has worked with you?

Cotto

I’m not here to evaluate, the people can see my performances when I have fought under the training and guidance of Pedro Diaz, so the public is the best judge to answer that question.

Swanson

Okay. So I am going to go ahead and turn this over to Mr. Cohen, Greg Cohen, CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions and also Mr. Trout’s promoter. And, Greg, if you’d like to make the introductions. I do know we also have Louie Burke on the line, who is Austin’s trainer, but if you’d like to make the introduction for Austin that would be great, and then we’ll open it up to media questions.

Cohen

Sure. Thank you. We’re very happy to be here today and I’m very lucky to be Austin Trout’s promoter. Austin, as you know, is the WBA 154-pound World Champion, he’s undefeated, he is a world champion inside and outside of the ring. And this is the opportunity he’s been waiting for his entire life, and we just couldn’t be more excited to defend the title. I know maybe outside of the boxing world a lot of people might not know Austin Trout that well, but we plan and know that after December 1st come December 2nd Austin Trout is going to be a household name.

So, without further ado, I’d like to introduce my World Champion, Austin “No Doubt” Trout.

Trout

Yes. I’m more than happy to be here. I’m grateful for this opportunity. I want to thank Miguel for allowing me to showcase what I’ve been working on all these years on a stage as big as this. We know if it wasn’t for his name to be carried out that we probably wouldn’t have been on this type of platform, so I’m very grateful to him for the opportunity. And I’m just ready to answer any questions and let you all get to know me.

Good. As you look back at Miguel Cotto’s let’s say last five fights, maybe it’s six fights, I think he’s four and two, his two losses have come against guys who had very fast hands, a lot of good movement, defensive skills and everything, of course two outstanding fighters, Mayweather and of course Pacquiao. You fight more like those guys than the guys who stand in front of him, guys like Joshua Clottey and Mayorga, Yuri Foreman, Antonio Margarito. Have you been watching tapes of those two losses, and if you have what do you plan on doing to beat him?

Trout

We’ve definitely been watching tapes for those two losses. We’ve also gone back and watched tapes of Miguel Cotto when he was fighting around 140, 147. We plan on executing a game plan similar; we’re not going to necessarily run, but movement’s going to be a big deal as far as our game plan goes. Without going into too much detail, I do want to say that I am willing to sit down and fight. I know I’m going to have to put a lot of leather on him in order to get a decisive win in the Madison Square Garden, so a totally defensive fight is not going to necessarily be the key to victory for me.

Judges often come into play so often. Let’s go back to Pacquiao and Bradley; we all saw one thing, the judges saw another thing. As I sit here I don’t know who the judges are going to be, I don’t know if you do, but if you do are you concerned with any of the judges and/or the referee?

Trout

Well I really can’t spend too much energy to be worried about the judging or the officiating. All I have to worry about is what I have to execute inside that ring. If we execute what I do in the ring and let it be up to God’s hands, as long as I’ve done my best that’s what I’m happy about it. If they “steal” it from me well that’s between them and God. All is can focus on is what I can do and what I can take care of, and then that’s my actions in the ring.

Hey, I watched All Access, and the thing that’s really impressive is your candor and your honesty, but you’re also very confident. But at one point you asked for Miguel’s autograph, and I was like, “Wow that’s genuine.” But how do you go, I mean I’ve talked to boxers over the years who had to face their–Oscar De La Hoya being one, who had to face their idols when he beat Julio Cesar Chavez, and he really gave him a beat down, especially in the second fight-how do you go from being a fan to beating on a guy that you respect? How do you do that?

Trout

Well, it’s funny, because there’s two sides of Austin Trout; there’s Austin Trout the fan of boxing and Austin Trout the fighter, and you might get two different. As an answer I would say it’s a great fight, I’d love to watch this match up, but the Austin Trout the fighter is always thinking in the back of his mind I could beat both of those guys or I could beat that guy. So in the back of my mind I’ve always sized up anybody I’ve been a fan of. And really when I’m daydreaming as a kid, or even now, because I’m a daydreamer, when I’m fighting in that big arena and the person I’m beating up it’s one of my favorite fighters, because in my opinion to be the best you have to beat the best. So, yes, I don’t think it should be a hard transition coming from a fan to a fighter at all. I’ve been doing it my whole career.

Who are those guys that you faced? Who are the guys that you’ve idolized in your dreams and beaten them up in your dreams? Name some of them.

Trout

Money Mayweather. When I was a kid, well not a kid, like more in high school, it way Roy Jones Jr.; that was the visualization I had. I even go back and visualize me beating Sugar Ray Leonard or Pernell Whitacker just to name a few. I have a big list of fighters that I really admire, and Miguel Cotto is on that list.

So when you visualize this fight with Cotto what are the different scenarios that have come out with you winning?

Trout

Oh in the daydream, which I feel I can make a reality, it’s a win by knockout. It’s a hard, tough fight for a while, but I come out in the later rounds and pull ahead to get that KO victory. Either way my hands are raised; whether it’s a decision or it’s a knockout, my visualization is with my hands raised.

Great. Two more questions for you. I’ve talked to Matthew Macklin, who has predicted that you would win. Obviously you sparred with him to prepare him for Sergio Martinez. And I talked to Martinez just about your jab, I didn’t ask him about this specific fight. Do you feel that the jab, your jab, is going to be a key in this fight and sustaining that over the course of the fight?

Trout

I definitely do. I’m going to have to keep him away from me and there’s no better measuring stick than the jab, and I have a pretty good jab so using the jab is definitely going to be a key. Just as he has a good jab and he’s going to try and use it I’m going to have to use my jab as well.

And my last question is he says that, and I’ve been there during his fights, the crowd is deafening and they cheer everything he does from the time he walks into the ring to the time he leaves, every punch he throws, every acknowledgement he makes to the crowd, and he doesn’t think you’re going to be ready for that. What is your answer to that?

Trout

I just have to make sure I don’t give the crowd anything to cheer about.

There was a lot of discussion when Miguel was on the call prior to you joining us about his relationship with the fans in the Garden and basically it becoming his home away from Puerto Rico where he’s fought I think eight or nine times so many big fights. You’re a guy that’s gone to the lion’s den, so to speak, fought in Mexico a couple of times against Mexican opponents, won your world title in Mexico, which I actually saw on TV just the other night. My question for you is what are your expectations for being in that kind of crowd and how do you feel like you will handle that mentally, emotionally?

Trout

Well actually my past experiences, which have not been on this type of level by far, but if practice makes perfect this is not my first time doing it, so I feel like I’ll be pretty comfortable being in the hostile territory. Really the crowd can only do one thing, and that’s to make noise; they can’t help him get up, they can’t help him punch harder, they can’t help him punch faster. I’m expecting and I’m preparing for Miguel to be at his absolute best anyway, so it’s not like they can make him better than his best. And I’ve done all the preparation now, and really the only thing I’m focused on is Miguel Cotto in that ring.

So do you think, though, it’s one thing to visualize that. Like go back to when you were going to Mexico when you fighting Alvarez or when you were fighting I believe it was David Lopez, when you walk into the crowd and they basically want you to get knocked out walking to the ring how do you deal with that? Some guys would just find it to be me against the world kind of attitude, like I’ll show them. Others might shrink from that and be intimidated. What was it like for you making those ring walks in that hostile environment?

Trout

Yes, when I was walking to the ring my whole goal was to shut the crowd out. Going to the ring you get people likely throwing things at you, cursing at you, and things like that. It’s just exactly as you said; it’s me against the world, and I’m going to show them. I respect the Puerto Rican fan base and for their passion. I said at the press conference that if it wasn’t for them or the Mexican fans that boxing might be dead, especially in American. So as a fan I’m glad they’re keeping it alive, but I’m not going to give them anything to cheer about. My whole goal is to get the Garden absolutely quiet.

Well that’s hard to do, obviously, when you’re dealing with a Miguel Cotto fight. Are you intimidated at all or do you embrace the notion of doing what you just said you’d like to do, shutting them up?

Trout

No, I embrace the notion. I’m not intimidated at all. This is what I feel like I have to go through to get to where I want to be, so I’m not going to le the crowd or Miguel Cotto be in my way.

Austin, with all the different guys you’re fighting a very hot weight class. I know you have one of the titles, which I’m sure is one of the key reasons why you were able to get this fight, but I wonder with all the different possibilities that Miguel might have had, he had the opportunity to maybe fight Pacquiao in a rematch, there were other fighters in the weight class. When you got this fight I know back when it was first made you said you were very shocked and didn’t really believe Greg when he called you to tell you that you got the fight. Do you still sort of pinch yourself to say I can’t believe like after 25 fights basically in relative anonymity, even though you have a world title, that now you’re getting the opportunity to fight one of the biggest stars in the whole sport?

Trout

Now suddenly it’s reality. I feel like this has to be all part of God’s plan, because of my anonymousness and since I’m not so known and not the big name and he’s had so many names. The only thing I can think of is God made this happen, and I feel like it’s part of my destiny to be on this stage. I don’t doubt my skills or ability in this fight. I don’t doubt God’s positioning of me in this fight. So I feel real good about the fight. I believe that I will be victorious as well.

Do you think you’ve even been with a guy that’s as good of a puncher as Miguel Cotto? You fought guys that can punch a little bit, maybe Rodriguez who has knocked some guys out. I don’t think he got touched much; he pretty much won every round. But I looked at your record and you fought some good opponents, but I’m not sure there’s been a puncher with the type of power that Miguel has displayed in his career. What are your thoughts about that?

Trout

No, I wouldn’t say I have. I’ve definitely faced bigger guys; I’ve fought guys that came down from super middleweight, so maybe with that body strength that they may be bigger, stronger than Miguel as far as that’s concerned, and I still pushed them back. Miguel Cotto is a very powerful and explosive fighter, and I’ve not necessarily faced anybody as explosive as him, but I think I’ve faced people that have been as strong as him.

How shocked were you when you got this fight? Were you surprised by it? Because you kind of, let’s be honest, your performance against Rodriguez, even though you won, had a lot of people not really wanting to see you again for a while, and here you are getting this monster main event.

Trout

Well I do look at it as a redemption song. But yes, I was shocked; I was shocked that he chose a fighter like me, because a lot of times I’ve been known as high risk, low reward, even with the belt. So I figured if I can’t get these guys to fight me with the belt then what do I have to do, who do I have to beat to get these names going. And lo and behold, Greg Cohen and Al Haymon made the Miguel Cotto fight happen, and I can’t be more appreciative for it.

Hey, Cotto said that the Mayweather fight maybe rejuvenated him a little bit, even though he went through the loss. And just as you look as his previous fights, and especially that fight, did you see a guy who maybe is on the downside of his career like some people say or is he still in his prime?

Trout

I would definitely say he’s still in his prime; he’s still a hungry fighter, he’s still eating and have hung with some of the best fighters in our time, I should say. His losses have only been to the top guys, and one of the losses is very controversial. So I don’t see why anybody would count Cotto as being on the downside of his career.

And I watched the All Access and I thought the team in Las Cruces in a good light, and I was just wondering what you thought about it and talk about why you have decided to say here. Louie has talked about that before, like he was able to train in different places, but you stayed here throughout your career.

Trout

Well, my kids are here. I love being around my kids. I can’t really leave them, and if I was to go pursue my career in another city that would be the case, I would have to leave my kids behind, and there’s no way I’m going to do that. That’s one of the reasons why I’ve stayed in Cruces. Not to mention beautiful weather, no natural disasters, we have good elevation out here. It’s a good place to focus if you need to focus.

What’s your sense about the way the community feels about you? They’re kind of been able to watch your career and watch you grow up.

Trout

Well I’m glad they’re getting excited.

First, do you see any weakness in Miguel Cotto that you can exploit during your fight? And the second question, just wanted to ask you if you had any Hector Camacho stories or if you ever met him and what you think about his untimely death?

