By Jhonny Gonzalez
There is some controversy in Puerto Rico over Abner Cotto received the "Rookie of The Year Award" from the Boxing Commission of Puerto Rico at the annual awards dinner on Wednesday night.
Edwin Rosario, the trainer of unbeaten 2008 Olympian Jonathan Gonzalez, is claiming the commission was being a bit biased by giving the majority of the awards to the Cotto family and overlooking other Puerto Rican fighters. Gonzalez is an unbeaten welterweight who made his pro debut in 2009 and went 6-0 with all six wins coming by way of knockout.
Rosario also said cruiserweight Carlos Negron was overlooked. Negron made his pro debut in 2009, winning six fights during the year and five of them by knockout. Abner Cotto also fought six times in 2009 and stopped four of those opponents.
On the same night Abner received his award, Cotto Promotions was honored, Jose Cotto received the award for "Comeback of The Year" and the event was dedicated to the late Miguel Cotto Sr. who passed away in January.
"The decision made by the Boxing Commission was like an assault with a deadly weapon. I disagree with that decision. Jonathan was an Olympian and went 6-0, winning all of his fights by knockout. Because this [event] was a tribute to Don Miguel Cotto, Abner won the award. They gave all of the awards to the Cottos," Rosario said to reporter Reymond Colon.
"Jonathan should have been the first choice. I don't know who they are, but this is not how the voting should be done. Right now he's upset because he thought he was sure to win the "Rookie of The Year." Things should be presented to people for their achievements, and not for their last names."
"I know what I'm talking about. I'm not new to this. I was the national coach from 1986 to 1991 and I have great international experience."
