WBA mandatory challenger Oktay Urkal is keen to clash with newly-crowned welterweight champion Miguel Cotto. The 36-year-old German (38-3, 12 KOs), a former European champion, expects to take on his undefeated opponent early next year.

Cotto successfully moved up to welterweight last weekend when he stopped fellow Puerto Rican Carlos Quintana in the fifth round.

"Cotto is a tough nut to crack," said Urkal. "But I am in the shape of my life for the chance of my life."

Urkal has chalked up four straight wins after dropping back-to-back title fights against Vivian Harris. "I have certainly learned from those defeats," vowed Urkal, who looked particularly impressive in the first meeting, a close majority decision. "The most important thing in life is to bounce back from defeats and that is what I have accomplished by putting myself in a position to challenge Cotto."

Urkal made himself known in the U.S. when he put on a courageous performance in the WBA/WBC light welterweight clash with Kostya Tszyu back in June 2001 despite fighting with a broken jaw. "I came so close three times," Urkal added. "But you have to take the positives out of it - there could have hardly been a better motivation. I am ready, and I am hungry."