By Jhonny Gonzalez
Trainer Emanuel Steward has carefully reviewed Miguel Cotto's 2008 knockout loss to Antonio Margarito. He knows the mistakes that were committed by Cotto and his team in the fight, and Steward aims to avoid those same mistakes when the rematch with Margarito takes place on December 3 at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
Margarito has been inactive since last November's brutal beating at the hands of Manny Pacquiao. The Mexican boxer suffered facial damage that required surgery and a long layoff. Steward still expects a very dangerous Margarito on the day of the fight. Their first meeting happened at 147-pounds and the rematch takes place at 154 with Cotto's WBA title at stake.
"There is no doubt that Margarito is still a tough opponent because of his strength and size. Miguel worked too fast in the first fight, and that's going to be something that we must avoid," Steward told Carlos Gonzalez.
Cotto's training camp is likely going to head back to Florida. The boxer makes it a habit to leave Puerto Rico to train for his important fights.
"Although it's not something that we've really discussed, Miguel is comfortable training in America. He has been successful [because of it] and it gives him the necessary space to train without distractions," said Steward. "We worked very hard to get the fight in New York. Now all of the Puerto Ricans living in New Jersey, Philadelphia and the New York area can go and support Miguel."
