"I take nothing away from Manny. We both made a great fight...He is fast and stronger than we thought he would be...He is fast and stronger than we thought he would be," stated former welterweight champion Miguel Cotto as he talked about his loss to Manny Pacquiao, his future plans and more.
PC: How are you doing Miguel?
MC: I'm doing pretty good, enjoying the holiday season.
PC: Now that you have had time to reflect on the Pacquiao fight, where do you feel you went wrong?
MC: Well, some details did not came out the way we wanted, but I take nothing away from Manny. We both made a great fight.
PC: Was coming down to 145 tougher than you thought it would be since you hadn't weighed 145 or less since 2006?
MC: I felt really good at that weight. It wasn't a problem for me.
PC: We all know Manny has a ton of speed, but was he a bigger puncher than you thought he would be?
MC: He is fast and stronger than we thought he would be.
PC: A lot of people felt that your corner should have stopped the fight. Was that not an option for you?
MC: No, I didn't want the fight stopped. I was feeling good.
PC: I read where you plan on retiring at 30, which is next year for you. Is that accurate and what led to that decision?
MC: I always said that when I get to age 30, I was going to be out of the ring. That decision has been made and has nothing to do with my defeats.
PC: When I think of Miguel Cotto, I think of a warrior; a fighter that can punch with both hands and also a fighter that would fight anyone. How would you like to be remembered?
MC: As a good fighter and a great champion.
PC: You have one, possibly two fights left if you plan on retiring in the fall of next year. What caliber of opponents would you like to go out facing?
MC: As I always said, I'm just another employee of Top Rank. I'm willing to fight the big names out there.
PC: Although the fight looks shaky now, who do you like if Pacqiao and Mayweather did hook up?
MC: The one with the best condition will win.
PC: It was a pleasure and my honor to conduct this interview. I truly appreciate your time and would like to thank Eric for setting this up. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
MC: Anytime. Thanks for the opportunity. It is a pleasure for me.
[ Follow Percy Crawford on Twitter @MrLouis1ana ]