Boxing News Boxing News
This time it’s personal. Three-division world champion and the Pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto will make the second defense of his WBA super welterweight title in the long-awaited rematch against professional rival and three-time welterweight world champion Antonio “The Tijuana Tornado” Margarito, of México, Saturday, December 3, at The Mecca of Boxing, Madison Square Garden. Cotto-Margarito II will be produced and distributed Live by HBO Pay-Per-View, beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET / 6:00 p.m. PT.
Their first encounter, on July 26, 2008, was a battle of epic proportion and arguably the Fight of the Year. Cotto and Margarito boast a combined record of 74-9 (56 KOs), a winning percentage of 89% and a victory by knockout ratio of 76%, not to mention seven world titles between them.
“The first fight was a classic. I have a feeling that this fight will be much more intense, an outright war. This event will be a real treat for all fight fans,” said Hall of Fame promoter Bob Arum, CEO of Top Rank.
“I am so excited about my December 3rd fight at Madison Square Garden,” said Cotto. “This next time around the story will be entirely different. I am more mature and will have the correct strategy to convincingly defeat my opponent. I am ready for a great victory!”
The first fight was a great one and I am sure that the second fight will be too,” said Margarito. “And just the like the first fight I will come out victorious”
“All the elements you look for in a heated rivalry are part of this matchup,” said Mark Taffet of HBO Pay-Per-View. “Two established ring warriors with loyal fan bases who want to settle the score, meeting on one of boxing’s most electric stages, Madison Square Garden.”
“All boxing fans should circle December 3rd on their calendar now for the much anticipated rematch between Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito at The World’s Most Famous Arena,” said Scott O’Neil, president, MSG Sports. “We are excited to welcome back Cotto to his home away from home, this is the perfect fight to debut the first phase of the transformed Garden to boxing fans.”
Promoted by Top Rank, in association with Cotto Promotions, AT&T, and Madison Square Garden, tickets to Cotto-Margarito II, priced at $600, $400, $300, $200, $100 and $50, including applicable service charges, will go on sale Tuesday, September 20, at Noon ET. They can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden box office, online at www.thegarden.com and all Ticketmaster outlets. Ticketmaster charges an additional fee.