Trout

My heart goes out to his friends and family, even his fans. I have never had the pleasure of meeting Camacho. My coach, Louie Burke, he has had the pleasure of actually fighting Hector Camacho, so that’s probably as close as I’ve gotten to Hector personally. It’s sad that the way champions can come out or go out, and I hate to see a great fighter like him go out like that.

Do you see any weaknesses in Miguel Cotto that you could exploit? I mean they mentioned before about he fighting fast opponents. Do you see anything on his game that you can take advantage of?

Trout

I do, but I don’t want him and Pedro working on it so I’m going to keep that to myself. We’re going to work on his eye; he has a lot of scarring up there, he can’t help that. That’s one thing that we want to not focus on, but we’re looking to take advantage of.

A lot of times we see this happen in boxing where you have an older, more established fighter, like Miguel Cotto in this case, go up against a younger, hungrier fighter like you, and a lot of time this ends up being where it comes to a coming out party for the younger fighter. How important is it to you on Saturday night to go in there, win or lose, to give the type of performance that builds the name of Austin Trout in the boxing community and gets you more established for bigger fights going forward?

Trout

Well it’s just like you said, it’s very important because I’m trying to be established; I don’t want to be anonymous anymore. So I pray for a blessing of a satisfied performance that I can perform for my best of my ability, and I feel like if I do that then I will win with no question. Now anything happens in this game, in fact you lose and still put up a good performance. I’m not happy with that; I don’t want to lose my undefeated record or my belt.

I feel like the powers that be don’t necessarily want me in the boxing game, because I feel like I’m a thorn to everybody’s side that have to fight me. So a loss would be the best way for them to get me out of there, so losing is really not an option. Even if I still perform to the best of my ability I think that they won’t let me in, and they didn’t let me in anyway, I had to kind of climb through the window.

Right. Austin, I think it’s one more thing I want to ask you is about you, your personality; you’re very personable, you’re a very well spoken student of boxing. You said before that as much as you are a fighter you’re a fan of the game, and I think a lot of the younger up and coming fighters, obviously an Adrien Broner is a good example kind of carrying on that torch of the Floyd Mayweathe type fighter, how important is it to you, Austin, to stay true to yourself as both the fighter and the fan and being the type of guy who doesn’t have to go out there and disrespect or talk smack about his opponent and just does things the right way to establish his name in the game?

Trout

It’s the most important, because, like I said, I have kids, and my daughter, who’s 10 now, she’ll call me out, like, “That’s not you, dad,” and I want them to see the real me. I feel like to know me is to love me, so why even put on any kind of a façade. If I feel one way I will express it in my truest form. I feel like it’s very important. I don’t want to be fake with anybody. I’m not saying that Adrien Broner is, I feel like he’s himself when he’s doing what he does, but that’s just not me. I just want to be me and let the fans embrace me as me.

My question is recently you have exactly your last fight with Delvin Rodriguez was a unanimous decision then you have a TKO, it stopped in eleven. Your preparation for this fight I think it’s a little bit different than the ones that you had before. Miguel and you they have prepared exactly the most kind of the same, he was in Big Bear, California, and they were basically at the same kind of training. But Miguel is a hard puncher, and basically your previous contenders have not been as hard. Do you have to prepare to the kind of fight that you are expecting this Saturday that maybe is going to be a long 12 rounds or what your main goal on this fight?

Trout

Well as the training, we’ve picked up the intensity, we’ve gotten some good thin air to be intent in for the fact that Miguel Cotto is an intense fighter, and we don’t want to have to keep up with his intensity, we want to push the intensity. So we prepared definitely a longer and harder training camp to be at our best for the whole 12 rounds, and we’re expecting and preparing for a hard fought 12 round fight. Miguel Cotto is the best fighter I’ve ever faced and that’s no secret, but I’ve put in the hard work now so that way December 1st can be easier. And with God willing we’ll do what we’ve been working on and come out victorious.

Do you think with this training that you did for this fight, because you were doing more cardio and just keeping up in there, do you have healthy in your strength and you feel right now different when you are basically on the city, obviously breathing up a couple of thousand feet is different than just being in the city, do that help you a lot in the way that you are performing, and how do you feel for this fight and the previous one that you had with Delvin Rodriguez?

Trout

Yes. No, I feel very healthy. I have no injuries, there’s nothing that’s coming into the ring with me but a healthy we’ll say Austin Trout, and I can’t be more happy with the outcome of the camp. All that’s left is just to maintain my shape until we weigh in Friday and then Saturday we get to show how.

Swanson

All right, everybody. So that ends our call. And again, you have received your fight week schedule. Please pay attention to it. Wednesday is the final press conference at the theater lobby at Madison Square Garden and Friday is the official weigh in, which is open to the public, and that’s at the Affinia Manhattan Hotel in the ballroom at 1:00 p.m.

END OF CALL

Photo by Claudia Bocanegra

QUOTES FROM MONDAY’S MEDIA WORKOUT AT GLEASON’S GYM IN NEW YORK:

NEW YORK, N.Y. (Nov. 27, 2012) – Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and unbeaten Puerto Rican prospects Jayson Velez and Jeffrey Fontanez participated in media workouts on Monday at Gleason’s Gym in New York in preparation for their upcoming fights this Saturday, Dec. 1 at Madison Square Garden with Cotto’s and Velez’s fights airing live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

In the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Cotto (37-3, 30 KO’s), of Caguas, P.R., will face undefeated defending champion Austin Trout (25-0, 14 KO’s), of Las Cruces, N.M., for the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship.

The 10-round co-feature for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight Championship will pit Velez (19-0, 14 KO’s), of Juncos, P.R., against Salvador Sanchez II (30-4-3, 18 KO’s), of Tianguistenco, Mexico. In the opening bout of the telecast, hometown favorite Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs (23-1, 20 KO’s) will be face Cleveland’s Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-2, 6 KO’s) in an eight-round middleweight bout.

The hard-hitting Fontanez (8-0, 7 KO’s) will face Pedro Arcos (12-2-1, 9 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, in a six-round junior lightweight fight which will be featured on the Puerto Rican pay-per-view telecast.

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are available at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

The event, presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, is sponsored by The Puerto Rican Tourism Board and Corona.

Doors will open at 5:10 p.m. ET. The first fight begins at 5:15 p.m.

What the fighters said Monday:

Miguel Cotto, Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion

“I feel great. We had a great camp and I’m ready for 12 rounds.

“Trout is not the first young, hungry fighter I have faced in my career. We don’t see anything special in this opponent [Trout]. He is just another opponent.

“I don’t know what Trout will bring on Saturday night, but I know that I will be ready for him.

“I trained at a high altitude during this camp and it was great. Everyone will see Miguel Cotto at his best.

“Fans here in New York have always given me a great reception and I really appreciate it. I will give them what they want to see.”

Jayson Velez, Top Featherweight Prospect

“Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a great honor. I know the Puerto Rican fans will be there in full force.

“This is such a great card and I am thrilled to be a part of it.

“I am honored to be able to train with Miguel Cotto. He is a great legend in Puerto Rico and he is one of my role models.”

Jeffrey Fontanez, Top Middleweight Prospect

“It is an honor to be on a Miguel Cotto undercard.

“I feel ready to show the world what I am all about. I am very anxious and happy to be on this great card.”

Pedro Diaz, Cotto’s Trainer

“Miguel wants to win in front of all of the Puerto Rican fans on a great stage at Madison Square Garden.

“Our goal this week is to make sure Miguel makes weight and that he is physically and mentally prepared for Saturday night.”

Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions

“Miguel Cotto is deservedly one of the three biggest names in the sport next to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

“You could see at today’s workout how big of a draw he is based on the media turnout.

“We are excited to be here in New York City. It is the Mecca of Boxing and the Mecca of Miguel Cotto.

“Miguel certainly could’ve fought an easier opponent. When given the choice between an easy opponent and a difficult one, Miguel always chooses the more challenging test. That is why he is Miguel Cotto and that is why the fans love him the way that they do.”

Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports

“There is a noticeable build of energy and excitement as we get closer to the fight. Miguel Cotto is without question one of the biggest names in the sport.

“Every time he fights, it is a major event. But when he fights at The Garden, it is extra special.

“Austin Trout isn’t as well known [as Cotto], but knowledgeable boxing enthusiasts know that he is going to be a difficult opponent for Miguel.

“This fight represents Austin’s lifelong dream and it is clear that he is going to do whatever he can to capitalize on that.

“This is a true crossroads fight between an up and coming star and one of its established legends.”

For more information, visit www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.thegarden.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RealMiguelCotto, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/NoDoubtTrout, www.twitter.com/Jayson_Velez, www.twitter.com/DanielJacobsTKO, www.twitter.com/MSGSportsNYC, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #CottoTrout or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Miguel Cotto workout Photo Gallery

15rounds.com Claudia Bocanegra was on hand at Gleason’s Gym in Brooklyn to capture three-division world champion Miguel Cotto working put in advance of his Saturday showdown with WBA Super Welterweight champion Austin Trout this Saturday at Madison Square Garden
CLICK TO ENLARGE PHOTOS

FOX DEPORTES CLASSICS TO FEATURE EXCITING FIGHTS SHOWCASING MIGUEL COTTO & AUSTIN TROUT ON NOVEMBER 24 AHEAD OF THEIR DECEMBER 1 WORLD TITLE CLASH

LOS ANGELES, November 21 – Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto returns to his home away from home on December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City where he will challenge Austin Trout for his WBA Super Welterweight World Championship. Before this meeting of champions in the “Mecca of Boxing,” FOX Deportes Classics delivers two of these fighters’ most impressive victories on Saturday, November 24 at 10:00 p.m. ET/7:00 p.m. PT.

First, the Classics will go back to February 5, 2011 when Trout shocked the boxing world by defeating Canelo Alvarez’ brother, Rigoberto Alvarez for the WBA Interim Super Welterweight crown. Then, the main event showcases Cotto as he entered the ring at Madison Square Garden on November 10, 2007 in an exciting 12-round welterweight championship bout against fellow superstar Sugar Shane Mosley.

In one of 2007’s most highly-anticipated fights, Cotto and Mosley gave fight fans everything they expected and more. The two battled back and forth for 12 fast-paced rounds, exchanging explosive shots before Cotto pulled out a close, but unanimous decision to retain his WBA Welterweight title for the third time.

Previously only known to the hardcore fight crowd, Trout announced his arrival to the rest of the world in February of 2011, when he traveled to Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico to defeat the favored hometown favorite Alvarez and capture his first world championship belt. He has since defended that belt three times, setting up December’s title defense against Cotto.

# # #

“Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” is a 12-round battle between Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and undefeated WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout taking place on Saturday, December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-featured fights will see Jayson Velez take on Salvador Sanchez in a 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title and Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs battle Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick in a 8-round middleweight fight. The event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, sponsored by The Puerto Rican Tourism Board and Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).

For more information on Golden Boy Promotions, visit www.goldenboypromotions.comor www.FOXDeportes.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.twitter.com/FOXDeportes visit us on Facebook at Golden Boy Facebook Page or www.facebook.com/FOXDeportes.

QUOTES FROM MONDAY’S MIGUEL COTTO MEDIA WORKOUT IN ORLANDO, FLORIDA

Miguel Cotto
“Trout has been a World Champion and he deserves his recognition. I know why I accepted this challenge..

“Training in Big Bear was great and we accomplished all the goals that [trainer] Pedro [Diaz] had for us. Everything so far is going just as he planned. I’m feeling great.

“Pedro has been a great addition to my career and for our team. Everyone saw the results with my fights against (Antonio) Margarito and (Floyd) Mayweather. Now, we’ll see how I perform against Trout.

“All fights are different and every fighter is different, but I’m training hard like always and I’m ready to show that everyone on December 1st.

