Roach says Cotto’s signature punch is back

MANILA, Philippines - Boxing trainer Freddie Roach said he expects three-time world champion Miguel Cotto to use his signature punch – the left hook to the body – in bringing down Delvin Rodriguez when they slug it out in a 12-round bout called “Reloaded” at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida, tonight (tomorrow morning, Manila time).

Roach and Filipino assistant Marvin Somodio will be in Cotto’s corner for the match. The day after, Roach will fly to the Philippines and start work with Manny Pacquiao in his General Santos City training camp to prepare for Brandon Rios whom the fighting Sarangani congressman battles in Macau on Nov. 24. Cotto is coming off back-to-back losses to Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Austin Trout. Pacquiao is also making a comeback from two straight defeats to Timothy Bradley and Juan Manuel Marquez. Roach intends to put Cotto and Pacquiao back on the winning track.

“Cotto’s training camp was amazing,” Roach told The Star through Somodio the other day. “Miguel is happy and he is 100 percent ready to fight. We want to see the old Cotto for this fight. Cotto is a talented fighter, a very good counter-puncher and boxer as well and he can fight inside if it is needed.” But Roach said Rodriguez is no pushover. “Rodriguez is a tough opponent,” he said. “He boxes well and can fight inside, too.”

While Cotto has lost two in a row, Rodriguez has won consecutive knockouts over previously unbeaten Native American George Tahdooahnippah and Mexico’s Freddie Hernandez. Rodriguez, who is from the Dominican Republic, has a record of 28-6-3, with 16 KOs, compared to Cotto’s 37-4, with 30 KOs. Rodriguez, 33, enjoys a 3 1/2 inch advantage in height and wingspan. He is a two-time world title challenger so he’s no stranger to the klieg lights.

Experience is on Cotto’s side as he has won 17 world title bouts in his career. Cotto has reigned as WBO lightwelterweight, WBA/WBO welterweight and WBA lightmiddleweight champion. After losing to Pacquiao on a 12th round stoppage in 2009, Cotto scored three straight knockouts over Yuri Foreman, Ricardo Mayorga and Antonio Margarito then bowed to Mayweather and Trout, both on points.

Somodio, who alternates with Roach in drilling Cotto with the punch-mitts, said he’s extremely confident the Puerto Rican will prevail because “he’s in perfect condition and very determined to win.”

Roach said Cotto reported for work at the Wild Card Gym in Los Angeles ready to sacrifice. “Work ethic and hard work is paramount,” said Roach, quoted by Tris Dixon in Boxing News. “If I have a fighter and he doesn’t work hard and doesn’t want to give me 100 percent, I don’t really pay attention to him. I will give him to one of my assistants. I did 12 rounds with Cotto on the first day he got here and someone said, ‘Why are you working him so hard?’ And I said ‘because that’s what he’s got to get used to.’”

Cotto told Roach he has three fights left and hopes to make every one count. “I’m trying to bring back his boxing, head movement and his punch count needs to be higher and I’m really pleased with what we’ve done so far,” said Roach. “Miguel is getting used to me. Sometimes, I try to hit him and I say, ‘If I don’t try to hit you, then you’re not going to make the move I want. If I hit you, it’s really your fault because I shouldn’t be able to hit you.’”

Cotto hasn’t fought at all this year like Pacquiao and is excited to work his way back to the top with Roach in his corner. “I’ve been away from boxing since December,” said Cotto, quoted by Paul Wheeler in Boxing News. “It’s great to be back and feel the energy from the fans. I’ve been giving my all in the gym in Los Angeles with Freddie.” If Cotto disposes of Rodriguez, he’ll call out Canelo Alvarez or Mayweather for a rematch.

Despite Cotto’s credentials, Rodriguez said he’s not fazed. He knows this is a make-or-break fight. “This is a huge opportunity,” said Rodriguez. “It’s now or never for me. I’m motivated more than ever to be fighting a guy like Cotto who’s a true champion and warrior. No disrespect to the people I’ve fought in the past but for some reason, I went down to their level and didn’t show the ability I have. I’m going to put everything I have into this fight.”

Trout, a common opponent, said Cotto should win on points. “Delvin’s been on a streak and Cotto’s looking to get back into the swing of things,” said the former WBA lightmiddleweight titlist whose only loss was a decision to Alvarez in a unification showdown last April. “Cotto was more willing to engage when I fought him. I felt with Delvin, I had to make the fight but we’ve seen him bang so it was just an off-night. They’re both very engaging coming on. It should be a very good fight. I think Cotto will take it on a decision.” Wheeler had the same prediction. “Delvin’s durability and heart will see him through the end but Cotto’s crisp and assertive boxing can earn him a convincing points victory,” said Wheeler.