MIGUEL COTTO

updated April 13, 2008

At the age of 26, Miguel has been fighting as a pro for over 5 1/2 years. He moved up to 147 pounds for the first time in his last fight on December 2 and won the WBA welterweight world title with a very impressive fifth--round TKO win against previously undefeated contender Carlos Quintana.

Boxing columnist Graham Houston wrote, "Now we know that Miguel Cotto is a formidable force at welterweight... Every punch from Cotto seemed designed to do damage -- even the jabs to body and head were forceful drives -- and he switched to southpaw in a very effective way... Cotto was relentless, intelligent and fast in the way he applied pressure... The fact that Cotto won was no surprise to many of us -- what was surprising, to me anyway, was that he made it look almost easy."

After the fight, Miguel said, "As always, I go in to fight my fight and win round by round. In a fight at this level, you expect both fighters to have their moments. He had his and I had mine, but mine were greater. My shots were bigger, and he didn't stand up to it.

"I've always dreamed of being one of the greatest champions from Puerto Rico, like Wilfred Benitez and Felix Trinidad. I am on my way."

Miguel has already become Puerto Rico's biggest star currently in the ring. He won the WBO jr. welterweight world title in September, 2004, and made six successful title defenses before vacating the title to move up in weight. He won Puerto Rico's "Fighter of the Year" award in 2004 and 2005, and has become a strong draw at the gate.

HIs last two fights in Puerto Rico drew capacity crowds of 15,000. Miguel's fight at Madison Square Garden on the eve of the Puerto Rican Day parade in June drew over 14,000. Miguel also headlined at the Garden before the 2005 parade and drew over 10,000 fans.

He is experienced against very good opposition and has beaten former world champions DeMarcus Corley (TKO5), Randall Bailey (TKO6), Carlos Maussa (TKO8), and Cesar Bazan (TKO11). He has also beaten previously undefeated contenders Carlos Quintana (TKO5), Paulie Malignaggi (W12), Ricardo Torres (KO7), and Kelson Pinto (TKO6), as well as contenders Muhammad Abdulaev (TKO9), Victoriano Sosa (TKO4) and Lovemore Ndou (W12).

Miguel said, "I was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. I have two brothers. I'm the youngest. My father was in the military, in the Natonal Guard here in Puerto Rico for 25 years. My mom stayed at home and teach us how to live.

"When I was 11 years old, my weight was 156 pounds, and I tried to lose weight with boxing. My brothers were already boxing and I tried to do the same. I started at the Gym Bairoa in Caguas. I lost weight, but I started to feel something for boxing. In the beginning, it was just for game, but then I start to feel like, a love for boxing.

"Jose Miguel Cotto is my brother. Juan Miguel boxed amateur, he never changed to professional. In my house, everyone is called Miguel. My father is Miguel Angel, Juan Miguel is my older brother, Jose Miguel is my brother, and me, Miguel Angel. My little kid is Miguel Angel, too. Jose Juan Cotto is my cousin.

"I had 125 amateur fights with 23 losses. I fought Panchito Bojado, Ricardo Williams. I fought Kelson Pinto, Muhammad Abdulaev.

"I was Puerto Rican national amateur champion from '97 to 2000, all at 132 pounds, but the last year at 140.

"I fought with Ivan Calderon when I was amateur, 100 pounds. [note: Calderon is the WBO mini--flyweight world champion] He beat me three to two. After that, we make the team of Puerto Rico to represent Puerto Rico in international competition. We were both in the Olympics in 2000. He's still at 105 pounds. He's, if not the best, one of my best friends."...

2000 Olympics -- Sydney, Australia, 139 pounds: in his first bout on 9--20--00 he lost a 17--7 decision against Muhammad Abdullaev of Uzbekistan, who went on to win the gold medal; looking back, Miguel said, "I felt that I did the best I could at the Olympics. Unfortunately, some judges don't see it that way. But I was very happy with my performance, and I felt that I won that fight."...

1997, 1998, 1999 Puerto Rican National amateur champion, 132 pounds; 2000 Puerto Rican National amateur champion, 139 pounds...Miguel has been called "The greatest amateur boxer ever from Puerto Rico"...

He fought several other top amateurs: Miguel was 2--1 in three fights against Panchito Bojado of Mexico; Miguel said, 'My wins were decisive. One was five to zero and the other was eight to seven. The one that I lost was six to seven."...

2000 USA--Puerto Rico Dual Meet – on 8--15--00 in Tacoma, WA, Miguel won a 28--22 decision against Ricardo Williams Jr....

Miguel returned to the ring in January, 2002, for the first time since being injured a car accident in August, 2001 – driving to a 5:30 A.M. workout, he fell asleep at the wheel and crashed into a concrete wall; he said, "Sometimes I feel the shoulder pain, the shoulder tired. But any other problems about that, no.

"It was a very serious accident. I broke my arm and shoulder in four different places. I think being in the shape I am in really helped."...in addition to a scar on his right shoulder, he has a six--inch titanium rod in his right arm...

He said, "I'm lefthanded, I do everything with my left hand. The only thing I can do with my right hand is fight. I feel more comfortable fighting righthanded when I'm beginning.

"My wife's name is Melissa. We have three children. Miguel Angel is the older, he's 10. Alondra, she's seven, and Miguel is five."...