Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion Miguel Cotto and unbeaten Puerto Rican prospects Jayson Velez and Jeffrey Fontanez participated in media workouts on Monday at Gleason's Gym in New York in preparation for their upcoming fights this Saturday, Dec. 1 at Madison Square Garden with Cotto's and Velez's fights airing live on SHOWTIME® (9 p.m. ET/PT, delayed on the West Coast).
In the main event on SHOWTIME CHAMPIONSHIP BOXING, Cotto (37-3, 30 KO's), of Caguas, P.R., will face undefeated defending champion Austin Trout (25-0, 14 KO's), of Las Cruces, N.M., for the WBA Super Welterweight World Championship.
The 10-round co-feature for the vacant WBC Silver Featherweight Championship will pit Velez (19-0, 14 KO's), of Juncos, P.R., against Salvador Sanchez II (30-4-3, 18 KO's), of Tianguistenco, Mexico. In the opening bout of the telecast, hometown favorite Danny "Miracle Man" Jacobs (23-1, 20 KO's) will be face Cleveland's Chris "The Irish Ghost" Fitzpatrick (15-2, 6 KO's) in an eight-round middleweight bout.
The hard-hitting Fontanez (8-0, 7 KO's) will face Pedro Arcos (12-2-1, 9 KOs), of Tijuana, Mexico, in a six-round junior lightweight fight which will be featured on the Puerto Rican pay-per-view telecast.
Tickets priced at $500, $300, $200, $100 and $50, not including applicable service charges and taxes, are available at the Madison Square Garden Box Office, all Ticketmaster outlets, Ticketmaster charge by phone (866-858-0008) and online at www.ticketmaster.com or www.thegarden.com.
The event, presented by Miguel Cotto Promotions and Golden Boy Promotions in association with Greg Cohen Promotions, is sponsored by The Puerto Rican Tourism Board and Corona.
Doors will open at 5:10p.m. ET. The first fight begins at 5:15 p.m.
What the fighters said Monday:
Miguel Cotto, Four-Time and Three-Division World Champion
"I feel great. We had a great camp and I'm ready for 12 rounds.
"Trout is not the first young, hungry fighter I have faced in my career. We don't see anything special in this opponent [Trout]. He is just another opponent.
"I don't know what Trout will bring on Saturday night, but I know that I will be ready for him.
"I trained at a high altitude during this camp and it was great. Everyone will see Miguel Cotto at his best.
"Fans here in New York have always given me a great reception and I really appreciate it. I will give them what they want to see."
Jayson Velez, Top Featherweight Prospect
"Fighting at Madison Square Garden is a great honor. I know the Puerto Rican fans will be there in full force.
"This is such a great card and I am thrilled to be a part of it.
"I am honored to be able to train with Miguel Cotto. He is a great legend in Puerto Rico and he is one of my role models."
Jeffrey Fontanez, Top Middleweight Prospect
"It is an honor to be on a Miguel Cotto undercard.
"I feel ready to show the world what I am all about. I am very anxious and happy to be on this great card."
Pedro Diaz, Cotto's Trainer
"Miguel wants to win in front of all of the Puerto Rican fans on a great stage at Madison Square Garden.
"Our goal this week is to make sure Miguel makes weight and that he is physically and mentally prepared for Saturday night."
Richard Schaefer, CEO of Golden Boy Promotions
"Miguel Cotto is deservedly one of the three biggest names in the sport next to Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.
"You could see at today's workout how big of a draw he is based on the media turnout.
"We are excited to be here in New York City. It is the Mecca of Boxing and the Mecca of Miguel Cotto.
"Miguel certainly could've fought an easier opponent. When given the choice between an easy opponent and a difficult one, Miguel always chooses the more challenging test. That is why he is Miguel Cotto and that is why the fans love him the way that they do."
Stephen Espinoza, Executive Vice President & General Manager, SHOWTIME Sports
"There is a noticeable build of energy and excitement as we get closer to the fight. Miguel Cotto is without question one of the biggest names in the sport.
"Every time he fights, it is a major event. But when he fights at The Garden, it is extra special.
"Austin Trout isn't as well known [as Cotto], but knowledgeable boxing enthusiasts know that he is going to be a difficult opponent for Miguel.
"This fight represents Austin's lifelong dream and it is clear that he is going to do whatever he can to capitalize on that.
"This is a true crossroads fight between an up and coming star and one of its established legends."
For more information, visit www.promocionesmiguelcotto.com, www.goldenboypromotions.com, and www.thegarden.com, follow us on Twitter at www.twitter.com/RealMiguelCotto, www.twitter.com/GoldenBoyBoxing, www.twitter.com/NoDoubtTrout, www.twitter.com/Jayson_Velez, www.twitter.com/DanielJacobsTKO, www.twitter.com/MSGSportsNYC, www.twitter.com/SHOsports, follow the conversation using #CottoTrout or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/GoldenBoyBoxing or www.facebook.com/SHOsports.