Cotto Homecoming A Challenge For Geale

The presser that took place Tuesday at BB Kings was the start of fight week which leads to the June 6 fight between Miguel Cotto and Daniel Geale. The prizes are the 160 pound championship as recognized by the WBC and The Ring Magazine, honors currently held by Cotto (39-4, 32 KO’s). Geale is a former IBF and WBA Middleweight titleholder. HBO will televise this championship event.

The promotions are being run for this Puerto Rican weekend by Roc Nation Sports and Miguel Cotto Promotions with the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn as the fight site. Cotto holds the distinction as the only native born Puerto Rican boxer to hold World Championships in four weight classes. “We’re excited and proud to bring Miguel Cotto back to New York along with Miguel Cotto Promotions now as a part of the Roc Nation Sports Family.” David Itskowitch, COO Boxing of Roc Nation Sports proudly announced.

Cotto last fight was an impressive win over Argentine, Sergio Martinez. But many feel that Gennady Golovkin is the man he should be fighting. Instead he is fighting a man GGG stopped in three. Freddie Roach had an easy answer to that. “He doesn’t sell tickets.” Roach explained, Manny Pacquio passed him during a fight and didn’t recognize him. Fighters know who the important fighters are.”

Daniel Geale is the man we are referring to. He ran into Gennady Golovkin in a short but spirited duel. But soon thereafter he claimed the PABA and WBO Interim Asia Pacific middleweight crowns in his last fight defeating Jarrod Fletcher by unanimous decision.

Cotto is notorious for being hard to beat in New York City. He draws from his national heritage as few do and with the Puerto Rican Parade the following day, Cotto should be quite focused. Geale will be served as the sacrificial lamb. However Geale is a tough nut to crack and his subtle skills should prove to be . He is used to taking the road less traveled as shown by his rejection of an attractive deal by HBO to fight Felix Sturm in Germany, a place he was unbeatable. Not unlike Cotto is going into this fight. “Its a huge opportunity and I’m very excited.” Geale said, “We came here with plenty of time so I can be the best fighter I possibly be. I cant wait to walk away with another title.”

Surprising the most  disputed topic was catchweights. Now there is a reason divisions in boxing, It is to keep fighters from matching up against opponents whose weight disparity overcomes skill more often than not. Gary Shaw made jussuch a point about having tocome in at 157. “I have a personal problem with catchweights.” Shaw proclaimed, “I think an opponent shouldbe able to fight at the sanctioned weight, in this case 160.” Cotto responded on his turn. “Its not a big issue.” Cotto pointed out, “In 2009, Freddie made me go down from 147 to 145. You didn’t hear about me disagreeing. I was a gentleman the whole way.”