By Mark Vester
The fight is officially a done deal. Promoter Bob Arum of Top Rank confirmed to Dan Rafael that Miguel Cotto (32-0, 26 KOs) has signed his end of the deal to defend the WBA welterweight title against Antonio Margarito (36-5, 26 KOs) on July 26 at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. HBO Pay-Per-View will televise.
"I get really excited about a fight like this because I know it can't be anything but great," Arum said. "That's why we're calling it 'The Battle.' It's a tough-ass fight. Two real men fighting. There won't be any playing around. No ducking or dodging. These are two guys who will go at it. That is their style. And don't forget the element that it is Mexico vs. Puerto Rico, which is the great rivalry in boxing."
While Margarito is still the IBF's welterweight champion, Arum told Rafael that Margarito will vacate the belt next week.
"These guys both have great chins, great determination and great power," Arum said. "It's going to be some battle. I just hope that they are not ruined from a fight like this. Margarito signed off before his fight with Cintron. Cotto wanted the fight but we were going over terms and minutia, and finally Miguel and his team agreed on everything last night."
The media tour to promote the fight will begin next week, starting with Mexico City on Monday and ending with San Juan, Puerto Rico on Friday.
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