By Mark Vester
Bob Arum of Top Rank already has a plan mapped out for a rematch between Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26KOs) and WBA welterweight champion Antonio Margarito (37-5, 27KOs). Margarito handed Cotto his first pro loss, stopping him within eleven-rounds in July to capture the WBA crown.
Arum is planning a doubleheader for the early part of 2009, with Margarito and Cotto fighting on the same night, but in different cities. He says Cotto will return to the ring in a headline bout in Puerto Rico, while Margarito will be headlining a card on the same night in Los Angeles. If both fighters win their bouts and walk away without any seriours injuries, a pay-per-view rematch is being eyed for June.
The two-city doubleheader is almost sure to land on HBO and would bring back memories of February 2, 2002, when HBO was trying to set up a rematch between Roy Jones Jr. and Bernard Hopkins - and showcased both fighters on the same night in a doubleheader that took place in two separate cities. Jones knocked out Glen Kelly in the headliner of a card based in Florida, while Hopkins knocked out Carl Daniels in the headline bout of a card in Pennsylvania.
"Miguel will be fighting at the beginning of 2009 in Puerto Rico. Margarito will fight on the same night. If both of their respective fights turn out well, we are going to discuss a rematch between the two of them for next summer," Arum told Primera Hora. "While Cotto will be fighting in Puerto Rico, Margarito would be doing his own thing in Los Angeles. Then, if they both walk away unharmed, the rematch for June is done."
The first fight took place in Las Vegas. The rematch may take place in three possible locations.
"It's possible to go in New York, Las Vegas or Atlantic City," Arum said.
Arum also confirmed to the paper that if unbeaten WBO super bantamweight champ Juan Manuel Lopez wins against Cesar Figueroa on October 4 in Puerto Rico, he would be part of December 6 undercard to Oscar De La Hoya-Manny Pacquiao at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
"I he walks away without any injuries from his first defense in October, he would fighting again in December," Arum said.
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