The 32 year-old, who has reigned with terror through three weight divisions in a stellar career, has lost his previous two outings against Floyd Mayweather and Austin Trout, with victory now imperative against the unheralded Rodriguez.
Rodriguez, 33, who was himself defeated by Trout in a recent world title challenge, is widely known for his epic clash with rival Pawel Wolak at the Roseland Ballroom in 2011 which catapulted his career into the mainstream.
Three wins from four since that Fight of the Year clash have kept the Dominican relevant in the sport and Rodriguez will hope victory over the high-profile Cotto will lead to a third shot at a world crown in 2014.
The fight will formally be announced tomorrow, according to a very reliable source close to World Boxing News after all manor of opponents were linked with Cotto, including former world champion Cornelius Bundrage.
