PHOTO: TOM CASINO/SHOWTIME – On Saturday, Dec. 2, SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING will televise an outstanding world championship doubleheader featuring two of boxing’s most dynamic performers, Miguel Cotto and Antonio Margarito, live at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the west coast). In the first of the two co-featured main events on SHOWTIME, Margarito (33-4, 1 NC, 24 KOs), the exciting, hard-hitting, World Boxing Organization (WBO) 147-pound champion will defend his crown against WBO No. 5 contender Joshua Clottey (30-1, 1 NC, 20 KOs).
The second championship bout of the night will pit undefeated Cotto (27-0, 22 KOs) against fellow undefeated Puerto Rican, southpaw Carlos Quintana (23-0, 18 KOs), for the vacant World Boxing Association (WBA) welterweight title. Bob Arum’s Top Rank, Inc., in association with Northeast Promotions and Caesars Atlantic City, will promote the twin bill.
The fighters gathered in the media center at Caesars Atlantic City on Thursday to meet for a final time with an international press corps.
MIGUEL COTTO (27-0, 22 KOs)
“Two years ago I stopped enjoying my training because of having to go down to 140 pounds. Now I finally enjoy it again. I no longer feel the stress of having to lose the weight.
“I’ve been the puncher and I’ve been the boxer when necessary. When it’s the moment to attack my opponent I’ll do it. I can’t tell you the exact style I will use but I will go with what’s most convenient. I’ve always been comfortable with either my right or my left.
“I’m not worried if they say he (Quintana) is the favorite. I am prepared and I have worked hard as I always do.”
MEDIA ROUNDTABLE QUOTES
CARLOS QUINTANA (23-0, 18 KOs)
“Before I fought Julio no one thought I had a chance to win, only one writer thought it was possible. Now for the Cotto fight, opinions are more evenly divided.
“It’s time that I’m given the respect that I have earned during my career and all the sacrifices I have made for it. We’re here to win. I’ve done the work and I’m prepared for victory.
“I would like to dedicate my victory to the people of Puerto Rico. I know they will be very happy for me if I win.
“My career has not been an easy one. I have been through a lot of things that people aren’t aware of. Thank God it looks like this is going to be my year.”
ANTONIO MARGARITO (33-4, 1 NC, 24 KOs )
“I’m ready, and I can’t wait to get into the ring. We’ve done all we have to do, we’re on weight and I’m just looking to the fight right now.
“I expect a tough fight from Clottey but one that the fans will enjoy because of our styles. He said it’s going to be a war. If he wants a war I’ll give him one.
“Now that Cotto is in the division I think it makes things more interesting.”
JOSHUA CLOTTEY (30-1, 1 NC, 20 KOs)
“Many of the press members here today (Thursday, media roundtables) focus on the other guys. That makes me more motivated for Saturday. I am going to do everything in my power to get the title from Margarito (so) the next time I come here, everybody will come see me.
“This is the biggest opportunity of my career and I will not let it slip away from me.
“Against a guy like Margarito, I will jab a lot, throw a lot of combinations, a lot of punches because he does not have a good defense. I am in the best shape of my life and I am prepared to deliver.
“After the fight, everyone will know the name Joshua Clottey.”