Miguel Cotto vs. Juan Manuel Marquez | Exhibition - OFF

[Ruthless-RKO]

Miguel Cotto vs. Juan Manuel Marquez Exhibition Clash in Play For June 12

Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Marquez will become the latest in a growing trend of ring legends appearing on the boxing exhibition circuit.

Multiple sources have informed Boxing Scene that the pair of former four-division titlists are due to meet in an exhibition bout on June 12 from a location to be determined. Details on the event have yet to be confirmed other than that an announcement from both parties is expected in the coming days.

News of the development was first reported by El Nuevo Dia. The revelation comes days after the recently announced comeback plans of Hall of Fame former six-division titlist Oscar de la Hoya, who—fittingly—promoted both boxers at separate points in their respective careers.

Cotto (41-6, 33 KOs) has not fought since a 12-round points loss to Sadam Ali in Dec. 2017, conceding his WBO junior middleweight title in the process. The 40-year-old boxer from Caguas, Puerto Rico—who won titles at junior welterweight, welterweight (twice), junior middleweight (twice) and middleweight (lineal)—was eligible to appear on the International Boxing Hall of Fame (IBHOF) voting ballot for the first time last year, though failing to generate enough votes to gain enshrinement.

In his time away from the ring, Cotto and his team have further advanced Promociones Miguel Cotto as the leading promotional outfit in Puerto Rico. The company is fresh off of presenting three shows on NBC Sports Network’s Ring City USA series, boasting several notable prospects and championship-level talent.

A full-throttle comeback was never really in store for Cotto, though he is on board with participating on this level.

Marquez (56-7-1, 40 KOs) also came up short in his final major title fight, although ending his legendary career on a high note. The former featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight titlist last appeared in the ring in a 12-round decision win over Mike Alvarado in May 2014. The now 47-year-old from Mexico City made his way to the IBHOF ballot in 2019, as he was voted in during his first year of eligibility.

COVID restrictions have delayed his official enshrinement, as Marquez will be part of a massive three-year group to be formally inducted in June 2022.

Marquez served as high among the best boxers in the world for years, even well into the twilight of his incredible career. The supremely talented boxer-puncher remains best remembered for his four-fight set with fellow ring legend Manny Pacquiao, including his iconic 6th round knockout in their final meeting in Dec. 2012 which remains one of the best fights of the 21st century.

Having claimed belts in four weight divisions, Marquez came up just short in a bid to win the welterweight crown following a 12-round loss to Timothy Bradley in Oct. 2013. The setback came 10 months after finally getting the best of Pacquiao after having suffered two losses and a draw amidst a series where many argue he could just as easily be no worse than 3-1 in their four fights taking place in three separate weight divisions.

Cotto made history for Puerto Rico, becoming the island’s only-ever male boxer to win titles in four weight divisions. That feat was accomplished in June 2014, scoring a 10th round stoppage of Sergio Martinez to win the lineal middleweight championship.

Cotto and Marquez join de la Hoya on a lengthy list of past greats who have either returned to the ring within the past year or plan to do so in the months ahead. Mike Tyson and Roy Jones popularized the trend with their high-profile Pay-Per-View exhibition last November, landing in the Top 10 of best-selling PPV events in combat sports history.

[Ruthless-RKO]

These two were supposed to have a pro fight a few years back, but Cotto didn't want to go down to 147.

[Syntax Error]

It now looks as if an exhibition is the new way for old fart boxers to get back into the ring and start punching each other's heads again.

[DrDuke]

It now looks as if an exhibition is the new way for old fart boxers to get back into the ring and start punching each other's heads again.

And that's better than going to embarrassing official bouts.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Gonna be a PPV.

[squiggy]

I'd watch an embarrassing official bout rather than an embarrassing pretend bout any day.

[gilgamesh]

Exhibition...Boooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[gilgamesh]

It now looks as if an exhibition is the new way for old fart boxers to get back into the ring and start punching each other's heads again.

And that's better than going to embarrassing official bouts.

It's absolutely not.

I'd watch 2 nobodies in a Professional Boxing match before I'd watch my 2 favorite fighters ever in an Exhibition bout.

[DrDuke]

It now looks as if an exhibition is the new way for old fart boxers to get back into the ring and start punching each other's heads again.

And that's better than going to embarrassing official bouts.

It's absolutely not.

I'd watch 2 nobodies in a Professional Boxing match before I'd watch my 2 favorite fighters ever in an Exhibition bout.

You don't understand me. I was talking about embarrassing official bouts featuring famous old farts.

[gilgamesh]

And that's better than going to embarrassing official bouts.

It's absolutely not.

I'd watch 2 nobodies in a Professional Boxing match before I'd watch my 2 favorite fighters ever in an Exhibition bout.