“Trout is not the only undefeated fighter that I have faced. He is not the first champion either. With that in mind, I will climb into the ring to win.”

Pedro Diaz

“Since I started working with Miguel Cotto, we talked about the future, different training techniques and new preparations like training at high altitude. We trained for three weeks in Puerto Rico to prepare Miguel for Big Bear. Once we got there, training was excellent.

“The final result was exactly what we wanted and we met our physical and mental goals for Miguel. Miguel has been in some very tough and difficult fights and we wanted to give his body some extra oxygen by training in Big Bear. Everyone knows the benefits of training at a high altitude and it paid off.

“We came back to Orlando to finish our preparations and everything has gone smoothly. He’s 100% ready and Miguel can feel the difference from this training camp to the others before. I know were going to win on December 1st.”

Jayson Velez

“I’m very emotional and happy about my upcoming fight. I’m fighting at a legendary venue and to fight on the co-main event underneath Miguel is an honor. This is also my first time on SHOWTIME and an opportunity that very few people get.

“I’m fighting a tough Mexican fighter and I’m expecting a war…Puerto Rico vs. Mexico! I promise everyone, it will be a great show.”

# # #

“Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” is a 12-round battle between Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout taking place on Saturday, December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-featured fights will see Jayson Velez take on Salvador Sanchez II in a 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title and Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs battle Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick in a 10-round middleweight fight. The event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, sponsored by The Puerto Rican Tourism Board and Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME at 9:00 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the West Coast).

Miguel Cotto vs. Austin Trout – ‘Our House’ by Slaughterhouse (ft. Skylar Grey)

DECEMBER 1 MIGUEL COTTO VS. AUSTIN TROUT SHOWTIME TELEVISED CO-FEATURED BOUTS SET

LOS ANGELES, November 16 – The December 1 event at Madison Square Garden just became an explosive tripleheader with the addition of unbeaten Puerto Rican phenom Jayson Velez taking on Mexico’s Salvador Sanchez II in a 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title in a classic Puerto Rico vs. Mexico battle. In the second co-featured attraction, one of boxing’s top young talents, middleweight Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs, will face Cleveland’s Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick in a 10-round middleweight fight as Jacobs returns for his second fight after winning a harrowing battle against a cancerous tumor that attacked his spine. The tripleheader will be televised on SHOWTIME from Madison Square Garden.

A native of Juncos, Puerto Rico, 24-year-old Jayson Velez (19-0, 14 KO’s) has shown the potential to follow in the championship footsteps of Puerto Rico’s most famous resident, Miguel Cotto. A sharp puncher who can take out opponents with either hand, Velez is coming off of a sixth round knockout over Leivi Brea in August. On December 1, he returns to Madison Square Garden for the first time since stopping Jesus Bayron in June of 2009.

Hailing from Tianguistenco, Mexico, Salvador “Sal II” Sanchez II (30-4-3, 18 KO’s) is carrying on his pugilistic family name following the tragic death of his uncle, the legendary featherweight champion Salvador Sanchez, in 1982. The winner of 11 straight, the 27-year-old Sanchez will pay homage to his uncle on December 1 by wearing the trunks, shoes and robe the Hall of Famer wore in his final fight against Azumah Nelson at Madison Square Garden in July of 1982, making this more than just a fight for this promising Mexican warrior.

A highly-decorated amateur boxer with several titles and accolades to his name, Brooklyn’s Danny Jacobs (23-1, 20 KO’s) was achieving the same success in the professional game, soaring to the top of the middleweight division at breakneck speed, with the only hiccup being an upset loss to Dmitry Pirog for the vacant WBO Middleweight title in 2010. Jacobs quickly rebounded from the defeat, winning two subsequent fights by knockout, but shortly after defeating Robert Kliewer in March of 2011, he was faced with the biggest fight of his life against cancer. Thankfully, the 25-year-old fought just as hard out of the ring as he does inside of it and is now cancer-free after a battle that lasted over a year. Even more amazing is that after being told he would never fight again, he fought his way back into the ring and looked as sharp as ever when he knocked out Josh Luteran in just 73 seconds on October 20 of this year. Now he will step things up once again when he faces Fitzpatrick on December 1 at The Garden.

Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick (15-2, 6 KO’s) has been boxing since the age of eight and this lifelong passion has finally led him to the Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden for the biggest fight of his career on December 1. A boxer-puncher who always shows up to scrap, the 25-year-old from Cleveland, Ohio has been fighting professionally since 2008 and he’s looking forward to testing Jacobs while showing that he’s ready for the next level of competition in the talent-rich middleweight division.

“Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” is a 12-round battle between Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout taking place on Saturday, December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The co-featured fights will see Jayson Velez take on Salvador Sanchez in a 10-round fight for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight title and Danny “Miracle Man” Jacobs battle Chris “The Irish Ghost” Fitzpatrick in a 10-round middleweight fight. The event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, sponsored by The Puerto Rican Tourism Board and Corona and will be televised live on SHOWTIME.

TROUT IN TRAINING FOR DECEMBER 1 CLASH WITH MIGUEL COTTO AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN: “I’M UPPING THE INTENSITY!”

Holed away in his new, higher-elevation training camp in Ruidoso, New Mexico, WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout (25-0, 14 KO’s) says he’s not necessarily doing anything different in preparation for the fourth defense of his WBA title on December 1 against Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto at Madison Square Garden and televised live on SHOWTIME… he’s just doing more of it.

“I haven’t changed anything; it’s just a more intense camp,” Trout said. “I’m expecting a hard 12 rounds in an intense fight. Cardio is very important because I’ve never known him to show up unprepared. He’s still a very hungry fighter and I’m flattered he chose me as his opponent. That shows how hungry he still is, so I’m upping everything that I normally do. We had to acclimate to the high altitude, but now we’re continuing to work harder than ever.”

Trout says he’s been watching Cotto for a long time and knows what to expect when the two meet.

“I’ve got a pretty good bead on how he fights and I know my jab will be a problem for him, but I will have to put a lot of leather on him. He’s a warrior that comes to fight, but I’ve seen fighters like him before and I know what I have to do. I’m looking at this as my golden opportunity. He’s had his time and done great things with it, but it’s my time now. I’ll be damned if I let this opportunity slip away from me.”

The 27-year-old Las Cruces, New Mexico native says he’s not affected by the additional pressure of being in a career-defining fight. “This is part of the job,” Trout said. “It all comes with the territory. I was born for this.”

Trout admits to one weakness in camp though, “I definitely miss my kids.”

# # #

“Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” is a 12 round battle between Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout taking place on December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be telecast live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.comor www.thegarden.com.

Hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, Cotto (37-3, 30 KO’s) has held a world title every year since 2004 while winning 16 of the 18 world championship bouts in which he has fought. Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter and one of its greatest of all time, Cotto held the World Boxing Organization (WBO) Junior Welterweight crown from 2004-2006, successfully defending it six times before vacating it in order to fight for and capture the WBA Welterweight title at the end of 2006, a title he held for nearly as long. After controversially losing the WBA title to Antonio Margarito in July 2008, Cotto won his second welterweight belt in February 2009, knocking out Michael Jennings in the fifth round to become the WBO Welterweight champion. He lost the title in his second defense in November 2009, but captured the WBA Super Welterweight title in June of 2010 at Yankee Stadium in New York by stopping then-undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman. Cotto successfully defended that title by stopping Two-Division World Champion Ricardo “El Matador” Mayorga in the 12th round in March of 2011 and then avenged his loss to Margarito in December of 2011, once again retaining his title and giving him true peace of mind. He has also added to his huge fan base by giving Floyd “Money” Mayweather and Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao their toughest fights to date. Next on his plate is Austin Trout, and if he defeats the New Mexico southpaw, it will be another world championship added to his Hall of Fame resume.

27-year-old Austin “No Doubt” Trout (25-0, 14 KO’s) has been boxing since the age of 10, but the 2004 United States amateur champion didn’t begin making noise in the sport until he began mowing through opponent after opponent while maintaining an undefeated professional record. By the tail end of 2009, he was 20-0 and the WBA international, WBA Fedelatin, and WBC Continental Americas super welterweight champion, but fights were hard to come by. In February of 2011 though, Trout emerged and captured a world championship by defeating Rigoberto “El Español” Alvarez, Canelo’s older brother, for the WBA Interim Super Welterweight World Championship. He has since been elevated to full champion and successfully defended his belt three times against David “Destroyer” Lopez, Frank “The Italian Stallion” LoPorto and Delvin Rodriguez, setting up the fight of his life on December 1 against Miguel Cotto.

For more information, visit www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.thegarden.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RealMiguelCotto, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/NoDoubtTrout, www.twitter.com/MSGSportsNYC, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #CottoTrout or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

SHOWTIME SPORTS® TO TAKE VIEWERS BEHIND THE SCENES WITH ALL ACCESS: COTTO vs. TROUT

NEW YORK (Nov. 12, 2012) — SHOWTIME® Sports takes viewers behind the scenes and into the lives of Four-Time and Three Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and undefeated reigning World Champion Austin Trout with ALL ACCESS: Cotto vs. Trout as they push themselves toward their highly anticipated Dec. 1 showdown at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, live on SHOWTIME® (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The first of two episodes featuring the unique perspective of ALL ACCESS premieres on Friday, Nov. 16 at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME, with multiple replays on CBS Sports Network, SHOWTIME and SHOWTIME EXTREME.

ALL ACCESS crews are on hand to document everything from the intense to the intimate as Cotto and Trout prepare for 12 rounds of boxing at its highest level. From the last brutal round of sparring to the respite of family life during an excruciating two month training camp, ALL ACCESS gives viewers an all-encompassing glimpse into the lives of these two world champions.

In episode one, SHOWTIME documents Cotto’s training camp from the mountains of Big Bear, Calif., to the heat of Orlando, Fla., where the pound-for-pound mainstay completes his camp. ALL ACCESS provides an inside glimpse to the intense workouts and preparations as Cotto (37-3, 30 KO’s), of Caguas, Puerto Rico, aims to win his 17th world championship bout.

Viewers will also be on hand in Las Cruces, N.M., home and camp of WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Trout. The undefeated “No Doubt” Trout (25-0, 14 KO’s) has made three successful defenses of his title and is aiming to defeat a legend in order to solidify himself as one of the sport’s premier fighters.

Featured in ALL ACCESS: Cotto vs. Trout are trainers Pedro Diaz (Cotto) and Louie Burke (Trout), as well as family members, nutritionists and nearly every vital component on the path to Madison Square Garden.

Following the Dec. 1 fight, Epilogue peels back the curtain and takes viewers inside the fight week build-up and offers a rare glimpse into the raw emotion and drama during the fight. Epilogue premieres on Saturday, Dec. 15 at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on SHOWTIME. Following the premiere of Epilogue, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING presents Amir Khan vs. Carlos Molina in a 12-round Junior Welterweight bout live at 10:30 p.m. ET/PT.

Websites and blogs may embed the trailer using http://bcove.me/m0o8hcje

“Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout” is a 12-round battle between Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin Trout taking place on Saturday, December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The event is promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, sponsored by Corona and will be telecast live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now. They can be purchase.d at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

CAN UNBEATEN SENSATION JOSE PEDRAZA LIVE UP TO HYPE? IS HE PUERTO RICO’S BEST PROSPECT SINCE MIGUEL COTTO? WATCH THIS FRIDAY WHEN HE TAKES ON TEVIN FARMER IN MAIN EVENT ON SHOBOX: THE NEW GENERATION

NEW YORK (Oct. 10, 2012) – Fans get an opportunity to watch a boxer regarded as the most promising prospect from Puerto Rico since superstar Miguel Cotto when talented lightweight and former international amateur standout Jose “The Sniper” Pedraza (10-0) faces southpaw Tevin “The American Idol” Farmer (7-3-1, 1 KO) of Philadelphia in the eight-round main event this Friday, Oct. 12, on ShoBox: The New Generation live on SHOWTIME® (10 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

The co-feature at Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, Mo., is a grudge match between power-punching Dominican Jonathan “El Conquistador” Cepeda (12-0, 11 KOs), of Jersey City, N.J., and fellow unbeaten Lamar “The Boxing Que” Russ (10-0, 6 KOs), of Tallahassee, Fla. Russ lost via disputed disqualification to Cepeda in the finals of a Golden Gloves tournament in March 2007 and will be seeking revenge in the eight-round middleweight match.

