Cotto, 35, faces a fighter ten years his junior at a catchweight of 155 pounds and will be aiming for a fourth straight victory since going through a disastrous 2012. Defeats to Floyd Mayweather, and more surprisingly Austin Trout, had put Cotto’s career in jeopardy until a switch to renowned trainer Freddie Roach reignited his career.
Victories over Delvin Rodriguez, Sergio Martinez and Daniel Geale all followed under the guidance of Roach before Cotto excepted a challenge to face 25 year-old Canelo in one of the most eagerly anticipated bouts of the year in Las Vegas.
Golden Boy and Sauerland promoted Ogogo, who is 8-0 in the paid ranks, will be an avid viewer this Saturday night when the pair collide at the Mandalay Bay and says Cotto having Roach by his side could be the defining factor in the fight.
“The Cotto v Canelo fight is such an intriguing match-up as Cotto is coming up the end of his career even though he’s experiencing an Indian summer,” Ogogo told World Boxing News.
“He’s put in some great performances as of late against the likes of Martinez and Geale, in which he’s looked as good as ever. Against Canelo, who is the up and coming superstar in world boxing. I’m currently leaning more towards Cotto. I think Cotto’s experience in big fights and his ability to box on the front foot and back foot, as well as having Freddie Roach in his corner gives him the slight upper hand.
“But I can’t wait for it. If Canelo wins then I think he’ll fight GGG. But even before Cotto’s title situation I couldn’t ever imagine Cotto taking on Golovkin due to the size difference. There’s one thing beating an over-the-hill Martinez and there’s another taking on GGG.”
Cotto v Canelo tops a huge card live on HBO PPV and BoxNation, with world title fights featuring Randy Caballero v Lee Haskins, Takashi Miura v Francisco Vargas, alongside an appearance by former world champion Guillermo Rigondeaux.
