by David P. Greisman

Bob Arum of Top Rank spoke with BoxingScene’s David Greisman on Oct. 4 in Orlando, the day before the fight between Miguel Cotto and Delvin Rodriguez.

BoxingScene.com: While the fighters always say they’re not looking past their current opponent, what do you want to do with Miguel Cotto should he come out victorious against Delvin Rodriguez?

Arum: “Well, I think the best fight for him would be, if at 154 or something like that, against Sergio Martinez.”

BoxingScene.com: At 154? Or at middleweight? Either?

Arum: “Or at a catch-weight.”

BoxingScene.com: Why that?

Arum: “That would give Miguel the opportunity to win yet another world title.”

BoxingScene.com: And how do you think he fares against Sergio Martinez?

Arum: “I think he has a good shot. I think Sergio’s gone back a little, and I think Miguel is really terrific. And I think now that he’s with Freddie [Roach], you’ll see how good he really is.”

BoxingScene.com: How concerned had you been about Cotto after seeing his performances against Floyd Mayweather and Austin Trout?

Arum: “I thought he did very well against Mayweather. The problem with the performances with Mayweather and Trout is his conditioning was wrong. He faded down the stretch. And I think with Freddie, he’ll be able to fight 12 real, straight-ahead, active rounds.”

BoxingScene.com: Is Cotto signed with you, or just working with you for this fight?

Arum: “Well, it’s a combination.”

BoxingScene.com: I ask because I know there was talk after Canelo Alvarez’s loss to Mayweather about him potentially facing Miguel Cotto. Would that be possible given Cotto’s relationship with you and your non-relationship with Golden Boy?

Arum: “What does Golden Boy have to do with it? Canelo’s contract is over with Golden Boy.” [BoxingScene has a response from Golden Boy CEO Richard Schaefer here.]

BoxingScene.com: How interested would you be in that fight instead of a Martinez fight?

Arum: “Well, I think Canelo would probably want another fight before he fought somebody like Cotto. So I think down the road that could be a big fight.”

BoxingScene.com: And you don’t anticipate Canelo re-signing with Golden Boy before then?

Arum: “Again, I have never talked to Canelo in my life. So what he does or doesn’t do is up to him. But right now, he’s a free agent.”

Pick up a copy of David’s new book, “Fighting Words: The Heart and Heartbreak of Boxing,” at http://bit.ly/fightingwordsamazon . Send questions/comments via email at fightingwords1@gmail.com