Photo: Isaac Brekken / Getty Images
For: Kike Frías
The former world champion Miguel Cotto was elected this Tuesday to the International Boxing Hall of Fame from Canastota in Nueva York. Along with him will also be exalted the also consecrated Roy Jones Jr. and James Toney.
Cotto received the required number of votes among active members of the Boxing Writers Association of America (BWAA).
The Puerto Rican was chosen in his second chance. His compatriots Iván Calderón, Wilfredo “Wi” Vázquez and Samuel Serrano again fell short in getting the necessary sum of votes.
The race del “Junito” was marked by success and daring more. Few boxers at that level can claim to have participated in more than 33 crashes. His record was 41 wins (33 by the fast track of the KO) and 6 defeats .
Fought to high caliber boxers such as Floyd Mayweather Jr. , Zab Judah, Mosley, Antonio Margarito, Manny Pacquiao, Saúl “Canelo” Álvarez and Sergio Martínez, among others.
Cotto also bears the mark of having been the first and only boxer to win three world belts in four divisions: 140, 154, 154 Y 160 pounds.
On the other hand, Regina Halmich and Holly Holm were inducted into the respected Hall of Fame by the modern female branch. Also selected were Bill Caplan, journalist Ron Borges, and historian / producer Bob Yalen.
Cotto did not expect it
After learning about the election, the Puerto Rican thanked everyone who voted for him and gave a motivational message, in addition to expressing his surprise at the fact.
“It is something I did not expect, it took me by surprise. This type of distinction has never been in my north ”
Cotto also admitted that boxing was not his main choice but the one he took to “keep and keep afloat” his family in difficult moments of life. If something characterizes the retired boxer, it is his preferences for being with his family over other tastes and luxuries that those who practice that sport prefer.
The statements were provided precisely from his home in Orlando, Florida, in the company of his family with whom he received the pleasant news.
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