SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP)—Puerto Rican police say they are investigating an alleged fight between WBO welterweight champion Miguel Cotto and his trainer, who have had a sometimes combative relationship in the past.
A statement issued by the police says the elite boxer and Evangelista Cotto, the fighter’s uncle, exchanged blows Wednesday after a heated argument about training at a gym in the champ’s hometown of Caguas.
After the bruising scrap, Evangelista Cotto allegedly threw a cement block on his nephew’s 2009 Jaguar, shattering a right-side window.
Cotto’s spokeswoman did not immediately return calls seeking comment.
Puerto Rican detectives are investigating the incident even though neither of the men has filed a complaint.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Khan to challenge Kotelnik for WBA title
LONDON (AP)—Amir Khan will make his first world title challenge when he moves up to light-welterweight to challenge WBA champion Andreas Kotelnik on June 27.
The big-punching 22-year-old British lightweight, who beat three-time world champion Marco Antonio Barrera in his last fight March 14, will face the 31-year-old German-based Ukrainian, although promoter Frank Warren said Wednesday the venue is still to be decided.
Kotelnik (31-2-1) earned a split decision over Argentina’s Marcos Rene Maidana to hold on to his title Feb. 7.
“This is the best news that I could have received,” said Khan, who is 20-1. “To fight for the world title in only my 22nd fight and at the age of just 22 is fantastic.”
Khan first made an impact when he won an Olympic silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics as a 17-year-old, and has shown his potential as a pro with a series of spectacular knockouts.
But he also revealed a suspect chin when he was knocked out in 54 seconds by Colombia’s Breidis Prescott in September last year, and needed the fifth round stoppage victory over the highly respected but veteran Barrera to restore some credibility.
“I’ve seen Kotelnik a few times and I’ve always been impressed by him,” Khan said. “Once my trainer Freddie Roach works out the game plan to beat him, it’s my job to execute it on the night as I did effectively against Barrera.”
Warren said the venue will be confirmed shortly, although it is expected to be in Britain.
“This is the moment that Amir has been waiting for and I’m delighted to deliver him the opportunity,” the promoter said. “Amir put in a sensational performance against a three-time world champion in Barrera in only his 21st fight, and now he has to produce the same form against Kotelnik, who is a good hard fighter.”
Khan has fought once at the heavier weight, scoring a unanimous decision over Rachid Drilzane of France in December 2006.
Kotelnik has fought three times in England. He lost his European title to Junior Witter four years ago, drew with WBA champion Souleymane M’Baye in 2007, and beat Gavin Rees to win the WBA crown last year.
Since beating Rees, he has outpointed Norio Kimura and Maidana to hold onto his title.
The big-punching 22-year-old British lightweight, who beat three-time world champion Marco Antonio Barrera in his last fight March 14, will face the 31-year-old German-based Ukrainian, although promoter Frank Warren said Wednesday the venue is still to be decided.
Kotelnik (31-2-1) earned a split decision over Argentina’s Marcos Rene Maidana to hold on to his title Feb. 7.
“This is the best news that I could have received,” said Khan, who is 20-1. “To fight for the world title in only my 22nd fight and at the age of just 22 is fantastic.”
Khan first made an impact when he won an Olympic silver medal at the 2004 Athens Olympics as a 17-year-old, and has shown his potential as a pro with a series of spectacular knockouts.
But he also revealed a suspect chin when he was knocked out in 54 seconds by Colombia’s Breidis Prescott in September last year, and needed the fifth round stoppage victory over the highly respected but veteran Barrera to restore some credibility.
“I’ve seen Kotelnik a few times and I’ve always been impressed by him,” Khan said. “Once my trainer Freddie Roach works out the game plan to beat him, it’s my job to execute it on the night as I did effectively against Barrera.”
Warren said the venue will be confirmed shortly, although it is expected to be in Britain.
“This is the moment that Amir has been waiting for and I’m delighted to deliver him the opportunity,” the promoter said. “Amir put in a sensational performance against a three-time world champion in Barrera in only his 21st fight, and now he has to produce the same form against Kotelnik, who is a good hard fighter.”
Khan has fought once at the heavier weight, scoring a unanimous decision over Rachid Drilzane of France in December 2006.
Kotelnik has fought three times in England. He lost his European title to Junior Witter four years ago, drew with WBA champion Souleymane M’Baye in 2007, and beat Gavin Rees to win the WBA crown last year.
Since beating Rees, he has outpointed Norio Kimura and Maidana to hold onto his title.
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