Freddie Roach is looking forward to the proposed showdown between boxing superstars Miguel Cotto and Saul "Canelo" Alvarez later this year, and the Hall of Fame trainer believes his fighter has the upper hand.
Roach, who has helped Cotto revive his career over the past two years, said that they like the fight against Alvarez, because they are convinced the reigning World Boxing Council middleweight champion is still the better fighter.
The seven-time Boxing Writers Association of America trainer of the year even predicted a knockout victory for Cotto, who recently stopped challenger Daniel Geale in four rounds in his first title defense earlier this month.
"I really like that fight," Roach said of the Cotto-Canelo showdown. "That's the fight I've always wanted for Miguel. I think it's a very good fight for us. I really like our chances in that fight and I think there's a good chance we knock this guy out."
In a separate interview, Roach revealed that the two camps are already negotiating for the bout. Previous reports indicated that the fight could happen in September 12, but Floyd Mayweather recently announced that he will fight on that date. The veteran trainer said that the Cotto-Alvarez fight will take place in November.
"The fight is already going to happen in November," Roach said. "The fight is not yet signed. I understand that some details are missing, but the fact is that it will be in November."
As for the venue, Alvarez wants the fight to happen in Texas, specifically at the Cowboys Stadium. However, Gaby Penagaricaño, Cotto's adviser, said his client prefers New York or Las Vegas. He also added that while there is still no agreement, the negotiation for the fight is going well.
"We are also more inclined with New York and Las Vegas. Texas, not so much, but it is not ruled out," Penagaricaño said. "Things are looking good, positive so far. But I could not say that there is agreement yet. At the present, everyone is very positive."
The two camps were also in deep negotiation for the fight earlier this year, but failed to find a common ground. Alvarez eventually settled for a fight against James Kirkland, while Cotto defended his title against Geale.
Alvarez, who holds a 45-1-1 record with 32 knockouts, scored a third-round knockout win against Kirkland, which was his third consecutive win since losing to Mayweather in September 2013.
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