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Home » Miguel Cotto hands out high praise to trainer Freddie Roach

Miguel Cotto hands out high praise to trainer Freddie Roach

The 33 year-old, who is in final preparations for his clash with Sergio Martinez on June 7, believes that Roach is the ideal man to guide him to that elusive fourth world title in different divisions and prolong the quality of his career.

“Freddie is a great person and a great trainer, who understands our sport,” explained Cotto.

“He was a fighter and has trained some of the best boxers in the world over the last 10 to 15 years. He is a true professional that knows how to get the best out of every fighter that he trains. He makes everyone better and his preparation for each fight is second to none.

“He has a complete vision and sense about what a fighter thinks. We have both developed a great relationship based in respect for each other. He knows me very well and knows what I may think in certain moments. It has been a great experience working together with him. Ever since day one I felt very much at home with him and understood what I need to do.

He has a great team behind him that gives me great support as well. He is able to focus on boxing because he knows that he can trust his team to get me in the best condition possible, so that I can be the best fighter possible.

“It’s not only about him having the boxing knowledge, but is about knowing how to apply it to each individual boxer.

“We had a big win last October in Orlando, Florida against Delvin Rodriguez, and now on June 7 in New York we will have a huge victory, that both of us will celebrate.

“I have put my career in his hand because I know he will get the best out me and I will give him my best during training and in the ring.”

Veteran Martinez, 39, still reigns as WBC middleweight champion despite putting in some suspect performances of late, although the Argentinian will still go into the Madison Square Garden contest a slight favourite to fend off Cotto’s challenge at 160lbs.

HBO’s Emmy-Award-winning series “24/7 Cotto/Martinez” premieres Saturday, May 31 at 11:15 p.m. ET/PT on HBO.

Cotto vs. Martinez happens Saturday, June 7 live on pay-per-view beginning at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT.