By Miguel Rivera
Former four division world champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33KOs) is usually a man of few words.
So it's not surprising that he wasn't overly enthusiastic about the possibility of a rematch with WBO junior middleweight champion Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez (48-1-1, 34KOs).
The two boxers faced off last November at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, at a catch-weight of 155-pounds.Canelo walked away with a twelve round unanimous decision win and the WBC middleweight title. After the fight was over, Cotto and his trainer Freddie Roach claimed robbery. They confidently believe they did more than enough to get a decision win over Canelo.
Cotto has been inactive since the loss, but plans to return to the ring in early 2017. A date in February is being targeted, potentially at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn.
Canelo came back in May, and knocked out Amir Khan in six rounds to retain his middleweight belt. He then vacated the WBC championship and dropped down to 154, and captured the WBO title last month with a knockout win over Liam Smith. He is planning to fight three times in 2017.
During the World Boxing Organization's ongoing convention in Puerto Rico, Canelo expressed his interest in facing Cotto for second time next year.
"For me, it would be an honor to have a return fight with Miguel Angel Cotto. But let's see what happens. There have been no discussions about that [fight]. But let's see if it can be done," said Canelo to El Vocero.
Canelo is promoted by Golden Boy Promotions. And Golden Boy's head matchmaker, Robert Diaz, said a rematch between Cotto and Canelo is one of the realistic options for the future.
"[2017] will be a great year for Canelo, the fans and for the fans of Canelo Alvarez. Yes [a rematch with Cotto] is definitely possible. The first was very good fight and who wouldn't like to see the rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico? We are very good friends with Miguel Angel Cotto, Bryan (Perez) and Hector (Soto). We are very close friends and Miguel is an exemplary sportsman," Diaz said.
When Cotto was approached about the subject, he said it's a matter that has to discussed and negotiated out.
"These types of things are discussed and then agreements are reached down the line. But as far as the immediate future of Miguel Cotto [and who I'm going to fight], I don't know what to say to right now, there's nothing official [on my next fight]," Cotto said to Jose Sanchez.
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