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COTTO V QUINTANA BOXING COUNTDOWN…
Cotto Wins Via rd 5 TKO
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Miguel CottoRecord: 27 Wins 0 Losses |
Carlos QuintanaRecord: 23 Wins 0 Losses |
Cotto-Quintana Promotion:
Top Rank in association with Northeast Promotions
Tickets: Ticketmasters
Venue: Boardwalk Hall, Atlantic City.
TV: Showtime Boxing
Cotto-Quintana
The championship bout that will will pit undefeated Cotto (27-0, 22 KOs) against fellow undefeated Puerto Rican, southpaw Carlos Quintana (23-0, 18 KOs), for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title. Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc., in association with Northeast Promotions and Caesars Atlantic City, will promote the bill.
MIGUEL COTTO
“Going up in weight is a new challenge for me, and one that I am ready to face at this point in my career.
“There is a lot of expectation in Puerto Rico about this fight, not only because I will be fighting a fellow Puerto Rican, but because they want to see how I will do at 147 pounds.
“Quintana is a good boxer and it should be a good fight, but I will prepare very well just like I always do. I expect to walk out with the belt after the fight.”
CARLOS QUINTANA
“This is the biggest opportunity of my career, and I will take full advantage of it.
“I know Miguel Cotto is a great champion, but I believe that this is my time, and I am ready to become a world champion.
“The biggest winners here will be the fans who will see two fighters in a great fight.”
Carlos Quintana Miguel Cotto
Cotto: I am very happy to be here and am looking forward to the fight. I am sure it will be a thrilling for everyone. I am looking forward to putting on a good show for everyone.
Quintana: I want to say thanks to SHOWTIME and all the people that made this fight possible. I am very happy to be with you today as I get ready for my fight Dec. 2.
Question: Miguel, how is training going and how much more comfortable do you feel at 147?
Cotto: I have worked really hard for this fight. I am happy that I do not have to lose those last seven pounds that I always had to for 140. I think that (moving up a notch in weight) will make me a much better fighter. I think you will also see the difference when I fight.
Question: Miguel, what difference do you feel besides not having to lose the weight?
Cotto: It has been a really good training camp and a delight for me, knowing that I can feel strong. My stamina will be much greater for this fight. I think everything will be much better for this fight, and that will mean victory without a doubt on Dec. 2.
Question: Carlos, do you think that being a welterweight all along gives you an advantage?
Quintana: Being a welterweight all my life has been good for me. When Cotto moves up it will be good for him too. But when I beat him, it will probably be because of my quality as a boxer and not necessarily because he came up to the welterweight division.
Question: Miguel, both of you being from Puerto Rico, how well do you know Carlos?
Cotto: In the amateur days, I did have an opportunity to see him fight. The only thing basically that I know about him is that he fought (Joel) Julio.
Question: Carlos, what do you think about what Cotto has been able to do? Is this fight a key for you to getting the kind of exposure that he getting?
Quintana: I recognize that Carlos is one of the best fighters at 140 pounds; however, I am looking forward to this opportunity to fight against him at 147. Hopefully (after I win) I will get the same exposure that he has been getting over the last few years.
Question: Miguel, does it pose any particular problems fighting against an unbeaten southpaw?
Cotto: That is why we have been training and sparring a lot of rounds against left-handers. The preparation has been great. You just prepare yourself for them so there will be no difficulties. We work real hard everyday on that.
Question: Miguel, in the past did you go into the ring thinking you had to conserve energy? Did having to lose those seven pounds (to make 140) hamper you in any way in terms of the strategy for the fight once you got into a fight?
Cotto: Well, that is probably true. Sometimes when you work so hard to make the weight, you do not feel like you are going to have as much left for a fight, and you do have to fight in spurts. You have to rest a little, pick and choose when you want to fight. At 147, I will not need to do that. I feel good working at this weight and think it is really going to help me.
Question: Miguel, when was the last time you felt this good physically going into a fight?
Cotto: I think going back to the (Kelson) Pinto fight, the (Randall) Bailey fight, I felt I was good and strong enough even though I did have a little trouble making the weight. But I felt real strong for those two fights. Since then, I have been thinking maybe it is time to move up.
