SAN DIEGO, Calif., (AP) -- Sa edad na 37-anyos, tangan ni Miguel Cotto ang apat na divsion title. Kaya hindi kataka-taka na kandidato ang Puerto Rican boxing great sa Hall of Fame kung nanaiisin niyang magretiro.
Ngunit, bago ang huling laban, sasabak muna si Cotto (41-5, 33 KOs) laban kay WBA International Welterweight Champion Sadam “World Kid” Ali (25-1, 14 KOs) kung saan itataya ng dating nakasagupa ni Manny Pacquiao ang kanyang WGO super welterweight title ngayon sa makasaysayang Madison Square Garden.
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“I’m happy and motivated to be part of this great fight. Miguel Cotto is a great fighter, and I’m happy to be part of this card. I’m enthusiastic for this fight because Oscar Negrete is a great fighter, and he is coming for my title,” pahayag ni Ali.
Usap-usapam na ang pagreretiro ni Cotto, ngunit iginiit niyang gagawin niya lamang ito sa matikas na pagtatapos ng career.
“”It’s been a pleasure for me to y to entertain you guys for 17 years. I have done my best at every opportunity for the benefit of my family. They mean everything to me and I am so proud of them and they are so proud of me,” sambit ni Cotto.
Iginiit naman ng kanyang trainer na si Freddie Roach na nakalulungkot umanong isipin na ang laban kay Ali ang huling paghahanda nila ng boksingero.
“I’m going to miss Miguel a lot. (Wednesday) in the gym was the best I’ve ever seen Miguel. No one talked about retirement in camp. He’s in great shape and didn’t take anything lightly in camp. He’s going to go out on top.”
Sakaling tama ang hinuwa ng iba, ikinagagalak naman ni Ali ang pagkakataon na siya ang huling nakalaban ni Cotto matapos ang impresibong career.
“Thank you to Team Cotto for this opportunity. I’ve been training almost my whole life, since I was eight years old.
Everyone wants an opportunity like this for a world title against a legend. If you’re not ready for a legend like Miguel Cotto then you’re going to be in trouble. On Saturday night you are going to see an amazing fight.,” aniya.
