Cotto-Ali confirmed for December 2

It’s official. Miguel Cotto (41-5, 33 KOs), who is thought to be a surefire Hall of Famer, will end his career in a WBO junior middleweight title defense against Sadam Ali (25-1, 14 KOs) on December 2nd. The fight will take place at New York’s Madison Square Garden, airing live on HBO starting at 10pm ET.

"I'm very excited to be back in the ring for my final fight at The Garden. I've worked really hard my entire career to be at this level," Cotto said. "I am fully concentrated on getting together with Freddie Roach so we can work hard and have a great victory on December 2."

Ali will be taking a step up in both competition and weight for this fight, and could well be over-matched against an opponent like Cotto. Nevertheless he’s still hoping to make a name for himself in this outing.

"I am thrilled to be given the opportunity to fight a legend in Madison Square Garden in front of all my fans and on HBO," said Ali. "My time is now. God willing, I will leave the Garden with the championship belt."

Golden Boy promoter Oscar De La Hoya offered these thoughts on Miguel Cotto and the end of his long and prosperous career:

"What can you say about Miguel Cotto that hasn't already been said during his two decades in boxing?," said Oscar De La Hoya, Chairman and CEO of Golden Boy Promotions. "He is a first-ballot hall of famer; a true legend in Puerto Rico, New York and beyond; and a true credit to the sport of boxing. Just like he [Cotto] was given a shot for his world championship, he is now doing the same for Sadam Ali. Who will come out on top? Tune in December 2 to find out."

Tickets for Cotto-Ali are priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50 and will go on sale next Tuesday, October 17 at 12:00pm ET.