Also, highlights from a fight featuring Jermain Taylor against Raul Munoz and a live interview with Taylor, a former undisputed middleweight champion, will be shown during the telecast.

The 5-foot-9, 23-year-old Pedraza is unbeaten and untested and has been brought along slowly, but he seemingly possesses the tools to oneday perhaps become as well-known – and successful — as his Puerto Rican predecessors, prolific prizefighters such as Cotto, Felix “Tito” Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez and Wilfred Benitez.

Said Cotto: “We wish the best to Pedraza on Friday night. Looking forward to a great performance on ShoBox.’’

Pedraza, who began boxing at the age of 12, fought 170 times in the amateurs and was a three-time Puerto Rican national champion. He represented Puerto Rico in the 2008 Olympic Games, and was the gold medalist at the 2010 Central American and Caribbean Games.

Since turning pro at 21 on Feb. 18, 2011, he has seldom lost a round.

“The next couple of months we’re going to see the present and the future of Puerto Rican boxing,’’ said ShoBox expert analyst and boxing historian Steve Farhood. “On Dec. 1, Cotto, a future Hall of Famer, will be fighting at Madison Square Garden on SHOWTIME and on Friday the fighter that has been called the best prospect since Cotto is fighting on ShoBox.’’

This will be Pedraza’s fifth fight in 2012, his sixth consecutive scheduled eight-round bout and his second start on ShoBox. In his last fight, he registered one knockdown en route to taking a unanimous eight-round decision over Jose Valderrama on Aug. 31. Three fights ago, Pedraza won his ShoBox debut with a unanimous eight-round decision over Gil Garcia on April 27.

“Judging by what we saw from Pedraza last time on ShoBox, you can be sure he’ll be punching for a knockout (on Friday),’’ Farhood said.

The versatile, ambidextrous Pedraza, who can box or slug, trains the vast majority of the time at the Albergue Olimpico Gym in Salinas. Albergue Olimpico Gym is the Olympic training center in Puerto Rico – the equivalent of Colorado Springs in the United States.

“I just want to tell all the people who are coming to the fight and all of the people watching on TV — get ready because I’m going to put on a show,” Pedraza said.

Farmer, a replacement for Allan Benitez who withdrew because of an elbow injury, accepted this assignment this past weekend.

An awkward boxer and natural counter-puncher who’ll be spotting Pedraza three inches in height, the 5-foot-6, 22-year old Farmer has won three in a row and five out of his last six. In his last start, he pitched an eight-round shutout against Rasool Shakoor on July 28.

Farmer, a pro since February 2011, is known for his willingness to fight anybody anywhere – even if it means taking a significant step up in class versus a foe he knows nothing about.

“I’m not familiar with my opponent at all,’’ the self-managed Farmer said. “I haven’t seen videos. I know my capabilities. I’m slick and fast and I know I’ve faced tougher. Fighting me will be a step up for him, not a step up for me. I don’t have a promoter backing me, I’ve done this alone.’’

Farmer feels fighting as a lightweight is significant. “I was actually struggling to make weight,’’ he said. “Look at my losses; they were all at 130 or under. So now I’m fighting at 135.”

If bloodlines mean anything, Farmer will win. He says he’s related to the legendary Joe Gans, an all-time great world lightweight champion considered to be one of the best boxers in history, pound-for-pound.

The opening bout of the telecast is a classic ShoBox matchup between unbeaten fighters at similar stages of their careers. Both feel they are elite prospects and are willing to prove it by fighting each other. The result could provide each three-year professional a good barometer of where they’re at and how close they are to taking the next step to contender status.

“If you haven’t seen Cepeda, you’re going to love him,’’ Farhood said. “He’s a pure puncher with a knockout artist’s mentality. Russ is a lanky boxer-puncher who stands in the pocket, so it should be a great action fight.’’

While a defeat wouldn’t be disastrous for either guy, the outcome may be more important to the aggressive-minded, 5-foot-9, 28-year-old Cepeda, a three-year pro who got a late start in the sport and didn’t begin to box until he was 20. He had a brief amateur career, going 24-4 (all the losses were to former world title challenger Danny Jacobs) before turning pro in November 2008.

Cepeda has won nine in a row by knockout, including a 1:42 first-round TKO over Orphius Waite last Aug. 2. He dropped Waite twice before it was stopped. This will be his second fight since walking away from a head-on collision last November on the New Jersey Turnpike.

“There was one lane open, and there was about a 70- or 80-year-old man who fell asleep at the wheel and hit me straight on at 80 miles an hour,’’ Cepeda said. “I was with a female friend. She broke her shoulder. She had a dog with her and the dog went through the windshield.”

Miraculously, Cepeda escaped mostly unscathed. “I had injuries to my shoulder and back and a couple of flesh wounds, but nothing serious,’’ he said. “I went through physical therapy. Luckily I was able to recover 100 percent. I had angels of my own that day, my Mom’s birthday.’’

Cepeda has had to overcome a lot besides the automobile accident. “I had personal problems,’’ he said. “I’m from the streets where there were gangs, violence. But I went to Florida, went to school, got an education. I saw a whole different life. Now, I’m real happy. I just want to look good and let everyone know I’m the new kid on the block and I demand my respect. I love fighting. I’m excited, happy that this opportunity came along. I’m going in there to take him out.”

Russ, a 6-foot-2, 25-year-old college graduate, is fighting for the first time since registering a career-best fourth-round knockout over previously undefeated Jose Alonzo last April 14. This will be his third fight of the year, after fighting just once in 2011. It is his eight-round debut.

Before turning pro at the age of 22 in October 2009, Russ was an accomplished, top five-ranked amateur who won the vast majority of his nearly 300 bouts. But it’s the DQ defeat to Cepeda that continues to gnaw at him.

“When I fought him in the amateurs, I was disqualified – it was just a bad call,” said Russ, who spars with WBA middleweight champion Gennady Golovkin. “We knew we’d run into him one of these days, and this is it. It’s personal, because I feel like he owes me one. As soon as we were offered this fight, we jumped on it. Jonathan is a great guy and he’s got great skills but I feel like I’m the better, hungrier fighter. I deserve this. It’s going to be an interesting fight.”

Regarding his nickname, “The Boxing Que,” he said. “I’m in a fraternity, Omega Psi Phi, at Fayetteville State University. I graduated with a business administration degree in 2011.”

Barry Tompkins will call the ShoBox action from ringside alongside Farhood. The executive producer is Gordon Hall with Richard Gaughan producing and Rick Phillips directing.

The event is promoted by DiBella Entertainment, in association with Gary Shaw Productions, Universal Promotions and Rumble Time Promotions. Tickets are priced at $100, $75 and $40 and can be purchased through the Ameristar Casino or by calling (314) 267-2204. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. with the first bout scheduled for 6 p.m.

Trout: It’s My Time!

Listening to former four-time and three-division world champion Miguel Cotto guarantee a victory against him, Austin “No Doubt” Trout had mixed emotions.

The pair will meet for Trout’s WBA Super Welterweight World Championship on Saturday, December 1 at Madison Square Garden in New York City and live on SHOWTIME.

“I know this fight will be a changing of the guard. I’m going to use my victory over him as an announcement that boxing has a new superstar,” said Trout. “But even though boxing is a game where the strongest survive and it’s my time, I still feel a little bad for him and his fans. I’ve been a Cotto fan and he’s had a great career, but I hope they all know this is 2012. They’re not going there to watch their hero win. They’re going there to watch him pass the torch.”

Trout says he hopes when the fight is over, he can let Cotto know it wasn’t personal and that every great fighter goes through this in time.

“In 1991, Sugar Ray Leonard fought an unknown champion right there in Madison Square Garden. He was supposed to be just tuning up for big fights on the horizon. But instead, he took a beating and that was his last fight as a serious threat to any belts. 12 rounds later, boxing had a new star, Terry Norris. That’s what this fight will be about: History repeating itself.”

Respectful, likeable and active in several charities, Trout says he hopes The Big Apple fight fans will get behind him as they did Cotto in his glory days.

“It’s such a lifelong dream to be fighting a superstar in the ‘Mecca of Boxing’. It really is a dream come true and I hope my victory is impressive enough where the fans in this great city show me some of the love they’ve showed Cotto throughout his great run. I’m honored to be part of such an historic event and happy that my time is about to begin.”

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 are on sale now. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

27-year-old Austin “No Doubt” Trout (25-0, 14 KO’s) has been boxing since the age of 10, but the 2004 United States amateur champion didn’t begin making noise in the sport until he began mowing through opponent after opponent while maintaining an undefeated professional record. By the tail end of 2009, he was 20-0 and the WBA international, WBA Fedelatin, and WBC Continental Americas super welterweight champion, but fights were hard to come by. In February of 2011 though, Trout emerged and captured a world championship by defeating Rigoberto “El Español” Alvarez, Canelo’s older brother, for the WBA Interim Super Welterweight World Championship. He has since been elevated to full champion and defended his belt successfully three times against David “Destroyer” Lopez, Frank “The Italian Stallion” LoPorto and Delvin Rodriguez, setting up the fight of his life on December 1 against Miguel Cotto.

For more information, visit www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.thegarden.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RealMiguelCotto, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/NoDoubtTrout, www.twitter.com/MSGSportsNYC, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #CottoTrout or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

MIGUEL COTTO & AUSTIN TROUT HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE IN PUERTO RICO

NEW YORK (Sept. 27, 2012) – Two days after a press conference in New York to formally announce “Showdown: Cotto vs. Trout,” Miguel Cotto and Austin Trout were in Puerto Rico on Wednesday to discuss their upcoming world title fight on Saturday, December 1, at Madison Square Garden.

Speaking outdoors at a public press conference at Anfiteatro Paseo De Las Artes Calle Padial in Caguas, Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Cotto and defending WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Trout spoke enthusiastically about the impending fight with Cotto emphatically declaring his intention to win.

While addressing his adoring fans and media in his native country, Cotto guaranteed a victory: “Thank you all for coming today. We are very happy to see you all and (I thank you for) your great support. I can only say that I will train as hard as I can like I always do, and on December 1, I will become world champion again. I’ll guarantee you all that I will return to Puerto Rico as a champion.”

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are on sale now and can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

MIGUEL COTTO AND AUSTIN TROUT SET TO SQUARE OFF DECEMBER 1 AT MADISON SQUARE GARDEN IN A WORLD TITLE CLASH

NEW YORK (September 24) – Though he proudly represents his native Puerto Rico every time he steps between the ropes, Miguel Cotto can easily call New York City his second home, as he is unbeaten in nine fights in the Big Apple since turning professional in 2001. On Saturday, December 1 the former Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion expects to have a full house cheering him on at the “Mecca of Boxing,” Madison Square Garden, as he looks to add another title belt to his collection when he takes on WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Austin “No Doubt” Trout in a fight that will be telecast live on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING.

“I am really excited to come back to my second home,” said Cotto. “Fighting at The Garden is always special for me and a true pleasure. There is something unique in the atmosphere and it means a lot to me every time I fight there because the energy of the fans gives me extra motivation. Austin Trout will be a challenge for me, but I will win my fifth world championship on December 1.”

