Story & Photos By Luis "The Beast" Cadiz

Today, WBO 140 champ, Miguel "El Angel" Cotto & Team, departed for Florida once again. The last time he went to Florida was in preparation for his past fight against Gianlucca Branco. According to Cotto himself, it was hard for him because he was away from his home and family, but it was a sacrifice that he understood was necessary for him to reach optimum performance in all levels... focus, physique and fine tuning of boxistic skills. This past March 4th,2006, everyone witnessed the end product of that training camp as he demolished Gianlucca Branco in 8 rounds. So repeating the dosage of isolation and concentration in Florida was the logical step to take, in preparation for his upcoming bout against the undefeated Paul Malignaggi in Madison Square Garden, scheduled for June 10th. I caught up to the champ just before leaving, here's what he had to say:

We witnessed Malignaggi's verbal abilities in the post fight press conference after the Branco bout, what do you think of his verbal tactics?

I am focused on the fight and all I have to do is concentrate on what is done in the ring. I don't care what he says outside of the ring because when he steps into the ring in June, he's going to have to use his fists and not his mouth to talk... he can't punch with his mouth.

Do you think that is better to fight Jose Luis Castillo, if he beats Corrales the third time around, instead of unifying the titles before jumping up to the welters?

Well these things are visualized in the following manner, we will take the route that benefits Team Cotto. You have a vacant WBC title fight with Junior Witter, but Castillo is a much more attractive fight for the boxing public. What is more attractive and what is more convenient is what will be done.

Come 2007, you will most likely go up to the welterweight division... Who's the first opponent on the welter list?

We don't know... I might stay in the jr. welterweight division a bit longer. It is not my job to know who I am fighting, my job is to face the opponent that Top Rank chooses for me to fight.

After the interview, I wished him well on his journey to Florida where he will, ultimately, find what he is looking for... victory. The first step to obtaining a victory in the sport of boxing is taken in the gym with the boxer's training. Cotto has found the winning formula outside of Puerto Rico, but at a price... Paul Malignaggi will pick up the tab for Cotto's sacrifice come June 10th. Stay tuned to Boxing2006.com...

Good night and God Bless

Luis M. Cadiz Sr.

Questions or Comments? Please email Luis "The Beast" Cadiz