By Miguel Rivera

There are no reasons to alter the formula. Fitness coach Gavin McMillan will maintain the same pattern of work that he's done in the past with former four division world champion Miguel Cotto. They have been working together since 2013.

The pugilist is in Los Angeles, California, in full preparation for his next engagement in the ring. On February 25, Cotto will step in the ring against James Kirkland in Frisco, Texas.

In September, MacMillan spent two weeks in Puerto Rico supervising Cotto directly under the premise that he could be back in the ring for the month of December. However, that plan was discarded when the process of agreeing with an opponent was delayed far longer than anticipated.

Cotto has been out of the ring since losing a twelve round unanimous decision to Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in November of 2015. Now at 36-years-old, Cotto says 2017 will be his final year in the sport.

"The weather in Los Angeles has kept us training indoors," said MacMillan to Carlos Gonzalez. "We still do not have the intention of running a lot. We are focusing more on improving foot work, agility and making sure he has the stamina to implement Freddie Roach's strategy. Miguel started preparing for this fight well before we started camp. He arrived in Los Angeles in good physical condition and that makes our job easier."

"I know what Miguel has been doing since September, and I was not surprised when he arrived in [good shape]. This fight (Kirkland) is important and Miguel is the most disciplined athlete I've ever met."

"You have to take into account your age and we have concentrated more on strengthening the torso for this fight as compared to previous times. Years ago, he had trouble making the weight and now he doesn't. That makes the job simpler and we do not have to lose pounds, but instead acquire the best possible condition. We emphasize that the more athletic Miguel is, the better he moves inside the ring and, therefore, the chances of beating any opponent increases."

"Years ago he had surgery on one shoulder and we have emphasized on improving his resistance particularly in the upper body. We always take the necessary precautions to avoid aggravating the area of ??the operation and as we have known each other better the confidence has grown."