Antonio Margarito Interview "Cotto has never taken a body shot from someone my size"

FF: Cotto has shown in the Shane Mosley fight that he can retreat backwards and still jab and box well. If he finds you to be stronger and he elects to box and move, do you feel confident you can adjust to that and still find a way to win? AM: Yes, I know I can’t be one dimensional against Cotto. I brought in sparring partners who I believe are quicker with their feet than Cotto. If he boxes like I believe he will, I’ll be ready. We have been working on different strategies and I feel confident with my preparation. FF: When the bell rings you will meet Cotto in the middle of the ring. When you meet him head on, do you feel that your strength will back him up? AM: I know I am bigger and stronger than Cotto. I’m six feet tall and Cotto is 5′7. I’ve been a welterweight since the beginning of my career while Cotto moved up from the junior welterweight division. At the end of the day though, none of this really makes a difference if I don’t take advantage of it. FF: Cotto has shown in the Shane Mosley fight that he can retreat backwards and still jab and box well. If he finds you to be stronger and he elects to box and move, do you feel confident you can adjust to that and still find a way to win? AM: Yes, I know I can’t be one dimensional against Cotto. I brought in sparring partners who I believe are quicker with their feet than Cotto. If he boxes like I believe he will, I’ll be ready. FF: Cotto has a very good jab. In your past experiences how have you dealt with an opponent who has a good jab to take that away from them? AM: Overwhelm them with punches to the point where they forget the jab and go into survival mode. FF: You and Cotto are both VERY good body punchers. How important will body punching be in this fight, and are you confident you can and will hurt him to the body? AM: We both work the body tremendously. I don’t know if I’ll hurt Cotto to the body but one thing I can say for certain is that Cotto has not received a body shot from someone as big as me. We’ll have to wait and see. FF: You are known to be a very tough and durable fighter. Do you have any concern or worry about Miguel Cotto’s strength and power? AM: No, not at all. I am very confident with my preparation. FF: In your opinion, is the winner of this fight the best welterweight in the world? AM: Definitely! FF: I do not want to ask you to look past the challenge with Miguel Cotto, but in recent weeks Oscar De La Hoya has hinted that he may like to fight Cotto if he is the winner in his fight with you. He did not however, mention your name. Do you believe he may fight you if you are victorious against Cotto? AM: I really don’t think so. In fact, I’m more than sure he won’t. FF: Is there anything you would like to say to the FightFans as you prepare to enter the ring and face Cotto? AM: You don’t want to miss fight. This is a fight for the fans and one that will keep you on your feet. This is a fight between two warriors who are not only fighting for themselves but for their countries as well! FF: Thank you Antonio. Best of luck and health in the fight. AM: Thank you.