On Saturday, December 2, 2017, Miguel Cotto (41-5, 33 KOs) will step into the ring for the final time in his illustrious career–a career that has earned him recognition as one of Puerto Rico’s greatest fighters of all time.
Cotto, Puerto Rico’s first four-division world champion, will take on hand-picked opponent, Sadam Ali (25-1, 14 KOs) at Madison Square Garden.
The Garden, famous for so many boxing fights and known as The Mecca of Boxing, has been Cotto’s adopted home throughout his career and there is no other location that would make sense for Cotto to say farewell to the sweet science.
December 2 will mark Cotto’s 10th fight at The Garden.
“The fact that it is my last fight has not changed anything,” said Cotto during a recent media day. “I have always dedicated myself fully and have worked hard, and that’s why I’m here now, finishing my career on my terms.”
While fight fans would have loved to see Cotto defend his WBO Super Welterweight title against a serious 154-pound contender–as opposed to a blown up 147-pound fighter–we all should enjoy the final ride and applaud Cotto for taking on all comers when he was at his best.
“I haven’t really felt nostalgia yet during the final days of my camp,” said Cotto. “I’m just grateful for what boxing has given me and for the life it has allowed me to give to my children.”
Indeed, while boxing may have given Cotto a lot, he has also given the sweet science so much–including one of the best left hooks in history.
The 37-year-old Cotto faced top-notch opposition including Zab Judah, Shane Mosley, Manny Pacquiao, Floyd Mayweather, Sergio Martinez and Canelo Alvarez–just to name a few.
Cotto’s final fight against Ali will air live on HBO World Championship Boxing on Saturday, December 2.
All photos by Tom Hogan/Golden Boy Promotions
