By Miguel Rivera
As previously reported on BoxingScene.com, the Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions, Hector Soto, denied any and all reports that his fighter is considering the possibility of a catch-weight fight with Yuriorkis Gamboa.
"That is 100 percent false. They never discussed Gamboa. That's not even in the picture," Soto said.
Gamboa (25-1 and 17KO's) has been inactive since his unanimous decision victory against Hylon Williams Jr. last December in Verona, New York.
Cotto, with a record of 40-5 and 33 knockouts, was in talks to face Mexican veteran Juan Manuel "Dinamita" Marquez, but they were unable to overcome the differences in weight and their negotiations were terminated.
Zeferino Ramirez, who manages Gamboa, says his boxer is ready to move up as high as 145-pounds to face Cotto at a catch-weight of 150 [which is what Cotto wanted for Marquez]. Gamboa has never fought higher than the lightweight limit of 135.
"Gamboa is at a stage in his career where he needs a big fight, and he's never had the opportunity to prove that he can do great things in boxing," said Ramirez to Carlos Gonzalez. "He (Gamboa) wants the kind of challenge of Cotto. We have tried to talk to the people from Roc Nation, but we have not received an answer."
"We understand that Cotto wants to fight at 150 pounds, and Gamboa has no trouble making 145 pounds. I presented the idea to Peter Nelson (executive of HBO Sports) and he likes it, but said Cotto is the person with the final say. Cotto is a pay per view figure. "
"It seems that Cotto want an easy fight and I want to see a more competitive [contest]. Gamboa is the perfect opponent. He has speed, the necessary punch and style that people like. He made a good fight with Terence Crawford although he only trained for three weeks. It would be a great fight."
