In a boxing rivalry like no other, Miguel Cotto and Canelo Alvarez will write their own chapter in the history of big fights between Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters.
Cotto (40-4, 33 KOs) will defend his middleweight championship against Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KOs) in a 155-pound catchweight bout on Saturday at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas (HBO PPV, 9 p.m. ET).
Seemingly reborn under new trainer Freddie Roach, the 35-year-old Cotto sat down with ESPNdeportes.com to talk about his career and what a victory over Alvarez would mean.
How do you see the rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico in boxing?
This is a global rivalry, which doesn't just belong to Puerto Rico and Mexico. It's because it has managed to meet the expectations in each of the matches in which Mexican and Puerto Rican fighters have participated. And this is the opportunity for Saul, as well as Miguel, of showing ourselves to the world as worthy protagonists of this story. For my part, I'm doing my bit here, together with Freddie, and I have no doubt that we'll do our best to meet expectations.
What is your perception of a Puerto Rican boxer?
We're a boxing country, despite the small size of the territory, which is nothing compared to the grandeur of countries, like the United States; nevertheless, Puerto Rico has a lot of class boxers.
What is your perception of a Mexican boxer?
Mexico has great boxing. Throughout the years they have always distinguished themselves by having magnificent fighters.
Why do dramatic, all-action fights often occur between Puerto Rican and Mexican fighters?
I think it's due to pride, to the boxing tradition of both countries, so whenever you have a Puerto Rican against a Mexican boxer, neither of them wants to lose.
What has been the most memorable bout in this rivalry?
I think it was the fight between Salvador Sanchez against Wilfredo Gomez, but without forgetting the one with [Felix] Trinidad and Oscar De la Hoya, and also [Trinidad] against Fernando Vargas. And if we follow up, there's [my] fight against [Luis Ramon] "Yori Boy" Campas. So there have been great, great fights.
How does it feel to be among the greatest Puerto Rican fighters in history?
I have simply dedicated myself to ask, to demand of myself, from day to day, the best that I can offer at every opportunity, and this time is no exception. I'm here working from 5:45 in the morning to train in order to offer my best, and I will not rest until I achieve the victory on [Saturday]. And that will be a day of great satisfaction for me [and] for my work group, in order to climb up one more step in my career.
At 35, are you still hungry for glory?
It has only been 23 of those 35 years of my life dedicated to boxing. And I feel good, thank God. With health, with a beautiful and energetic family to carry on with this day, to offer my best, first, here in the gym, then to reflect the results of that work on the day of the fight.
How much more is there left for you in boxing?
Not much. I think my body is triggering the last rounds in my career, but we'll find the motivation to support other fights.
Are you satisfied with your career achievements?
My father left this world almost six years ago, and I know that if he were here beside me today, he would feel very satisfied with how my career has gone. The only comfort I have left after losing my father is I am sure that he, not only as a fighter but as a person, he would be very proud of me.
How did you strengthen yourself after the loss of your father?
My father, each and every day, worked for his children, for his family. He left us and my dear mother who, with the passing of these nearly six years, has shown me that the real strength of the house was her. And over time, I realized that both of them helped [one] another, complemented each other, and although it's difficult to fill the figure of my father, my mother is there to remind us that [we] also have her.
Has Freddie Roach assumed the role that your father had, as far as boxing is concerned, in your corner?
Freddie, with his simple way of communicating in order to get the best from me, has made me focus and made me work the way I'm supposed to here in the gym. I am very grateful to him for it.
In what way has he helped you the most?
He has a lot of technical, tactical, psychological knowledge. Freddie has the virtue of knowing how to say things at the right time, he knows how to give precise instructions in the ring and he knows how to make you work out properly.
What has been the best lesson that boxing has left you?
My life isn't just summarized in the ring. Thank God, I have learned to behave and become what I am today. And the best lesson that life has given me is that my family is the most precious and most important thing.
What motivates you at this stage of your career?
It's also my family, because I want to provide them with the best and for them to obtain what they want in life, and that's why I keep working hard, every day, for them.
Can you describe how it's going to be when you enter the ring?
Until that time comes, we will be working hard here in the gym and the last week in Las Vegas, with a lot of discipline. What everyone will see that day will reflect how well we worked out in the gym. After the fight, we'll evaluate everything that was done.
What kind of atmosphere do you expect in Las Vegas?
It will be a great atmosphere, a good atmosphere, with a majority of Mexican fans, because we're on the West coast and, of course, I expect that the Mexican fans will be the majority. But that's something that doesn't bother me at all, because in the ring there'll only be two of us, and we'll be able to see the results of all the work.
In New York you have been unbeatable, but do you lose advantages fighting in Las Vegas?
No, because like I said, [Canelo] and I will be alone in the ring. Freddie and I have dedicated to mapping out all the work for the fight. Freddie trusts me and I trust in Freddie, and we hope to obtain the victory with that formula.
What do you consider your strong points?
Here in the gym, working very hard, is where the outcome of each fight is forged.
What caused those bruises you had on your cheekbone during training?
I have three or four sparring partners. Determining which of them was the one who produced them is difficult. I climb into the ring to work out, not to compete in a beauty contest. This is a boxing gym where the punches come and go. Where we do have to connect punches is on [Saturday]; that's where it matters.
Does the catchweight of 155 pounds favor you?
It's the weight we decided to fight with, and we have to reach 155 pounds that night for the weigh-in.
Do you see yourself defending the title at 160 pounds in the future?
After 154 pounds, it's middleweight. 160, that's the division limit.
But what about facing a 160-pound fighter at his natural weight?
I am the champion. I'm not a full middleweight, but whoever wants my title will have to fight me. I've been working tirelessly for 15 years, very hard, and everything I've won, everything I've had, as well as what I have now, no one just gave it to me.
If you come out with your hand up, do you see a fight against Gennady Golovkin in the future?
People forget that this is a business and that we're always going to consider what produces the greatest benefit. If Gennady Golovkin is the one who offers the best benefit, so be it. But Miguel Cotto doesn't need Golovkin in order to write his story.
What would a victory on Saturday mean to you?
It will be the 41st win of my career and will be one of the most important.