FightHype.com was on hand at the Apollo Theater in New York City, where undefeated pound-for-pound champion Floyd Mayweather and WBA jr. middleweight champion Miguel Cotto held a press conference to announce their long-awaited showdown set to take place on May 5th at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. It was a royal affair as both Cotto and Mayweather were introduced by a trumpet player followed by a highlight video titled "Ring Kings" prior to both men being seated at thrones on the stage. Check out UStream's rebroadcast to see what bother fighters had to say.
FLOYD MAYWEATHER
First off, I want to thank the fans, the media, you know, without the fans and the media, you know, Floyd Mayweather wouldn't be where he's at today, so thank you for the support for so many years.
I gotta thank HBO for 16 or 17 years of hard work and loyalty. My staff has truly been amazing for sticking with me through the good times, through the bad times, you know, it's just life, you go through ups, you go through downs, but only the strong can survive. My uncle Roger has done an unbelievable job with my career, so you know, I commend him for that.
The Puerto Rican boxing background is truly amazing; truly, truly amazing. A lot of great champions come from Puerto Rico. You guys got another great champion in Miguel Cotto; tough, strong, solid 154-pounder.
To be the best you have to beat the best, and he's one of the best fighters out there today and, you know, I wanna finish putting the rest of the pieces...you know, it's a puzzle and you got certain pieces that go to the puzzle and he's one of the pieces, you know, so I can solidify myself as one of the best fighters to ever live.
My saying is always this when I get in that squred circle, we appreciate the fans that's supporting us, but when it comes down to it, it's one on one. The trainers can't fight for the fighters.
Pacquiao is an amazing fighter. He's ana amazing fighter, but all I got to say is if you don't have nothing to hide, then take the tests.
Training camp is going to go smooth.
There's no fans like New York fans. You know, t was a dream of mine to come to the Apollo and watch and perform. I never thought I was going to be on this stage before.
You know, it's hard work, dedication, prayers and belief and a good team. You know, at the age of 35, I'm still going strong, I'm still ungry, and I still want to give you fans nothing but excitement. I want you guys to tune in May 5th, support Floyd Mayweather, support Miguel Cotto, because we're going to be there to give you guys a toe-to-toe battle.
MIGUEL COTTO
Good afternoon to everybody. First of all, I want to thank everybody who makes this fight possible for us.
I want this day to pass quick to start training and get focused for this fight.
I guarantee you it's going to be one of the biggest fights you've ever seen.
On May 5th, I'm going to make every Puerto Rican proud.
CHECK OUT USTREAM'S REBROADCAST OF THE PRESS CONFERENCE BELOW:
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