You don't understand me. I was talking about embarrassing official bouts featuring famous old farts.

I'd rather watch those too.

I'd be interested in Miguel Cotto vs Marquez even now if they were actually fighting.

Boxing doesn't embarrass me. If you don't need to be in there it's on you not to be in there. Nobody is making any of these guys do this.

[DrDuke]

It's absolutely not.

I'd watch 2 nobodies in a Professional Boxing match before I'd watch my 2 favorite fighters ever in an Exhibition bout.

You don't understand me. I was talking about embarrassing official bouts featuring famous old farts.

I'd rather watch those too.

I'd be interested in Miguel Cotto vs Marquez even now if they were actually fighting.

Boxing doesn't embarrass me. If you don't need to be in there it's on you not to be in there. Nobody is making any of these guys do this.

It looks like you didn't watch Holmes vs Bonecrusher II.

[gilgamesh]

You don't understand me. I was talking about embarrassing official bouts featuring famous old farts.

I'd rather watch those too.

I'd be interested in Miguel Cotto vs Marquez even now if they were actually fighting.

Boxing doesn't embarrass me. If you don't need to be in there it's on you not to be in there. Nobody is making any of these guys do this.

It looks like you didn't watch Holmes vs Bonecrusher II.

No I didn't. Wouldn't change my opinion. I'd rather fighters fight a bout where there are stakes, and they're trying to win rather than just show up and get paid.

[Ruthless-RKO]

[brilo33]

dont know what to make of these exhibtions, cotto is one of my all time faviourte fighters , and every one has the right to earn , to be honest id rather watch cotto shadow box , good luck to them

[margaret thatcher]

it's just a bit of light hearted fun, some dudes are taking this too seriously

[fanman]

Don't think these will draw like Tyson - jones or Tyson - holyfield 3.
Amazing that Tyson - jones was in the top 10 ppv of all time.

[brilo33]

Don't think these will draw like Tyson - jones or Tyson - holyfield 3.
Amazing that Tyson - jones was in the top 10 ppv of all time.

i would of watched a miguel angel cotttttttooooo fight over rjj any day

[Ruthless-RKO]

Cotto vs. Marquez: Freddie Roach, Nacho Beristain Embrace The Fight

They were unable to reach an agreement in 2016, but former four division world champions Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Marquez will settle their unfinished business in two months time.

As Boxing Scene previously reported, the two boxers will come out of retirement to take part in an eight round exhibition clash on June 12. Venues in Florida and Texas are being reviewed.

Five years ago, the two boxers were in serious discussions to face each other. Ultimately they were unable to reach an agreement on the weight limit.

The exhibition fight will be broadcast on the pay-per-view - looking to capitalize on the November 2020 exhibition clash between Mike Tyson and Roy Jones - which generated 1.6 million PPV buys.

According to Carlos Narvaez, newly crowned World Boxing Council (WBC) interim flyweight champion, McWilliams Arroyo, is possibly going to make his first defense in the co-feature. Other Puerto Ricans such as the Pan American gold medalist Oscar Collazo could also be included on the card.

There is also a preliminary agreement that calls for both boxers to use 14-ounce gloves and there won't be any judges involved to score the fight. Promotional events will take place in Mexico and Puerto Rico.

Both boxers will have the services of their Hall of Fame trainers.

Cotto, 40, will have Freddie Roach, while Marquez, 47, will be prepared by Nacho Beristain.

"I have generally disapproved of all boxers who retire and decide to return," Beristain said.

"But in this case, in the case of an exhibition, for both of us I believe that I recognize that it will be a long-awaited confrontation that, due to the difference in weight, did not occur [years ago], but now because it is an exhibition, they are going to hold a meeting [in the ring] of great class."

Cotto, who finished his career with a record of 41-6 with 33 KOs, retired in 2017 after losing to Saddam Ali. The Puerto Rican boxer was champion at junior welterweight, welterweight, super welterweight and middleweight divisions.

"Puerto Rico and Mexico is one of the greatest rivalries in boxing," Roach said. "And Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Márquez are two elite fighters who will undoubtedly give an incredible display that no one should miss. The Mexican and Puerto Rican fans are without a doubt the best boxing has and they deserve this."

Marquez retired in 2014 with a record of 56-7-1 and 40 KO's. He was world champion at featherweight, super featherweight, lightweight and junior welterweight.

[Ruthless-RKO]

June date cancelled. Will most likely be in July.

[squiggy]

Cotto vs. Marquez: Freddie Roach, Nacho Beristain Embrace The Fight

They were unable to reach an agreement in 2016, but former four division world champions Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Marquez will settle their unfinished business...

No they won't. Exhibitions settle about as much business as a game of Scrabble.

[Ruthless-RKO]

When's this?