“Miguel Cotto needs no introduction,” said Trout. “He’s a true champion and one of the best fighters of the last 10 years, but I’m the present and future of the sport and this is just the showcase I need to prove to the world that I’m one of the best, pound-for-pound. I can’t wait to fight in such a legendary place like Madison Square Garden; it’s every fighter’s dream.”

“We are thrilled to have Miguel Cotto back at The Garden in a spectacular fight against undefeated and world champion Austin Trout,” Miguel Cotto Promotions Vice President Hector Soto stated. “This will be like a homecoming party; a national Puerto Rican holiday. This is a solid show featuring one of the biggest superstars in boxing, Miguel Cotto, supported by hot prospects from the island of Puerto Rico showing their developing talent and potential. I cannot wait!”

“There are few events in boxing like a Miguel Cotto fight at Madison Square Garden,” said Golden Boy Promotions President Oscar De La Hoya. “The atmosphere is electric and it feels like all of Puerto Rico has come out to support him. Nights like these lift up the sport and I can’t wait to be in New York on December 1 to witness this great fight live.”

“Austin Trout is the WBA Super Welterweight Champion of The World, Miguel Cotto is a future hall of famer and great fighter who deserves all the accolades he receives,” said Greg Cohen, CEO of Greg Cohen Promotions. “Miguel Cotto could fight anyone and the fact that he sought out a young, hungry and talented world champion in Austin Trout speaks volumes of his character and competitive spirit. This fight will represent the changing of the guard, very similar to when a young Sugar Ray Leonard beat Wilfred Benitez. Austin Trout is going to be the next American superstar. Some guys get lost in the moment while others embrace it. Austin will seize the moment. December 1 at Madison Square Garden, a star will be born!”

“We are proud to be working with Miguel Cotto Promotions on such a huge event,” said Stephen Espinzoa, Executive Vice President and General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports. “Miguel Cotto is an icon not only in the boxing world but also to New York sports fans. Bringing him back to this city to fight an undefeated champion in Austin Trout at Madison Square Garden is a perfect way to cap off what has been a landmark year for World Championship boxing on SHOWTIME.”

“We are excited to welcome the great Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto back to his home, Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing,” said Joel Fisher, executive vice president, MSG Sports. “Miguel is New York’s most popular fighter, and we’re thrilled that area boxing fans will be able to see him in our historic building – that will just have completed phase two of our transformation – once again.”

Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, go on sale on Tuesday, September 25 at 1:00 p.m. ET. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.

27-year-old Austin “No Doubt” Trout (25-0, 14 KO’s) has been boxing since the age of 10, but the 2004 United States amateur champion didn’t begin making noise in the sport until he began mowing through opponent after opponent while maintaining an undefeated professional record. By the tail end of 2009, he was 20-0 and the WBA international, WBA Fedelatin, and WBC Continental Americas super welterweight champion, but fights were hard to come by. In February of 2011 though, Trout emerged and captured a world championship by defeating Rigoberto “El Español” Alvarez, Canelo’s older brother, for the WBA Interim Super Welterweight World Championship. He has since been elevated to full champions and defended his belt successfully three times against David “Destroyer” Lopez, Frank “The Italian Stallion” LoPorto and Delvin Rodriguez, setting up the fight of his life on December 1 against Miguel Cotto.

For more information, visit www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.thegarden.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RealMiguelCotto, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/NoDoubtTrout, www.twitter.com/MSGSportsNYC, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #CottoTrout or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.

Cotto to face Trout on December 1st

According to Dan Rafael of espn.com, WBA Super Welterweight champion Austin Trout will take on former three division champion Miguel Cotto on December 1st at Madison Square Garden.

“I officially announce that my fight on Dec. 1st at MSG will be with the undefeated WBA (junior middleweight titlist) Austin Trout,” Cotto wrote.

“I’m trying to put this legacy together and this is what I needed. I am ecstatic right now,” Trout told ESPN.com. “I get to check off a few things on my bucket list with this fight. I get to fight in the Garden, I get to fight a superstar in the Garden, and I get to fight on HBO, if that’s where this fight is.”

Both HBO and Showtime are negotiation to televise the fight.

“We are teaming up with Golden Boy for aspects of the promotion, but Miguel doesn’t have any promotional ties to any company and that’s the way it’s going to remain,” said Cotto’s attorney Gabriel Penagaricano.

“We explored the Pacquiao fight,” Penagaricano said. “We discussed it for several days but there was no agreement. The weight was an issue and we didn’t agree on all relevant aspects of the deal, so at the end, there was no agreement. After that didn’t work out, we had a had a short list of candidates and Miguel picked Trout.

“He’s undefeated, he’s a good challenge, he’s a world champion and that was attractive to Miguel. The world title aspect and the undefeated record were most attractive in making the selection.”

Trout found out that he had gotten the fight by phone from his promoter, Greg Cohen, on Friday and said he did not believe him at first.

“He told me and I said, ‘Get out of here,’ ” Trout said. “There had been talks before so I didn’t believe him. Greg said, ‘So how does “Trout-Cotto” sound to you?’ I said, ‘Great,’ but I didn’t think he was serious. He said, ‘This is happening.’ It’s a miracle for Cotto to take this kind of fight. I’m gonna take full advantage of this opportunity. I feel like going to train right now.”

“I don’t want to step on Cotto because the only night he can get the Garden is Dec. 1,” Arum said. “So that means we then take Dec. 8. Hopefully, Miguel winds up on HBO and we’ll go on pay-per-view the next week. That’s the idea.”

“I’ve done that before, going to other people’s house,” he said. “I went to Mexico twice for title fights and I will take that experience with me. I’m ready for it. I’ve been through the Mexican fans. The Puerto Rican fans are passionate as well, but I’ve had my seasoning.

“I am definitely a fan,” he said. “I watched him coming up with Top Rank. I’ve been watching him for a while. I will prepare for the Cotto that gave Mayweather his fight next to (the first fight he had with Jose Luis Castillo). I know the jab will be important. I’ll step around him. I saw how Pacquiao did it to him and I think I have better footwork than Pacquiao.

Pacquiao the convert, Bradley the shameless

Manny Pacquiao can be beaten, but this is not news because any man who ties gloves on his fists and makes combat with large and good enough men will be beaten eventually. Manny Pacquiao can be beaten by the man he faces Saturday, and this is news. It is not an outcome aficionados have allowed-for in a Pacquiao fight since at least Miguel Cotto but probably Oscar De La Hoya – and nobody knew what the hell was going to happen in that fight.

Pacquiao was unofficially beaten by Juan Manuel Marquez in November, yes, but you couldn’t find three people to predict it aloud in the MGM Grand Media Center during fightweek. It will be different this week. Pacquiao has not looked sensational against another prime fighter since his second tilt with Marquez in 2008 – another fight he may have lost with every scorecard in an honest hand. None of his recent opponents, not even Marquez seven months ago, prepared him for what he’ll see Saturday, when he faces Timothy Bradley at MGM Grand for the WBO welterweight title.

Bradley, 7-0 in world title fights, is an undefeated 28-year-old volume puncher who leads with his head. That sentence comprises everything needed to beat a subprime Pacquiao.

It has been more than five years since Pacquiao faced someone who had no idea how to lose, and that was the overmatched Jorge Solis at Alamodome in a fight with more anxious moments than one infers today from its boxscore. Those moments came behind a collision of heads that caused a cut to drop blood in Pacquiao’s eye, much as had happened two years before in the last prizefight Pacquiao lost – when Erik Morales took notice of the queasy look Pacquiao showed him after a visit to the ringside doctor. The Solis cut, too, brought a queasy look, one followed immediately by Pacquiao thrice making the Sign of the Cross – forehead to breastbone, left shoulder to right – in rapid succession, before tearing into Solis with a savageness unpredicted by any previous act in the fight.

The Sign of the Cross is a thing young Catholics learn to make in anxious situations, an emergency petition of sorts: I could be in over my head, here, so please watch over me. Pacquiao learned to do it as a child, like millions of others, and has continued to do it through a career that, as discovered in this match’s promotion, saw him occasionally eschew the teachings of Rome. Pacquiao’s rededication to his Catholic faith is sincere, but like other sincere initiatives Pacquiao has launched – like eradicating world poverty with yellow gloves – this one looks flighty.

It should be a private matter, either way, Pacquiao’s born-again Catholicism during a prizefight promotion, but as a matter that exploits Americans’ dual fascinations with evangelism and salesmanship, it was too rich for HBO not to shine its documentary light on – as part of a “24/7” programming concept, once innovative in 2007, that now covers mostly itself and predicts storylines it once discovered.

Pacquiao’s unconventional conversion is a bit relevant, too, because a fighter is not supposed to “feel empty inside” during training camp. If he is not too physically exhausted and mentally obsessed with another man’s injury to partake of such flummery, he’s likely not throwing hard enough at the heavybag. Or is that too ungentle for this era? Well. Can you imagine Marvelous Marvin Hagler, cloistered at the Provincetown Inn – the better to marinate in hatred and rage – having a telegenic advisor to ensure his spirit felt fulfilled? Heavens.

Just another part of the Pacquiao mystique, we are told. The soap-operatic entourage, the constituents in Sarangani Province, record deals, lawsuits and countersuits, the feuding corner, training breaks for Bible study; none of these is a distraction because Pacquiao has preternatural focus in the prizefighting ring. Or he’s been well-matched.

Inherent in most aficionados’ Pacquiao fight predictions has been a wager like this: Too much money to be made in a Floyd Mayweather fight for promoter Top Rank to risk it with a miscue. This has been a well-placed bet on the legendary marriage of matchmaker Bruce Trampler’s prowess and promoter Bob Arum’s business acumen, and their continued assumption a superfight with Mayweather is still doable.

Timothy Bradley’s one other showing at welterweight, an unimpressive 2010 outing with Luis Carlos Abregu, also indicates a prime Pacquiao will have his hand raised Saturday. Bradley is special in his way, special in both style and character, but he is not quite special as a guy who went 4-1-1 (3 KOs) against the primest versions of his era’s three best Mexican champions, as Pacquiao did. When was that prime-Pacquiao last seen, though? Pacquiao is the variable, Saturday, not Bradley; if the Pacquiao who has been showing up since he decked Ricky Hatton makes a pre-concert appearance at MGM Grand later this week, he will get conclusively outworked.

We already know what a volume puncher like Bradley brings: a glorious sort of shamelessness. Bradley doesn’t care much where he hits you and cares even less if you stretch him; so long as he surrenders himself fully to his intensity and does what his corner tells him, he is contented. Bradley doesn’t have to worry about losing because he has never done so as a professional, and because a volume puncher knows quickly when someone is decisively better than he is, as Pacquiao will be, and finds euphoria in breaking that man’s spirit with a want of polish, an enchanting rudeness.

I’ll take Bradley, SD-12, then – with a dissenting 112-116 scorecard filled-out the day before.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

Mayweather – Cotto generates 1.5 million PPV buys

The May 5th Floyd Mayweather – Miguel Cotto megafight was just that as it amassed 1.5 Million Pay Per View buys which equated to $94 Million.

“The 1.5 million number is actual reported numbers,” Golden Boy Promotions Richard Schaefer told ESPN.com. “The final number will definitely be bigger than what it is now.”

“Floyd Mayweather’s numbers are getting bigger and bigger and this number shows you the kind of draw he is,” Schaefer said. “He’s a superstar and able to capture the interest of a large audience. He has broken out of the boxing following and now has a mainstream following that is unmatched in the sport. The numbers keep getting bigger and bigger.”

The bout is the second biggest non heavyweight bout of all time behind Mayweather’s bout with Oscar De La Hoya

Above a Texas bullring, a reminder about Floyd Mayweather

SAN ANTONIO – Suspended above a bullring on a wire-mesh floor below a cinema-size screen, one story and 50 yards from where Cowboys Dancehall’s dancers danced, 75 or so aficionados gathered to look up to a gigantic image of Floyd Mayweather looping right crosses off Miguel Cotto’s left temple. They had arrived round 6:00 PM and sat through seven local-talent fights co-promoted by Jesse James Leija, and a pay-per-view co-main as well.

