Ali Understands What He’s Facing In Cotto Challenge
Sadam Ali is up against the biggest challenge of his life when he steps in the ring against four division world champion Miguel Cotto onDecember 2ndat Madison Square Garden. Cotto will not only be the biggest name Ali has ever fought but also the biggest guy.
Since turning pro Ali has never weighed in above 149lbs. The four division world champion on the other hand has been at the 154lb limit since 2010 pretty much.
In a conference call earlier today Ali admitted he must be careful against the Puerto Rican star;
“Of course I’ve gotta be more careful,” Ali said. “He has tremendous power. I’m always careful in my fights, but this fight, I should be a little more careful and have my eye open a lot more and stay focused throughout the whole fight. He is the bigger guy. Like I said, I am moving up a weight class. This is a huge challenge for me, but I’m up for it.”
The 29-year-old Ali’s lone loss came against former WBO welterweight champion Jessie Vargas (27-2, 10 KOs), who beat Ali by ninth-round technical knockout in their fight for the then-vacant WBO 147-pound championship in March 2016 in Washington, D.C. Cotto is 37 and has fought just once since losing a unanimous decision to Canelo Alvarez in November 2015, yet remains a 14-1 favorite over Ali two weeks in advance of theirupcoming fight.
“It’s a huge challenge, a big step up, the biggest opponent in my career,” Ali said.
“And I’m also stepping up to another weight class. But I love the challenge and I’m ready to do whatever I have to do. I’m not really, really down in weight. I’m where I’m supposed to be, so I’m excited.”
By: Wilson Urena