[Enlightened-One]

Floyd Mayweather (before the Logan Paul exhibition): "I'm going to let him live. I'm gonna go light on him. I ain't gonna go hard on him."

Logan Paul (to Money May between rounds): "Chill champ, chill. It's just an exhibition!"

That'll be the attitude Juan Manuel Marquez and Miguel Cotto will adopt for their exhibition. And there's nothing wrong with that mindset either.

They're experienced and respectful warriors. They'll abide by the commission rules and treat this as a body spar, throwing only light shots to the head. They won’t try to hurt each other.

And there won’t be a victor from this bout either.

People might watch this exhibition out of curiosity, but it’s ultimately a pointless exercise in terms of sporting prestige and legacy.

Keep your expectations low, and you might enjoy the event (by treating it for what it really is), but if you do otherwise, then you'll definitely end up being disappointed!

[Ruthless-RKO]

Miguel Cotto vs. Juan Manuel Marquez Now Being Targeted For October

The organizers of the announced exhibition fight, between four division champions Miguel Cotto of Puerto Rico and Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, have yet to finalize a concrete date for the event.

At the moment, the fight is now being targeted for the month of October, according to Carlos Gonzalez.

Originally, the event was going to take place on June 12.

However, the card was postponed because of the abundance of high profile events which were already scheduled for that month.

And the of July and August were also loaded with numerous cards. On July 9 Zurdo Ramirez will face Sullivan Barrera; on July 17 Jermell Charlo vs. Brian Castano; on July 24 Tyson Fury vs. Deontay Wilder. And, there will also be the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

And during August, Guillermo Rigondeaux will fight against Joel Casimero, Teófimo Lopez hoes against George Kambosos and, in addition, Manny Pacquiao will face Errol Spence Jr.

Cotto, 40, closed the book on his in-ring career in December 2017 when he lost a twelve round decision to Saddam Ali. Since then, he has focused his efforts on various business projects and his promotional company, Miguel Cotto Promotions. Marquez, 47, has not fought since May of 2014.

Several years ago, the two boxers were actually involved in serious discussions to fight each other, when both were still active - but they were unable to reach an agreement on the weight. Marquez was not willing to fight beyond the welterweight limit of 147, while Cotto was unable to drop down below a weight limit of 150-pounds.

[Ruthless-RKO]

Cotto-Marquez Exhibition No Longer In Play, Will Not Be Revisited

Plans are no longer in place for a showdown between Miguel Cotto and Juan Manuel Marquez.

The previously scheduled exhibition match has moved from extended postponement to outright cancellation, Promociones Miguel Cotto executive director Bryan Perez confirmed with Boxing cene. The bout was once due to take place June 12 and then put on hold for later in the year but with no plans to explore a new date.

“It is no longer on our agenda,” Hector Soto, vice president of Promociones Miguel Cotto confirmed with Primera Hota, who first reported the news Thursday afternoon. “It’s not happening anymore; it’s over.”

Of all the pairings between past legends, boxing fans seemed most excited over this particular matchup. Cotto and Marquez are both still in relatively good shape and less than ten years removed from their respective pro careers.

Cotto (41-6, 33KOs) has not fought since a December 2017 title-losing effort to Sadam Ali at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The former four-division titlist—who turns 41 in October—is currently eligible for International Boxing Hall of Fame consideration, though missing out in 2020, his first year on the ballot.

The transition to retirement was painless for Cotto, who had already begun his own promotional company by that point. Such will remain his focus, as any plans for a showdown with Marquez was always intended as a one-time ring return.

Marquez (56-7-1, 40KOs) was elected into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2019. COVID restrictions canceled the induction ceremony scheduled for last June and with a dual class enshrinement intended for this past June also shut down. The legendary 47-year-old from Mexico City ended his career with a decision win over Mike Alvarado in May 2014, seven months after coming up just short versus Tim Bradley in their WBO welterweight title fight.

The October 2013 bout marked the last ever title fight for Marquez, a former four-division champion, who won belts at featherweight, junior lightweight, lightweight and junior welterweight. It came ten months after the signature win of his career, a sixth-round knockout of Manny Pacquiao in their memorable fourth meeting in December 2012 which was widely recognized as the best fight of the year and decade.

Marquez’s final pro fight in May 2014 came three weeks before Cotto made history for Puerto Rico. A tenth-round stoppage of lineal middleweight king Sergio Martinez in June 2014 saw Cotto become the island’s first-ever male boxer to win titles in four weight divisions. One successful defense of the middleweight crown followed before losing a twelve-round decision to Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez in November 2015.

Just two more fights followed for Cotto before officially calling it a career and concentrating full-time on running his promotional company. It appears that will remain his primary focus, as one last night in the ring is no longer in play.

“Miguel continues to train,” notes Soto. “But no longer with plans to fight.”

[goose 5]

I'm gutted- not.