Although their view was front row of a movie theater that made customers stand, these aficionados enjoyed certain uncommon benefits: they were in a lively if respectful group comprising more serious observers than the folks downstairs keeping one eye on the Spurs game, there was instead of HBO’s audio feed the odd musical assortment that explodes from cowboy-bar speakers – Sir Mix-A-Lot opening for Garth Brooks – and there was the unexpectedly good event that went off above them.

Floyd Mayweather decisioned Miguel Cotto by unanimous scores, Saturday, in MGM Grand. The scorecards, while wide, were about what prognosticators expected, when in a reflection of bookmakers’ opinions, they favored Mayweather nine or so to one – with the one in that ratio usually having an ethnic or financial stake in picking the loser. Writers at ringside had the fight closer than the official judges, and ringside writers and official judges composed the matter’s sole authorities.

Nobody sincerely believed Cotto would win Saturday’s fight, and he did not. But Cotto made a fight more satisfying for spectators than any he had made since Manny Pacquiao stopped him 30 months ago. And make no mistake, it was Cotto who made Saturday’s fight. In round 2, he put Mayweather on the ropes – and Referee Tony Weeks left him there – and it led to a heap more abuse than Mayweather expected, all postfight protestations to the contrary.

In implying afterwards that his initial trip to the ropes was voluntary, that allowing Cotto to whale on his arms and sternum was plan A, Mayweather struck a curiously familiar note; those were Roy Jones’ words immediately after he sneaked past Antonio Tarver in 2003: I went to the ropes to entertain my fans. But in actuality, as the world soon learned, Jones went to the ropes because his diminishing reflexes and footwork allowed Tarver to put him there.

A similar hollowness accompanied Mayweather’s words because his fans, like Jones’ before them, generally want no part in a competitive spectacle. They do not watch a Mayweather fight to see their guy endangered or struck on the face a hundred times. They watch for a transcendent display, for proof that super heroes happen off the pages of their comic books.

What little vocal reaction happened above the bullring at Cowboys Dancehall, Saturday, came just as the bell rang to end round 8, Cotto’s best.

“He ain’t doing nothing!” somebody barked.

“He ain’t nothing!” agreed a second voice, its volume proportionate to its nervousness.

Then Mayweather gave them a rebuttal that was articulate (since that word has come out of hiding): I am a fighter, not an entertainer. It was what Mayweather said in the third round of his match with Shane Mosley, when he put his hands in a classic, high position and attacked the older man. It was a phrase he spoke in his fourth round with Victor Ortiz when he exploited the younger man’s weakness to cut his consciousness. And it was what he said for 30 of Saturday’s 36 minutes with Miguel Cotto. I am this, primarily this, and not what most of you think I am.

Something often missed by Mayweather’s detractors and ever missed by his devotees: Before he was “Money May,” master of the era’s race-baiting nuances, before he made pundits who should know better assign unprecedented import to his undefeated record, he was a fighter – a man who collected blows for a living.

There was a touch of requited love in the way Mayweather handled Cotto’s head on a break in round 4, something almost tender about it. Another man was speaking to him fluently in their first language – not hip hop’s Ali-copycat speak, not the cloyed and serenaded words the mercenaries sing to Money, not those adverbial clauses everyone spits at video cameras – but the language of professional combat in a proper tongue. It betrayed for a moment what most observers do not realize: Other fighters genuinely adore Floyd Mayweather because he is, at root, exactly as they are.

But other fighters also know what historians will uncover: There is a reason you must fight the fights. Mayweather beat Cotto, yes, but does any knowledgeable observer think he is, today, a stronger man for doing it? He is not. Mayweather was brutalized, softened, his health compromised, his life likely shortened some, in those 12 rounds with another professional puncher. It was what both men signed up for, of course, and if Mayweather was not enthusiastic about paying the tariff, he was still, and absolutely, good for it.

Historians, those plodding, careful men who assess records not hand speed, will note Mayweather never fought or beat, in his prime, a man who was favored over him. It’s too late to change that, and subsequently Mayweather’s legacy is for the most part settled. But then, respectfully, so is this: Floyd Mayweather was and is more of a fighter than he was or ever will be anything else.

Bart Barry can be reached at bart.barrys.email (at) gmail.com

FOLLOW MAYWEATHER – COTTO LIVE!!

Follow all the action from the MGM as Miguel Cotto defends the WBA Super Welterweight championship against Floyd Mayweather. The action begins at 7pm est/4pm Pac with a FIVE fight undercard featuring Canelo Alvarez defending the WBC Super Welterweight championship against the Legendary Shane Mosley. Jesse Vargas takes on former world champion Steve Forbes as well as DeAndre Latimore battling Carlos Quintana. Also bouts involving prospects Keith Thurman & Omar Figueroa Jr.

12 Rounds–WBA Super Welterweight title–Miguel Cotto (37-2, 30 KO’s) vs Floyd Mayweather (42-0, 26 KO’s)

Round 1 Trading body shots..Cotto lands a combo inside..Mayweather lands a couple body shots at the bell…10-9 Mayweather

Round 2 Right from Mayweather…Right from distance..Right from Cotto…Right from Mayweather…20-18 Mayweather

Round 3 Hard right from Mayweather…Right to body and head from Cotto..Jab..Counter right from Mayweather..lead right..Hard jab from Cotto..29-28 Mayweather

Round 4 Hard right from Mayweather…3 more sweeping rights…another right…2 shots from Cotto..39-37 Mayweather

Round 4 Great combos from Mayweather..Straight right hand…Right from Cotto..Mayweather lands a solid ..49-46 Mayweather

Round 6 Good right from Mayweather…jab from Cotto..another Jab..Left hook..Good right from Mayweather…58-56 Mayweather

Round 7 Uppercut from Cotto..2 body shots…3 punch combo from Mayweather…Left to the body for Cotto…67-66 Mayweather

Round 8 Body head combo from Mayweather…Cotto lands a right..Right to body..Uppercut from Mayweather…big uppercut..Good left from Cotto..Great action in the corner…77-75 Mayweather

Round 9 Right from Mayweather…Left hook and jab from Cotto,..Mayweather lands a body shot..87-85 Mayweather

Round 10 Cotto lands a left…right from Mayweather..left..Good uppercut from Cotto…97-94 Mayweather

Round 11 Straight from Mayweather..Good combination..quick left hook…107-103 Mayweather

Round 12 Hard combination from Mayweather…Huge upper cut wobbles Cotto another huge shot…117-112 Mayweather

117-111; 117-111; 118-110 FLOYD MAYWEATHER

12 Rounds–WBC Super Welterweight Saul Alvarez (39-0-1, 29 KO’s) vs Shane Mosley (46-7-1, 39 KO’s)

Round 1 Alavrez lands a body shot..Mosley lands a body…Jab from Alvarez..Left hook..Body shot…another body shot..Left hook…Mosley lands a right..Left hook from Alvarez…10-9 Alvarez

Round 2 Jab…left.Hook body then upstairs…body..20-18 Alvarez

Round 3 Good right from Alvarez..Headbutt causes cut over left eye of Alvarez…30-27 Alvarez

Round 4 Hard 3 punch combination from Alvarez…Hard right..40-36 Alvarez

Round 5 Hard left from Alvarez, snapped Mosley’s head back..50-45 Alvarez

Round 6 Right from Alvarez..Ripping 3 shots for Alvarez…60-54 Alvarez

Round 7 Hard head combo from Alvarez…70-63 ALvarez

Round 8 Mosley lands a combination on the ropes…Alvarez landing hard punches..79-73 Alvarez

Round 9 Short right from Alvarez…Hard body and head shots…right from Mosley..Wicked left from Alvarez…89-82 Alvarez

Round 10 Hard right drives Mosley back…4 punch combination…99-91 Alvarez

Round 11 Big Left hook from Alvarez…109-100

Round 12 Mosley trying…too little too late..Alvarez 3 punch combo…119-109

119-109; 118-110; 119-109 SAUL CANELO ALVAREZ

10 Rounds–Welterweights—Jessie Vargas (18-0, 9 KO’s) vs. Steve Forbes (35-10, 11 KO’s)

Round 1 Vargas lands a jab…10-9 Vargas

Round 2 Vargas lands a good left hook..20-18 Vargas

Round 3 Good combination work form Vargas…30-27

Round 4 Forbes sneaks in a right,,,39-37 Vargas

Round 5 vargas back to boxing…49-46 Vargas

Round 6 Good right from Forbes… 58-56 Vargas

Round 7 Trading body shots…Vargas lands a body shot and lead left hook…68-65 Vargas

Round 8 Forbes lands a looping right …Vargas 77-75

Round 9 Vargas landing good jabs,,,87-84 Vargas

Round 10 Vargas lands a jab…..97-93 Vargas

100-90; 97-93; 98-92 for Jesse Vargas

10 Rounds Super Welterweights–DeAndre Latimore (23-3, 17 KO’s) vs Carlos Quintana (28-3, 22 KO’s)

Round 1 Battle of Southpaws…Quintana working the body…10-9 Quintana

Round 2 Latimore lands a low blow…Right hook from Latimore..Latimore bleeding over left eyelid…20-18 Quintana

Round 3 Left from Latimore…Quintana lands a hard right..hard shots from Quintana against the ropes…30-27 Quintana

Round 4 Quintana lands a hard shot...40-36 Quintana

Round 5 Quintana lands hard shots on the ropes…50-45

Round 6 HARD STRAIGHT LEFT AND DOWN GOES LATIMORE….KENNY BAYLESS STOPS THE FIGHT

10 Rounds–Lightweights–Omar Figueroa (15-0-1, 12 KO’s) vs Robbie Cannon (12-6-2, 6 KO’s)

Round 1 Figueroa going to the body…BODY SHOT HURTS CANNON AND HE TAKES A KNEE…Nice 1-2…10-8 Figueroa

Round 2 Good body shot from Figueroa…Jab..Hard left..HUGE LEFT AND DOWN GOES CANNON…UP AT 9 AND FIGHT IS STOPPED BY RUSSELL MORA

8 ROUNDS–Super Welterweights–Keith Thurman (16-0, 15 KO’s) vs Brandon Hoskins (16-0-1, 8 KO’s)

Round 1 Thurman lands a left…right lead to the body…jab..Left hook to the body..Hard jab hurts Hoskins..Good body and head combo..Nice 1-2…10-9 Thurman

Round 2 Hoskins is hurt AND TAKES A KNEE…Nice left hook from Thurman..Left hook..Good right..20-17 Thurman

Round 3 BIG RIGHT HAND AND REFEREE RUSSELL MORA STOPS THE BOUT

Mayweather and Cotto won’t blink in trying to look for an edge and an outcome

LAS VEGAS – Floyd Mayweather Jr. generated cheers, boos and even a reaction from the stoic Miguel Cotto after a stare down Friday that lasted longer than anybody can remember in a ritual that has followed weigh-ins for as long as there has been an opening bell. For 70 seconds, they looked into each other’s eyes, maybe looking for a weakness or maybe looking for another clue to the outcome of Saturday night’s junior-middleweight fight at the MGM Grand.

Those dangerous eyes stayed locked, without a single blink, like lasers onto a target in a break from expectation and perhaps a sign that the Mayweather-Cotto fight will end in a surprise.

The biggest, of course, would be a Cotto victory. That’s the most unlikely outcome. Mayweather leaves very little to chance. Proof of that is in his unbeaten record (42-0, 26 KOs). He picks his opponents these days. In fact, he hires them, which helps explain why he will collect a $32 million before anybody even begins to count his cut of the pay-per-view revenue, concessions and ticket sales. According to contracts filed with the Nevada State Athletic Commission, Cotto (37-2, 30 KOs) will get $8 million. Not bad, but it’s a fraction, a quarter, of the record guarantee that further confirms Mayweather’s nickname, Money.

