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Miguel Cotto will be back at Madison Square Garden on December 1, with Showtime televising his fight against WBA 154-pound titleholder Austin Trout. Today, the two met up in New York for a press conference to formally announce the fight. Tickets for the fight go on sale Tuesday, September 25.
Miguel Cotto
"I am really excited to come back to my second home. Fighting at The Garden is always special for me and a true pleasure. There is something unique in the atmosphere and it means a lot to me every time I fight there because the energy of the fans gives me extra motivation. Austin Trout will be a challenge for me, but I will win my fifth world championship on December 1."
Austin Trout
"Miguel Cotto needs no introduction. He's a true champion and one of the best fighters of the last 10 years, but I'm the present and future of the sport and this is just the showcase I need to prove to the world that I'm one of the best, pound-for-pound. I can't wait to fight in such a legendary place like Madison Square Garden; it's every fighter's dream."
Hector Soto (Miguel Cotto Promotions)
"We are thrilled to have Miguel Cotto back at The Garden in a spectacular fight against undefeated and world champion Austin Trout. This will be like a homecoming party; a national Puerto Rican holiday. This is a solid show featuring one of the biggest superstars in boxing, Miguel Cotto, supported by hot prospects from the island of Puerto Rico showing their developing talent and potential. I cannot wait!"
Oscar De La Hoya (Golden Boy Promotions)
"There are few events in boxing like a Miguel Cotto fight at Madison Square Garden. The atmosphere is electric and it feels like all of Puerto Rico has come out to support him. Nights like these lift up the sport and I can't wait to be in New York on December 1 to witness this great fight live."
Greg Cohen (Greg Cohen Promotions)
"Austin Trout is the WBA Super Welterweight Champion of The World, Miguel Cotto is a future hall of famer and great fighter who deserves all the accolades he receives. Miguel Cotto could fight anyone and the fact that he sought out a young, hungry and talented world champion in Austin Trout speaks volumes of his character and competitive spirit. This fight will represent the changing of the guard, very similar to when a young Sugar Ray Leonard beat Wilfred Benitez. Austin Trout is going to be the next American superstar. Some guys get lost in the moment while others embrace it. Austin will seize the moment. December 1 at Madison Square Garden, a star will be born!"
Stephen Espinoza (Showtime Sports)
"We are proud to be working with Miguel Cotto Promotions on such a huge event. Miguel Cotto is an icon not only in the boxing world but also to New York sports fans. Bringing him back to this city to fight an undefeated champion in Austin Trout at Madison Square Garden is a perfect way to cap off what has been a landmark year for World Championship boxing on Showtime."
Joel Fisher (MSG Sports)
"We are excited to welcome the great Puerto Rican champion Miguel Cotto back to his home, Madison Square Garden, the Mecca of Boxing. Miguel is New York's most popular fighter, and we're thrilled that area boxing fans will be able to see him in our historic building - that will just have completed phase two of our transformation - once again."