WBN has been informed that the 33 year-old will return to the ring on June 7 following his demolition job on Delvin Rodriguez in October, but this time will look to challenge for a version of the middleweight title.
First choice for the summer date in New York is current WBC belt holder Sergio Martinez, who is locked in initial negotiations with Cotto and his team for what would be an exciting match-up at 160lbs.
“Talks between Miguel Cotto and Sergio Martinez are in early stages,” Cotto’s advisor Gaby Penagaricano explained to World Boxing News.
“Whatever happens Miguel will fight June 7th at Madison Square Garden in New York. If no deal can be reached with Martínez, then Miguel will fight somebody else.”
Cotto had initially been linked to a clash at 154 with returning Mexican Saul ‘Canelo’ Alvarez, although a deal didn’t work out – leading to ‘Junito’ finally considering his options at the higher weight.
New target Martinez, 38 is set to return from injuries suffered during his controversial win over Martin Murray in April and will have been out for over a year if the fight with Cotto is confirmed for mid-2014.
‘Maravilla’ has looked vulnerable in his last couple of outings and is not big at the weight, so may see a clash with Cotto as an ideal comeback – rather than meeting one of the bulkier middleweight champions or contenders available.
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