Maybe, that’s why Mayweather has been acting as cool and calm as any CEO with Wall Street-like wages already in his wallet. For him, there have been no worries. He weighed in at 151 pounds, his heaviest ever and one more than his official weight before his victory over Oscar De La Hoya in 2007.

“I feel comfortable at any weight,’’ Mayweather said.

Cotto was three pounds heavier at 154, the junior-middleweight mandatory.

No matter what the scale, the hired help is never supposed to have an advantage, no matter how minimal. From Mayweather’s perspective, Cotto looked as if he had struggled to make weight.

“He looked kind of dry, kind of drawn to me,’’ he said.

If anything, Cotto looked out of character after stepping off the scale and onto a side of the stage for a stare down that almost lasted past sundown. He started talking at Mayweather. From a man whose meals outnumber his words over any given day, it was unusual.

“I told him, he has never faced anybody like Miguel Cotto,’’ the Puerto Rican said. “That’s the reason he’s undefeated and that’s the reason I will win on Saturday night.’’

The unusual stare down was punctuated by a backstage controversy that erupted behind curtains that hid the scale from the weigh-in crowd of about 6,000. Mayweather and Saul “Canelo” Alvarez, who faces Shane Mosley on the undercard, will have to get new gloves for Saturday night’s fight. The gloves they had planned to wear included thumbs made in plastic. Mosley trainer Nazim Richardson said that plastic cuts more easily than leather. Richardson spotted plaster-like inserts in the gloves Antonio Margarito tried to wear before he lost to Mosley in 2009. When Richardson complains about gloves, regulators listen. The Nevada Commission ordered that Mayweather and Alvarez get gloves with thumbs made in leather. New Grant-made gloves are expected to arrive in Las Vegas from New York some time before Saturday night’s card.

What else can happen? Anything.

Everything, said Cotto, who was asked whether his best chance at upset rested with his proven arsenal of body punches.

“I can’t just go to the body,’’ he said. “I have to be on top of everything.

“If he wants to fight, I’m ready. If he wants to run, I’m ready for that. I’m ready for everything.’’

Mosley (46-7-1, 39 KOs) wasn’t ready for the scale. At least, not the official one. He was a half-pound heavier than the mandatory 154 for his shot at the World Boxing Council junior-middleweight title held by Alvarez (39-0-1, 29 KOs). After a run, he returned to the scale an hour later and made weight.

“I was on weight, but on a different scale,’’ Mosley said. “I ran, sweated it off. No problem.’’

The 21-year-old Alvarez, who is 19-years younger than Mosley, had no problem in his first trip to the scale. He was 154 pounds.

In a welterweight bout on the HBO telecast, Jessie Vargas (18-0, 9 KOs) of Las Vegas weighed 146 pounds. Steve Forbes (35-10, 11 KOs), also of Las Vegas, was 146.5. In the first bout on the pay-per-view telecast, junior-middleweight DeAndre Latimore was 154.5 pounds and Carlos Quintana (28-3, 22 KOs) was at 154.

ANTONIO “MAGIC MAN” TARVER PREVIEWS FLOYD MAYWEATHER vs. MIGUEL COTTO

TAMPA, FL, May 2 – With the training camp for his June 2nd SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING main event against unbeaten Lateef Kayode heating up, former light heavyweight champion and current IBO Cruiserweight champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver took time out from his busy schedule to check in with his thoughts on another high-profile matchup – the May 5th meeting between Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto,

“I think that Mayweather’s coming in with all the natural God-given ability and talent, and Cotto comes in with the physical game,” said Tarver, who also doubles as a ringside analyst for SHOWTIME. “But we’ve seen Cotto beat, and beaten bad on two occasions. He was outclassed against (Manny) Pacquiao, and he took a beating against (Antonio) Margarito. We haven’t seen that with Floyd Mayweather yet. I think he (Mayweather) is at the top of the game right now, and he’s gonna have more options to do the things that he does in the ring.”

Yet despite the odds, Tarver doesn’t count the 154-pound world champion from Puerto Rico out against the unbeaten “Money” Mayweather, even though he believes Cotto will have to throw the boxing equivalent of a perfect game in Las Vegas.

“Cotto’s gonna have to be perfect,” said Tarver, who upset 5 to 1 odds in his most recent bout, knocking out Danny Green in the ninth round last July. “Cotto’s gonna have to be physical, have his defense intact, and he’s gonna have to match Floyd. When Floyd opens up, he’s gonna have to punch with him. That’s how you negate speed, and that’s a big risk, but his reward is so gigantic that’s he’s gonna have to be willing to lay it all on the line and if has to go out on his shield, go out trying to get that victory.”

As for Mayweather, Tarver is looking forward to seeing what his teammate on the 1996 United States Olympic boxing team has in store, not just on May 5th, but in the future.

“Floyd’s gonna have to keep doing what he’s doing, and in two or three more fights, he can ride out into the sunset,” he said. “Hopefully Pacquiao’s in the scheme of things and we can see that fight eventually. That would be great if he could pull that off. If he beats Pacquiao, he’s one of the greatest of all-time and not too many people can say that.”

The Home Depot Center in Carson, Calf., hosts a SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING quadruple header on Saturday, June 2 (9:00 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).

Current IBO Cruiserweight Champion and former Light Heavyweight World Champion Antonio “Magic Man” Tarver (29-6, 20 KO’s) faces unbeaten Lateef Kayode (18-0, 14 KO’s) in a

12-round cruiserweight fight. In the co-feature, former undisputed junior middleweight kingpin Winky Wright (51-5-1, 25 KO’s) returns to the ring to meet undefeated Peter Quillin (26-0, 20 KO’s) in

a middleweight bout. In two world championship fights on the telecast, Austin Trout (24-0, 14 KO’s) risks his perfect record and WBA Super Welterweight belt against Delvin Rodriguez (26-5-3, 14 KO’s) and IBF number one rated bantamweight contender Vusi Malinga (20-3, 12 KO’s) faces top Golden Boy Promotions prospect and IBF number five rated contender Leo Santa Cruz (19-0-1, 11 KO’s) for the vacant IBF bantamweight title.

Tickets for the June 2 bout are on sale now and are available as low as $25, with VIP floor seats priced at $200. Other tickets in the 8,000-seat outdoor stadium at The Home Depot Center are available at $50 and $100. Fans can purchase tickets at www.axs.com or by phone at 888-9-AXS-TIX (888-929-7849, as well as The Home Depot Center Box Office (open Monday through Friday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PT). VIP Suites are available for purchase by calling 1-877-604-8777. For more information on group discounts or VIP packages, please call 1-877-234-8425.

This night of world class professional boxing is presented by A.T. Entertainment, Golden Boy Promotions and Gary Shaw Productions and sponsored by Corona and AT&T. Trout vs. Rodriguez is presented in association with Greg Cohen Promotions and Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Malinga vs. Santa Cruz presented in association with Branco Sports Productions.

Undefeated star-in-making Demetrius Andrade headlines May 5 at Mohegan Sun Plus Mayweather-Cotto closed circuit broadcast

BRONX, NY (April 26, 2012) – Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing will celebrate Cinco de Mayo with an exciting pro boxing card featuring a legitimate star-in-the-making, undefeated 2008 U.S. Olympian Demetrius “Boo Boo” Andrade, on Saturday night, May 5 at Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.

Light middleweight contender Andrade (16-0, 11 KOs) faces The Contender, Season Two participant Rudy Cisneros (12-3, 11 KOs) in the 10-round main event, which will air live (10-11 PM / ET) as an ESPN Boxing: FNF Special Edition presented by Corona Extra.

After the live boxing concludes, fans in attendance will have the added enjoyment of watching a closed circuit showing of the Floyd Mayweather, Jr. vs. Miguel Cotto fight on Mohegan Sun Arena’s jumbo screen.

“Demetrius Andrade has clearly graduated from prospect to contender,” Star Boxing president Joe DeGuardia said. “He’s getting close to a world title shot. We’re very happy to be back at one of the best venues in boxing, Mohegan Sun Arena, where Demetrius has become a genuine house favorite. Fans there can watch an entertaining live card, plus Mayweather-Cotto without leaving the comfort of their seats. I think ESPN showcasing Demetrius on a special Saturday night broadcast is a strong indication of how highly he’s respected in the boxing world as a potential star.”

The 24-year-old Andrade has been rising in world light middleweight ratings, recently moving to No. 6 in the World Boxing Organization (“WBO”) and No. 7 in the International Boxing Federation (“IBF”), as well as No. 15 in the World Boxing Council (“WBC”) and World Boxing Association (“WBA”).

Fighting out of nearby Providence, Andrade was a 2007 World amateur champion who will be fighting at Mohegan Sun for the sixth time. The gifted Cape Verdean boxer is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions

Andrade has been favorably compared to a younger, heavier, left-handed Mayweather due to their similar boxing styles, featuring lightning-quick feet and hands, incredible defensive reflexes and strings of dominant victories. “Boo Boo” has stopped of 11 of 16 opponents, collectively winning 57 of 61 rounds fought on the judges’ scorecards.

In his last fight February 10 at Mohegan Sun, Andrade absolutely smoked Angel Hernandez (30-10), stopping the former world title challenger in the second round, coming on the heels of solid back-to-back victories against former world title challenger Saul Duran (TKO3) and veteran Grady Brewer, winner of The Contender II television reality series.

The subject of a feature story in the current edition of The Ring Magazine, Andrade is a multi-gifted southpaw who is co-promoted by Star Boxing and Banner Promotions.

The May 5th supporting fights will include some of New England’s most popular boxers. The eight-round co-feature marks the long-anticipated return of Hartford fan favorite Addy Irizarry (8-5, 2 KOs), who has been sideline since November 20, 2010, after suffering a fractured ankle during a first-round loss to former International Female Boxing Association (“IFBA”) World welterweight champion Jill Emery. Irizarry faces Victoria Cisneros.

Undercard fighters include Hartford super featherweight Joseph “Chip” Perez (7-1, 2 KOs) vs. Juan Jaramillo (8-9-2, 3 KOs) in a six-round bout, as well as Hartford light heavyweight Tylon “Shadow Boi” Burris (1-0, 1 KO vs. pro debuting Robert Jackson, Springfield (MA) light heavyweight Reinaldo Graceski (1-0) vs. Borngood Washington, and Windsor (VT) light middleweight Chris Gilbert (3-0, 2 KOs) vs. TBA in four-round matches.

Tickets are $75.00, $40.00 and $30.00 (plus $5.00 facility fee for all tickets) and are on sale now through Ticketmaster. Ticketmaster customers may log on to ticketmaster.com; call Ticketmaster’s national toll free Charge By Phone number 1.800.745.3000; or visit any Ticketmaster outlet. Tickets are also available at the Mohegan Sun Box Office, subject to availability, or by calling Star Boxing at 1.718.823.2000 and online via www.StarBoxing.com.

For more information go online to www.starboxing.com or www.mohegansun.com.

FORMER WORLD CHAMPION STEVE FORBES STEPS IN TO FACE UNDEFEATED PHENOM JESSIE VARGAS ON MAY 5 “RING KINGS: MAYWEATHER VS. COTTO” PAY-PER-VIEW UNDERCARD

LOS ANGELES, April 26 – With Alfonso Gomez forced to withdraw from his scheduled May 5 bout against undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas on the “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto” pay-per-view undercard due to a back injury, the call went out for someone willing to step up and face the unbeaten rising star on short notice. Former World Champion Steve “2 Pounds” Forbes answered the call without hesitation, ready to step into the ring at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas to face Vargas in a 10-round welterweight bout.

