Veteran boxing trainer Nacho Beristain revealed that he will be rooting for Saul "Canelo" Alvarez in his upcoming showdown with Miguel Cotto on Nov. 21 at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Beristain, who is famous for training Mexican boxing warriors Juan Manuel Marquez and Jorge Arce, sees a close fight that could end in a knockout -- either by a cut or an injury.
The Hall of Fame trainer said that Canelo is his sentimental favorite because he wants Alvarez to win for Mexican fans. He pointed out that a Canelo victory will be good for the sport because Alvarez has a lot of fans worldwide, and also gave reason why he thinks the Mexican boxing superstar would win against Cotto.
"He is a fighter who moves the people, he draws a lot of people and if he wins it would become even bigger," Beristain told ESPN Deportes, referring to Alvarez. "I like the boxing of Canelo. His abilities have developed. He boxes beautifully, he puts combinations together very well, he's explosive, has charisma."
Alvarez, who has racked up 45 wins against just one defeat and one draw in his 10-year professional boxing career, is coming off an impressive third-round knockout win against James Kirkland in May.
However, Beristain said that Canelo has no room for complacency because he is facing a tough opponent. The Hall of Famer said that Canelo should be wary of Cotto's punching power, and also added that he knows the Puerto Rican boxing star will be 100 percent ready on fight night.
"Cotto is an excellent fighter, prepares well," Beristain added. "He has the punching power to hurt anyone in a fight. He has a coach who always has his fighters well-trained, and he's a very good strategist who always makes everyone work hard and surely Cotto will come in there in great condition."
Cotto, who will defend his World Boxing Council middleweight title for the second time since winning the crown against Sergio Martinez in June last year, trained under Freddie Roach, who had numerous battles against Beristain before -- like the four showdowns between Manny Pacquiao and Marquez.
Cotto, who holds a 40-4 record with 33 knockout victories, said in a recent interview that he is preparing for war. He is motivated by the fact that his showdown with Alvarez will become another chapter in the historic boxing rivalry between Mexico and Puerto Rico.