Question: Miguel, where did you train for this fight?
Cotto: Puerto Rico.
Question: Miguel, what was your opinion of the Quintana-Julio fight?
Cotto: I thought it was a real good fight for him (Quintana). I thought he had a real nice game plan. Whatever he needed to do to win, I think he did it to perfection.
Question: Miguel, was there anything you saw in there that you plan to exploit?
Cotto: I think more about being in the ring with him rather than really about what he might do. I think I need a couple of rounds actually with him in a ring to decide which way to go or what I can do against him.
Question: Carlos, can you describe how important the Julio fight was to your career?
Quintana: It was a great opportunity for us to fight and to get the exposure that we got. We believe that because of that exposure we are here training and looking forward for to fighting for the world championship on Dec. 2.
Question: Carlos, do you feel by beating Cotto you will become the No. 1 boxer in your country?
Quintana: Everybody has their own legacy and their own trail to walk. There is no question that Cotto has his own path in Puerto Rico and he was probably the No. 1 boxer for a long time. But now I am in his way and if I win this fight, then I will have to walk my own path and stand my own way in Puerto Rico.
Question: Miguel, do you feel that in addition to fighting for a world championship that you are in some ways protecting your Puerto Rican turf?
Cotto: I always train to win and I train really hard. Victory is the only thing in our mind and everything around it is great. People can write about it or whatever. But all I know is that I train to win and I expect to win and I am going to come out victorious. Everything else will take care of itself.
Question: Miguel, even though you are a couple years younger than Carlos, you have had more pro fights and have held a world title. What are your advantages in this fight?
Cotto: Without a doubt, I think I have a lot of experience with a lot of quality opponents. They have given me the opportunity to learn more and I think I do have that over Carlos. I have more experience and I have been fighting a lot of quality fighters.
Question: Carlos, why do think that even though you are undefeated, and had a great victory against Julio that it took you longer to get a world title shot than it did Miguel?
Quintana: I am undefeated and on Dec. 2 I will still be undefeated and everybody in the world will know who I am.
Question: Carlos, what are your advantages over Miguel?
Quintana: Basically, my advantage is that they probably do not know me as well and I have been sacrificing myself for such a long time to get ready for this opportunity, and come Dec. 2 I am going to take care of this fight.
Question: Miguel, you are used to having the whole crowd for yourself. Do you think that because you are fighting another top Puerto Rican the crowd will be more divided?
Cotto: People are used to seeing me fight and seeing me in great fights. They will always get a great fight from me. I expect the crowd to be interested no matter who they are rooting for.
Question: Carlos, do you think the crowd will be divided?
Quintana: This is my opportunity to show everyone what I am capable of doing in a big-time fight and in a big-time atmosphere. I am looking forward to showing them who I really am.
Question: Miguel, what other southpaws have you faced in your career?
Cotto: Besides (DeMarcus) Corley, I had one early in my career, but I could not tell you his name.
Question: Carlos, are you prepared to have to dig down and brawl if you have to?
Quintana: I am ready for any kind of fight. People may remember my last fight. I also am a brawler and I can fight. I can go punch to punch with anybody. When the bell rings, the victory is going to be mine.
Question: Miguel, are you ready for a chess match or a slugfest?
Cotto: I really could not tell you what kind of fight it is going to be. We have to get in the ring and actually do it to find out what kind of fight it is going to be. But I am ready for anything and everything. That is why you prepare yourself and that is why you work so hard, so when the time comes, if you have to brawl, you brawl and if you have to box, you box.
Question: Miguel, do you think there is a difference between Quintana and Corley, who gave you a bit of trouble?
Cotto: It is hard to tell really what to expect. I know that after seeing Corley I would know what to do if I had to fight him again. I have never faced Quintana, so I am not going to know what I need to do until we get into the ring. That is when it is going to be decided.
Question: Carlos, what do you think is different about Cotto as opposed to Julio, who you had a pretty easy time with?
