By Miguel Rivera

Former four division world champion Miguel Cotto (40-5, 33 KOs) will continue to grow his role as a promoter, but like any good entrepreneur he needs the right people at his side.

For this reason, Cotto acknowledged the work of his closest advisers, Hector Soto and Bryan Perez, who are running Cotto's company while the boxer is continuing to professional career as a fighter.

For the first time since losing a decision to Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez last November in Las Vegas, Cotto will enter the ring on February 25th against junior middleweight contender James Kirkland in Texas.

Cotto admits that 2017 might be his final year in the sport. Once his active career is done, he plans to take a more active role with promoting show in Puerto Rico. These days Cotto's company is staging more shows than just about anyone else in the country.

"The protagonists of this [company], those that make the events and finalize things are Bryan Pérez and Hector Soto. They are all behind the name Miguel Cotto Promotions. So all the credit is for Bryan and Hector," Cotto said to Carlos Gonzalez.

"I think we've done an excellent job with Tito (Acosta), with Alberto (Machado). And we will continue to do the same thing with everyone who wants to be a part of our company. This is the effort, the work of Hector Soto and Bryan Perez. And when I can, when I have the time, I will introduce myself [in a more active role]. But those who have positioned themselves, those who have worked hard for the boys are Bryan and Hector."

Cotto Promotions will start the 2017 with a card on January 11 at the Roger Mendoza Caguas Coliseum. Cotto's team also revealed that six shows will take place next year as part of their DirectTV series.