Cotto-Clottey: Santiago Says Miguel Will Be Ready
By Mark Vester
Last week, WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto picked Joe Santiago to be his new head trainer. Santiago replaces Miguel's uncle, Evangelista Cotto. The working relationship between Cotto and his uncle was destroyed two weeks ago when the two of them were involved in a physical confrontation after an argument over Miguel's training plan for the June 13 showdown with Joshua Clottey at New York's Madison Square Garden.
A lot of people in the boxing industry were surprised with Cotto's selection of Santiago. Many have never heard of him and some believe that Cotto will run the entire camp, to take place in Florida, on his own, and even run the corner during the fight.
Santiago disagrees. He plans to run the camp, and the corner, and lay down the law when people get out of line.
"People are always going to say things, but in the fight they will see [what they are saying] is not the case. That day they will see Joe Santiago performing his duties in the ring, and I plan to do the same during the nine weeks of training," Santiago told El Nuevo Dia.
"There is always a first time for everyone. This is a big challenge for me. Cotto wanted someone he knew. In Puerto Rico there are a lot of qualified trainers to fill this position and I am one of them. "
Santiago holds a bachelor's degree in physical education and a master's degree in sports training. He knows Cotto since 1992, when Miguel was an amateur, and he trains many of the prospects who fight under Cotto's promotional company, Miguel Cotto Promotions. He was also schooled to the training game by Evangelista Cotto.
"I am a disciple of Evangelista Cotto, he is my teacher. Everything I know in the sport of professional boxing I owe to him. I am not coming to change anything. We will continue the work that has given Miguel so much success over the years," Santiago said. "They will see Miguel Cotto in excellent condition as always."
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