Boxing News Boxing News
© Jim Everett / Saddo Boxing
At the lobby of the Theater at Madison Square Garden in New York City, Top Rank held a final press conference to promote the Welterweight Championship fight between undefeated WBO titlist Miguel Cotto, 33-1 (27), and Joshua Clottey, 35-2 (21).
The bout will be televised live on HBO this Saturday, June 13 at Madison Square Garden, New York, NY.
Promoter Bob Arum not only spoke about the upcoming title fight, but also took time to speak about Cotto’s involvement in the Wounded Warriors Project. “It’s great when one of our champions takes on a cause from the bottom of his heart. Miguel Cotto has taken on the cause of the United States Wounded Warriors.”
Arum then introduced a local Wounded Warrior and a volunteer of the project. “Please welcome with a standing ovation Arturo Cordova and Tony Sirico, who is a friend of Arturo Cordova, to accept our welcome, our donation and our gratitude for Arturo’s service.”
As the media and fans in attendance gave Cordova and Sirico a standing ovation, Arum took the microphone again laughing, “I never knew that Tony Sirico is Paulie Walnuts (from the Sopranos).”
Sirico spoke on behalf of the organization. “Let me just say that it’s a real pleasure to be here. I’m a volunteer with the Wounded Warrior Project and have been for the last six years.
“We just want to say thanks to everybody from the New York section that has really helped us out each year,” continued Sirico. “They help house, employ and get sports programs to all these seriously wounded soldiers who come home from Iraq and Afghanistan . I just want to welcome Arturo; he is one of the soldiers that have been fighting for us.”
An appreciative Cordova said, “I just want to thank Top Rank and especially Miguel Cotto, who is a big supporter of the Wounded Warriors Project. I urge everyone to look into the Wounded Warriors Project just like Tony Sirico. On behalf of the Marines, Army, Air Force and all the sailors, I want to thank everyone for all their support and just know that there is still a war going on and there are still guys coming back hurt.”
Arum then spoke about another WBO title fight that will be on the un-televised portion of the fight card. WBO Junior Flyweight Champion Ivan Calderon. 32-0 (6), will face Rodel Mayol, 25-3 (19).
Mayol, who is managed by Manny Pacquiao, spoke about the upcoming title fight. “I would like to thank Top Rank for giving me the opportunity to fight at Madison Square Garden. This is my third time fighting for a title and I’m going to try my best to win this fight. Everyone knows Ivan Calderon is a good boxer, but many say his fights are boring. I will ensure that on Saturday night, this fight will not be boring.”
The undefeated Calderon replied to Mayol’s comments, “He may say my fights are boring because you are used to seeing boxers hit and I’m never getting hit. I know it’s going to be a good fight. They trained and I trained hard for this fight.”
Calderon continued, “My style is hit, don’t get hit and go back home with no marks. A lot of people love my fights because my boxing is not boring. This is my first time fighting at Madison Square Garden on a big card. A lot of people say he’ll have Manny Pacquiao in his corner, but I’ll have the whole country of Puerto Rico in mine.”
After introducing the teams of both main event fighters, Clottey was very humble and thankful as he spoke about fighting for the WBO Welterweight Title. “Cotto is really giving me a big opportunity. I will always respect Miguel Cotto. All of the top welterweights never mention my name and Cotto has mentioned me for a long time. I respect that. He gave me the chance when others wouldn’t.”
Clottey continued, “I prepared very well. I trained hard and have done every possible thing to win. This won’t be an easy fight at all. We’re going to leave everything in the ring. It’s all about respect. I’m going to give a very good, clean fight and win.”
Speaking in both Spanish and English, Cotto said, “There’s just three more days until the fight. Like Joshua said before, he’s going to leave everything in the ring and I am going to do the same to be the winner and retain my title. But the real winner will be all of the fans. I’m ready to go and I know he’s ready too. Let’s go to it on Saturday.”
