Revenge: The Rematch, Cotto-Margarito II looms for Madison Square Garden Dec. 3

Resurgent Miguel Cotto looks to Madison Square Garden for Dec. 3‏
Michael Marley, Boxing Examiner
There was something missing from the Puerto Rican Day Parade weekend this year in New York.

The huge ethnic celebration did have two Boricua-flavored, club boxing shows put on by Lou DiBella at Roseland Ballroom but, unlike several years past, there was no big fight in the city featuring the island nation’s biggest ring star, Miguel Angel Cotto.

Now I’m hearing that Cotto, who has a 36-2, 29 Kos record as he nears his 31stbirthday in October, may grace the ring at historic Madison Square Garden on Saturday, Dec. 3.

“We’re looking at the Garden,” a member of the Cotto camp told me Saturday night. “They’ve been closed all summer for phase one of a three year, three phase renovation of the arena but they reopen soon with the Knicks and the Rangers returning in the fall.”

That’s the favored site for Cotto’s first bout since his resounding TKO 12 over Nicaragua’s zany Ricardo Mayorga on March 12 in Las Vegas.

Less certain is Cotto’s opposition at 154 pounds.

“We’re looking at all the champions,” the Cotto adviser said. “We’d prefer the revenge rematch with (Antonio) Margarito but it looks like he won’t fight until 2012.”

It’s obvious that Manny Pacquiao promoter Bob Arum hopes to shine up Cotto for a possible second shot at the Pinoy Idol next year.

Cotto made a tradition of fighting in New York in midsummer, beating Yuri Foreman in 2010 at Yankee Stadium and whipping Joshua Clottey at MSG the year before.

Cotto also defeated Brooklyn’s Zab Judah in June of 2007 at “the World’s Most Famous Arena” and also posted June victories over Paulie Malignaggi and Muhammad Abdulaaev in Garden bouts going back to 2006 and to 2005 respectively.

The old song asks, “What street compares with Mott Street in July?” but boxing fans in New York definitely noticed that we just had a Puerto Rican Parade Weekend sans the traditional Cotto bout.

(mlcarley@aol.com)

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FIGUEROA READY FOR ESPN2 WED. NIGHT FIGHTS 5/14 MAIN EVENT, SPEAKS ON SHANE MOSLEY‏

New York State Light Welterweight Champion Frankie "El Gato" Figueroa has arrived in New York City after an eight week stay in Big Bear Lake, California where he acted as the chief sparring partner to "Sugar" Shane Mosley. Figueroa's time spent with the renowned welterweight accounted for his second time aiding a fighter set to face Brownsville, Brooklyn's "Super" Zab Judah. In May 2006, Figueroa assumed the five week duties of chief sparring partner to Puerto Rican welterweight superstar Miguel "Angel" Cotto, for a mega-bout that resulted in a knock out loss for Judah. Many who viewed the Cotto vs. Judah (June 9, 2007) bout recognized the influence Figueroa had on Cotto's fighting style.



Mosley, however, will not be utilizing the tactics acquired from Figueroa on May 31, as scheduled, after Judah suffered severe lacerations to his arm last week, resulting in 50 stitches. "Everybody's momentum was completely decelerated after the fight was called off," said Figueroa. "It was a big disappointment." However, Figueroa eagerly anticipates his treacherous southpaw style to cause serious damage to IBF Mexican lightweight champion Luis Rodriguez (22 wins-13 kos-1 loss) on May 14, as the Main Event bout on an ESPN2 Wednesday Night Fights live telecast from the prestigous Gotham Hall in New York City, promoted by Dibella Entertainment.

"I don't know much about Luis Rodriguez except for his stats," Figueroa admits. "I just hope he comes forward, unlike my last opponent, Noel Rodriguez, who I had to repeatedly chase around the ring. But if I have to chase him too, so be it, I'll do what it takes to win." Figueroa, who also holds the light welterweight WBC Intercontinental Mundo Hispano and North American Boxing Federation (NABF) titles, is often referred to as "Boxing's Best Kept Secret." Over the past several years the Bronx bomber has developed quite the reputation for being to the best southpaw teacher in boxing. He's played the role of chief sparring partner to Ricky "The Hitman" Hatton, "Vicious" Vivian Harris, Arturo "Thunder" Gatti and Jose Cotto—all who've walked away from their subsequent bouts with wins.



Figueroa (18 wins-13 kos-2 losses) admits he's learned a great deal from his sparring partners in the past— as was the case throughout his interaction with Mosley. "Shane taught me better hand and eye coordination," says Figueroa. "My timing against my opponents is much easier at a much faster pace now. Overall, Shane's an extremely humble guy. I witnessed how much he gives back to his supporters, and how he appreciates his team. In addition to giving me great bowling tips, Anthony Randolph, the camp coordinator, helped me set me up my business, Gato Productions. Fans can purchase my latest "Team Gato Can't Stop Won't Stop T-Shirts" at www.gatofigueroa.com."

It's a known fact that prior to his previous 18 bouts, Figueroa, now on a 10 fight winning streak, has had trouble making his weight of 140 pounds come weigh-in time. This time, the Bronx bomber made weight one week prior to hitting the scale. "Shane hired a chef so I was eating healthy balanced meals. I have to thank CNP professionals (cnp-professionals.com) for supplying me with nutritional supplements such as protein shakes, meal replacements and desserts as well." New York-based clothing company "Four Runners" has also come aboard as a Team Gato Sponsor.

Figueroa credits his sparring partners, Joaquin Zamora, Austin Troat, and Cleotis Pendarvis, with keeping his training regimen extremely on-point, while they provided Mosley with preparation for Judah as well.

For more information about Figueroa and explosive Ko footage visit: www.gatofigueroa.com www.myspace.com/gatofigueroa

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©®™ 2007, 2008 All photos by "EL Boxing Empress" Keisha Morrisey- Empire Morrisey Studios, for Bloodline Boxing Communications Entertainment and Starlite Boxing's Sweetscience Magnews-Online Publication all rights reserved