By Rick Reeno
BoxingScene.com was informed that a potential Miguel Cotto (32-1, 26KOs) vs. Andre Berto (23-0, 19KOs) showdown is possible for early 2009. Both sides are reportedly interested in the fight.
Top Rank is looking to match Cotto with a credible return opponent to properly build a planned rematch with WBA champion Antonio Margarito for next June. The two other potential candidates, Kermit Cintron and Jesus Soto Karass, are not out of the loop and still in the running.
Berto, the reigning WBC welterweight champion, is coming off a one-sided decision over Steve Forbes on the Mosley-Mayorga undercard on September 27. Berto was also being considered for Shane Mosley's next fight, but as previously reported on BoxingScene.com by Robert Morales - a deal appears to be close for Mosley to challenge Margarito in January - and that bit of info explains why a Cotto-Berto bout is being considered.
If Margarito beats Mosley and Cotto overcomes Berto, there would be some serious buzz for their rematch. Margarito stopped Cotto in eleven rounds back in July to hand the Puerto Rican fighter his first loss as a pro.
Berto's promoter, Lou DiBella, has said time and time again that Cotto and Shane Mosley are the two fighters he would be willing to put Berto in the ring with as soon as the fights were in play.
The working date for Cotto's return has been February 14 on HBO. That could change depending on the final opponent and/or the direction of his comeback.
