Will Canelo Alvarez be able to unseat Miguel Cotto on Nov. 21? (Photo: Hoganphotos)
By Chris Robinson
On Nov. 21, four-division world champion Miguel Cotto will lock horns with former WBA junior middleweight champion Saul “Canelo” Alvarez from the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nev.
Cotto (40-4, 33 KO’s) is the reigning WBC middleweight champion and will be looking for a second successful defense of his title vs. the younger Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KO’s) on HBO pay per view in one of the year’s biggest events.
Catching up with former two-division world champion Zab Judah inside of the Mayweather Boxing Club recently, he seems to feel that Alvarez, 25, has the edge over Cotto, 34.
“It’s going to be a good fight,” Judah told Hustle Boss. “I think Cotto can come in with a good game plan. But Canelo’s a bigger, stronger guy. A much younger guy. I don’t know, but if I had to put my money on it, I’m leaning towards Canelo Alvarez.”
Cotto, one of Puerto Rico’s most beloved champions, has fought several times in New York, where he has always received tremendous support while delivering some of his most electrifying performances. When fighting in Las Vegas it is another case, however, as Miguel has suffered three of his four defeats in the city.
Having Cotto vs. Canelo in Las Vegas serves as a neutral territory and Judah doesn’t think the location will play too big of a role.
“I’m speaking for myself,” Judah explained. “I fought all over the world. Overseas, everything. It never really mattered where I was put; as long as I was put inside of a square ring against another opponent, it was a fair match.”
Cotto has looked like a reborn fighter since linking up with esteemed trainer Freddie Roach and Judah is unsure of what game plan the duo will be working on the next few months.
“I don’t know,” said Judah. “Me and Freddie think on two different terms. Not to say anything bad about Freddie. I know Miguel Cotto, himself as a fighter, he’s going to come in there and be in great shape. He knows he has to be in great condition and he’s going to come in there and fight.”
Check below for the full Q & A with Judah.
Chris Robinson can be reached at CRobinson@hustleboss.com