Quintana: Every fighter has their own style and like we said, it is hard to tell what is going to happen until we are in the fight. Hopefully, after the fight we can answer all these questions.
Question: Miguel, how different will it be to have Puerto Rican fans rooting against you?
Cotto: We are going to (fight). We are not thinking about that. I know there will be fans for both of us. I also know that after the great fight and after they raise my hand, everyone will be my fan.
Question: Miguel, Quintana is a southpaw who fought Julio at angles. Have you faced anyone with that type of style — who likes to give a lot of angles? If so, who?
Cotto: Not that I recall. (But) every fighter is different. Until I get in the ring, I will not see if he fights me the same way. You cannot prepare for something by the way he fights one guy because you do not know the way he is going to fight you. You have to find out in the ring.
Question: Miguel, Ricky Hatton struggled when he moved up to 147 and then returned to 140. Why will you not have a similar experience?
Cotto: All I can tell you is I was having problems making 140. I feel great at 147 and I never see myself going anywhere but 147.
Question: So you will not be returning to 140 regardless of the outcome of this fight?
Cotto: No.
Question: Carlos, Julio came into your fight with a reputation of being a very strong puncher, a very aggressive type fighter. Do you see Miguel’s style being similar to his?
Quintana: We are ready for a different style of fighting. It all depends on how the fight develops. We are going to be ready to fight any way that Cotto comes to us.
Question: Carlos, many came away with the impression after the Julio fight of you being a great boxer, but do you believe your punching power is underrated?
Quintana: My record shows that I am a good boxer and a good puncher. So I am ready for either way. I (cannot predict how) the fight is going to end, but I know that I am 100 percent ready. Whether we box or stand there and punch, it does not matter.
Question: You have said you would wait to see how the fight develops before committing, but is there a chance you will come out aggressively and not wait to see and counter?
Cotto: First, I have to wait and see what is going to happen. We do have some thoughts on it, but it is always up to what happens in the ring before you decide anything.
Quintana: It all depends on how the fight goes. We will be ready for either way and we are going to be ready to box or fight. It does not matter which way he comes. We will be ready for it.
Question: Miguel, you are coming up in weight class for the first time. What makes you go after someone (like Quintana in a world title fight) rather than take a tune-up first?
Cotto: My whole career has been about facing these kinds of challenges. I think throughout my career, one of my first early fights was against a world champion. A lot of people did not expect me to beat him, but I did. From then, my career has been like that. I expect challenges. If I did not think I was capable of winning this fight, I would not be here. I know that I am ready for it and that I am capable of winning the fight. So to me, it is just another great challenge of my career.
Miguel Cotto Training Quotes
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MIGUEL COTTO
“I feel really good about not having to lose the (other) seven pounds. (For once) I have been able to concentrate more on the fight than the weight.
“I believe I am going to be stronger and just as quick at (147 as I was at) 140.
“Right now, it is just about making the weight and getting mentally prepared for this fight. I am three to four pounds away from my target.
“I am at my best moment right now. Quintana is very strong. They say he is tough, but that is what they said about my 27 other opponents, too.’’
Carlos Quintana Interview
By Daxx Kahn
| Carlos “Indio” Quintana is prepared as one can get for his upcoming title fight tonight at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, as he faces undefeated former 140-pound WBO titleholder Miguel Cotto for the vacant IBF Welterweight belt in what will be Cotto’s first bout at that weight. With more to gain than lose, the 30 year old southpaw has his hopes set high and knows that he is the underdog in this fight, but that seems to be the last thing he is thinking about. |  Click for larger image © Tom Casino Showtime Boxing |
As far as Quintana is concerned, Cotto is the one taking chances and has the most to lose in this fight. Carlos is not coming into this contest overlooking anything nor is he taking this opportunity for granted; he knows the task ahead of him is not an easy one and will not even think about the future at the moment.
Quintana feels that he needs to take care of the business at hand before he starts making plans. A humble guy who doesn’t overlook anyone is a hard combination of character to find in this sport and here is what Carlos Quintana had to say to SaddoBoxing about the upcoming fight with Miguel Cotto and his career.
