Twelve years after making his professional debut, three-division world champion and the Pride of Puerto Rico Miguel Cotto will make his Florida debut when he faces Delvin Rodriguez in a 12-round super welterweight battle. Cotto vs. Rodriguez will take place Saturday, October 5, at the home of the Orlando Magic, Amway Center in Orlando, Fla., which is hosting its first-ever professional boxing event. Cotto vs. Rodriguez was announced as official earlier in the week, and right here, you’ll find the quotes, photos and notes from the opening press conference.
Cotto and Rodriguez boast a combined record of 65-10-3 (46 KOs) — a winning percentage of over 83% and a victory by knockout ratio of 71%.
“I am very happy to be back on October 5 and fighting in front of all the great fans of Orlando, Florida,” said Cotto.
“I’m going to go for the knockout,” said Rodriguez. “I will take advantage of the biggest opportunity of my life.”
“Miguel Cotto has participated in some of boxing’s biggest events over the past 10 years,” said Todd duBoef, president of Top Rank. “His return to the ring on October 5 will be another electrifying night for the fans watching it live in Orlando and the boxing fans throughout the world. Top Rank is thrilled to work with him and his promotional team on this event.”
“When Miguel Cotto is in the ring it is always exciting to watch. For us it is a great pleasure to present the return of one of boxing’s biggest stars to our great Puerto Rican community in Orlando and all the Latino fans of Florida. October 5th will be a great night for boxing,” said Héctor Soto, Vice President of Miguel Cotto Promotions.
“As Delvin’s promoter, it is an honor to have our boxer fight against Miguel Cotto, a true boxing legend,” said Joe DeGuardia, president of Star Boxing. “As a boxing aficionado, I am excited to see this fight, which is one that real boxing fans are enthusiastic about. I expect a thrilling battle of will and skill between these two veteran warriors and look forward to October 5.”
“Landing another high-profile event like this is a knockout for the City of Orlando in terms of entertainment and economic impact,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “Whether it’s Wrestlemania, the NBA All-Star game or NCAA Championship games, Orlando has proven that we have what it takes to host top-tier sporting events. We look forward to hosting what will be a thrilling fight and once again showcasing Orlando to a worldwide audience.”
“Today’s announcement is particularly exciting because it is our first professional boxing match and an internationally televised one,” said Orlando Venues Executive Director Allen Johnson. “This is yet another milestone for Amway Center and illustrates our commitment to host diverse events that cater to the greater Central Florida community and beyond.”
Promoted by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Top Rank, in association with Joe DeGuardia’s Star Boxing and Tecate, tickets to Cotto vs. Rodriguez will go on sale, Tuesday, July 30 at 10:00 a.m. ET. Priced at $150, $100, $50 and $25, tickets can be purchased online at amwaycenter.com or at Ticketmaster.com.
