By Steve Kim
It was formally announced today in New York that WBO junior middleweight titlist, Miguel Cotto, will be facing Sadam Ali, in what the Puerto Rican superstar says will be the final fight of his illustrious career. This event which will take place from the Madison Square Garden on December 2 in New York City will be televised by HBO.
And the network will be showcasing another fight on this broadcast.
WBC super bantamweight champion Rey Vargas, 26 years old and trained by Hall of Famer Ignacio "Nacho" Beristain, will be fighting in the co-featured slot on the televised card.
According to Golden Boy Promotions president, Eric Gomez - "Rey Vargas [will be in the co-feature], he's going to defend his title and we're just finalizing the opponent."
Vargas is one of the rising stars in Mexico. He won the World Boxing Council title by traveling over to the Ice Arena in Hull and out-pointing undefeated Gavin McDonnell back in February while the title was vacant.
Then he made his first defense this past August 26th by decisioning Ronny Rios at the StubHub Center in Carson, California, in a bout that was broadcast by HBO. The televised headliner that night featured Miguel Cotto, who returned for the first time since November 2015 to capture the WBO 154-pound belt with unanimous decision over Yoshihiro Kamegai.
Vargas stays very active, with an average of three or more fights per year.
Tickets for Cotto vs. Ali are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 and are on sale. Tickets can be purchased at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com, www.goldenboytickets.com or www.MSG.com.
Steve Kim is the news editor for BoxingScene.com.