By Jhonny Gonzalez

WBA junior middleweight champion Miguel Cotto has already arrived in Las Vegas and he's training hard for next Saturday's defense against Ricardo Mayorga at the MGM Grand. Trainer Emanuel Steward says his boxer is looking to make a big statement against Mayorga. Cotto wants to prove that he's still one of the best boxers in the sport. The Puerto Rican champion has been away from the ring since last June title win over Yuri Foreman.

"Miguel is very focused and motivated for this fight. He's excited by the opportunity to fight again and he wants to prove that he can still fight against opponents such as Antonio Margarito and Manny Pacquiao," said Steward to Carlos Gonzalez.

Cotto has really picked up the pace in his training camp. Steward says the boxer is already close to the junior middleweight limit of 154-pounds.

"Miguel is in tremendous shape, and at this moment he is ready," Steward said. "Cotto wanted to arrive in Las Vegas two weeks before the fight so his body adjusts to the time difference. We recognize that Mayorga will be a formidable challenge, a dangerous fighter and he's a veteran. But Miguel is smart and he's gained  a lot of experience through his years as a fighter."