NY Post Interview With Miguel Cotto

COTTO LOOKS TO PROVE HE'S THE REAL DEAL IN GARDEN SUPERFIGHT By SANDRA GUZMAN Miguel Cotto's toughest challenge yet comes this Saturday.November 7, 2007 -- With the most important bout of his career around the corner, 27-year-old Miguel Cotto is doing what you'd expect a Generation Y athlete to do on his day off. He's playing “Guitar Heroes" on an X-Box with a childhood buddy. After showing this reporter how the vertigo-inducing game is played, he throws the joystick to his pal. He then focuses on the task at hand-the interview. Cotto fights Sugar Shane Mosley on Saturday night at Madison Square Garden. This is the first year of a three-year plan for the unbeaten welterweight (30-0). In his sights are Ricky Hatton, Floyd Mayweather and, perhaps, Oscar de La Hoya. But to get those fights, Cotto will need to beat the highly regarded veteran Mosley. It's the biggest fight of your career. You feeling the pressure? C: I don't feel pressure. I trust myself when I go to the ring. There have been 52 Boricua champs. What number are you? C: 50. Any added pressure because of that tradition? C: Every time I go inside the ring I carry all Puerto Ricans on my shoulders - everyday Puerto Rican people. It's this thing called Puerto Rican pride. I hear that you have been learning English? C: I took classes at the Language Insititute in Guayabo. In Puerto Rico, all kids are taught English, but it's basic. And I spoke it a little. So all this time you've known how to speak English? C: I was afraid to speak. You afraid? You're a boxer! C: I feared that people would make fun of me. What's the worst thing about boxing? C: The dieting. I can't eat my mom's cooking. When I go visit her, I stay away from the kitchen. What's the best thing? C: When people recognize you. I feel privileged. How do you want to be remembered? C: A boxer who knew how to fight, who knew how to put on the pressure when he needed. Are you married? C: Not any more, and I love being single. So you won't get married again? C: Not for another ten years or so. I feel free now. Who's your favorite boxer? C: I don't really like boxing. But if you need an answer: Evander Holyfield - he is a warrior. .........................................