Roach: Cotto will take Canelo to school

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Miguel Cotto - Daniel GealeIt has been made official following prolonged negotiations and so WBC World middleweight champion Miguel Cotto (40-4, 33 KO’s) will defend his title at the Mandalay Bay Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas against Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez (45-1-1, 32 KO’s) on November 21st.

In the immediate aftermath of the announcement, Cotto’s trainer Freddie Roach is staying true to form and predicts a resounding win for his man, as is his won’t for most big fights he is involved in.

Speaking to Boxing News Online, Roach was unequivocal in his prediction.

“I think this is a big step up for him, and I think that Miguel will take him to school. I think we’re just too smart.”

“I don’t think he’s stronger than us to be honest with you, and I don’t think that’s a factor in the fight. I think we’re stronger than him. I think we’re the better puncher, and we will show on fight night.”

In the upper echelons of the sport, strength alone will falter in the presence of superior technique. Both of these fighters are adept in the skill and power departments, and the tactical plans of each camp will likely have a profound effect on the result. This appears to be a very evenly matched contest.

The fight has been made five pounds below the 160 lb. middleweight limit and despite the dismay of many of boxing purists at the decision, it suits both participants with Cotto being very undersized for the division and Canelo bursting at the seams at light-middleweight.

We are now far removed from the opening bell and at this early stage Roach expects to continue on the run of good form he and Cotto have shared in their three knockout wins together since late 2013, as well as setting expectations very high for the event as a whole.

“We will come up with a big game plan like we did in the last three fights. Miguel is a really hard worker, and he’s very dedicated. Me and him, we do work very well together, and I expect this to be one of the greatest fights of all time.”