Photo by Ed Mulholland/Top Rank
Puerto Rico and Argentina both have rich traditions that include high-quality food, drinks and of course, sports.
On Saturday, June 7, 2014, Puerto Rican superstar Miguel Cotto challenges Middleweight kingpin and Argentine hero, Sergio Martinez at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
If you’re lucky enough to have scored a ticket to the fight, you’ll experience an overwhelmingly pro-Cotto crowd given the fact that the fight is being held in New York City on the weekend of the Puerto Rican Day Parade.
The Argentine supporters will do their best to add a soccer-style atmosphere and either way, fans will be treated to a festive night.
If you’re like the millions of other people who will be tuning in from the comfort of their homes to watch the fight, chances are you will be joined by some friends. If you’re playing host, you want to make sure you’re ready with some culturally in-tune finger foods, beverages and tunes!
Read on for Round By Round Boxing’s Miguel Cotto vs. Sergio Martinez Fight Night Essentials.
Food
Puerto Rico
Forget the normal fight night chips and salsa, an Argentina vs. Puerto Rico affair requires hosts to step it up a notch.
Puerto Rico is famous for–among other things–tostones. While these delicious bite-sized treats are not exclusively Puerto Rican, they are a Caribbean staple and the perfect chip replacement.
So what exactly are tostone you ask?
They are fried plantain slices that are salted and eaten with a mojito dipping sauce.
Other food to try: Pasteles
Argentina
Argentine cuisine is most famous for one thing, beef. The carne asada experience is one to die for.
But, at a fight party, nobody wants to sit down with a fork and knife and be asleep by Round 3 from over eating.
Instead, we suggest getting some Argentine style chorizos and grilling them up. You can cut them into small pieces and stick a few tooth picks on the plate for a great finger food.
Other food to try: Beef Empanadas
Beverages
Puerto Rico
What would a fight party be without some spirits?
Puerto Rico is best known for some top-notch rum, so you’re really in good hands no matter what brand you choose.
We’ve decided to suggest Don Q Gold. If you’re not into the dark liquor, go with the Cristal. You won’t be disappointed!
Plus, you can always add a little soda to help wash down the taste if things don’t go Cotto’s way.
If you’re a beer drinker, pick up some Medalla Light to wash down the Tostones!
Other beverages to try: Coquito, Malta
Argentina
Given the fact that Sergio Martinez is from Quilmes, it would be a travesty not to pick up a six pack–at minimum–of Quilmes Cristal.
This one might be hard to find depending on where you’re located, but it’s worth the trouble.
If you are playing host to wine lovers, have no fear because Argentina’s Malbec wines are some of the best in the world.
The Mendoza and Buenos Aires regions are known for great Malbec’s and there are many great bottles to choose from.
We suggest Susana Balbo Mendoza Signature Malbec for a great taste that will pair well with chorizo and won’t break the bank!
Other beverages to try: Fernet
Music
Puerto Rico
When it comes to lively music it’s hard to argue that Puerto Rico has some of the best tunes in the world.
Whether it’s Reggaeton–like Daddy Yankee–or Salsa–like Hector Lavoe–you won’t go wrong if you decide to set your fight party off with an all Puerto Rican musical lineup.
Argentina
In music, Argentina is best known for Tango and the largest, most influential figure in that genre is Buenos Aires’ Carlos Gardel.
Though it has actually been confirmed that Gardel was born in France, he remains the face of Tango in Argentina.
While Tango has its time and place, this is not the music you want to play to get your fight part off to a good start.
Perhaps once the fight is over, you can usher people out of your home to “Por Una Cabeza.” Just a thought.
