Fight Miguel Angel Cotto W TKO 9 (12) Mohammad Abdulaev

In another impressive performance for the unbeaten WBO Junior Welterweight title-holder, Cotto avenged his 2000 Olympic loss when he battered his opponent so badly that he couldn't see. In the ninth Abdullaev complained of impaired vision and the ringside doctor called a halt to the delight of the 10,231 people who attended the card at MSG. "I want to apologize to everybody that I couldn't fight," said Abdullaev (15-2, 12 KO's)... read more ...

It is a fight that has revenge written all over it although Cotto thinks otherwise. Cotto downplays the grudge factor, stating: “I can’t think of it as personal. I’m a professional. I have a job to do. The Olympic chapter is over. Now it’s time for a new chapter.” But Abdullaev believes there is a lot to learn from rereading the previous chapter of their meeting... read more ...

For the Hamburg-based 31-year-old Uzbek Abdullaev, it will be the first professional world title shot. He will now continue his preparation in a training camp on the German-Polish island Usedom. "New York is the boxing capital of the world," Abdullaev said. "After defating Cotto I will learn more English. And Uzbekistan will call out a national holiday." If Abduallev defeats Cotto, he would be the first fighter under the Universum Box-Promotion banner to capture a world title at 140 lbs... read more ...