SaddoBoxing: Carlos, you’re a hard guy to pin down! How is Atlantic City?
Carlos Quintana: “It’s good. I am very ready for the fight, now I am just waiting.”
SB: “You’re facing Miguel Cotto, a fighter with a reputation for knocking guys out. Do think that he may have taken this fight before a tune up at 147 because he thinks it might be easy?
CQ: “No, I think he is just trying to get himself a belt as quick as possible. Titles are what fighters want and when the chance is there, you take it.”
SB: Is there anyone on your radar after this fight? Anyone you are looking to fight first assuming you win?
CQ: “No, not yet. No matter who wins, there is mandatory challengers we have obligations to so that has to be taken care of first. I think Oktay Urkal is the number one mandatory.”
SB: Now that Floyd Mayweather has left 147 and moved up to 154 for the moment, do you think that leaves the division open for more guys to have bigger fights with each other? It seemed for a short while that Floyd was the focus for everyone and they could care less about going after anyone else?
CQ: “I think more fights will happen but they were always there to happen. It is just that Floyd was the one to earn the most money with.”
SB: Assuming that you win the belt and then beat the mandatory challenger, who would be the first guy you would like to face if given a choice?
CQ: “Well, Margarito is the number one guy right now at 147 since Mayweather left. I know that he wants to face the other title-holders, so he would be the best as far as money. I think maybe Judah would be a good fight, also depending on how focused he is. Maybe try 154 and chase Mayweather, who knows? I just want to win this one first. I am not overlooking anyone, especially Cotto.”
SB: Cotto relies on his power a lot. At 140, he had more than enough to take care of business. Some people think that without power, he is one-dimensional. Do you think if he is not able to carry the power to 147 effectively that he is going to be that one dimensional fighter some people claim he is?
CQ: “I have known Miguel for a long time. I know he has been working with weight training to build up his power more. I also know he doesn’t take anyone lightly, either. I will come out and box in the beginning. I know he will try to catch me early. I also know he will look to see how I react to his punches. I have some good power of my own, so I will see how he takes my shots also. I have studied him and know his strategy. I am prepared for him. I am confident enough that I can take what he has, then out box him.”
SB: Anything to say to your supporters?
CQ: “Everyone watching knows I am going to give him a good fight. To be confident as I am of that, I will walk away with a victory. No one will be disappointed.”
SB: Carlos, good luck this weekend. As always, on behalf of SaddoBoxing and myself, thank you for your time.
CQ: “Thank you. I am going to do my best.”
Cotto Fight Result
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Last night at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, Miguel Cotto successfully made the transition from light welter to welterweight, battering reigning WBA 147 lb Champion Carlos Quintana over the course of five rounds to the point where the southpaw declined to answer the bell for the sixth.
It wasn’t all one way traffic however as the two men from Puerto Rico engaged in a thrilling bout that saw Quintana put his southpaw quickness to good use early but it was the greater experience of Cotto that began to turn the tide as the contest entered the middle stages.
The lights began to fad for Quintana in the fifth when Cotto’s trademark left hook to the body canvassed the champion. The younger man regained his feet but was soon back on the floor from the challenger’s follow up assault to end the fifth.
When the bell rang for the sixth round, Quintana, 23-1 (18), declined to continue, thereby crowning Miguel Cotto, 28-0 (23), the new WBA Welterweight Champion.
FULL SHOWTIME BOXING REPORT…
COTTO STOPS QUINTANA AFTER FIVE;
MARGARITO WORKS UNANIMOUS DECISION
SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING closed out its 20th anniversary year with a brilliant welterweight doubleheader Saturday from Boardwalk Hall. In the main event, Miguel Cotto won the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) 147-pound crown by disposing of fellow Puerto Rican Carlos Quintana by technical knockout at the end of the fifth round. In the co-main event, dynamic power puncher Antonio Margarito retained his World Boxing Organization (WBO) title with a unanimous decision over Joshua Clottey.
Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc., in association with Northeast Promotions and Caesars Atlantic City, promoted the stellar night of boxing on SHOWTIME. The bouts aired at 9 p.m. ET/PT (delayed on the west coast).
Cotto and Quintana, both Puerto Rican, both unbeaten and ranked No. 1 and 2 respectively by the WBA, engaged in a fierce battle right from the opening bell. The opening rounds featured numerous, fast-paced exchanges with both fighters doing effective work.
In the fourth, Quintana delivered some body shots that slowed Cotto’s attack momentarily. But the experience and relentless style of Cotto proved to be too much.
In the fifth, Cotto switched to southpaw and dominated the early part of the round with combinations to the head. Cotto’s quick hands and precise delivery began to cause swelling on both of his opponent’s eyes. Late in the round, Cotto delivered a hook to the liver. Quintana staggered, backed up and went down on one knee, reeling.
When he got to his feet, Cotto scored a second knockdown. Quintana again recovered and survived the final seconds to retreat to his corner.
Referee Steve Smoger stopped the contest between rounds on the advice of the ringside physician.
“I looked at Carlos and he was not responsive,” said Smoger. “The corner was very brave in asking for another round, but the fight was over.”
After the fight, Cotto spoke with SHOWTIME’s Jim Gray in the ring. “The liver shot hurt him. I could feel it. That was the punch that finished the fight.
“I feel great, very comfortable at 147. Puerto Rico is the home of great champions. Felix Trinidad, Wilfredo Gomez, Carlos Ortiz. I dream to one day be like them and I am on my way.”
Cotto remains undefeated at 28-0, 23 KO’s while Quintana, failing in his first world title fight, falls to 23-1, 18 KO’s.
In the opening bout on the telecast, Tijuana, Mexico’s Margarito predicted a war in his bout with the tough and game African challenger. Clottey, of Bronx, N.Y., via Accra, Ghana, was 10-0 with one no-contest in his last 11 fights, and he showed why early on. Ripping short left hooks and jabs with tremendous hand speed, Clottey won the second, third and fourth rounds on two of three scorecards. In the third, he stunned Margarito with a right hand to the head and repeatedly landed four- and five-punch combinations.
But Margarito, traditionally a slow starter, took control in the fifth round. With Clottey covering up and hardly throwing any punches, Margarito began to punish Clottey with a barrage of powerful punches to the body and the head.
After the fourth, Clottey came to his corner complaining of pain in his left hand. From that point, his work rate slowed and he absorbed tremendous punishment for the remainder of the match.
“I hurt my hand in training about two weeks ago,” said Clottey after the bout. “But I wanted to take the fight because I am a warrior. I felt it hurting with my jab. I have a very strong jab. I didn’t want to quit. That is not my style. But once I broke my hand, I could not fight anymore.”
“He showed true grit and heart against a murderous puncher in this fight,” said SHOWTIME analyst Al Bernstein of Clottey, who drops to 30-2, 1 NC, 20 KOs. “It would be right for this young man to get another world title shot in the near future.”
With a relentless, crowd-pleasing style, Margarito dominated the remaining rounds, except the last, on all three judges’ cards.
By scores of 118-109 and 116-112 twice, Margarito improved to 34-4, 1 NC, 24 KO’s.
“Margarito, always the puncher, showed some defensive and technical deficiencies in the fight, something that will not bode well for him in his next fight.”
No doubt, Margarito’s mandatory challenger Paul Williams was watching the bout somewhere on Saturday night.
The bout(s) will re-air this week as follows:
Monday at 8 p.m. ET/PT SHO EXTREME
Tuesday at 10 p.m. ET/PT SHOTOO
Wednesday at 11 p.m. ET/PT SHOWTIME
Miguel Angel Cotto Vs Carlos Quintana Boxing Undercard
correct at time of printing
Antonio Margarito vs Joshua Clottey (Co Main Event)
Yuri Foreman vs Miguel Hernandez
Henry Crawford vs Clarence Taylor
Wayne Johnsen vs Joe Christy
Chuck Mussachio vs Tony Pope
Eric Hunter vs Oscar Martinez
Jesus Rojas vs TBA
Quintana Cotto Boxing News
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