By Jhonny Gonzalez

The war of words continues between undefeated Puerto Rican champions, Juan Manuel Lopez and Wilfredo Vazquez Jr. The war began after Vazquez Jr. made certain comments about Lopez during an interview with ESPN radio. Once the comments made their way back to Lopez, the tension boiled over.

"I don't like to give promotion to anybody, so this is the last time that I'm going to talk about him. Wilfredo Vázquez Jr. made some strong comments about me, that there is arrogance in me. He said that my team is mediocre. I regret that he is not here so I can tell him to his face, that if my team is mediocre, well this is the same team that helped make him a world champion," Juanma said. "I am not arrogant. I'm really cool with everybody. [Vazquez's promoter] Tutico Zabala doesn't take my six figures. I am a fighter who takes my money. I know what I'm worth and we can fight next."

Vazquez, speaking with Carlos Gonzalez, has already returned fire at Juanma. He says the WBO featherweight champion is twisting his words around.

"I don't think I said anything offensive. So why would he (López) say something derogatory about me? He disrespected me. I just gave him a tip as a fan who sees things from outside. Humility begins with the people that you surround yourself with. They are the ones that carry you to another level or help you maintain your feet on the ground. I have no fear and (Lopez) is believed to shooting star that fell on the ground. Juanma is human like anyone else. I never said anything about his wife or his children. I don't have a reason to talk negatively about anyone," said Vazquez Jr. "I have no reason to envy anything because I have what I have and he has what he has. I am original and I express myself and say what I feel."

WBA junior middleweight champion and Puerto Rican icon, Miguel Cotto, has made a plea for peace. He urged both fighters to end their bickering.

"It is unfortunate that two fixtures of the sport in our country, who are beginning to give glory to Puerto Rico, are now involved in a controversy like this. We are athletes who will provide glory and good times to Puerto Rico. Let put the ignorance aside and get to work," Cotto said. "The sport of boxing is large enough for both of them to have bright careers to benefit themselves, Puerto Rico, and last but most important of all - their families. I apologize for intruding but this is the best advice that I can give to both of them."