“I am so excited to have been given the opportunity to fight on the May 5th fight card,” said Forbes. “It is an honor to be on the same card with such great champions. I am not going to overlook Jessie. We both have a lot riding on this fight and I look forward to showing him what I have in the ring.”

22-year old Las Vegas product Jessie Vargas (18-0, 9 KO’s) has long been on the media’s top prospects list thanks to wins over Arturo Morua, Walter Estrada and former World Champion Vivian Harris, but on the Mayweather vs. Ortiz undercard last September, he moved from prospect to contender with an exciting 10-round split decision victory over fellow young contender Josesito Lopez. Eager to keep the momentum going, Vargas scored a near-shutout win over Lanardo Tyner in February, and now he’s hoping to add Steve Forbes to his list of high-profile vanquished foes.

A veteran of over 15 years in the sport, Steve “2 Pounds” Forbes (35-10, 11 KO’s) has been in with the best of the business, including world champions Oscar de la Hoya, Cornelius Bundrage, Carlos Hernandez and Andre Berto. A former IBF junior lightweight world champion and star of the hit series “The Contender,” the 35-year old Forbes hopes that a win over the unbeaten Vargas will kick start an exciting run for him in the 147 pound weight division.

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“Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto,” a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBA Super Welterweight World Championship and the vacant WBC Super Welterweight Diamond belt, is promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Also featured will be Canelo Alvarez vs. Sugar Shane Mosley, a 12-round fight for Canelo’s WBC Super Welterweight World Championship which is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions and a 10-round welterweight fight featuring undefeated rising star Jessie Vargas and former World Champion Steve Forbes. Opening the pay-per-view broadcast will be a 10-round bout between super welterweight contender DeAndre Latimore and former World Champion Carlos Quintana which is presented in association with DiBella Entertainment. The mega event is sponsored by Corona, Hatfields & McCoys on HISTORY™, DeWalt Tools, AT&T, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Puebla – Cinco De Mayo and will take place Saturday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.

Limited tickets for “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto” are still available, with a total ticket limit of ten (10) per person. To charge by phone with a major credit card, call Ticketmaster at (800) 745-3000. Tickets also are available for purchase at www.mgmgrand.com or www.ticketmaster.com.

Three Las Vegas MGM Resorts, Mandalay Bay, Monte Carlo and The Mirage, will host live closed circuit telecasts of “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto.” Advanced purchased tickets for the closed circuit telecasts are priced at $75, not including handling fees. All seats are general admission and are on sale now at each individual property’s box office outlets or by phone with a major credit card at (866) 799-7711.

Episode three of HBO’s all-access reality series 24/7 MAYWEATHER/COTTO debuts on Saturday, April 28 (9:45 p.m. ET/PT), with the finale debuting Friday, May 4 (8:00 p.m. ET/PT), the night before the high-stakes super welterweight title bout. All four episodes will have multiple replay dates on HBO®, and the series will also be available on HBO On Demand® and HBO GO®.

NCM Fathom will broadcast “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto” in high definition LIVE to more than 440 movie theaters nationwide. Tickets to see the fight on the big screen are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com.

Gomez out of Vargas bout on Mayweather-Cotto PPV

Dan Rafael of espn.com is reporting that Welterweight Alfonso Gomez was forced to withdraw from his May 5th bout with Jesse Vargas that was scheduled for the Floyd Mayweather- Miguel Cotto PPV undercard.

“Alfonso developed some serious back spasms (last week) and at first I thought he would just take a day off and rest. So we canceled sparring one day. But then we had to cancel a second day of sparring,” Saod Gomez manager Gary Gittelsohn. “And he never got much better.”

“But we gave Alfonso the weekend off to see if he’d feel any better,” Gittelsohn said. “The orthopedist said he didn’t think Alfonso was in any condition to do any running or strenuous activity. So that put him out of commission in critical moments of his training. So we canceled officially (Monday night) and I alerted Eric, who was disappointed as we all were. But these things happen. I’m so bummed.”

“I really felt like this was the perfect resurrection opportunity for Alfonso (coming off the loss to Alvarez) on the biggest showcase of the year,” Gittelsohn said. “We’re taking it day by day. I told Eric that I really want this fight for Alfonso and we hope it can be rescheduled down the line.”

“We were informed (Monday) night about this and we’re looking at some replacements,” Schaefer said. “I’m confident that Eric and Team Vargas will find a suitable replacement.”

Boxing Ring Kings Floyd Mayweather and Miguel Cotto Face Off on the Big Screen

Centennial, Colo. – April 10, 2012 – This Cinco de Mayo, boxing superstar and seven-time World Champion Floyd “Money” Mayweather will take on current WBA Super Welterweight World Champion Miguel Cotto in the big screen event, Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live on Saturday, May 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT. Broadcast in high definition to nearly 440 movie theaters nationwide from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, the highly anticipated match-up will give fans a ringside seat as Mayweathersteps up in weight to challenge Cotto for the super welterweight championship. Also featured on this blockbuster card, will be young superstar Canelo Alvarez facing six-time World Champion Sugar Shane Mosley.

Tickets for Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live are available at participating theater box offices and online at www.FathomEvents.com. For a complete list of theater locations and prices, visit the NCM Fathom website (theaters and participants are subject to change).

Presented by NCM Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions, Miguel Cotto Promotions and O’Reilly Auto Parts, Rings Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto Fight Live is the latest boxing event to be broadcast live in select movie theaters across the country through NCM’s exclusive Digital Broadcast Network. Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions first teamed up in September of 2009 to bring the highly successful presentation of Mayweather vs. Juan Manuel “Dinamita” Marquez fight to theaters. Fathom Events, Mayweather Promotions and Golden Boy also presented live boxing on the big screen in 2010 and 2011 including Star Power: Mayweather vs. Ortizlast Mexican Independence Day weekend.

“I love the fact that people can see my fights in movie theaters across the country,” said Mayweather. “Everyone knows when I fight it is nothing but lights, camera, action. Seeing it on the big screen is going to give fans a great experience. I say buy some popcorn, candy and a soda and enjoy the show because they are definitely going to get their money’s worth.”

Mayweather (42-0, 26 KO’s) is recognized worldwide as one of the best fighters of this generation and is always a major attraction when he steps in to the ring. In his last ring appearance, Mayweather took on the younger Victor Ortiz and showcased his boxing skills, taking Ortiz to school in the first three rounds before knocking him out in the fourth. Throughout his extraordinary career, Mayweather has faced boxing’s best including Diego Corrales, Jose Luis Castillo, Arturo Gatti, Zab Judah, Oscar de la Hoya, Ricky Hatton, Juan Manuel Marquez and Sugar Shane Mosley, yet remains an undefeated, seven-time world champion in five weight classes.

“This is the first time one of my fights will be shown in movie theaters in the United States. We have done it in Puerto Rico in the past, with great success,” said Cotto. “This gives my fans across the country a new way to watch me in the ring. It is exciting. Now there is no way to miss this great fight.”

Cotto (37-2, 30 KO’s) is Puerto Rico’s most exciting fighter, one of its greatest of all time and defined by his warrior spirit. He has held a world title every year since 2004 and has won 16 of the 18 world championships bouts in which he has fought. Capturing the WBA Super Welterweight title in June of 2010, Cotto took on then undefeated defending champion Yuri Foreman at Yankee Stadium, handing him his first defeat. He is coming off of the second defense of his title, which he defended with a spectacular tenth-round knockout of Antonio Margarito. With this knockout, he also avenged his July 2008 loss to Margarito.

“This fight card is going to be so electrifying with the action from both Mayweather vs. Cotto and Alvarez vs. Mosley that anyone watching it on the big screen in movie theaters across the country will have a fantastic experience on Cinco de Mayo weekend,” said Richard Schaefer, CEO Golden Boy Promotions. “We are pleased to have NCM Fathom as partners in this event and thank them for bringing championship boxing to the big screen for an unparalleled level of entertainment.”

With his ferocious and fan-friendly style in the ring, at just 21 years of age Alvarez (39-0-1, 29 KO’s) is Mexico’s latest boxing superhero. After turning pro at just 15 years old, Alvarez tore through the local competition in Mexico and to date has only one blemish on his record – a four round draw with Jorge Juarez (which took place in 2006). Since then no one has come close to beating him. Alvarez took home his first world championship in 2011 and defended it with knockouts of Ryan Rhodes, Alfonzo Gomez and Kermit Cintron respectively later in the year. On May 5, he faces his most significant opponent to date in Sugar Shane Mosley.

Having defined the word “fighter” for nearly two decades, Mosley is one of the most revered boxers of this era. A stellar amateur that just missed out on the 1992 Olympics, Mosley has gone on to strike gold as a professional. With his stunning defeat of Oscar de la Hoya in 2000, Mosley jumped to the top of the list of the best pound for pound fighters in the world. He held that position until losing his belt to Vernon Forrest in 2002 but has since climbed back to the top by being a regular in boxing’s biggest super fights from 2005-2011. With this fight against Alvarez, Mosley looks to win his seventh world title at 40 years old.

“Over the past few years, boxing fans have filled movie theaters across the country to see Mayweather take on the best fighters in the world,” said Shelly Maxwell, executive vice president of NCM Fathom Events. “This bout promises to be as exciting as the first time Mayweather appeared on the big screen in 2009 as he now moves up in weight to challenge Cotto for the super welterweight championship.”

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About National CineMedia (NCM)

NCM operates NCM Media Networks, a leading integrated media company reaching U.S. consumers in movie theaters, online and through mobile technology. The NCM Cinema Network and NCM Fathom present cinema advertising and events across the nation’s largest digital in-theater network, comprised of theaters owned by AMC Entertainment Inc., Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: CNK), Regal Entertainment Group (NYSE: RGC) and other leading regional theater circuits. NCM’s theater advertising network covers 177 Designated Market Areas® (49 of the top 50) and includes over 18,600 screens (approximately 17,700 digital). During 2011, nearly 671 million patrons (on an annualized basis) attended movies shown in theaters in which NCM currently has exclusive, cinema advertising agreements in place. The NCM Fathom Events live digital broadcast network (“DBN”) is comprised of over 700 locations in 167 Designated Market Areas® (including all of the top 50). The NCM Interactive Network offers 360-degree integrated marketing opportunities in combination with cinema, encompassing 42 entertainment-related websites, online widgets and mobile applications. National CineMedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: NCMI) owns a 48.7% interest in and is the managing member of National CineMedia LLC. For more information, visit www.ncm.com or www.FathomEvents.com.

About Golden Boy Promotions

Los Angeles-based Golden Boy Promotions was established in 2002 by Oscar de la Hoya, the first Hispanic to own a national boxing promotional company. In 2007, in its fifth year of promoting, Golden Boy Promotions set a record by selling over 2.5 million in pay-per-view homes in a single night. Also in 2007, Golden Boy Promotions established the record for highest grossing pay-per-view homes in a single year with more than 4 million total. Golden Boy Promotions is one of boxing’s most active and respected promoters, presenting shows in packed venues around the United States on networks such as HBO, SHOWTIME, TeleFutura, Fox Sports Net and ESPN.

About “Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto”

“Ring Kings: Mayweather vs. Cotto,” a 12-round fight for Cotto’s WBA Super Welterweight World Championshipis promoted by Mayweather Promotions, Golden Boy Promotions and Miguel Cotto Promotions. Also featured will be Canelo Alvarez vs. Sugar Shane Mosley, a 12-round fight for Alvarez’s WBC Super Welterweight World Championship which is presented in association with Canelo Promotions and Sugar Shane Mosley Promotions. The mega event is sponsored by Corona, Hatfields & McCoys on HISTORY™, DeWalt Tools, AT&T, O’Reilly Auto Parts and Puebla-Cinco De Mayo and will take place Saturday, May 5 at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View® beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.