COTTO-QUINTANA TALKS PROGRESS ( )

By Jake Donovan

After negotiations hit a slight detour last week, Bob Arum ends his Monday afternoon optimistic of Miguel Cotto’s proposed December 2 clash with Carlos Quintana becoming a reality in the very near future.
“Things are looking good now,” Arum told FightBeat earlier today. “Miguel and (Top Rank President) Todd deBouf talked more about the money and other things today, and had a productive conversation. We’re hoping to make it official as soon as possible.”

Quintana had agreed to terms on his end last week, only to claim to have not since heard back from Top Rank. El Nuevo Dia reported late last week that Team Cotto was unhappy with the money offered for such a fight, reportedly less than what they received for Miguel’s last fight versus Paul Malignaggi.
“We believe everyone wants to keep moving in life, not stay in the same place,” claimed Evangelista Cotto, Miguel’s uncle and trainer.

The original plan for the show called for Cotto to face Oktay Urkal for the vacant WBA welterweight title, with Quintana to receive step-aside money and a guaranteed crack at the winner. Quintana refused to accept the terms and instead demanded either a shot at the title or a shot at Miguel – or both.
Top Rank was willing to oblige, even if it meant a far greater risk for Cotto, who will be making his welterweight debut.

“It’s a really tough crossroads fight,” Arum says of the potential battle between the two undefeated Puerto Rican warriors. “I’d have rather done it the other way around, but hey – Quintana wanted to do this fight right away. That’s as far as it goes in terms of motivation – he wants the fight, Miguel is willing to fight him. It’s pretty straightforward. Had Quintana agreed to the original terms, we’d fight Urkal first and then set up a big fight with Carlos some time next year. Instead, we get him now and then Urkal next.”

Pending an agreement reached between Cotto and Top Rank, the bout will headline the December 2 edition of SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, live from Atlantic City, NJ. Antonio Margarito will defend his WBO welterweight strap against Joshua Clottey in the co-feature.